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Deism and Judaism – How does it work?

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Ariel asked 1 year ago

Hello Rabbi, I watched some of your videos, and I really enjoyed them, but I also had a question.
I understand that you are a deist – meaning you believe that God exists but does not interfere in the conduct of the world today. My question is how does this actually fit in with Judaism? Why would you observe the commandments, wear a kippah, and follow the path of the Torah, when you do not even believe that God has any influence on the world today? Does this stem from your belief in an afterlife and the reward you will receive if you follow the path of the Torah?
Thanks in advance(:

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Michi Staff answered 1 year ago

First of all, it's not deism, but theism. It's a religious belief with a command and obligation.
You assume that keeping a commandment is only a result of self-interest.
But no, we do it because it is the truth. See column 120.

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New on the site: Michi-bot – A wise assistant on the writings of Rabbi Michael Avraham

“The greatest flaw in the trait of fear of Heaven, when it is not properly joined to the light of Torah, is that instead of becoming fear of sin it turns into fear of thinking. Once a person begins to be afraid to think, he proceeds to sink into the mire of ignorance, which steals the light of his soul, weakens his strength, and darkens his spirit.” — R. A. I. Kook, Shemoneh Kevatzim, I §267
—
“Therefore, out of a love of inquiry and knowledge, one should not dismiss anything that opposes one’s view… Even if the words run counter to his faith and religion, one must not say to him, ‘Do not speak; shut your mouth,’ for if so there would be no clarification of the religion. On the contrary, in such a case we say: Speak as much as you wish… For concealing the words of one who opposes the religion is nothing but the nullification and weakening of the religion… Reason dictates that there be no prevention of this at all, nor should a person’s mouth be closed regarding matters that touch upon religion; rather, the text of the law is given to all… Through this a person comes to the very substance of truth and stands upon complete truth, and there is to be no shutting of such words. For any warrior who seeks to oppose another in order to show his strength greatly desires that the one who comes against him strengthen himself with all his might; then, if he defeats that warrior who sought to overpower him, it is seen that the victor is exceedingly mighty.” — Be’er HaGolah, Seventh Well, Maharal of Prague

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