Parashat Re'eh

    Testing, Testing 1,2,3

1. The instance of a false prophet is mentioned in this week’s parshah. To paraphrase the verses.  ‘If a Jew from among you, tells you he will perform a miracle and the miracle comes true and then he tells you not to follow the Torah, then you must kill him.’ Why does Hashem allow this false prophet to deceive us?  The text answers this question by saying that Hashem is testing us.

2. One reason a test  is given is to asses knowledge or ability. For example the road test. However,  Hashem knows the future so why does he need to give the test if he knows we will pass it ?

3.A man was at the circus once and noticed a massive elephant tied down with a thin piece of string. He asked the trainer how this thin string was able to hold a huge elephant. The trainer replied that when the elephant was very young the string was tied to its leg and it was able to hold it. As it got older it never tested the string to see if it could get out. The Jews are the elephant and galus is the string.

3.Ramban answers that the test is not for Hashem it is for us.  Passing the test demonstrates to us what we are capable of achieving . When we see we are able to stand up to the challenge of the false prophet our faith in Hashem is demonstrated to ourselves and our community.

4. Moses Mendelssohn who was a premier philosopher in his time and was known as the German Socrates. At a young age he won  a philosophical essay competition. Immanuel Kant came in second place. He would have never entered the realm of Jewish philosophy if he was not challenged by his peers.  He was given an ultimatum to accept the tenets of Christianity or refute them. He was drawn into the world of Jewish philosophy to refute the claims of a false prophet.

4.The Ramban  also faced a similar challenge regarding the same false prophet. He was forced into a debate with an apostate Jew named Pablo Christiani regarding fundamental principles in Judaism which were illuminated because of the debate.

Everyone faces tests and challenges in life. In these experiences are our greatest opportunity for growth.