Here’s a thought:
Imagine there was a blood test that could determine who your soulmate is. You and your prospective partner would go to a laboratory and give blood samples, and half an hour later they would tell you whether you will live happily ever after, or if you should let this one go. Sounds wonderful? But think about it. Is that an ideal way to begin a relationship? It certainly would save a lot of time. But where’s the romance in hearing; "Listen, the blood test came out positive, so I guess we may as well get engaged." In reality we wouldn't appreciate a laboratory-tested soulmate. What makes a meaningful relationship is that it is a choice coming from within. If we based a marriage on external evidence such as a blood test, we would indeed have certainty, but the sense of freedom would be lost. Choice is an essential ingredient of true love. Certainty is not. That is the reason why proving G-d is not useful. G-d wants us to enter into a relationship with Him by choice, not by force. He specifically created us as free beings who can deny Him if we want. He created a world in which His existence can be debated. No outside force or argument or proof that compels us to serve G-d. Because of that, when we do serve Him, it is by our choice, it is coming from us, and that is the basis for a real relationship. Going back to your question, there are indeed many logical proofs of G-d's existence and the truth of Torah. But most people can only appreciate these proofs after they have already established a relationship with G-d, just as most people only identify their soulmate after they have already committed to the relationship. If you wait to know for sure that you have found your perfect match you may forever remain single. And if you wait for proof of G-d's reality you may forever live in a lonesome universe. Embrace uncertainty and open your heart up to a relationship based on choice. Just like you can find love, you can find G-d. Menachem M. Bluming and Rabbi Moss and Chabad.org
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AuthorRabbi Mendel Bluming also dedicated six years to serving on the board of directors of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, where he received the Matthew H. Simon Rabbinical Award for exceptional communal leadership. Archives
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