Over the past 2,000 years in the Diaspora, Jews have had many opportunities to display their courage to stand up for Jewish beliefs. Consider Natan Sharansky – a prisoner of conscience who willingly underwent years of psychological and physical torture for the sake of being Jewish.
The pages of Jewish history are filled with thousands of Sharanskys. Whether during the Inquisition, the Crusades, the pogroms, or the myriad other persecutions and expulsions – Jews have given their lives for Judaism.
To the Western ear, "sacrificing your life for a belief" sounds like a far-too drastic action! Is there logic and reason to what our ancestors did? And where did they find the strength to lay down their lives rather than accept another religion?
Rabbi Akiva and the Shema
One of Judaism's most inspiring legends is Rabbi Akiva.
Where did they find the strength to give their lives rather than accept another religion?
Even though he only began to learn the Aleph-Bet at age 40, he applied himself with such determination that he became the greatest sage of Talmudic times.
During the first century, the Romans tried to obliterate Judaism and passed a laws prohibiting Torah study. In defience, Rabbi Akiva gathered together his disciples and taught them Torah.
The Romans arrested Rabbi Akiva and executed him by brutally tearing the skin off his body with iron forks.
As he was being tortured, Rabbi Akiva joyously recited the Shema – "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One."
His students exclaimed: "Rabbi, not only do we give our lives for the sake of God, but we do so in ecstasy?!"
Replied Rabbi Akiva: "All my life, I strove for the level of dedication to sanctify God's name with my very life. Now that I have the opportunity, I joyously perform it!"
Was Rabbi Akiva superhuman? How could this "opportunity" give him so much pleasure that it completely obscured the agony of death?
Know Your Pleasures
A fundamental of Judaism is that there is nothing a human being can do for God. God has no needs. Yet at the same time He gives us everything – air, water, food, sun. And He gave us the Torah as instructions for deriving maximum pleasure from this world.
In the Shema, the Jewish pledge of allegiance, we are commanded to love God B'chol Nafshecha – "with all your soul." You have to be willing to sacrifice your life rather than deny God.
If mitzvot are for our pleasure... how does this give us pleasure?!
This is the pleasure of clarity and commitment. If you can perceive something as so important that you will sacrifice your own life for it, then your life has weight and purpose and direction. Because until you know what you are willing to die for, you have not yet begun to live.
Material pleasures are necessary and nice, though they do not compare to the higher pleasures of love and meaning. Imagine you're offered 10 million dollars in exchange for one of your children. After rejecting the offer, you'd be overwhelmed with the precious value of that child! You may have always known his worth on an intellectual level, but now it becomes real to you.
When you live for a cause, it is with unparalleled power and pleasure.
Similarly, once you have found a cause so meaningful that you would forfeit your life for, when you indeed live for that cause, it is with unparalleled power and pleasure.
This is the secret of Jewish heroism. This is why so many Jews throughout history have sacrificed their lives for what they believe. Because dying for God is a higher pleasure... than living without Him.
Live For What You Are Willing To Die For
I once met a man who lived by this principle.
"Zev" lived in Israel when the British were still in power. He was a member of a Jewish underground movement which aimed to rout out the British by force.
During the four years that Zev was in the Jewish underground, he was completely cut off from his friends and family – forced to work as an itinerant laborer, with no place to call home. Every day he walked the streets, keeping a steady watch because the British were constantly stopping people and searching them. Any Jew found carrying a gun was guilty of a capital crime.
One day, the British made a sudden sweep, and Zev was arrested. The British realized he was from the Jewish underground and tortured him to obtain other names. Zev lost a leg from the maltreatment.
In 1948, when the British retreated, Zev was released. He went on to get married, build a business, and raise a large family.
He says:
"Looking back over my whole life, unquestionably the best period was being a member of the Jewish underground. True, much of it was a miserable existence. But every moment I was completely alive. I was living for something that I was willing to die for."
