When each one of us will start with unwarranted, unconditional love in our own domain, from there it will spread to all else that we do, and from there to the entire world, speedily in our days, Amen.

– The Lubvitcher Rebbe

Chassidut teaches that as a result of feeling alone and uncared for, we experience ourselves as distant from all that is good (i.e., God) and eventually despair of ever attaining a true state of heartfelt and meaningful love—that which is called “inner love.”

High above the crowd

his deft steps

send quivers

along the spine

of the taunt

high-tension wire.

Unfazed by the height

he follows the guide

of a solitary spotlight.

Below

among the buzz of the crowd

at each step

his parents instinctively hold up their hands

as they did

instinctively

his entire life.

And while he can’t see them

their perceived presence

once again serves

as his safety net.