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Beit Midrash
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Translated by Hillel Fendel
Question: How can we know with certainty that there is a G-d?
Answer: There are several approaches. For one thing, it is customary that people accept and believe that which most of the world believes. We believe many geographical and historic "facts" even though we have no way of actually checking them – simply because most of the world believes in them. And in fact, most of the world believes in the existence of G-d; those who do not, comprise a small minority among the world's population – so small that we don't really have to take it into consideration.
But for those who live in a society where lack of belief is not uncommon, or who otherwise have a hard time finding their way to G-d, I can suggest some other approaches.
Let us begin with the fact that G-d's existence can be derived from the Torah and from our tradition. They teach us about the prophets who spoke with Him and transmitted His word to us.
One who has difficulty with this approach can use his own intellect to reach G-d. There are several proofs of G-d's existence, and our rabbis have discussed them and written of them. Even non-Jewish scholars have written proofs of G-d's existence.
And yet with all the above, I would say that the best proof of G-d's existence is none other than Jewish history. Anyone who studies the chronicles of the Jewish People will see that its continued survival, up through the establishment of the State of Israel and beyond, can simply not be explained in a natural manner. No people in the world experienced the hardships, persecution, and dispersal that we did – and for so many centuries, at that – and yet managed not only to survive, but thrive. This was predicted by G-d's word via the Prophets – and thus the Nation of Israel is the best living evidence that G-d exists.
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Question: How can we know with certainty that there is a G-d?
Answer: There are several approaches. For one thing, it is customary that people accept and believe that which most of the world believes. We believe many geographical and historic "facts" even though we have no way of actually checking them – simply because most of the world believes in them. And in fact, most of the world believes in the existence of G-d; those who do not, comprise a small minority among the world's population – so small that we don't really have to take it into consideration.
But for those who live in a society where lack of belief is not uncommon, or who otherwise have a hard time finding their way to G-d, I can suggest some other approaches.
Let us begin with the fact that G-d's existence can be derived from the Torah and from our tradition. They teach us about the prophets who spoke with Him and transmitted His word to us.
One who has difficulty with this approach can use his own intellect to reach G-d. There are several proofs of G-d's existence, and our rabbis have discussed them and written of them. Even non-Jewish scholars have written proofs of G-d's existence.
And yet with all the above, I would say that the best proof of G-d's existence is none other than Jewish history. Anyone who studies the chronicles of the Jewish People will see that its continued survival, up through the establishment of the State of Israel and beyond, can simply not be explained in a natural manner. No people in the world experienced the hardships, persecution, and dispersal that we did – and for so many centuries, at that – and yet managed not only to survive, but thrive. This was predicted by G-d's word via the Prophets – and thus the Nation of Israel is the best living evidence that G-d exists.
In order to get articles like this delivered straight to your inbox every week, subscribe to the Israel National Torah newsletter here.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
