All systems are built on fundamental principles. The building blocks of the English language are the ABCs. So if you want to master reading and writing, you have to first learn the alphabet.
Judaism too has its "ABCs" upon which everything is based.
The "A" of Judaism
Here is a premise we can all agree upon:
Human beings are creatures of society.
If we were born in China, we'd probably be waving little red flags or a book of Mao's favorite sayings. If we were born into a Catholic family in Sicily, we'd probably be waving rosary beads.
Question the origins of your "life philosophy. "Do you essentially have a Greek approach to life? Roman? Eastern? Jewish?
Ask yourself: "If I had been born into a family of Muslim fundamentalists in Iran, what would I be doing with my life today?" If you don't ask this question, chances are quite good that today you'd still be a Muslim fundamentalist!
If we are profoundly influenced by society, how do we discern our primal beliefs and identity?
For the most part, unless we've done our own thorough investigation, "society" has most likely been our "default philosophy."
If we are so profoundly influenced by society, then how do we discern our primal beliefs and identity? How do we distinguish between right and wrong? How do we come to an independent conclusion about reality? How can we avoid being mere products of our society?
The "A" of Judaism answers these questions.
The Power of a Children's Story
Ideas seep into public consciousness in a variety of ways: through literature, schooling, religious practices, etc. One of the most powerful ways is through stories we're told as children. These stories convey many subliminal messages and make a lasting impression.
Anyone born in America has heard of Little Red Riding Hood. What do you think a young child would do if Grandma came to visit right after hearing this tale? He'd run behind his mother's skirt until they checked Grandma's teeth to make sure it's really her!
What's the message of this story? On a deep subconscious level, Little Red Riding Hood teaches children to be suspicious of Grandma. You can never really trust who she claims to be...
A Jewish Consciousness Story
Judaism also has its own stories that shape the consciousness of our children. Here's one from the Talmud:
While we are still in our mother's womb, the Almighty sends an angel to sit beside us and teach us all the wisdom we'll ever need to know about living. Then, just before we are born, the angel taps us under the nose – forming the philtrum, the indentation that everyone has. And we forget everything the angel taught us.
What lesson does this story forever imbue in the psyche of a young child?
Education is reaching what we already intuitively understand.
That we can look inside ourselves to learn about life. Embedded deep in our consciousness is the knowledge about the purpose of creation, how to love, how to reach our potential. It's all there. We just need to make the effort to remember!
This lesson sums up Judaism's view of education. Nobody can teach anyone anything new. Rather, a teacher conveys information in a way that allows the student to get in touch with what he already knows – and re-discover it on his own.
Define Your Terms and Gain Clarity
Judaism says if you probe into yourself, you can discover the definition of truth, reality, goodness, etc. All it takes is effort.
Let's illustrate how this works:
"Are you a bafoofstik?"
"What do you mean?! I can't possibly answer that question without a definition of bafoofstik."
But what if I ask you, "Are you in love?" Since you use the term "love" in your everyday life, you have some understanding of what I'm talking about.
So why do so many people end up in relationships that they think are "love" – but turn out to be "infatuation"?
Because they don't have a proper definition of the term "love." And unless you can clearly articulate a concept, you don't fully understand it.
The quest for truth is not a journey to the Far East or a climb to the peak of a mountain.
(By the way, the Jewish definition of love is "the pleasure of identifying people with their virtues.")
When we uncover knowledge that jibes with what the angel taught us, then we've found truth.
Inner knowledge is what allows us to rise above the influences of society and become independent. In the quest for truth, you don't have to journey to the Far East or climb to the peak of a mountain. Truth is right under your nose. Take your finger and place it on that "indentation." You'll stop talking and start thinking. The knowledge of reality is within each of us. This is the "A" of Judaism.
The "B" of Judaism
For a complete understanding of life, we need to know what is demanded of us. What were we created for? What is the meaning of existence?
Let's ask this question: What do all parents want for their children? To be healthy, strong, and full of joy. To be clear, purposeful and accomplished. To have everything good under the sun. Why? So they can get the most pleasure out of life. Only pleasure.
