I am particularly stuck now on the tenth chapter of Berkovits‘ God, Man and History because it gives the best reason, for me, for the Law’s existence: the Law is the method by which to continue and to channel the impact of the Encounter which, by its very nature, can’t be happening to me all the time.
The Law provides a method for me to act in response to God, to what I have experienced, in a way that has meaning not only for myself but for the other people whom I encounter. In the attempt, at least, of this Jewish form of Right Action, one’s life becomes a conversation, through action as well as word, with God.
Its all-encompassing factor envelops one with the feeling of God’s concern for all aspects of one’s life. And a reminder: you can’t “just” decide to live a better life, and get credit for that decision alone. Unlike Christianity, where all you have to do to get into heaven is believe (clap for Tinkerbell!), Judaism requires me to do my best to be a good person in this world, in my relationships with other people as well as with God.
white pebble 