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The wise Rabbi replied in brief: "We believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Who took the Children of Israel out of Egypt with miracles and wonders, Who sustained them in the wilderness, and, after bringing them through the Red Sea and the Jordan river, granted them the Land of Canaan as their inheritance. He sent them Moses with the Torah, and after him thousands of prophets, etc. And we believe all that is written in the Torah, which is a massive amount of information."
When the Khazar king heard this he responded with disappointment, saying: "I knew that it would be useless to ask the Jews. It appears that their downtrodden state has left them with no spiritual insight. You, wise Jew, should have responded that you believe in the Creator and Master of the universe, He Who created you and provides you with food. Why is it that you base you faith upon events from your nation's past, uniquely Jewish events? Why do you not view the Almighty more broad-mindedly; why do you not see Him as Creator of the Universe, Creator of the heavens and the earth, He Who created you, Who sustains and provides for all creatures, including you?"
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
4 - 4. Faith and Reason
5 - 5. Historical Proof
6 - 6. Gifts From the King of India
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The words of the Jew were received well by the King, and he responded: "Your words make more sense now than when you began speaking. I would like to continue our conversation." The Rabbi responded: "Yet, what I said at the outset serves as the greatest proof of all, a proof after which there is no longer any need for additional proofs." The King could not understand this, and was surprised. How could the story of the Exodus, the Revelation at Sinai, or the account of the forefathers comprise a firm foundation for faith?
"Yes," said the Rabbi, "Our faith is not founded upon intellectual speculation, it is not based on the sort proof which claims that because there is a creation there must be a Creator, and one must therefore believe in Him. Our faith is based upon eyewitness testimony - not upon speculation but upon actuality; it is based upon God's having appeared to us, upon His revelation to our forefathers. We recognize the Creator through our direct historical contact with Him. He revealed Himself to us by way of the Exodus and the Sinaitic Revelation. We actually bore witnessed to His appearance. In order to elucidate this concept properly, it is necessary to offer a number of preparatory explanations. This we will do in our next discussion.
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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
