Unhappy Critics of Judaism

Moshe Rabbeinu tells the people a word of advice that is the verse recited after calling up the Kohein to recite his blessings upon reading the Torah. ואתם נדבקים בה׳ אלוקיכם חיים כולכם היום, “And those who cleave to Hashem, your G-d, are alive today.”

The idea here is that those who choose to stay close to Hashem, by observing His commandments, are alive, and have a reason for living. They know they have a destiny to fulfill, and achieve great satisfaction, peace of mind, and joy, as they succeed in diligently living the life dictated by the Torah.

Clearly, everyone is seeking to live their lives in a manner in which they feel good about themselves. They learn to rise above their worries and anxieties, and are grateful for their lot in life.

Those that tend to find fault with the way Judaism is observed today, are not likely to be led to a place of inner peace. Their negative experience with religion, and their disappointment with those who have perverted it, makes them feel that they have no place in the traditional world.

They allow themselves to make their own adjustments to religious practices, and they remain outside the mainstream.

Such decisions are far too common, and they are understandable. The sad result of such decisions, is that it creates bitterness and anger when the shortcomings of religious practice are the main emphasis. And the saddest part of all, is that it does not lead to happiness and peace of mind.

“,Judaism is perfect and those who practice it, are not,” should be the correct outlook. When one delves into the beauty of our religion, by devoting many hours towards the intense study of Torah, and his life is filled with acts of kindness, he will find real fulfillment. He is connected to truth.

This was what Moshe was telling the people. If you really want to live and feel alive and vibrant, the secret is to cleave to G-d. This is the essence of man that will bring him the joy and peace of mind that he seeks.