Q&A: Miracles in the Torah and the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh)
Miracles in the Torah and the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh)
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi,
I wanted to know the Rabbi’s view regarding the miracles described in the Prophets and the Writings: did they really occur as they are described, and if not, how can they be explained (for example, the toppling of the walls by Joshua, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon,” Elisha’s bringing someone back to life, and many others that I haven’t mentioned).
Likewise, how does the Rabbi read the miracles that occurred in the Five Books of the Torah? Did they happen literally? Should they be read differently? Or is there perhaps a difference between some miracles and others?
I am asking about these two things separately (Torah versus the Hebrew Bible), because it may be that there is room to distinguish between them (though of course I do not know whether they really should be distinguished, and that is why I am asking you).
Thank you in advance.
Answer
I do not have a clear position. In interpreting the text, it is not reasonable to say that the miracles did not occur and that everything is allegory. I tend to think that in the past the Holy One, blessed be He, was more involved in the world and performed miracles.