Effectively, the Frum World Has No God - A Conversation with Rabbi Manis Friedman

Does God need us? Does God need mitzvot?
In this episode of Truth: Jewish Wisdom for Today, Levi Brackman sits down with Rabbi Manis Friedman for a direct, unfiltered conversation about one of the most emotionally-charged theological debates online — and what people are often actually arguing about underneath the headlines.

We explore whether “need” implies lack, or whether it’s a sharper way of saying desire / ratzon — and what happens when you take that idea all the way into classic Chassidic territory: Tzimtzum, Atzmus, bitul, das elyon vs das tachton, and the tension between mystical “unknowability” and a relationship with Hashem that’s concrete, knowable, and obligation-centered.

In this conversation:

What Rabbi Friedman means by “need” (and what he doesn’t mean)

“Bitul to the mystery” vs “bitul to Hashem’s ratzon”

Is the world nothing… or essential… or somehow both?

Does chasing transcendence bring you closer to Hashem — or subtly make it about you?

Why some Orthodox religious culture can feel like “laws without God” — and whether that’s fair

Guests: Rabbi Manis Friedman
Also joining: Yoni Katz (setting up the debate + clarifying the question)

⚠️ Note: This is a philosophical / spiritual discussion, not practical halachic guidance.

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When you hear “God needs us,” what do you think it means — and what should it mean?

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Levi Brackman is a rabbi, Ph.D. in psychology, best-selling author of Jewish Wisdom for Business Success, and founder of Invown, a platform for real estate fundraising and investing.