Commentary on Faith and Miracles

Haggadah Section: Commentary / Readings

Taken from an excerpt by Harold M Schulweis

Faith and Miracles

Faith is a way of seeing and a way of responding to what we see.  The idea of the miraculous that excludes human action and reaction to events, like that of prayer that excludes the worshiper from the petitions, overlooks the divine presence within nature and humanity. 
 

Rabbi Akiba is challenged by the pagan I=Tineus Rufus: “Whose deeds are greater, those of G-d or man?” Akiba replies. “Greater are the deeds of man.”  The pagan is surprised by Akiba’s humanistic response.  To provide evidence for his assertion, Rabbi Akiba brings forth sheaves of what and loves of cakes.  Akiba asks, “Which are superior?” Unarguably, the loaves of cakes excel (Midrash Tanchuma Tazriah, 19:5). 

Akiba’s demonstration was not to raise man to G-d’s expense but to point out the wrongheadedness of Tineus Rufus’s split thinking—either G-d or man.  Rabbi Akiba’s intention is to inform Rufus about the cooperative relationship between G-d and man.  Akiba’s sheaves of wheat represent the givenness of G-d through seed, water, soil and sun, which men did not create.  The cakes, on the other hand, represent the human transformation of which is potential into actuality. 

Akiba calls attention to the daily sign-miracles.  Normal “miraculous” events are transactions between that over which we have little control and that which we have a measure of control.  It marks a partnership between the given and transformed. 

Healing points to the human, as well as to that which is beyond human powers.  Curing is a cooperative venture between self and Other.  Who, having undergone surgery, is blind to the “sign” of healing?

The philosopher Moredchai M. Kaplan used the ordinary phenomenon of children’s growth as illustrative of this worldly “signs.”  What accounts for children’s growth? Clearly, it relies on the human care of the self, proper nutrition, exercise and sleep.  The human contribution is necessary, but not sufficient.  There is something beyond that accounts for the normal mystery of human growth.  The collaboration of human and nonhuman energies is a factor that enters the miracle of growth. 

Sign-miracles entail the appropriate cooperation of the will, intelligence, and care, which themselves are manifestations of the divine and the potentialities given for us to transform.

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs44 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
20 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.