| Keter Shem Tov 206: Faith and Inquiry |
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| Written by Bentzion of Medziboz |
 Why do we say, "Our G·d and the Our G·d of our forefathers"?(1) There are two types of people who believe in Our G·d. One is the person who believes in Our G·d by way of tradition, but
yet, his faith is strong. The second is the one who arrives at the conclusions of faith by way of inquiry.The difference between the two is that the first one has the advantage of not being open to outside influence, even if he is confronted with many arguments to contradict his faith, for his faith is strong by virtue of his tradition, and he has never inquired into his faith. On the other hand, he has the disadvantage of not knowing the reasoning underlying his faith, and thus performs his obligations out of habit. The second one, though, because he found Our G·d by way of inquiry, has the advantage of his faith being very strong and his love complete. On the other hand, he has the disadvantage of being open to outside influence, if he will be brought arguments to disprove his faith. However, the one who possesses both, who relies firmly on the tradition handed down to him, but also inquires into it himself, he has all advantages, and his faith is complete. Therefore, we say, "Our Our G·d and the Our G·d of our forefathers": our Our G·d by way of our own inquiry, and Our G·d of forefathers by way of tradition. Therefore, we also say, "Our G·d of Abraham, Our G·d of Isaac, and Our G·d of Jacob," rather than, "Our G·d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob," to imply that Isaac and Jacob did not rely alone on the tradition handed down to them from Abraham, but inquired into Our G·d on their own as well.(2) 1. The opening section of the Shemoneh Esreh. 2. As we are taught, each of the forefathers served God in a different and unique way- each one according to his individual nature: Abraham through loving-kindness, Isaac though awe, and Jacob through integration and blending of the two opposites. Translation and Commentary by Rabbi Yehoshua and reprinted with the kind permission of the Baal Shem Tov Foundation. Please visit www.baalshemtov.com Join a class on the Perekim from the Kesser Shem Tov: Shabbos morning 9am in the Shteibel Minyan Beis Medresh and around 2pm after Shabbos lunch at 7495 Malibu Crescent, Montoya Estates East. Also, write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to receive the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov in your email inbox, visit and join a discussion group on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov at http://groups.google.com/group/teachings_of_the_besht?hl=en Publicize the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov To Help Bring Moshiach Right NOW! Publicize the Teachings of the Baal Shem Tov to Bring Moshiach NOW! Bentzion Meltzer 954.242.9208 www.besht-yomi.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it http://groups.google.com/group/teachings_of_the_besht?hl=en http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Stories_of_the_Baal_Shem_Tov/ 
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