Q&A: On the Rationalist Approach
On the Rationalist Approach
Question
Hello Rabbi.
I wanted, with your permission, to ask two questions:
- Various thoughts have come to me about rationalism. From what I have understood so far, the Rabbi’s way of thinking is very rationalist, and the Rabbi observes the commandments because, in his view, that is what is logically correct. My question is whether this is really where the service of God is supposed to come from. Because rationalism places human thought at the center, and not God—meaning: I and my thought are the true sovereign, and if I manage to prove the existence of God, then I will observe the commandments, and if not, then not. Is there not something arrogant here toward God? What does the Rabbi think about this line of thought?
2. On a very random transition: I read a bit about Amalek in anticipation of the upcoming Purim, and I see that there were those who viewed the German nation, even before the Holocaust, as the seed of Amalek, and that there are hints of this in the Talmud ("Germania of Edom"), and that things become even clearer after that nation slaughtered six million of our people—men, women, and children. Does the Rabbi think there is any substance to these claims (Germania, seed of Amalek, etc.), and are there any practical implications? In addition, what should a Jewish person do if he has an affinity for German culture (language, literature, music, etc.)—is that halakhically or ethically objectionable?
Answer
1. That is just a slogan. I do not worship my own thought but the Holy One, blessed be He. Thought is what determines what I am supposed to do. Rationalism does not place man at the center any more than mysticism or any other approach does. Mysticism too is a human mode of relating, exactly like rational thought. In short, try thinking beyond slogans and you will see that these are just empty words.
And as for arrogance: if I have not reached the conclusion that He exists, why should I worship Him? By the same token, following rationalism when it leads me to the Holy One, blessed be He, is arrogance toward paganism. Just because I reached the intellectual conclusion that paganism is nonsense, that is why I do not worship it? You are simply begging the question.
2. The homiletic interpretations about Germania are not relevant to the matter. One can discuss whether a people that sets itself the goal of destroying the Jews has the status of Amalek or not. Plainly speaking, no—but someone who thinks yes is not being absurd. But it has nothing to do with dubious sources like the ones you cited, only with ordinary halakhic interpretation.
I did not understand the question regarding people with an affinity for German culture. Good for them. Even if Germans are Amalek, does that mean one may not engage with their culture? All the more so since, plainly speaking, if this applies at all, then Amalek would be the Nazis, not the Germans as a nation.