When we think about love, we often picture feelings of affection, care, and connection. But in Hebrew, the concept of love goes much deeper than emotions. The word rachamim, commonly translated as compassion or mercy, carries an extraordinary secret that redefines how we view love.
The root of rachamim is rechem, meaning womb. This connection is profound. Just as a mother’s womb nurtures and sustains her baby, rachamim represents a love that is unconditional, selfless, and all-encompassing. It’s not just about what someone feels for you—it’s about the way they hold you, support you, and provide for you without expectation or judgment.
This understanding of rachamim teaches us something powerful about our relationship with the divine. Many people struggle with the idea of God, often feeling distant or even unwelcome in their connection to something greater. But in the Jewish tradition, Hashem is not just a being far away who oversees the world. Rather, Hashem is existence itself, and we are held within that existence, just as a baby is held within its mother’s womb.
Imagine a mother turning against her child in the womb—it’s unthinkable. Similarly, the Torah teaches us that Hashem doesn’t just love us; He sustains us, holds us, and is inseparable from us. Feeling disconnected or unworthy? This perspective can change everything.
The next time you hear someone say, “I feel like God is against me,” consider the impossibility of that notion. If we exist within Hashem, then divine love and support are the very foundation of our existence. This is the essence of rachamim.
Understanding love through this lens isn’t just inspiring—it’s life-changing. It challenges us to see ourselves and others as deeply connected and eternally supported. Perhaps it’s time to ask yourself: how does rachamim show up in your life?