Life Is About Pleasure, Not Comfort
Comfort is very nice, but it is not meaningful.
An idiot is more than capable of leading a comfortable life. He doesn't suffer much, he enjoys ice cream, insults fly right over his head, he always puts on a smile... The world is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.
But he doesn't experience anything beyond his ice cream. He lacks the capacity to appreciate higher pleasures beyond the physical – relationships, meaning, and spirituality.
Living only for material pleasure and comfort is not really living. We also need to understand the deeper existential meaning of life. Sooner or later, every human being is faced with the cold, hard reality: "What's my life all about?"
The "Cause" in Jewish Life
Countless groups all over the world will surrender their lives for different causes.The Iranians will die, the Iraqis will die, the Afghanistanis, the North Koreans, the Kurds... the list is endless. So what's so special about the Jewish people?
Sooner or later, everyone faces the cold, hard reality: "What's it all about?"
Throughout the ages, the destiny and mission of the Jewish nation has been to teach monotheism. Jews are dying not for their own sake, but for the sake of humanity. By transmitting the message of monotheism and Love Your Neighbor, we continue to be a "Light unto the Nations" and thereby preserve the hope of world peace.
This concept was such a clear reality that it gave Jews a higher form of pleasure than anything material on Earth. Rabbi Akiva understood this. When asked to trade his life for God, he understood the idea so clearly that he could even experience joy. He knew that he was connecting with something more precious than his own life.
Despite the horrible persecutions, Jews always treasured life because we understood our power to transform the world. Yet when faced with conversion or death, we knew we had to fight or die for the sake of keeping the Jewish message alive.
Without that obstinacy and unwavering adherence to our faith, the Jewish people could never have made such an enormous impact on the ideas and values of world civilization.
Our great-grandparents understood this, and so we are here as Jews today.
That's why we teach our children to say the Shema: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One."
If you want to live, be real. Know what you are willing to die for. Then you are genuinely alive, and able to truly achieve the highest form of pleasure from living.
Shakespeare said, "A coward dies many a death, a brave man dies but once." All of us are going to die. The question is, do you want to live?
(28) Neicee, June 3, 2015 10:52 PM
Love articles by Rabbi Weinberg
Ions ago, the author of "You Only Live Twice" Ian Fleming wrote in the introduction - You Only Live Twice: once when you're born and once when you look death in the face. I have never forgotten the quote.
Thank you Rabbi. Love your books. Such wisdom
(27) Anonymous, May 31, 2015 8:17 PM
when sacrifice is interference
I am willing to die for my grown son, but he is not interested.
(26) Zsolt, May 27, 2015 12:57 AM
as a passage way
I agree with the other comments, such articles can provide us with fuel for long time.
And the most beautiful is that as a part of this unique Nation we are all capable of fulfilling this purpose, being "Light onto the nations", bringing them closer to G_d.
As long as we are mutually together, we serve each other in mutual guarantee and through that unity we serve the Creator the Light constantly streams through us to others.
(25) joe, June 11, 2011 2:44 AM
What is my purpose in life? What is my path?
I've been trying to understand what my purpose in life is? I know I want to fulfill God's will, but how? What is the path? I know I have a calling, but I think I miss the concept, or has not yet manifested? How can I help people? Lately, I've been focusing on the spiritual part. What is a miracle or magic? I've seen and experienced darkness. I want to be in the light and away from bad vibrations. How can I use my experience to help others? Or, How can you show the light when people are self-centered and threatened by their surroundings and other peoples success? How do we serve our fellow brethren when the status quo is enforced? I've prayed to the Creator of Light and Love to provide me with the answer to my purpose and path, but have not yet received. Is it simple? Will I receive a response from our Father? Thanks.
yosef arieh, July 14, 2011 4:00 AM
direction
Check out this mate: 2 websites to give u guidance. 1.Askmoses.com (-MSN with rabbis you can chat with them and flesh out your issues -anonymous.) 2.Jewishpathways.com (A aish made website that is the next step- it explains alot of the answers and how to fulfill g-ds will just go through the site and go through it systematically and slowly it is put together well to form a comprehensive pathway for doing g-ds will. You righhave to be a member to have access click on the right hand top corner of the page and check all the boxes cos' u want to have access to all the courses. (it is free) U can contact me on Facebook under my name. Begin your journey it will set u free.
