Giving of the Torah

About 3,300 years ago G-d gave the Jews the Torah at Mount Sinai.

There were millions of witnesses.

But before he gave the Torah to the Jews, he offered it to all other nations.

One Nation asked “What is in the Torah?” G-d replied for example: “Do not steal.” The nation said it was too difficult to uphold and did not accept it.

He went similarly to all other nations. All asked what was in the Torah. G-d told them and they did not accept it.

Finally, G-d offered it to the Jews – and they said “We will do it and We will hear.” They were willing to do what G-d said before they heard what the Torah said to do!

Jews become Chosen Nation

At this point the Jews became the nation Chosen by G-d to uphold the laws of the Torah.

Jews serve to be the upholders of ethics in the World.

Just like the President is chosen to run the country, because he, the country thinks, is best for the job, G-d thinks that the Jews are the best for upholding the ethics of the world as described by the Torah.

One does not bear animosity towards the president because he was selected to run the nation. Similarly, one should not bear animosity towards the Jews for having been chosen to serve as a light to the nations – to teach them ethics.

Basically the way that the world should work is that if any person has an ethical question , they should ask a competent Orthodox rabbi and based upon his knowledge of Torah, he will give an answer according to Torah.

Daat Torah – The Understanding of Torah

Daat Torah – is the understanding of the Torah. Sometimes people even ask questions that do not seem to be an issue to ask a Rabbi about, like whether to take a Job or not, to a competent Orthodox Rabbi to receive the point of view of the Torah.

Basically the way that the world should work is that if any person has an ethical question , they should ask a competent Orthodox rabbi and based upon his knowledge of Torah, he will give an answer according to Torah.

This makes life much easier – because people estranged from Torah usually have three dilemmas.
1) To Know what is actually right or wrong.
2) To know if it is proper to apply what is right to their particular situation.
3) To actually implement it.

People who follow the Torah only have two dilemmas. They know the Torah is the True source of all ethics. Thus the answer to question 1 is answered by looking in the Torah or consulting with a competent Torah authority.
Thus they only have to grapple with:
2) To know if it is proper to apply what is right to their particular situation.
3) To actually implement it.

Deciding About Life Support

Once someone I knew was on a life support machine. The family was grappling with the issue of whether to take the person off the machine, because he was suffering. There were pros and cons. I explained to them it is an issue of ethics. The Torah deals with this issue. I asked a competent Torah authority and he said it was forbidden to take him off life support.

This made the burden much easier on the family. They did not have to know if what decision they made was right or wrong. They asked the to find out Daat Torah and followed it.

Routine Questions for a Rabbi

Many people routinely ask orthodox rabbis specialized in certain areas of Jewish law, questions on Halacha (Jewish law).

Some ask:
– whether they should get married to a particular individual.
– Which neighborhood would be suitable for them to move?
– Which school is good for their children?
– How to deal with a particular problem.
– how to deal with family problems – like children off the path of Torah, abusive spouses, etc.
– the proper manner of burial according to Jewish law
– about civil law disputes

Almost any question – that has ethical repercussions – can be asked to a competent rabbi to receive Daat Torah.

Beacon of Morality in the World

Part of the Job of the Chosen Nation is to Follow the Laws of the Torah to be able to serve as Moral beacon to the world. It is also to have a close relationship with G-d. If a person wants to take this responsibility they are free to do so by consulting with an Orthodox Rabbi on how to convert.

A Gentile, does not have this responsibility. They Just have to follow the 7 Noahide laws from the Torah for the Torah to receive a place in heaven.

Being part of The Chosen nation is a responsibility to act with impeccable morals. The Laws of the Torah guide us to reach the level of becoming an example to follow.