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The rational approach calls for recognizing the Creator through His creation. For all of its soundness and probability, though, this argument remains no more than a speculative proof, proof through inference. This, though, is not the case when we are dealing with proof based on eyewitness attestation. Eyewitness testimony is of an absolute nature.
In order to clarify the difference between these two methods, let us make use of an analogy from Jewish law. If an individual loses an article and somebody else finds it, the original owner must prove that, in fact, the article found belongs to him. Only after he has done this may he receive what belongs to him. How does one go about proving that an article belongs to him? By describing distinctive features of the item. For example, let us say that the owner were to claim, "In the book which I lost, there is a small hole in the corner of page number twenty-five." Certainly, only the true owner of the book could be aware of such a detail. This, then, would be considered an unquestionable proof, and would justify returning the book to its owner. This is proof by inference. The owner need not bring proof of his ownership from every page of the book. It is sufficient for him to describe one detail in order to verify his claim to the entire book.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
1 - 1. Belief in God: From Design
2 - 2. Belief in God: Eyewitness Account
3 - 3. Good Intentions, Good Deeds
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Identifying the distinctive features of an object is no more than probable proof of ownership. It may be compared to circumstantial evidence. If two witnesses come before the court and claim, "We saw this man chase another into a cave, and then followed after them. Inside the cave we saw the man who had been chased dead on the floor, and the man who had been chasing him, standing there with a bloodstained knife in his hand." This sort of evidence is based upon assumption and likelihood. It is almost certain that the man with the bloodstained knife killed the other. Still, according to Jewish law, such testimony is not acceptable. In order for testimony to be valid, it must be eyewitness testimony, and not testimony based on probability.
The same is true regarding faith. Proofs of the existence of the Creator based upon the intelligent design of His creation remain speculative, probable proofs - "circumstantial evidence." True, the probability is very great, and the intellect demands that we rely on such proof; true, God's creation awakens in us great awe - "How great are Your deeds, God; exceedingly profound are your thoughts" (Psalm 92) - all the same, faith in God's existence based on accurate eyewitness testimony is superior to this. Arriving at God by way of His creation is comparable to basing a claim to ownership upon the identification of distinctive features; working one's way from a particular to the whole; drawing from one miniscule aspect of God's capacity conclusions concerning his all encompassing being. True, this is a strong indication and it cannot be ignored. Still, it is not enough, for proof by means of eyewitness testimony is superior to this. Proof based upon testimony of God's revelation in the world - for example, the Exodus from Egypt, and the Sinaitic Revelation, and the long unbroken chain of tradition, which is itself comparable to eyewitness account - is more reliable.
This is the approach taken by Rabbi Judah HaLevi in his book, "the Kuzari" - faith based upon eyewitness testimony. What I have explained here are things that Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda HaCohen Kook zt"l used to say as an introduction to "the Kuzari."
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