Anonymous, March 28, 2012 6:02 PM
The purpose of life is to Serve. First serve your purpose and only you can figure out what you need and want. Then serve others while still serving your own purpose. Once you realize that serving others is really serving yourself, you will be on the path to True Happiness. For when you serve others you are serving the Creator. Its up to you to learn what you love to do and then do it.
(24) cycy, May 18, 2011 11:11 AM
Rabbi Noah Weinberg
Rabbi Noah Weinberg give me a new reason to persist in realizing my dream and strive harder.
(23) Steve, January 7, 2009 5:52 PM
Thank you
What an incredible article I've needed this for as long as I can remember, thank you
(22) Morgan Akivaga, December 29, 2008 1:22 AM
WONDERFUL PIECE OF WISDOM
May the God of Israel continue inspiring Rabbi Weinberg and restore his health. i have read alot of Noah's literature they are good. indeed everyone with a purpose on earth should visit aish .com for lessons. keep up the good work and May the God of Moses be with you. MAY GOD PROTECT JERUSALEM AND ISREAL AND GIVE US PEACE
(21) Claire, May 26, 2005 12:00 AM
This is what I've been looking for
Now......I understand! It's all so perfect
Thanks.
Claire
(20) Carol, August 24, 2003 12:00 AM
you blessed me tonight.
Actually logged on a search titled "meaning of life". Have had four very close to me die in the past 18 months. Also recent empty nest. Just sad and grieving. Thank you for lifting my eyes to God. May God bless YOU.
(19) Yosef Drabbant, July 21, 2003 12:00 AM
So Touched
I have been so touched and uplifted by Rabbi Weinberg's articles.Also his teachings are truly awesome. After morning prayers, I head straight for Aish.
May HaShem bless him and keep him
(18) wayne schlievert, May 26, 2003 12:00 AM
Still hungry.
Rabbi Noah Weinberg is not only responsible foe educating Jews, but the "spill over" is reaching thousands of others like myself who have a need for answers like;
" I love and fear the one GOD, bless HIS name, of Abraham, why is this?" And then I receive my answers in the Torah lessons, as in this one.
Keep up the good work, even the crumbs will be picked up.
The O'l Shyster.
(17) Lasch, May 20, 2003 12:00 AM
Surviving the holocaust
The famous psychologist Victor Fraenkel wrote about his experiences in the death camps:
those who survived were mainly people who had something worth dying for.
(16) Anonymous, April 9, 2002 12:00 AM
You are absolutely right
I was looking for the answer myself. For years. I was brought up as an atheist and adopted the way of thinking, which came to us from ancient Greece -- the logic. And my logic was telling me, that I don't have to live, because my life doesn't make sense. Indeed: why should I live if there is no reason for doing so? Living in order to die? It's not logical! And I came to an end, I was ready with my life and about to die, the door was opened. But then I understood, that my life is not my own. It definitely doesn't belong to me. I took it somehow, because I thought it would be mine. And now I have to give it back. You know, this was the first time, that I felt myself being alive.
(15) Anonymous, March 17, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you
Two years ago my husband committed suicide leaving me with two children, feelings of guilt, and the never ending pursuit of why. Suicide rocks the very foundation of beliefs and values; soon there are only questions without answers. I searched today, as I have done so often for some guidance, something that could help me understand what life is about, why I'm alive, why life continues. To my surprise I found my answer here. The meaning of life is love,dedication to a higher cause, and committment. I am Catholic but in your words you reveal the simple secret to joy and meaningful existance. Thank you
(14) Bianca, March 15, 2002 12:00 AM
The meaning of life.
