There are those who say that before we do any mitzvah, we must first understand why it needs to be done. Why else were we given a mind?
There are others who say we must just obey with simple faith. How else can we bond with One who is entirely beyond our understanding?
Abraham did both. He began with absolute faith, even when it was impossible to make sense of what he had been told to do. Yet he would not leave until his questions were answered and he had been given a way to understand.
“Don’t do a thing to the young man, for now I know that you are a G‑d fearing person.” (Genesis 22:12)
Abraham said to G‑d, “Let me present my case. First You told me that my descendants will be from Isaac. Then You told me to take him for an offering. Now You say I mustn’t do a thing to him…” (Rashi, citing Midrash)
That makes sense. Matters that are beyond our understanding can never be fit neatly into human reason. But neither can they be left in conflict.
Because if what you believe is true, it must be true everywhere. Even within your own limited human mind.
And the Lord said to Abram, "Go forth from your land and from your birthplace and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. Gen 12:1. IMO this only apparently means physical land, but rather "Go to yourself", or your inner Truth. Go to the real you, who lived and walked with G-d in Gan Eden. In your inner being, don't cleave to the things of the world, ego, personal satisfaction, but rather find your true Self, which is only a blink away.
Avishai,
Perfectly clear. Your opinion makes sense. Thank you.
This is so true, when lean on or want the things of this world, ego, personal satisfaction, we become blind. No longer able to see what
G-d has planned for our life.