Q&A: What Does the Simple Son Say?
What Does the Simple Son Say?
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi.
Since I am not wise at all, and I do not have the intellect or wisdom to delve into and understand all the arguments and proofs, etc., in matters of faith and what follows from them (including the existence of God, the Jewish religion), then one should do as in any area where a person has no knowledge and use “trust in the sages” — for example, in medical matters, where I have no grasp of them, the correct path is to trust a doctor in his wisdom and knowledge.
So when I come to establish my faith, the only possible path for me is the above. And according to that, I have no reason to believe — and in its practical consequences, to live and conduct myself as a Jew — because the side with the sages does not weigh more heavily on the side of the sages of Israel!
And I am interested in whether the master has any response to this (or whether this really is the true path I should choose, and if not, what should I do?).
P.S. Sorry for my stumbling language (that too is one of the results of my foolishness).
Answer
You are mistaken at the most basic level. In areas where there is expertise (science, facts), it is indeed reasonable to act that way. In matters of faith there is no expertise, so there is no logic at all in proceeding like that. Certainly counting how many sages there are on each side is foolishness. Most of them never even examined the Jewish option. Moreover, when votes are counted, one does not count a rabbi and his student separately, only independent opinions. Here the opinions are very much not independent.
In the end, you have no choice, and you must decide for yourself. Of course, you can get help from people.
Discussion on Answer
Push yourself and decide for yourself.
There’s nothing to push through — it’s impossible! Not every simple person (like me) has the mind for this. Isn’t that obvious?
If so, then you’re exempt from everything by the law of an incompetent person.
All right, thanks for the dispensation. God willing, then, don’t invite me for an evening meal of pork!
You are like Rabbi Yehoshua ben Perachya, who pushed away Jesus (see Sanhedrin 107) [not that you are Rabbi Yehoshua ben Perachya, and of course the questioner is not like Jesus, Heaven forbid. Rather, you should learn from there not to push away a student who wants to know and to believe; apparently this is a real problem for him]. Thanks.
To the questioner:
If you have trust in certain people and in their wisdom, you are allowed (and should) follow them in these matters too, if you feel that these issues are above your current analytical ability. But only on condition that you feel they are willing to take responsibility for you (which Rabbi Michi refuses to do, and not unjustly). Like a child who trusts adults, because he has no other way to live without that. When you grow up — and that will come with time — your critical sense will develop, and then you will gradually be able to deal with these issues on your own.
What did you mean by being careful to write “and not unjustly” rather than “and justly”? Though of course I do not refrain from a lack of opposition to double negatives.
Okay. But in the end, what do I do when I’m simply not capable of that — it’s just impossible?