Q&A: Belief Based on Tradition
Belief Based on Tradition
Question
Is it possible to prove the truth of the history described in the Torah (and therefore the truth of the revelation at Sinai and the truth of the Torah) from tradition? If so, how? And if not, how are we to understand the verses in which the Torah proves itself, “For ask now of the earlier days…”? And how can one have flawless faith, in light of Maimonides’ words (Foundations of the Torah, ch. 8) that Israel did not believe with complete faith on the basis of signs and wonders until the revelation at Sinai?
Answer
The question is what you mean by “prove.” Historical events, even ones that are much closer to us, are not proven logically or mathematically. We are dealing with assessments based on information, sources, and the like. Each person according to the impression he forms.