Q&A: Paradoxes, the Divine Presence, Self-Sacrifice, and a Few More Things
Paradoxes, the Divine Presence, Self-Sacrifice, and a Few More Things.
Question
With God’s help,
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A few brief matters,
- Is it possible to explain the paradoxical statement “the place of the Ark is not included in the measure” as a distortion of space?
- On this topic, one of the approaches says that the Hanukkah lamp burned and was not consumed, which is also a paradox.
- What is the meaning of “the Divine Presence never descended below ten handbreadths,” and why specifically 10?
- If it is impossible to know with certainty whether I would be killed rather than transgress, should that be similar to the views of some of the medieval authorities (Rishonim) that one cannot be commanded to believe, because there is no one who commands; and so too regarding self-sacrifice, it depends on the level of certainty? And also, according to this, is everyone a possible heretic?
- Rashi at the beginning of Ketubot chapter 2 writes that a majority turns a definite claim into an uncertain one, and this is very puzzling. What is the precise definition of uncertainty and majority?
Answer
1. I don’t know.
2. I didn’t understand what those are and what you’re referring to.
3. Ten handbreadths is a domain. Therefore up to that height it is considered the ground. Why specifically that measure? I don’t know.
4. I didn’t understand a word.
5. I didn’t understand the question.
The questions are written carelessly. If you want to ask, formulate things clearly, bring relevant sources, and don’t send me riddle-like writings.
Discussion on Answer
You’re continuing with the carelessness.
2. I don’t understand the question.
3. That the Divine Presence is less present in that area.
4. No, you’re not.
Why am I not a possible heretic? Could you explain?
A heretic is someone who does not believe. Here we are talking about someone who does believe. There is no such thing as 100% belief, so according to that everyone would be possible heretics.
Sorry, I’ll phrase it again.
One of the approaches regarding the miracle of the Hanukkah lamp is that the flame burned, meaning the oil sustained it, and nevertheless it was not consumed, unlike approaches in which oil was added, where only the source is unnatural, but the presence of the oil now is logical. This approach is paradoxical.
What is the logical meaning of the Divine Presence being in one place and not in another, and why is 10 handbreadths above the ground a closed-off zone for the Divine Presence?
If I don’t know whether I would give up my life in a moment of trial for the sanctification of God’s name, because it depends on my level of certainty, as you often argue, then I am a possible heretic, and that is everyone’s status.
I’ll give up on the last question,
Thank you very much and happy holiday, I appreciate the quick response.