Your son might have a lot of fun playing PacMan, but you won't let him drop out of college to become a professional PacMan player. You know he deserves better.
God looks at us the same way. As our Father in Heaven, He created us to bestow goodness and pleasure upon us. And He gave us the Torah – our instructions for living – in order to teach us how to derive maximum pleasure from this world.
Human Beings are Pleasure-seekers
A pen is made for writing. But what if somebody told you that your pen is a toothpick? You'd say, "That's ridiculous. Why would it have ink in it? And it doesn't fit between my teeth!"
How do you determine the purpose of an object? Examine its construction. You know that a pen is for writing because that's what all its components indicate, and that's what it does best.
Judaism says that human beings were designed to have pleasure. In fact we see that every decision a human being makes is based on one final criteria: Will it give me pleasure?
Even when we do something altruistic, we do it because the act gives us pleasure.
Whether it's what to have for dinner, what to do with spare time, who to marry, or what career to choose – underneath it all, pleasure is the defining criterion. If it looks like pain, we avoid it. If it promises pleasure, we go for it. Even when we do something altruistic, we do so because it gives us pleasure.
God designed the world – and everything in it – in order to give us pleasure. The goal of life is to get that pleasure. Just as parents want their children to enjoy life, so too the Almighty wants His children to enjoy their lives to the fullest. That's the "B" of Judaism.
The "C" of Judaism
Now... if the Almighty wants us to have pleasure, and we all want pleasure, then what's gumming up the works? Why aren't we getting constant pleasure?
Everyone wants to be good. Everyone wants to fulfill his or her responsibilities. That is pleasurable. But we often take short cuts or choose the easy way out. We lose focus on what is real pleasure.
We want our marriage to work, but we don't invest enough attention and commitment. We want to get along with our parents, but we lack the tools to avoid arguments. We want our lives to be meaningful, but social pressure sways us. We want pleasure, but we make mistakes.
In Hebrew, there is no word for sin. The Biblical word "Chet" appears in reference to an arrow which "missed the target." The archer is not "bad." Rather, he made a mistake – due to a lack of focus, concentration or skill.
The problem of mankind is that we are confused about what we want out of life. That's why God is always trying to get our attention, helping to steer us away from wrong turns. If we're not aware of that, we miss many important lessons. That is the "C" of Judaism.
The "D" of Judaism
(In Judaism, three ABCs is not enough!)
The worst mistake of all is not getting an education.
What kinds of education do people usually get? Calculus, Shakespeare, planetary orbits, the process of osmosis, the shape of Australia...
If you don't know yourself, you don't know much of anything.
But when it is all over, you still don't know who you are. You don't know why you were created or what you are living for. And if you don't know yourself, you don't know much of anything.
Judaism says: Get an education about LIFE. It's buried deep inside you. The angel taught you, now find out why you were created. Understand the goal of life – and go get it. That's the "D" of Judaism.
The "E" of Judaism
When we say that God created us for pleasure, are we talking about a two-week vacation after working hard in the office all year? No. That pleasure will dissipate the moment you touch back down and have to find your lost luggage and fight traffic.
To get maximum pleasure, God gave us the Torah.
You've heard the Torah described variously as the law, the ritual, the commandments. But what does "Torah" literally mean?
Torah means "instructions." For example, Torat Hanehiga means driving instructions. Our Torah is Torat Chaim – "Instructions for Living."
You do your best to impart to your children all the wisdom you have about life. You tell them:
"You have to learn how to read and write."
He says: "Who needs it? I'm going to be a major league baseball player!"
"But sometimes you might want to write a letter or read the newspaper."
"Don't worry, Mom. When I'm a superstar ballplayer, private secretaries will do all my reading for me. Right now it's more important that I practice my game!"
So what does a good parent do? You are determined to convey your understanding about how to derive optimum pleasure out of life. You'll (figuratively) hit them on the head and say: "SIT DOWN AND READ AND WRITE!"
Our Father in Heaven does the same thing. He gave us the Torah – those same instructions for living the angel taught us before birth. Tools for how to have a happy marriage... a satisfying career... spiritual growth.
