Faithful Questions

You don't learn by having faith. You learn by questioning, by challenging, by re-examining everything you've ever believed.

And yet, all this is a matter of faith
—the faith that there is a truth to be found.

It is another paradox: To truly question, you must truly have faith.

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Faithful Deeds

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.

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Wisdom to Heal the Earth »

By Tzvi Freeman

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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.

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13 Comments

Brenda Toronto, Canada June 8, 2017

A person's natural inclination is towards self-love. We are dominated by this selfish 'lower' force. In some people the questions arise as to the meaning of life - what is the purpose of life? Why am I in this world? etc.

The Kabbalists discovered that we can only answer these questions not by believing in a Higher Force but only by experiencing this Higher Force.
The way to sense this Upper Force is to relate to it by trying to form the feeling and image of the general upper system which we cannot perceive as an individual part. If a group accomplishes this integrated whole connection which copies the general system, they will feel the life of the Upper Force flowing between them.

They sense and feel His Force. They do not believe or have faith, instead they know this Force that governs us and understand it's goal to bring us to His level within our qualities so that we can become partners in His general integrated system.
In order to break free from the self we ask the questions! Reply

Braxton Louis LINDEN N.J February 22, 2015

The comment on bringing people to Judaism, is real. That's why Hashim loves a convert. When I decided to practice my mother's religion, there were people in the schule who encouraged me and some who didn't. The greatest part is when you decide you will find out Hashim, loves convert. Reply

Anonymous Canton Georgia June 8, 2017

in response to Braxton Louis:

You have motivated me! I'm ready to convert to Judaism but my family is holding back, they are gonna be left behind. I as a sensitive person don't want them to see behind or without me, my family really depends on me and I'm only 17! but I have to move on because Hashem wants me to. It's really hard moving out without your family. Thanks for this beautiful experience you share and it's true some people don't support converts at all and some do... but all I need is G-d's support; he will lead me to my path. Thanks again G-d bless Reply

Paul Shapshak, PhD SC February 20, 2015

Returning to Hashem Many thanks.
Very true.
Yet, some good reasons could be provided as pointers.
e.g.
Hashem
historical heritage
meaning in the Torah
standing for Law and Principles
increased understanding, ethics, and morality
depth of understanding of nature and realizing a lot is not as yet understood
and the basis for Justice in an otherwise anarchic globe Reply

Heidi February 19, 2015

Paul, I am going to attempt to answer your question. You cannot get people to return to Judaism. Why do you think that we do not try and convert, or get people in? It has to be a choice. Only that person can decide if they want to walk through those synagogue doors or not. I love how Judaism works, They do not come after you. Yes, they put out information, for all who are interested, but they do not say, you have to. This makes it more enticing for our fellow Jew. At least that is how I see it. Reply

Paul Shapshak, PhD February 19, 2015

2-19-2015
How does one get people to return to Judaism who stopped believing in Hashem? Reply

Wanangwe Nairobi, Kenya April 26, 2010

FAITH This is similar to the Bible quote: "The fear of G_d is the beginning of wisdom".
No doubt, this is one of the greatest gems of wisdom one can grasp! Reply

Anonymous EHT., NJ April 22, 2010

Faith We must believe in faith and our questions will be answered. Seek and you shall find! Reply

Thomas Karp New Haven, Ct. April 22, 2010

Hooray, Rabbi! Love it!

Thank you very much!

Yasher koach (carry on). Reply

Anonymous April 22, 2010

tell me more The title is rhetorical. paragraph 1 and 2 are my level. i hope that the paradox in paragraph 3 applies to me, even though it seems too easy. Jarod Diamond and Robin Wright (Lost Continents) keep one sitting on the fence.

i wrote the above without scrolling down to your Max Planc post. He alludes to a temple of science in which one must have faith, not the holy temple. This is not intended as an argument; it is my interpretation of the Planc words. Am open to correction. Reply

cecilia April 22, 2010

I agree It's ridiculous what people do to stop feeling bothered about their faith. They will alienate, oppress and kill.

Allow the questions to come and if the answer eludes you, seek it. Reply

Miriram middleton, wi April 22, 2010

Faith I love this. Reply

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman April 15, 2010

Although the Rebbe iterated this idea often, in many different forms (and really, it is a cornerstone of Chabad thought)--the assertion was also made by several philosophers of science, including one of the foremost scientists of the 20th century, Max Planck:

"Anybody who has been seriously engaged in scientific work of any kind realizes that over the entrance to the gates of the temple of science are written the words: 'Ye must have faith.'" Reply

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