My children ask many questions and as a parent, I try to answer to the best of my ability. Some answers I know off the cuff, while others can be found in books or on Google, and sometimes I need to think deeply before formulating a response. Their questions are typically motivated by their experiences and childish observations, and they are never inhibited by self-consciousness to refrain from asking “a stupid question.”
I am often enriched by searching for these answers, but the greatest gift of all is learning from them the value of wanting to know more and not taking things for granted. Why does “green light” mean “go” and “red light” mean “stop?” Why do some foods need to be cooked while others are eaten raw? I admit the incessant questions can irritate me sometimes, but I am reminded that Judaism exists only because a young child would not stop asking questions.
One of the earliest stories I recall from my childhood is about Abraham discovering G-d. At age three he realized a molten image that can be tossed around could not possibly be the creator of heaven and earth and, undeterred by his parents’ refusal to engage in the conversation, started searching for the most powerful force in the world.
Observing the sun hovering high above in the sky providing light and warmth for the entire world he determined it was the most powerful, but realized his mistake when the moon took its place at night. His honest and thorough investigation led him to discover that G-d is invisible, omnipotent, and omnipresent, contrary to the prevailing zeitgeist of idolatry. It was an evolving internal journey with major breakthroughs at age forty and forty-eight respectively until Abraham achieved the most profound divine consciousness available to man at the time.
G-d’s love for Abraham is unparalleled throughout the biblical narrative, and for good reason. But this relationship only happened, and the Jewish nation is here today because Abraham never stopped asking questions and searching for answers as a young child. He rejected the heathen worship of his elders and charted a new path for humanity by sharing his knowledge and faith with everyone in his time. The world is a more tolerant and peaceful place today because of an inquisitive three-year-old child.
We have much to learn from Abraham’s faith, sacrifice, kindness, and dedication, but the most empowering lesson of all is the importance of always learning and growing in our understanding of G-d. Unfortunately many are led to believe that asking questions about G-d is sacrilegious or a sign of rebellion. As long as we are searching for truth and not looking for excuses to shirk our responsibilities as Jews, learning more about G-d is the most Jewish thing we can do.
This Tuesday we start a new six-week course entitled My G-d: Defining the Divine. A fast-paced, fun and informative academic journey exploring the answers to 25 major questions about G-d and I invite you to join me on this theological adventure.
Click here to learn more about the course.