As independent thinkers, we take pride in being rational. Even when we take risks, they are usually calculated ones. That is why faith, trusting someone or something without proof, requires us to take a leap. All the more so when it comes to faith in G-d. And yet, we do have faith. “We are believers, the children of believers.”
Here are some questions that can surface when faith is challenged:
Is it acceptable to seek guidance from others, or even turn to a fortune teller? If we hold firmly to our faith, is there a reward for that? And is it even appropriate to ask for a reward?
Our minds can circle endlessly, searching for meaning in a world that often defies our understanding.
In this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, we encounter a powerful verse: “You shall be wholehearted with Hashem, your G-d.” The word “wholehearted” suggests more than simply believing in G-d. It means that when our connection to Him is complete, the experiences we engage in will carry blessing.
The Torah places this verse in the context of warning us against false prophets and those who claim to predict the future. If these so called prophets truly know nothing, why would rational people take them seriously? Perhaps because they sometimes do seem to know something. But precisely then, we are told not to seek direction from them, for doing so reflects a lack of being “wholehearted with Hashem your G-d.”
This theme echoes an earlier passage in the Torah, where the land of Israel was divided among the tribes. Each tribe would receive its portion according to its needs, but the specific location would be determined by lot. Why? One reason is so that every Jew would share in the whole land of Israel before it was divided; another reason is to remind us that while we make plans, it is ultimately G-d who decides what we receive.
Seen in this light, G-d’s request of us becomes clearer. We are asked to adopt a distinctly Jewish perspective on life: To go through life with the awareness that G-d is watching over us, even in our most difficult moments. When we live with that trust, the outcome will be for our good.
Of course, faith and trust in G-d do not come naturally to everyone. For some, it requires honest soul searching, and looking at facts. One striking reality is this: we are one nation, surrounded by others, amongst them, those who wish us harm. And yet, we endure. Not because we are stronger or wiser, but because G-d is with us.
Why we must face these challenges, we do not know. What we do know is that G-d is with us through them.
With blessings for a happy New Year,
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Shaya's Thoughts
Wholehearted Faith
Fuhgeddaboudit
“Just be wary and guard yourself carefully lest you
forget the things that you saw with your own eyes. …”
If you are from Brooklyn, you will know what I mean when I say fuhgeddaboudit. Some things are best to just forget and not dwell on. On the other hand, there are things that we are told we need to remember.
This past week, the world has heard an exceptionally great number of opinions. Some are saying that we should never forget Oct. 7th, and therefore Israel must continue the war in Gaza until all objectives are reached. Others are saying that it is time to move on. Let Oct. 7th be a lesson, but we have to stop the fighting so that we can put an end to the suffering and move on.
Is it possible to bridge this divide?
In this week’s Torah portion of Va’etchanan, the verse says: “Just be wary and guard yourself carefully lest you forget the things that you saw with your own eyes. …” The verse is talking about the importance of remembering the Torah and all the Mitzvot that we received at Mount Sinia.
Clearly, it is important to remember not only this momentous occasion but the lessons of the Torah as well.
Story: The Talmud tells us that the great Talmudic sage, Rabbi Zeira, wanted to move from Babylonia to Israel to study there. To prepare for this journey, he fasted many days in prayer beseeching G-d to grant him his wish to forget all that he learned in the past.
The reason for his desire to forget the Torah that he learned seems to be contrary to what the Torah teaches us: Remember. Don’t forget.
A little background is necessary to help shed some light.
There was a very big difference in the style of learning in Babylonia vs. Israel. In Babylonia, the style was to ask questions, debate every answer until you figured out not only what the answer was, but why the answer was the way that it was. In Israel, they just cut to the chase and related what the facts were. No questions. No explanations. Just facts.
The Israeli style was not to ignore the questions. No, they too asked all the difficult questions. The difference was whether they dwelled on the questions or on the answers.
Rabbi Zeira was seeking clarity. He wanted the Israeli way. He was not looking to forget as much as to remember what really matters.
Much has stayed the same over the years. Israel still sticks to their decisions, while others prefer to go back to the questions.
There is no question that we are living in challenging times. Fighting an enemy that is determined to destroy us.
Today we should remember this verse: “Just be wary and guard yourself carefully lest you forget the things that you saw with your own eyes. …” and apply it to our current situation.
We too, should seek the Israeli way. We should not stress fuhgeddaboudit so much as to remember what really matters.
Let’s get the job done!
Shabbat Shalom