Oprah Hopes Others Will Find Path to God
2 photosREUTERS/Dylan Martinez (BRITAIN)U.S. television presenter Oprah Winfrey arrives for the birthday dinner party of former president of South Africa Nelson Mandela at Hyde Park in London June 25, 2008.Oprah recently recounted her experience of visiting a Hassidic Jewish community in Brooklyn New York. After the visit she said that she had experienced the power of God and the need for more values in the world, saying that she hoped others would also find their own path to God.
Hassidic Judaism is a branch of Orthodox Judaism that promotes spirituality. Hassidic Jews are often distinguished by their attire ,which includes men who keep long beards, sidelocks, and have black hats and long coats.
Oprah admitted that in the past, the community had always intimidated her. "I have walked down the street and seen jewish men…I've always found it somewhat formidable or intimidating," she said in an interview with Rabbi Motti Seligson for "Oprah's Next Chapter."
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During her visit, Oprah spent time with a Hassidic Jewish family and also sat down to one of their meals. "We're all more alike than we are different," Oprah concluded. Adding her respect for the tradition and values. "I'm deeply appreciative and respectful of that," she said.
Oprah considered what she believed was at the core of the community. "What seems to be at the core of everybody I talked to is a deep faith and a belief in the power of God and God's redemption."
Oprah also opened up about her own spiritual views, commenting on what she had learned from her experience. "Acknowledging that there is something…the power of God that is greater than yourself and that we are all here in service of that," she said.
When asked about what she hoped she would get out of the interview, Oprah said that she hoped it would help others find God. "One of the things that I am always trying to do is to get people to look inward and to discover for themselves the path that leads to God," she said. "It was wonderful to see people…living in the world and not being of it."
Oprah proclaimed her respect for the Hassidic life, which had a basis in values and strayed away from materialistic goods. She commented on what one Jewish woman told her about their mission in life. "We're all trying to be in this world, and yet not be defined by the things of the world but to be led by the voice of God," the woman told her.
"It's about the personal, spiritual journey," Oprah said.
Oprah also commented on the religions emphasis of family values. "I didn't know this religion was so family orientated. The core of the belief system is about bringing families together…everybody is looking for values, which I have to say the world could use a lot more of."
Oprah said she talked to some of the Jewish children and asked if they knew who Mickey Mouse was or Jay-Z and Beyonce. The children appeared clueless, and instead relayed much more sincere interests to her. "Since when do you interview children and they say they want to live with a life of purpose?" Oprah asked.
"Its amazing to me that you can raise children in this world, and not have them just consumed by some electronic device…that there is a whole world of children who are not doing that and are happy, fulfilled and loved," she commented.
In her final comment Oprah explained what kind of contribution she hoped she could make to the world, as an owner of a television network. When asked what she thought of people finding their own inner potential she stated: "I live to serve that cause, to serve the human potential movement. To allow people to see the best of themselves through other people who have done great things."
"It is possible with all of the hurried business of the world, its possible to be in it and not of it," she reflected again.
