Faith is a value central to Judaism. The biblical Abraham is noted throughout Jewish texts as a paradigm of fatih. Medieval scholars like Maimonides crafted principles of faith, and sources throughout the Jewish tradition tell stories of faith and discuss the role and nature of faith in Judaism.
Notable Sources
All Sources
A
Abraham's Exemplary Faith
TANAKH
Abraham's personal trust and faith in God were considered acts of righteousness, setting a profound example for all believers. The book of Genesis, the first book of the Torah, recounts the story of Abraham, whose unwavering faith in God's promises was deemed a righteous act.
Miraculous Protection Through Faith
TARGUM
Abram's unwavering faith is highlighted by divine intervention that miraculously protects him and punishes Haran for his doubt. The Targum Jonathan, an Aramaic translation and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible, adds midrashic elements to the story of Abraham, emphasizing his faith and the miraculous nature of his survival.
The Spiritual Light of Hanukkah
CHASIDUT
The miracle of Hanukkah transcends its historical context, offering a profound spiritual illumination accessible to every Jew. Rebbe Nathan Sternhartz of Nemirov explores how the physical victory and the miracle of the oil symbolize a deeper spiritual light that resonates through faith. This spiritual light, ignited during the time of Matityahu ben Yochanan, not only brought a decisive victory over the oppressive Greek kingdom but continues to inspire faith and devotion across generations.
The Attraction of Jewish Worship Practices
REFERENCE
During a time of spiritual crisis among the heathen nations, Judaism's unique worship practices attracted neighboring peoples. Gershom Bader's work explores the biographies of rabbis from the Talmudic period, highlighting their influence and the appeal of Jewish traditions.
Skepticism Amidst Miracles
JEWISH THOUGHT
Despite witnessing miraculous events, some Israelites in the desert remained skeptical and ambivalent towards divine intervention. In his medieval philosophical work, Akeidat Yitzchak, Rabbi Isaac Arama explores the contrasting attitudes of the Israelites towards miracles during the Exodus.
Theodicy and the Weekly Torah Portion
TANAKH
How can we reconcile the existence of a just God with the reality of suffering and injustice in the world? Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his compilation of essays, delves into the philosophical and theological challenges of theodicy through the lens of the weekly Torah portion.
The Efficacy of Silent Prayer
TALMUD
Raising one's voice during prayer is seen as a lack of confidence in the efficacy of silent prayer. The Gemara in tractate Berakhot criticizes those who raise their voice during the Amida prayer, equating them with individuals of little confidence and false prophets.
Miracles of Chanukah Faith
LITURGY
The miraculous deliverance and divine intervention during the time of the Hasmoneans highlight God's mercy and the sanctification of His name through acts of faith. The 'Al HaNissim' prayer, recited during Chanukah, commemorates the Maccabean victory over the Greeks and the miraculous oil, emphasizing how these events solidified the Jewish people's faith and God's enduring presence in their history.
From Pharaoh's Subjects to God's Servants
COMMENTARY
The Israelites' transition from being subjects of Pharaoh to becoming servants of God is a pivotal moment in Jewish history. Everett Fox’s essays on the Five Books of Moses explore the Israelites' arrival at Mount Sinai and their acceptance of divine laws, marking their covenant with God.
The Purposeful Sequence of Divine Providence
KABBALAH
God's providence is driven by absolute goodness and follows a purposeful sequence of cause and effect, ensuring that we ultimately receive the intended goodness without any admixture of evil. Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, a prominent Kabbalist, explores the nature of divine providence and the ultimate goodness of God in his work 'Kuntres Matan Torah'.
Faith in Daily Practice
GUIDES
Faith isn't just a belief; it's woven into daily life through blessings and prayers. Adin Steinsaltz's commentary on Tractate Berakhot in the Babylonian Talmud highlights how faith connects people continuously to the Creator, influencing their interactions and practical conduct.
Faith in a Material World
MUSAR
In a world dominated by materialism and weakened reason, achieving true piety and faith is increasingly challenging. The medieval ethical work Sefer HaYashar addresses the spiritual and moral decline of society, offering guidance for maintaining faith and righteousness.
Faith in Divine Intervention
SECOND TEMPLE
In moments of extreme distress, the belief in divine intervention and the power of prayer can be a source of hope and deliverance. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, recounts the biblical story of the parting of the Red Sea, emphasizing the miraculous nature of this event.
Hannah's Fervent Prayer
MIDRASH
Hannah's prayer for a son is a profound example of faith and theological reasoning, as she appeals to God by arguing that her body was created for motherhood. Louis Ginzberg's 'Legends of the Jews' retells the story of Hannah's fervent prayer, emphasizing her deep personal anguish and devout nature.
The Spiritual Renewal of Shabbos
CHASIDUT
Shabbos provides a unique opportunity to step back from the world, rejuvenate our spirits, and reaffirm our faith. Zev Reichman explores these spiritual dimensions of Shabbos in his contemporary work, highlighting its profound role in Jewish life.
The Ten Trials of Abraham
MISHNAH
Abraham's unwavering faith and commitment to God are exemplified through the ten trials he endured. Pirkei Avot, a work of ancient rabbinic ethics and wisdom from the land of Israel, offers ethical teachings and maxims, including the trials and steadfastness of Abraham.
The Commandment of Oneness
HALAKHAH
The commandment to believe in the absolute oneness of God requires active acceptance and knowledge, making it a positive and dynamic obligation. The Sefer HaChinukh, the 13th-century enumeration and explanation of each biblical commandment, systematically discusses the 613 commandments, including the Shema, which emphasizes the oneness of God.
The Righteous Shall Live by Their Faith
TANAKH
The righteous are granted life due to their faithfulness, in contrast to the flawed spirit of the arrogant. The prophet Habakkuk contrasts the fate of the righteous and the arrogant, emphasizing the reward of life for the faithful.
Trust as Steadfast as Mount Zion
TANAKH
Trust in the Lord is likened to Mount Zion, which is immovable and eternal. The Book of Psalms, an anthology of 150 poems, includes expressions of trust, hope, and gratitude, often recited in Jewish liturgy.
Circumcision Cushion Cover from the  Ottoman Empire, late 17th-early 18th century, Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman, The Jewish Museum, New York.
Circumcision Cushion Cover from the Ottoman Empire, late 17th-early 18th century, Gift of Dr. Harry G. Friedman, The Jewish Museum, New York.
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