A Baal T’shuva’s Choices in Life and Torah 2 # 8

In memory of my friend and true Baal Tshuva Reuven Shalom Ben Avrohom a"h

A Baal T’shuva’s Choices in Life and Torah 2

During the holiday of Sukkoth, that just past, we read the book of Kohelet. In it is written, "All the  rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full" (Kohelet 1:7).

  

One can apply these words to the various approaches in the services of G-d, all "flow" with the same goal in mind, serving G-d.

The same with the teachings of Chassidut and Musser. Musser, whose emphasis is how low one can fall if they sin and Chassidut, which emphasis how high a man can reach if they don't (Ha'yom Yom) are both a way to achieve "Yirat Hashem" ( Sichos Kodesh ).

 

Hence when explaining the various parts of the Torah, to a  both new student of Torah or an old one, they both must be told how all parts of the Torah are obligatory to be studied.

 For one to say; "learn only this and never this" , excluding a part of the Torah forever, is improper. Even worse to say; "This is Torah and this is not", absolutely incorrect. 

The same with Musser and Chassidus, the difference between  is only one of emphasis.

 

More so, Rosh Ha'Yeshivo's, Rebbe's  teachers etc. must explain that one who learns only Talmud, without Musser or Chassidus is lacking not only in "Yirat Hashem" but also in his very understanding of the Talmud and Torah they study. (Kol Homer Ein Li Ela Torah...)

 

Most certainly they cannot fulfill the 6 constant mitzvah (see beginning Mishna Berura O.C.) of which are love and fear of G-d.

Without studying about G-d, how can one love or fear a being they know nothing about?

 

Only through studying teachings in Torah dedicated to explaining, the existence of G-d,  His creation, His ability to reveal Himself to man, prophecy, faith, trust, His divine providence in the world.etc. can this be achieved.

 

 

The need for studying these works are a must, both for a "frum" person and  a beginner , but more so for a beginner

 

For a "frum from birth" person who, though raised with a Torah upbringing , still needs to internalize the faith to keep it alive. Without studying teachings that deal with faith. A person might continue to practice, but may do so without emotion.

  Even worse, with time might eventually stop observing at all or to not to put in the effort to be careful with every detail.

 

The reason being is that In life as we age and live though events our mind and heart change. Also as human beings we are constantly thinking and absorbing.

 

 

Hence, when a person , whether religious or not , is faced with challenges or new circumstance, they have three choices: a) to use the old values they believed in to find a solution.  b) to question the old ways and abandon them in favor of a new approach.

c)   to look deeper into what they where taught before and see in it a new depth that was not apparent to them before.

In life at time we fall back on earlier beliefs and at times those seem to be not enough and we have a need for more. Either a deeper understanding of what we believed or an entirely new belief.

The truth is that with or without challenges a constant conscience or subconscious revaluation is occurring.

Both the "frum" person and beginner has has test.

In a general the "frum" persons teat is more one of  resisting temptation. And if having sinned, to have the inner strength to get back on track.

 

The "frum" person knows there is a G-d and is aware of His commandments but struggles how to over the evil inclination. 

 

 The test of the beginner is one of  beliefs: "Is there a G-d"? "Do we know what He wants"?

 However, at times, even one born "frum" will be so tested as to question their faith and belief itself.

 

Also with age, it is natural for one to question why they must continue living the life the way they where brought up. 

 

A "frum" person will then need more then "it is our tradition”. Saying to them at a time of need or searching ; "do not ask questions" - "just believe". Will not work.

Whether one is an FFB or a BT , and who in reality, each and everyone,  is a combination of both , hence all need to study subjects that not only explain what to practice but what it is to be Jews.

 

To study of torah books and writings that deal with the subjects of belief and self improvement are needed.

These books demand from the person to always reexamining himself and his actions, attitudes and synchronization of practice and knowledge.

Both between Man and G-d and G-d and man.

 

Hence both the teachings of Chassidus and Musser and other books of Jewish philosophy and ethics are needed.

However what then is the difference between them?

One difference is how we view the outside world and the reason for the soul descend into it.

Do we view the physical world as an evil place and we are only put here to overcome its tests and thereby receive a greater in the reward in after life.

Or does the world itself have a deeper intrinsic level of goodness that can only be  revealed through the souls descend into it.  The souls reward, after revealing this goodness, is too ascends to a much higher level in the service of G-d, then before coming to earth. G-d willing more on this in part three of "A Baal T’shuva’s Choices in Life and Torah 3.

please our add for a new series on the Bal Tshuva Series given in CIKB Brooklyn for more info email me at rabbiyw@yahoo.com