Rabbi's Column
If you want to meet with me, don't hesitate to either blitz
or call at my direct line 6-0361
it can be at locations other than Roth and other venues.
Class of 2010 and Earlier
Rabbi’s Message
Fear and Trembling
I want to begin by welcoming all of you to Dartmouth College and please feel free to forward this message to anyone who you think would find it helpful. Your accomplishment in being admitted to one of the finest academic institutions in the United States, if not the world, is significant. I hope you are “taking-in” this achievement and allowing yourself to set new challenges, and goals as you begin this journey. In some ways, this is my Rosh Hashanah message for your use and consideration and it comes from the title of a famous work by none other than Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher (1813-1855), who wrote a little book called “Fear and Trembling.”
The title is taken from a phrase in the New Testament, but the same phrase may be found in a Midrash, to describe Isaac’s reaction as he becomes increasingly aware that he may be offered unto God as a sacrifice. Kierkegaard’s work is a reflection on the story of the “Binding of Isaac” that examines several theological dilemmas; one of which is whether human morality or ethics be suspended if God commands it? Said another way, is there an absolute duty to obey the ‘voice’ of God, even if it goes against one’s moral conscious?
Abraham, following God’s command, takes Isaac up on Mt. Moriah and there prepares to sacrifice him unto God. At the last minute, when the knife is about to be thrust in a downward motion, God intervenes and prevents this from happening, fully aware of what humankind is now able to do in God’s name. Kierkegaard considers the question of doing the immoral, even the unthinkable, simply because God has commanded that it be done. If one has belief and faith in God and one believes that God has in fact commanded him or her to do something, then one should not hesitate, even if God’s orders are immoral. I think it is interesting that we still read this story in Reform Temples on the First Day of Rosh Hashanah and in traditional synagogues on the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah.
The phrase “fear and trembling” can be found in the Midrash at that point in the story where Isaac learns that his father is going to make a sacrifice to God, but that there is no animal accompanying them, nor have they brought any of the necessary accoutrements to make such a sacrifice. Finally, upon being placed upon the altar, he realizes what is to happen next, such that he worries that he may flinch and thus his sacrifice will be defective. Thus, it is Isaac who asks to be bound.
Well, none of you are going to be bound here at Dartmouth, though some of you may find the “bond-fire” (no pun intended) experience a little daunting as you get closer and closer to the fire as part of the freshmen ritual during homecoming. But “fear and trembling” can be experienced in a whole host of ways. I have found, in my own life that it comes most often when my “conventional wisdom” is challenged. This is the “wisdom” acquired from life experience that forms the basis for I choose to act in a particular situation. All of us need “conventional wisdom,” for it makes us comfortable and not filled with anxiety and worry about that which lies ahead. When the “order” or so-called “truth” upon which my life is based becomes challenged and disturbed, I think I may experience something akin to this kind of “fear and trembling.” For further information on that, you’ll need to make an appointment (6-0361 or rabbi@dartmouth.edu).
Well, my guess is that most of you have experienced this kind of “fear and trembling.” But what you may not realize is that it happens here at Dartmouth College and indeed, it is supposed to. Your conventional wisdom is going to be challenged. Ideas that you once thought were so true now, upon reflection, will become questioned and undermined. You’re going to have to think independently and critically. You will most likely work very hard and yes you may, unfortunately, pull many all-nighters to get the work done. And the kind of “fear and trembling” that Isaac experienced and Abraham as well, may even be a necessary condition (though hopefully not too often) to get the “actual” and more importantly “the real” work done.
What then is the pay-off? Well, I think there are several. First, you’ll grow tremendously, becoming more open to the possibilities that the world and life has to offer. Another is that you’ll gain the critical thinking skills necessary to make our democracy and society work at a higher level. You’ll be able to better understand and hence make a contribution towards solving the very difficult problems that confront this world, including those of Israel, the Middle East, poverty, prejudice, and in many instances, even your relationship or lack thereof to God None of this stuff is easy and the more wisdom, the greater the tendency to feel that you may have less “knowledge” than before, and this too may cause you to have a certain type of fear and trembling.
Don’t worry. This too is normal. You are gaining more in wisdom and discarding old, conventional wisdom which has become useless, if not simply wrong. Because Abraham and Isaac went through this experience, each gained a deeper perspective of humanity’s relationship to God. But consider this. If Abraham and Isaac lived around 1700 b.c.e. and we’re still reflecting on their story today, then there contribution is quite significant.
My hope that this academic year of 5767 (according to the Jewish calendar) will bring the kind of “fear and trembling” that results in intellectual, spiritual, and emotional growth for years and years to come.
Oh - and one other thing, “Shanah Tovah U’metukah” (May You have a good and sweet year) - Rabbi