Focus on the Words
The Torah instructs us to put a mezuzah on our door post. But people often view the mezuzah as a ritual, something to perhaps ward off ghosts.
Open up the mezuzah and read what's inside. You'll learn about the greatest pleasures of life: how to be happy, how to love humanity and how to connect with God. Kiss the mezuzah when you go in and when you go out. But don't kiss it by rote. Ponder the words and you'll never lose track of the purpose of life.
SO REMEMBER
The "A" of Judaism: The angel taught us everything we need to know. That's why we recognize truth when we find it.
The "B" of Judaism: The Almighty created us for maximum pleasure.
The "C" of Judaism: We are not sinners, we just make mistakes.
The "D" of Judaism: To avoid mistakes and achieve our potential, get an education about life.
The "E" of Judaism: The Torah is our instructions for living.
(45) Miriam Frankel, December 14, 2013 5:25 AM
what are we living for
I agree that we go toward pleasur and away from pain
But all spiecies are leaning for one thing and only one
and that is survival,than there is 3 levels of survival
yourself food cleanleness one level second is with your wife for family how you survive for the family and thrd is for human kind what do you do for the highest good for the universe for humanity,with in that you have pleasure
(44) Joanne, October 22, 2013 5:26 AM
Something I've Always Known ...
I am from USA...
..."right under your nose" is a common saying here...not as common today but certainly in generations past. (We are loosing our sayings of old, as a rule here).
I guess the "right under your nose" expression comes from this Jewish Belief of already knowing truth when we are born...very interesting.
I grew up in a Jewish Neighborhood...but I am Christian...my mother was raised Catholic - my father Lutheran. We were the second family that was NOT Jewish to move into the neighborhood (the first one only moved in a few months before we did). Although the public school was a mix of religious beliefs I had more Jewish friends growing up than Christians. But being young even though I was religious the topic of religion did not really come up in day to day conversations with my friends (we talked more about Jewish comedy :-)
I often feel alone in many of the ways I think... till I read the perspective of a Jewish mind like Rabbi Weinberg.
Oh...'Gateway to Happiness' (Zelig Pliskin) was one of the first Jewish books I bought...that is how I found this site. Another great Jewish voice. Many thanks to both.
(43) Maie, October 2, 2013 1:16 AM
I agree with Charlie #43
I agree with Charlie#43 when he said this site is saving his life.I to am not Jewish but I am learning what the angel has instilled in me.(The ABC of Judaism) And I am so grateful to Aish.com for teaching me G_d's way and saving my life to.Thank you.
(42) Charlie, August 29, 2013 9:06 AM
I am not a Jew, but Rabbi Weinberg's wisdom is literally saving my life and doing so on many different levels. Indeed, this entire website is. I've never been so refreshed in my life.
Reuven Frank, June 24, 2020 4:04 AM
That's the whole point.
That is what Judaism is all about.
Feeling refreshed and happy in your skin.
Nourishing your life and spiritual side.
You might want to look for an article on Aish.com about becoming a
"Ben-Noach". (You might be one already and just don't have a formal name for it.)
The point is that that might be your path to feeling "refreshed" and 'more alive' all the time.
Just keep on keepin' on, brother!
(41) Michael Gallegos, November 20, 2012 5:40 PM
Great article. We must remember to focus on what is really important
(40) Michal, August 15, 2012 8:00 PM
I enjoyed reading it.
Even when you know all this already, it is good to be reminded. I especially liked the story of the Grandma of Rotkäppchen.
(39) shirley, August 15, 2012 12:55 AM
lots of wisdom with a beautiful delivery. just what I needED to read today. THANK YOU.
(38) Ryan, November 16, 2010 6:20 AM
That was incredible. Wow! That was very clear and on point with the basics of life. If this truly is the foundation of ALL Jewish philosophy then Judaism is a religion that is extremely insightful into the nature of reality.
(37) Anonymous, March 31, 2010 4:13 PM
WOW!! You've written the alphabet in great words and I have understood every part of what you said!
