Sefer HaKuzari

 

My story

Episode 6

Boqer tov!

A friend and I are currently carefully reading through Jewish Messianic Rabbi Dr Itzhak Shapira's book The Rivkah Remnant - https://rivkahremnant.com/ - which is available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Rivkah-Remnant-Rabbi-Itzhak-Shapira-ebook/dp/B09QFWPJTF - and we're reading all the commentaries that are referenced in the book. 

In preparing for today's study session , I found a reference on Page 15 to the Kuzari, written by Yehudah HaLevi. I first heard of Yehudah HaLevi when members of our yeshiva traveled to Spain, and specifically to Toledo, with Rabbi. He is a fascinating character. (Yehuda HaLevi that is, but Rabbi is as well!:)

So I found this essay he had written. Here is the introduction from  Sefaria - such amazing history that we Westerners are hardly aware of:

About This Text

Author: Yehuda Halevi

Composed:  c.1120 - c.1140 CE

The Kuzari was written by Yehuda Halevi (Spain, 1075 – 1141). Originally written in Arabic, it describes how the king of the Khazars (an Asian tribe that converted to Judaism in the eighth century), in an attempt to determine which is the true religion, invites representatives of each of the three major religions to come and explain his beliefs. The group includes a Muslim imam, a Christian priest and a rabbi. The king is won over by the rabbi's arguments, and during the ensuing dialogue, the rabbi demonstrates the superiority of his faith by bringing clear proof to the biblical account of the giving of the Torah at Sinai, and explaining the commandments in rational terms. Instead of using complicated philosophical ideas, he bases his arguments on history, tradition, and common sense. In the introduction, the author states that the purpose of his work is to reply to the attacks of those who wish to denigrate Judaism. The Kuzari is considered one of the most important works of Jewish apologetica and has been reprinted many times in several languages.

The first paragraph was phrased in such a beautiful way that I simply had to share it. Such poetry and history all rolled into one. Here it is, see what you think:

1. AL KHAZARI: I must trouble thee to give me a clear and concise discourse on religious principles and axioms according to the method of the Mutakallims. Let me hear them exactly as thou didst study them, that I may accept or refute them. Since I have not been granted a perfect faith free from doubts, and I was formerly sceptical, had my own opinions, and exchanged ideas with philosophers and followers of other religions, I consider it most advantageous to learn and to instruct myself how to refute dangerous and foolish views. Tradition in itself is a good thing if it satisfies the soul, but a perturbed soul prefers research, especially if examination leads to the verification of tradition. Then knowledge and tradition become united.

The faith of our fathers. Indeed. What a privilege to be grafted into the House of Israel through Messiah Yeshua.

May your day be blessed🌹