Q&A: Why Observe the Commandments?
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Why Observe the Commandments?
Question
Hello Rabbi, regarding the latest column on observing the commandments, I read it and enjoyed it מאוד. One thing is still not clear to me: what is the transition from belief in God who created the world to God who has the authority to command based on? That is, one can seemingly believe in a First Being who gave the Torah and still deny the assumption that He has formal authority.
Answer
Correct. One can. One can also deny things that are plainly true. Still, in my opinion this is correct, and whoever denies it is mistaken. See my article on philosophical gratitude on this matter.