(36) Anonymous, March 26, 2010 6:24 AM
This article was beyond words. Sheer brilliance. One question, how does one define the word "averah" if not sin? Thanks again.
Anonymous, June 24, 2020 4:15 AM
"Transgression"
I read you comment (and question) and admit to passing it by.
But its pure innocence and desire to know pulled me back.
I am not a scholar of formal Hebrew but
I speak the language and have learned a little.
"Aveirah" comes from a Hebrew root meaning 'over against'
Indeed, Ivri, Hebrew, comes from being 'over, across. Avraham was an Ivri because he was, physically, from the other other side of the river. But this term became a definition of who he was because he stood up against the beliefs of the time and said, "There is only ONE G-d". He was opposed, opposite, against all the people of his time, in a spiritual sense.
When a person does an "aveirah" he has transgressed against G-d's prescribed way of finding Him and himself, as well.
A person is not a sinner even if we DID translate a word as sin.
He is a 'Being created in the Image of G-d" who has done a chet, or aveirah or sin.
We are not defined by our actions. Only by what we do to fix any "wrong" ones.
I hope this helps on your journey for truth and understanding.
(35) Angela, July 9, 2008 11:05 PM
a big important question!
How can we get in contact with the angel who spoke to us? That would be cool. Then he could reteach us.
(34) Gerard, December 22, 2007 4:10 AM
Interesting Reading & a Mind Opener
I have learnt a lot from this site. Not only about Judaism but about other religions as well. You might say how come when you only talk about Judaism -well by comparing Judaism to lets say Christianity you see the vast difference in understanding of the same text. So I have started using the my conscience as a compass & Hashem as my guide. Thank you for opening my mind, heart & soul to true self.
(33) Efraim Alkaim, November 9, 2007 2:41 PM
God bless all Jews
As a child I was always critisized of coming from a Jewish background, but have recently started to master Judaism and am proud of having a Jewish grandfather. I need a tutor which is difficult to find in my area as for the country I am living in does not cater for Jewish people but it is my passion to settle down in Tel- Aviv in the near future.
(32) William Silverman, September 30, 2007 9:37 PM
The A,B,C's
I love this!
(31) Anonymous, May 7, 2007 1:06 PM
Thank you
Thank you for your web site which I read on a regular basis now. I have also read many of the books recommended by your web site. I am not Jewish. I am 50 yrs old and have been heavily involved in Christianity since my teens. I no longer attend church and have not yet found it within myself to approach a synagouge. But, four years ago I spent a year studying church history and became deeply upset by many things I learned. I began reading Jewish books I found in my local bookstore and on the net. (Which is how I found Aish.) I bought a Tanack and Chumash and read the portions every week along with the Jewish people. I've never written to you but I just had to write you to tell you how much I enjoyed the article "The ABC's of Judaism" because it touched me very deeply. I was not raised in a religious home but at 14 yrs old my school required us to attend a semister class on world religions. (An early diversity endevor I guess.) Anyway, I was very curious and read extra credit material and reacted to pretty much everything like an interesting approach to social studies. But, when we started studying Judism (which I had never heard of before) I was deeply drawn to what I read. I was told however that a person can not "become" Jewish. You are born a Jew or not. So, I never pursued it. But, in fact, when first being introduced to Chrisitianity I was excited to find that it had a connection to Judism. I am a long way away from those days but, the article "The ABC's of Judaism" statement that G-d places within each of us an innate sense of truth took me back to the day a 14 year old girl's heart burned when she read "...I shall be your G-d, and you shall be my people."
Thank you. This web site is awesome. I look forward to continued study.
(30) Mark A Lindamood, August 23, 2006 12:00 AM
Thank You
Thanks for these words that I have come to read everday now. I am 59 yrs old and not Jewish but have been searching all my life for answers. I am finding them here.
