YOU'RE CLOSER TO GOD THAN YOU THINK | Eliyahu Pereira | Another Jewish Podcast Ep. 4

What does it actually mean to have a relationship with God?In this episode of Another Jewish Podcast, Yosef Halevy sits down with Eliyahu Pereira in the mountains of Tzfat for a conversation about faith, purpose, and the teachings of Chassidut.Together, they explore how to begin building a connection with Hashem, why so many people feel spiritually disconnected, and how the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, Rabbi Nachman, and other great Jewish masters can transform the way we see ourselves and the world around us.From prayer and Torah learning to finding meaning in everyday moments, this conversation is an invitation to discover that God may be much closer than you think.Here are the cleaned-up timestamps with each topic at least 1 minute apart:```0:00 – Introduction: Where your mind is, that's where you are1:28 – How to begin a relationship with Hashem if you feel nothing3:14 – Two main ways to build a relationship with Hashem: Torah & Tefillah4:52 – Start with the Tanakh; finding a rabbi and a tradition6:25 – Taking on mitzvot gradually — don't go all in at once7:09 – The intensity of realizing God watches every step8:21 – The importance of having a rabbi and community9:14 – The danger of going "all in" too fast — spiritual burnout10:35 – How to navigate keeping kosher while respecting your non-observant family11:27 – Ohr and Keilim — the balance of inspiration and action12:33 – Why Jews have payot — Eliyahu's personal story13:49 – What it really means to do teshuvah (return)37:49 – The tension of feeling spiritual in Sfat vs. returning to modern life39:34 – "God didn't change" — Hashem is present everywhere, not just in shul40:07 – Your home is a Mikdash Me'at (mini Temple)41:17 – Shema Yisrael: God is One — seeing unity in a world of multiplicity42:45 – How Eliyahu's life changed through Torah: more calm, more meaning43:33 – The Baal Shem Tov's first rule: admit your flaws, then we can work44:27 – The spread of Chassidut and the light of the Baal Shem Tov45:47 – What is an "Ichud"? Connecting the physical back to its source46:47 – Using difficult emotions as a doorway to Hashem48:07 – The Kabbalists' number one wish: prayer and halacha49:19 – Integration: learning Torah must change how you live55:00 – Eastern spirituality vs. Judaism — why Jews keep returning home57:57 – How Eliyahu's relationship to money and material things shifted59:04 – "If I really love the light, I should be making vessels"1:00:07 – Hishtadlut vs. Bitachon — effort vs. trust in God1:01:36 – The danger of using spiritual knowledge to take advantage of people1:02:30 – Working in Sfat — every customer became a soul conversation1:04:54 – What do you struggle with at this point in your life?1:06:03 – Struggling with connection and wanting more impact1:07:16 – The first halacha in Shulchan Aruch is a meditation1:08:52 – Joseph Caro also had an angel teach him Torah1:09:24 – What would you say to a disconnected 26-year-old who feels nothing?1:11:02 – Many Yeshiva-educated men question whether God actually cares1:12:39 – What's obvious to me: God is here and He cares1:13:28 – Respect, humility, and your role in creation1:14:21 – The rat race of dating and corporate life without asking real questions1:15:36 – Paying attention to signs — grow through the hits1:16:13 – Do you believe you're standing before Hashem when you put on Tefillin?1:17:18 – 8 billion people — Hashem gave you a gift. Appreciate it.1:18:13 – What Eliyahu is working on: online Torah platform & one-on-one coaching1:20:18 – Hosting Shabbat meals and giving back to the Sfat community1:21:26 – Outro and sponsor: Nigunatik Bed & Breakfast in Sfat