Owning Faith

This is my G‑d, and I will praise Him, the G‑d of my father, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:2

When He is only the G‑d of your father, He remains exalted and beyond your world. When you make Him your own G‑d, then you can truly praise Him with your heart.
Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz (16^th century)

Only a fool will toss out the inheritance of many generations. But one who does not take ownership remains a child.

So it is with a material estate, so it is with the faith of our fathers and mothers. We must make it our own faith, as well.

And how do you make that faith your own? Ironically, through the power of your own mind.

Engage your mind to live by your faith.

Likutei Sichot vol. 16, pg. 245.

« Previous

Beyond Faith & Intellect

Head and Feet

By Tzvi Freeman

From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. Subscribe and get your dose daily. To order Rabbi Freeman’s latest book, Wisdom to Heal the Earth, click here.

Browse Book

Wisdom to Heal the Earth »

By Tzvi Freeman

Buy Book

Wisdom to Heal the Earth is a revolutionary new look at Tikun Olam based on the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory.

In this Book

Join the Discussion

Sort By:

NewestOldest

11 Comments

zak San Diego December 31, 2014

If there is a will, than there is a way. For in the room the ego and intellect get along good until faith enters. For they do not believe in what they see. Reply

bob st clair bolivar mo. January 9, 2014

owning faith faith is trust learn to choose life choose the L---D Reply

Karin Kruger Oklahoma City, OK/USA December 16, 2013

Owning Faith - zeynep on 12-14-13 What a lovely compliment! I owe you thanks for it was your posting on 12-4-13 that clarified hours of study into one coherent thought. I'm glad my words helped you ... now I'm going to have to think about your comment and do some extra reading and study! Reply

zeynep December 14, 2013

Faith and the two (in reality intertwined) stages of the reflexive relation of the Jew to his/her faith Having faith - This is a Given. The Jew, by Divine definition HAS faith.

Owning faith - The Jew can to varying degrees be oblivious to his/her faith; ranging from an active, vibrant faith illuminating/enlivening the environment with his/her every move, to a completely dormant faith which can give way to - at times grave -psychological complications. The stage for the work of 'owning faith' is set by the level of Malchut. It is through actively and willingly engaging and letting oneself be readily engaged in the challenges of material life, that the Jew comes to revive his/her faith. This work, although comprising contemplative, analytical and synthesizing mental work, nevertheless almost solely draws its raw material by way of the emotional faculties of the Jew. This work connects Malchut back up to Keter.

To live by one's faith (this I owe to Karin Kruger) - this is the connection of ChaBaD to both Keter and Malchut, yet its effectiveness is a function of the Jew's revived faith. Reply

Brenda Toronto, Canada December 4, 2013

We need to Know and Not Believe The kabbalists attained information and clarity about the Higher Governance of Reality. Their ability to attract the Upper Light merited them the revelation.

Now it is our time to follow their path of revealing His Name - we reveal Him through gradual degrees, each called 'His Name' at that degree.

Uniting above our egos in a like minded group, while studying the books of Zohar, and renowned passed kabbalists articles and books. Then our mind link with theese authors and attracts that same Light. Through focussed effort, desire and connecting above the self we are rewarded the perception of Truth. Reply

Karin Kruger Oklahoma City, OK/USA December 4, 2013

Owning Faith Of course faith requires the mind; I have learned in the study of Tanya that intellect has three faculties: chochmah, binah and da'at, abbreviated ChaBad.

Chochmah is the power of conception (idea is conceived); binah is cognitive (idea is analyzed); and da'at is comprehension of an idea - this comprehension gives rise to emotions and feelings; da'at transforms these ideas into motivated dispositions.

The only logical conclusion is that mind must be engaged before one can live by one's faith. Reply

KnightHawk December 4, 2013

True. Re: Anonymous from Ottawa. Unfortunately, in the ME generation (Mellenium) people son't want to "believe"... they want to "KNOW!"
The ball is in your court... Reply

zeynep December 4, 2013

Owning Faith It never has been, never is and never will be - for it simply CAN NOT be - an issue of the mind. Reply

M E G Netherlands December 4, 2013

always the paradox.. Thanks, love Reply

Joseph5716 June 12, 2009

Faith & Reason How does this thought effect the convert who must "throw out" at least some of his ? Reply

Anonymous Ottawa June 12, 2009

When you realize that faith is the goal, and reason is the means of fulfilling it, you will be on the path to a righteous life, as long as you have desire to fulfill the goals of faith. Reply

More in this section

Join the Discussion