(29) thomas braun, August 14, 2006 12:00 AM
G-od Almighty
I lived in Israel 1970-1976. I was born in Peru in 1952, South America and presently live in Peru. I completed a bachelor's degree in Economics in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 1976. In 1974, if I recall correctly, I spent 3 months at Yeshivah Eish HaTorah with Rabbi Weinberg and his associates and pupils. I went because I was told that I am a Jew but could not answer the question "Who is a Jew and what does it mean?". Rabbi Weinberg and his associates answered beautifully that question. It was an inmensely rich experience at Yeshivah Eish Hatorah and I thank G-od to have given me the opportunity to participate. Shalom, Thomas.
(28) Emmalee, April 20, 2006 12:00 AM
enlightening
I am sixteen years old and was raised Baptist although my great grandfather, from Denmark, was strictly Jewish. I've always wondered about this faith and this passage helped me a lot thank you
(27) Tara Warburton, December 13, 2005 12:00 AM
enlightening
I've always been very curious about religion...and beginnings...I came from a non-religious family and never answered my questions about...existance...this was very informative...and...somewhat...familiar..
(26) Noosha, November 13, 2005 12:00 AM
Avoiding Mistakes
Thank you Rabbi Weinberg, I have been so confused about my life and going through this website has made me think more indepth about all that I have been given.
(25) Nalinaksha Mutsuddi, October 2, 2005 12:00 AM
Very interesting
I'm not a Jew. For the first time I learnt about ABC of Judaism and found it very interesting and instructive.My heartfelt thanks to Rabbi Weinberg.
(24) daniel, May 26, 2005 12:00 AM
Rabbi Noah Weinberg - a genius
thank you so much for this amazing website, and all this priceless wisdom that i am infinitely grateful for
(23) Joanne Shlosberg, May 23, 2005 12:00 AM
the meaning of life is infront of our nose!
Thank you so very much Rabbi Weinberg,I was so lost,I typed in Jewish Prayers and found your site.This has showed me more insight then I have space to write,Life is full of moments with opportunities,weather we choose to agnowledge them or not is our choise.
They are there in front of us as in "A" .
Thank you,
Joanne Shlosberg
(22) Peter Gaffney, February 6, 2005 12:00 AM
Thanks to Rabbi Weinberg
Rabbi Weinberg's lectures have given me so much information, amusement and illumination. It is not merely his knowledge and his wisdom; it's also the almost childlike delight and wonder. Of all the proofs of God he offers, his own wonder, delight and passion for truth are perhaps most convincing of all. What else could be animating this man's attitude than the awareness of God?
(21) Martin H., January 13, 2005 12:00 AM
Looking for truth wherever I can find it
Thanks for the enlightening look at modern Judaism. I came across your site looking for a little bit of information prior to attending a bar mitzvah of a friend's child. Although raised as a Roman Catholic, I lately find myself looking for truth wherever I can find it. There seems to be quite a bit of it on these web pages.
(20) Richard, February 2, 2004 12:00 AM
Tremendous affirmations
Came across your site while researching for a course. The ABC's are powerful !!! Let us all pray that someone in the Mid-East reads it as well.
(19) Pauline Hams, September 28, 2003 12:00 AM
Studies in World Religion
Thanks for providing a comprehensive site. I'm trying to understand Judaism in order to complete a Uni essay on the place and function of sacred scriptures within the development and expression of a religious group - Judaism. Good reading.
(18) Valerea, February 3, 2003 12:00 AM
Unearthing those hidden roots!
Growing up in England as 'secret' Jewish descendants in a Ukrainian Baptist Church, I always wondered why from a very young child I 'argued' with the elders as to the roots of their faith and I was always more drawn to the Old Covenant. I can understand now that Jewish genes never die, the more I read the Bible and get to know G-d, the more questions I have for the masses out there, not to mention my turnaround to be totally absorbed in going back to the roots of our faith and getting rid of all those 'added-on' false teachings which lead away from the G-d of Israel and the promises He made and all His teachings!
Thank you, Shalom, Valerea
(17) Paul Harding, April 9, 2002 12:00 AM
Lost but found
For years I have had an emptiness or void in the spiritual way. Although raised in a Christian family, I never felt fulfilled. Judaism has started to fill that void and this page has been an enlightenment.
