THOUGHTS ON FAITH AND LAW

By: Jeremy Gimpel and Ari Abramowitz

of “Light to the Nations” on Arutz-7

Question: Shalom Ari & Jeremy – Growing up having never having close Jewish friends, I was taught that Judaism as a religion is concerned solely with the observance of the Law rather than focusing on belief or faith. Is this true?

Answer:  Since our first speaking tour to Christian communities throughout the Unites States, we were always moved by the spontaneous eruptions in prayer and “tailor made” blessings we witnessed from our Bible-believing gentile counterparts.  They would often curiously observe that our traditional Jewish prayer seemed more structured and planned only to later learn that Jewish prayers and blessings are canonized liturgy defined by the Jewish Oral Law and tradition. Many seemed perplexed as to why Judaism seemed focused solely on the fulfillment of Torah law, even when involving something as spiritual and heartfelt as prayer.

The Hebrew language, being the divine vehicle with which Hashem created the world and in which the Torah was given, contains the secrets and depths of the universe ranging from the formation of the letters, to their roots, and even to the “identity” of the letters themselves.  These secrets of the Hebrew language will undoubtedly be a returning theme in our future columns for they are so revealing when trying to grasp the meaning of the Torah.

The Hebrew word “Mitzvot”, regularly translated as “commandments”, has another deeper meaning that stems from core words such as “Tzavta”, which literally means “to join” and “Tzevet” which means “team”.  It is through the “Mitzvot” – commandments of the Torah, that the Jew is able to fuse divinity into his life, draw himself closer to the divine, and personally fulfill his biblical commitment partaking in the everlasting covenant between the G-d of Israel and the Jewish people that was established on Mount Sinai.

The Sabbath is a perfect example of a Mitzvah through which the Jewish People are able to connect with G-d.  On the Sabbath, the Jew is commanded to remember the day, to rest, and to refrain from any creative activity, just as G-d did on the 7^th day when He ceased creating and introduced rest to the world (Exodus 20: 8-11 ).  Many may see the laws of the Sabbath as an encyclopedic compilation of draconian restrictions, yet in reality they are the key to transcending; to “tasting” the world to come in this world. A Jew sees his life as an opportunity to fulfill G-d’s will by performing the commandments, and the world to come as the eternal bliss that one has earned from the toiling in this world.  Our sages say that an integral part of experiencing the Sabbath is working hard during the week in order to truly enjoy the fruits of our labors on the divine day of rest. Six days a week the cell phone is ringing, the TV is blasting, the motor is running.  On the Sabbath, one is liberated from these intrusions and returns to family, friends, serenity, and peace. The potential joy, meaning, and spirit of Saturday are revealed to us through Shabbat, and that personal encounter with divinity is G-d’s greatest gift to the world.

Many people mistakenly see the Torah laws for their face value alone and perceive them as mere constraints; a long list of “Thou shalts” and “Thou shalt nots”.  Rabbi Noah Weinberg, one of the great Rabbi’s of Israel, once taught us “The Almighty didn’t come to take away the chocolate He brought you; He came to teach you how to truly enjoy it.” The Mitzvot are just that, a benevolent instruction manual detailing the ways in which every Jew can connect to the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and infuse His presence into our everyday lives. 

The “Halacha”, the Jewish Law, is the walkway paved by G-d which a Jew must traverse in order to reach Him (“Halach” in Hebrew means “walk”). Judaism is not a religion of abstract rituals, but rather a method of elevating the mundane to the highest levels of holiness. Halacha integrates G-d into every aspect of life governing everything from the Temple service to the blessing one says after using the restroom.  There are laws concerning every action, relationship, and thought that a Jew could have throughout his life, thus creating a constant “G-d consciousness” and living continuously connected with the good and eternal. There is a concept in Jewish mysticism that every relationship we have in this world should ultimately help us understand our relationship with G-d. The relationship between a child and parent as well as the perspective of a parent to a child, the love between a husband and wife, a commander and his soldiers, man and nature; these relationships are all our tools and vehicles, governed by Jewish law, which help us understand and therefore love our G-d in heaven.

We are taught that a Mitzvah done without belief, love, and proper intention is like a bird without wings that can not ascend to the heavens. The word “Amen” is used so frequently by Jews and Christians yet many do not really understand what the word means.  “Amen” is a Hebrew word that stems from the word “Emunah” which means faith, or belief.  When hearing a prayer or a teaching that we recognize as truth, we say “Amen” – literally declaring “I believe”.  Our belief in G-d and our adherence to His commandments has kept us united throughout our long and painful exile from our beloved Land of Israel.  Our sages explain that more than the Jewish people have kept the Sabbath throughout the generations; the Sabbath is that which has kept the Jewish people.

The vigilance with which a Jew guards the law is an indication to his relationship with G-d.  Does he rest on the Sabbath although he may have very important work to do?  Does he tithe (give 10% of his income to charity) although it may be financially painful at the time?  Does he eat exclusively Kosher food which Jewish law dictates, or is the lust for physical temptations more powerful than the desire for a real relationship with G-d. The kippah (traditional head-covering) is a symbol of humility and understanding that one walks before the Creator of heaven and earth, and like all of the Mitzvot, it is also a testimony to the nations of the world that the yoke of Heaven is always upon us.

In response to your question; for a Jew, observing the laws of the Torah is the ultimate testimony to our belief. Judaism is not only an expression of faith but a lifestyle of belief, devotion, and service. Belief in G-d is not only the first of the Ten Commandments, but is the fundamental basis of Judaism.

To contact Ari & Jeremy; please visit their website: www.thelandofisrael.com

or write to Jeremy@thelandofisrael.com