Starting Over with Hashem: Discovering the Hashem I Never Got to Know , Rabbi Shmuel Zucker #278

Rabbi Shmuel Zucker on Let's Get Real with Coach Menachem Sunday July 5, 2026 Starting Over with Hashem: Discovering the Hashem I Never Got to Know / For Those Who Grew Up with Pressure, Fear, Guilt, or Pain—Discovering a Deeper, Warmer Relationship with Hashem Rabbi Shmuel Zucker joins Let’s Get Real with Coach Menachem for a powerful conversation on starting over with Hashem, especially for those who grew up with pressure, fear, guilt, pain, or a painful image of Hashem. Rabbi Zucker discusses how to rediscover Hashem as a loving Father, rebuild connection through tefillah, bring warmth and fire into Yiddishkeit, and create a deeper, more personal relationship with Hashem. 07:01 Rabbi Zucker begins: Fire, warmth, and connection in Avodas Hashem 29:26 Where did our image of Hashem come from? 30:38 What makes it hard to build a relationship with Hashem? 35:56 If my earthly father was not warm, how can I believe Hashem loves me? 40:00 I grew up with pressure, fear, and guilt around Hashem. How do I rebuild? 45:51 I grew up with pain and dysfunction. How do I know Hashem likes me? 51:06 What does a real connection to Hashem look and feel like? 54:28 My image of Hashem was formed when I was young. How do I separate it from the real Hashem? 55:52 If we are not allowed to picture Hashem, what do we mean by an “image of Hashem”? 58:32 Gilgulim and things we cannot fully understand 1:01:03 Why did Hashem create the world with so many mitzvos and obligations? 1:05:36 I am going through pain. How do I not develop a negative image of Hashem? 1:08:05 Should we actively work on our emotional image of Hashem, or just learn and daven? 1:13:12 What should a kehillah provide to help people grow? 1:17:05 What about learning Kabbalah or deeper parts of Torah? 1:19:32 If a woman does not have a Rav available, how can she get guidance? 1:21:05 Can I talk to Hashem in my own words while cooking or during the day? 1:22:02 Am I allowed to tell Hashem when I feel upset, frustrated, or hurt? 1:24:01 Closing thoughts 1:27:04 Rabbi Zucker’s closing: Every day is a new beginning