The ideal of “spiritual closeness” means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. The term or concept is tossed around a lot, but, for me, it has never really been defined in a way that makes sense – until a couple of years ago. I want to share it with you because, well, clarity is important, and in this case, very cool!
The book in which I learned the absolutely revolutionary, yet logical, definition of “spiritual closeness” is Spiritual Principles, written by Avraham Lowenthal, based on the teachings of Rav Avraham Mordechai Gottlieb. Rav Gottlieb was a student of the son of the Baal HaSulam, Rav Yehuda Ashlag.
It’s really simple! Here we go…
In the physical world, we measure closeness with a ruler or some other measuring device. You can see that the two below are 11 units apart from each other.
But what about in the spiritual world? How do we measure spiritual closeness?
Here’s the revolutionary — and yet obvious — answer: the definition of spiritual closeness is similarity of form. Being similar! There is no measuring tape, just similar interests and desires, just like the two below.
Looking at the opposite, being distant in spiritual matters is called a “disparity (or dissimilarity) of form,” like these two below. They clearly do not like the same things, and they are not close. Opposites do not attract, and it’s not likely that these two are going to be friends.
But you might be thinking, “Hey! These are people, and they have nothing to do with being spiritually close to God.” Well, emotional and spiritual matters are similar because they reflect what we want.
For example, when comparing the lists of what God and Adam desire, it’s clear they are not spiritually close. They have opposite desires. (Adam = regular person, not the first person.)
But with some inner work, Adam now has a different, healthier set of desires and is now spiritually closer to God.
The ultimate in spiritual closeness is dveykut with our Creator. I have not learned it, but I assume dveykut is a prerequisite for ruach hakodesh and prophecy.
The principle of *spiritual closeness = similarity of form is reflected in Chazal’s explanation of the mitzvah of emulating God from Shemot 15:2, to be “Just as He is merciful, so you be merciful”.
The idea doesn’t stop with being merciful but extends to all forms of goodness and kindness that God does, such as visiting the sick, healing the sick, providing for those who need, protecting the convert, orphan, and widow, etc.
I am sure you will discover more connections in your learning, praying, or as you ponder the idea during the quiet moments of your day.
All the best!
* The idea of closeness = similarity is based on Sotah 14a
Yitzhak Sasson 