The infinite versus the finite God

 

 

I just thought about the incredible incredible incredible difference that having an infinite versus finite God makes.

 

To begin, there is a story about the mystic Reb Shmuel whose home burned in a fire – watching his life’s possessions go up in flames, suddenly, the compassionate onlookers heard him make a blessing – they assumed it would be the traditional “Blessed are you God.. The judge of truth;” (made when tragedy occurs) instead he said “who did not make me an idol-worshiper” (goy;) he explained, “had I been an idol worshiper, than my gods would have also gone up in smoke.”

 

Similarly, if we believe in a limited God, even the God of the Bible, but limited in his information, so it all depends – are you, or are you not keeping the commandments? – the Rebbe introduced an entirely new paradigm to the Jewish world and it should be emulated: the question is not, are you keeping the commandments, the question is, are you growing?

 

For if God is limited by a single revelation and that’s that; then yes the question is (as most Orthodox Jews always saw Judaism) are you, or are you not keeping the commandments? – but if God is infinite, then there is no such question; the only question to be asked is, are you growing today?