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
ב"ה