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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.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
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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)
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)
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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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
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.