I lived in the Yukon that had maybe six or seven persons in total that were of the Jewish faith. Now I am living in Mexico, surrounded by millions of Catholics. My new wife has inspired me to search further and I feel she may travel this new journey with me.
Thank you for this page and I will have my wife read it.
(16) Margaret Barnes, March 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you
I am an RE co ordinator at a Catholic Primary School in Leeds. As part of our RE curriculum, we are lookign at aspects of other faiths to our own. This week we are "scratching the surface" of Judaism, as it would take more time than we ever have to do it real justice. I have spent a long time looking at various sites to try and get an insight that I can take back to my colleagues that will spell out in a simple form some of the aspects of Judaism that we have to teach and this has been by far the most concise and straighforward site that I have visited and it has helped me enormously. Thank you
(15) E K, January 9, 2002 12:00 AM
Enlightenment. I know nothing about Judaism, until now. Thank you, your explanations help clarify things, but also to provoke thought and questioning.
(14) Sarah Frazier, December 25, 2001 12:00 AM
very clear and helpful
I have been thinking about converting for a long time and I think I want to do it in a few years, and its websites like this that help me begin to learn what I think I need to know. thanks!
(13) Candy Edwards, December 17, 2001 12:00 AM
The awakening of a lost child
Thank you for having this information available. I have been lost in a world and now I am able to find my way and where I truely belong.
(12) Ronald Samuels, September 26, 2001 12:00 AM
Reading This Was Like Breaking Through The Clouds To A Sunny Sky.
Thank you for having this awakening information availble.
(11) allan feuer, September 19, 2001 12:00 AM
the articles on the site are uplifting
The articles are informative and help me to ease my troubling part and the misundestanding about my religion.
(10) RAISA FASTMAN, September 14, 2001 12:00 AM
As ashes fall(once again)
On this Friday,September 14th,2001,not finding myself in the NATIONAL PRAYER SERMON being broadcast on every television channel in the US,I had to turn to something that is closer to my heritage.
So here i am reading several articles on this site.
Thank You
(9) Peggy Alexander, August 8, 2001 12:00 AM
The pleasure that your lessons provide
With each opening of an e-mail from Aish HaTorah International I am enriched further. You provide a very great gift to us as you encourage us to pay attention to the Torah.
(8) Edward Boze, June 21, 2001 12:00 AM
Ahab
There is warmth that is easily felt at this site. May we grow stronger as a people of G-d as we wait for Moshiach.
Rav EW Boze, Jr.
(7) Anonymous, April 28, 2001 12:00 AM
So peaceful, so enlightening, so profound
I come here often just to learn and feel the contentment I find in your words. Thank you for being here.
(6) Elik Koren, February 1, 2001 12:00 AM
Awakning for a "chiloni" abroad
As an Israeli "chiloni" living in the US for almost a decade, your clear writing & reasoning made me feel a thirst for much much more. I had started to read full of interest and finished with tears. I feel like your writing opened a huge gate that's been locked for a long period of time. I'll definitely come back & visit this site many more times. Thank you from all my heart. Next year in Jerusalem
Eliya Koren,
Orlando, FL
(5) doreen eley, December 10, 2000 12:00 AM
that was the coolest thing i have ever read about spiritual belief.
i was looking on this site for information about judaism for a paper i am writing. i came upon this explanation of judaism by rabbi weinberg and it just blew me away. how simple, how right! thank you.
(4) Blaine Borrowman, November 2, 2000 12:00 AM
good insights
Good insights into a religion I have not known much about.
(3) Tammy, August 16, 2000 12:00 AM
Right on Target!
Rabbi Weinberg is awesome. Rabbi Weinberg's remark 'felt right' to me. I can't believe how right on target he was. Thanks Rabbi.
(2) Rueben Apaez, August 14, 2000 12:00 AM
You all did it again! Another homerun! Thanks for the insights.
(1) Anonymous, May 14, 2000 12:00 AM
I like this. Simple, beautiful, most profound. Thank you for your Aish Hatorah site; I return to it from time to time, with interest and pleasure.