Commitment and logic.

We all know that G-d gave us a mind and a set of emotions for a reason, so they should be used. As a matter of fact, when the bible says that humans are created in the form and image of G-d, it refers specifically to our faculty of being able to think independently, and experience emotions in a unique kind of way, similar to G-d.

It is only humans who are aware of their own emotions and more so. Only humans are able to control and direct our emotions by the thoughts we allow ourselves to process and absorb.

Notwithstanding this incredible exclusivity to our lives, our sages tell us, be weary of this power, because it will steer you in directions that are energized by a selfishness and ego. As much as a person makes any effort to be objective, in the end, a person’s judgment of anything will always be limited by the sub total of only their own experiences, to the benefit of themselves, and certainly not to what appears at the time to the detriment of themselves.

The Talmud explains why we must first proclaim G-d is one, and that he is the only force behind everything, with the Shema Yisrael prayer, before we can accept to love G-d and fulfill his commandments.

If a person bases his obedience and commitment only on his own conclusions, those that are dictated by his own logic and current feelings, tomorrow, if a more convincing argument is made or a person feels differently, there becomes every reason to reconsider prior conclusions and commitments.

However, when a person’s commitment to a relationship surpasses logic and/or personal feelings, G-d is infinite, he has all that is good and powerful, and nothing that is bad or weak, and therefore even if I can’t totally grasp this concept in my finite mind, I am committed to this principle of faith and this becomes something that is iron clad. This kind of proclamation elevates and expands who we are to a level that is otherwise impossible to reach. This becomes a bond of faith with the essence, the true superpower.

That is why, what truly impressed G-d when he offered us the Torah, was our response. “We will do and then we will dedicate ourselves to understand.” This is why the Holy Day of Passover, which is the first of all the major Holy days is represented in the eating of the flat and simple matza, as opposed to the blown up rich with ingredients bread, that is eaten at other times.

A person must lay the foundation of their worship to G-d in humility, simplicity, faith, and obedience. No complications of the mind and the heart, but simple whole hearted faith. We tell children who keep on asking, but why do I have to do this??? Trust me this is best for you. Now, it is impossible to comprehend matters that can only be understood with age and experience. In order for a soldier to succeed, he must be committed beyond his own comprehension and feelings of the moment.

Commitment takes a person beyond themselves. Commitment connects and joins all that you are with the one you are committed to. It is then, that you have created the conduit and possibility to receive the flow of G-dliness in your life.