I go to a catholic school, even though I have no religion - I'm a nobody. I am looking into all religions and I just wanted to say that this website has been very inspirational.
(13) Anonymous, January 6, 2002 12:00 AM
re something to die for
Great article. I felt like speaking with my parents about judaism. They taught me about happiness to be a jew and it was in Soviet Union in very bad times. So I tried to pick up a noledge about our religion in little peaces where it was possible. Thank you for bringing this feelings and memories to me again.
(12) Sylvia Scott-Nemeth, November 27, 2001 12:00 AM
in re: something to die for
You have hit the mark again. I cannot express how much you're words do for me.The hope and joy of another day,like an unfinished symphony dressing itself for rehearsal. Thank you for increasing my understanding significantly. Sincerely,
Sylvia.
(11) Braha Dora Sabina, November 26, 2001 12:00 AM
in gratitude
Thank you to Rabbi Weinberg for all of his fabulous tapes and clear,meaningful,succinct articles. In this one,the last line was the most powerful for me. Thank you infinetely. May all of our gratitude and all of the good you create be a source of merit for Am Yisrael always.
(10) , November 11, 2001 12:00 AM
Why have organized religion
Why is organized religion so very important. Why can't I, who does not go to Temple and pray, not be as good a person and Jew as a someone who goes each week, or day. What I feel in my heart and head is just as good and important and what is read aloud, chanted and discussed in a synogogue.
(9) Anonymous, October 23, 2001 12:00 AM
beautiful meaning and clarity
I had the extreme privilege of hearing Rabbi W speak in the USA last year. This article not only gives beautiful clear direction on how to live a good life, it brings back the sweetness of hearing the Rabbi's words and feeling the enveloping warmth of his spiritality and joy.
Todah.
(8) Anonymous, September 23, 2001 12:00 AM
Finding Meaning
I read your article about the Meaning of Life in the context of the current tragedy in America. The despair we will all feel for a very long time will only be mitigated by our ability to find real meaning in our lives. In fact, the word meaning is now being spoken in eulogies and prayers throughout our country. Will their deaths mean something a year from now, thirty years from now? The answer is a resounding yes especially if tragedy puts into context what we the survivors define as meaning, if we all seek meaning beyond the material that you mention.
(7) Anonymous, August 7, 2001 12:00 AM
But how?
Very nice but how do I know there's something I'm willing to die for until I'm in the situation and if I don't think I care enough to die for it, how do I make myself care more?
(6) Anonymous, March 24, 2001 12:00 AM
I've been doing a assessment for school on Judaism and their meaning of life. Thanks heaps for this great site and all the info!! Thanks again!!
(5) Yehudah Dubitsky, January 29, 2001 12:00 AM
I agree with Rabbi Weinberg. Life has meaning when you know what you are willing to live and die for, providing that meaning has a value in helping the world understand there is a higher authority overseeing the world.
If there is value in pleasure and happiness, that can only be determined by personal experience. Giving ones life for something beyond pleasure and happiness must truly merit a great value indeed.
(4) , December 18, 2000 12:00 AM
Definitely true.
I think that the article has real meaning. I agree with everything that is stated. Everyone has a different aim in life, its not what you want but how you have struggled to reach this destination that is important. Every mitzvah that is done will give a person more pleasure and happiness.
(3) Anonymous, December 8, 2000 12:00 AM
better to live for what you stand for,than not.
i found this enlightning and true.i am not jewish but truth is truth.
(2) Anonymous, November 30, 2000 12:00 AM
Thought provoking
Very interesting and thought provoking. Reafirms and strenghtens ones faith in G-D.
(1) Shirley McCullough, October 24, 2000 12:00 AM
What a beautiful reading.
We were in Israel last November and we loved it so much. It hurts us to see the hatred and destruction happening to such a holy place. Every day I read the news from my Aish email and pray for peace. Thanks for your web site.