This is the meaning of a Jew and of Judaism, the very meaning of these words:
To live in a state of sustained wonder. To know that there are things beyond human grasp. That the very existence of anything at all is beyond understanding.
And then to strive to understand.
What an amazingly accurate and succinct way to express the idea! I love it that Jews had Chaos Theory figured out eons ago! Nice that scientists and mathematicians finally caught up with them in the 20th Century. LOL! Reply
It is only now in the 21st century that humanity is awakening to a special new desire, a spiritual desire, to understand who we are and what our goal is.
We have probed and searched to understand how nature works in this world. This search is limited and this world will disappear. We see how all our institutions, even our democracies are falling apart.
Now we are ready to grasp the wonder of the real world. We will slowly become aware of our wondrous structure of harmonious connection between us. When we try to achieve this state, we will receive the Light of Wisdom, the secret of the purpose of life.
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To live with a sense of wonder is a gift. We don’t know the answers, just enough to follow a decent life, and affirm our powerful faith in HaShem, again and again.
Perhaps at times, I feel, ....especially as I’ve grown older, ....that perhaps the curtain is drawn back just a very little bit, and that my faith is strong, and growing stronger.
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wonder I love this, thank you. Reply
Revealing the Wonder
The Kabbalists discovered how to be permitted the revelation of the thought of Creation, the true perception beyond our senses:
To reveal the wonders beyond the grasp of our limited senses you have to connect to Him by disconnecting from your self while in a state of unity with those also aspiring to attain this wonder.
- then G_d, will gradually remove the concealment from His world for you.
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Understanding things beyond our grasp Faith induces us to search for understanding; yet, no matter how much we think we know or understand, there will always be something more just beyond our grasp. This dynamic allows us to perceive just a small hint of G-d's infinite nature, and of the limits of our humanity. Wonder ends up being the only authentic attitude for one who is truly alive! Reply
Will we ever know? Hi, I am not Jewish, I was raised with Catholicism. Fifteen years ago, when I was in College, I took a course in comparative religion. It was at that point I became wondrous of the Jewish people, Judaism, the strength of the community, and the family unit. I admit I was bothered with Your righteousness and your faith because of the knowledge of the dark history, especially the Holocaust. To have been killed for no other reason but for seeking knowledge. It makes me feel so very sad. Forgive me if any of my ancestors took part in such a horrible tragedy.. Today, I am living my life as a Jewish person, to the best of my ability.. A challenge? Yes. A struggle? Yes. But, today I feel content with the knowledge I have received, it is OK to admit that I do not know. I do know with certainty that G_d does exist, and I can only hope that when my soul leaves this foreign body He let's me peek at his master plan. Reply
Didn't realize these comments were made in 2012!! so glad in ran across this, though. well, I am Jewish, and totally feel the same way you do. was always told....'if G-d wanted us to know, He would have told us..." maybe that's why in so many prayers, it's repeated "fear of heaven"....that sure entices me to try to be the best person I can be, flaws and all, pray for guidance and have a lot of faith in whatever lies ahead. Reply
Favour... I can't find a better or more appropriate statement, particularly as I prepare for Shabbat and am spiritually overwhelmed by elements around me today, mostly with joy. Thank you. Reply
kavod rabbi if i may try to help here please
Daily Dose of Wisdom
Sustained Wonder
This is the meaning of a Jew and Judaism, the very meaning of the word: To live in a state of sustained wonder. To know that there are things beyond human grasp. That the very existence of anything at all is beyond knowing. And then to strive to know. Demand "moshiach now" and then Hashem will explain all the mysteries/ all your questions as a Father to a child.
[in no way to negate what you have said so succinctly]
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Sustained Wonder That just says it all. A teaching to keep close to the heart. Reply
some clarification
The word "Jew" derives from Yehudi, the root word of which is "hodaa". That's a hard word to translate--it seems to mean many different things: thankfulness, acknowledgement, admittance, submission, surrender...
But the basic meaning is a state of wonder, knowing that there is something much greater than myself, not really sure what it is or how it is, but nevertheless standing in awe.
Somehow, this state of wonder is found in every one of us, and from that root all divine service grows and is nurtured. We are called Jews because our mission is to awaken that sense of wonder in every human being and from there to the entire creation, until the entire world flourishes from its root of wonder.
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Re: Lois' post It is a terrible thing to feel separated. As if you do not belong, as in a new school, a certain place of worship, a workplace, ect. I knew the feeling well growing up. But I refuse to feel separation from G_d (respectfully) as I feel that is the one true connection I will always be able to count on. Lois, you are right, there is suffering in the world, that brings on much saddness. Reply
Sustained Wonder I love the Daily Dose. (thank you for that) I am not Jewish however, but have always felt that there is that certain amount of wonder we have that we will not understand until we pass this life into the greater one. But it is just human to wonder and to try and figure it all out, and then laugh a bit at ourselves because there are the thnigs we will never understand because we are not allowed that (thinking, or intelligents) yet. And yes we are ALL connected. Thanks Reply
sustained wonder I often send your quotes to a non Jewish friend.....but not this one and not others that refer to the separateness of mankind. I believe that the perception of Separateness, Jew from G-d, Jew from NonJew, perpetuates conflict and suffering in the world and this saddens me deeply. Reply
Sustained Wonder...
If it is all "beyond knowing" then why would you need or want to "strive to know..."
Wouldn't a more apropriate response to this state of "Sustained Wonder" be simply - To be Thankful... When we reach a place of sincere thanks there is nothing except the essence... no anger, no reasoning, no self-perception of our own ideas, even our wants and needs dissolve... the fact that we can even respond is what should cause us to be thankful...
- Yehudi is from the root word 'hodah' which among its meanings is: "thanks" and "thankful" and that truly is the heart/essence of a Jew... Thankful that we are connected, to each other, and to our Creator... forever!
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Our world is wondrous! And we have no choice but to live in a state of sustained wonder. In addition, we must seek to understand that wonder whether for the good or the bad. However, it seems to be letting off a Supreme Being quite easily when an innocent such as a child suffers at the hands of an adult or a fatal disease or a hateful government or society. Then, we become ducks in a shooting gallery. Even if we seek to understand, the dirty work has been accomplished.