Shabbat Nitzavim & Vayeylech
SECRETS
“Things that are concealed are the preserve of God. And what is revealed is for us and our children to follow the words of this Torah (Deuteronomy 29:28).
You will notice that above the 4th, 5th and 6th Hebrew words “the revealed are for us and our children” there are little dots that are neither vowels nor the symbols of cantillation ( the symbols that indicate how to chant or sing the text). What do they signify? On the surface they, like many other textual anomalies in biblical texts were determined by the Masoretes who standardized the variations some thousand years ago into the Codexes we use today in our Bibles. They did not want to omit anything, whether scribal or Talmudic features of the various originals they had. But of course, given our tradition of finding meaning in every such variation it is natural that there are many different theories. The most obvious is that the dots are simply a sign of priorities, an emphasis on behaviour, on doing the right thing as the most crucial of all rather than abstract speculation.
The Mishna seems to echo this as about priorities.
“ One should not study mystical texts without guidance. Someone concerned with four matters, it would have been better that they never entered the world: what is above, what is below, what is before and what is behind. And anyone who has no concern for the honor of his Maker, should never have been born” (Mishna Chagigah Chapter 2).
The Talmud goes on to discuss mysticism as typified by Rabbi Akiva’s journey into the mystical world that led some either into madness, apostasy or death. Only he came out of it unscathed ( Talmud Hagigah 14b).
This seems to be saying that too much speculation, is dangerous. And by implication so too is philosophy or theology. God is simply another realm beyond human comprehension and there is much in the universe we do not understand (yet?). And worrying about the past or the future are distractions from how we should behave and live our lives. The history of both Theology and Philosophy confirms the cynical adage that “ The Higher the Brow, the lower the loins.” Being a great thinker does not necessarily make you a good person.
You might see this as a rejection of speculation altogether whether scientific or philosophic altogether. But great Jewish philosophers and thinkers have flourished over the Millenia, both rationalists and mystics, delving into every aspect of the world around them, the past and the future. And still remained deeply committed to living a Torah life experiencing spiritual enlightenment. Although even the most fundamentalists who claim to be purists still rely on scientific, medical and technical discoveries when it benefits them. And one of the reasons we have been so successful as a people is precisely because we have adapted, and adopted advancements, and progress in many areas.
Some see this as simply saying that God sees everything, every human action, and therefore, it is important for us to obey God’s laws. I take this to mean that God is simply another realm, a hidden world, that God withdraws. But we have to live and behave in the revealed world of human beings.
I see no problem in trying to explore how the human brain works and whether it might be possible to find a spiritual gene, or faculty. Or come to understand the physiology of religious experiences. Science originally did present a challenge to religious faith whether pagan or monotheistic. But now we recognize and value co-existence . There are different areas of study and enquiry, so there are different ethical and behavioral priorities. And Jews have a constitution, way of life, culture that defines us as Jewish, as well as being citizens of the world.
Rabbi Jeremy Rosen lives in New York. He was born in Manchester. His writings are concerned with religion, culture, history and current affairs – anything he finds interesting or relevant. They are designed to entertain and to stimulate. Disagreement is always welcome.
