Into the Mystic: Devekut and the Journey of Clinging to the Divine

Continuing Our Journey

In our last post, inspired by the teachings of Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi and The Philosophy of Chabad by Nisan Mendel, we began a journey into the depths of Jewish spirituality and mysticism. This miniseries is inspired by the many timeless conversations I had with Rabbi Shmuel Reich, and it will open a window into practices that have been cherished by spiritual seekers for generations, offering insights into the heart of Jewish mystical thought. Through each post, we’ll explore one theme that guides us toward greater awareness and peace.

Devekut: Clinging to the Divine

Our journey begins with devekut, a concept that rests at the heart of Jewish mysticism. The Hebrew word devekut means “clinging” or “attachment,” yet its spiritual depth reaches far beyond any single word. To practice devekut is to hold the presence of God close in each moment, to see the divine as an unbroken current running through all things.

Rabbi Shmuel described devekut as a path where every thought, word, and deed becomes an offering. He shared that “devekut must exist in all daily acts and in social contacts, as well as in prayer.” These words remind us that clinging to the divine is not only for moments of prayer or meditation; rather, it is an unceasing relationship, woven into the fabric of daily life.

The Baal Shem Tov, a luminary in Jewish mysticism, emphasized devekut in all things—even distractions. He would advise, “Follow your thoughts to their roots in the divine,” inviting seekers to see even their doubts as paths back to God. In this way, devekut becomes a way of life, a way to move beyond the “self” and dwell in the silent, abiding presence of the divine.

A Practice in Devekut

If you’d like to explore devekut in your own life, start small. Choose a simple daily activity—perhaps preparing a meal, walking, or tending to a small task. As you engage in this act, hold in your mind the intention of connecting to the divine. Let each movement, each breath, be an offering of presence. See if you can sense the life, the spark, in what you are doing. Even if your mind wanders, return to the task and gently remind yourself of the sacredness within it.

Over time, this practice can become a way of living devekut, where even the mundane becomes a bridge to the infinite.

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