"Seeing Gd", Part 3 of 3

Hi,

"The first principle is the existence of the exalted Creator. Meaning, there exists something that is complete in all aspects of existence, and it is the cause of all that exists, and through Him is their survival, and from Him their survival flows… This is the first principle, as indicated by the statement, 'I am the Lord your Gd, etc.'

"The second principle is His unity. Meaning, this cause of everything is one. Not the unity of a species or a kind, and not like one entity which is of joined things, divisible into many individual parts, and not "one" like a body which is one in number but which can be divided and split infinitely. Rather, He is one, a unity which is entirely unlike any other unity. This is the second principle, as indicated by, 'Listen Israel, HaShem is our Gd, HaShem is one.'

"The third principle is the absence of any physicality for Him. This One is not a body and is not a force within a body, and no physical event – like motion or rest – happens to him… This is the third principle, as indicated by, 'For you did not see any image…'"

(Rambam, Commentary to Mishnah, Introduction to Sanhedrin Chapter 10)

Have a great day,

Mordechai

"Seeing Gd", Part 2

Hi,

"All of us agree that we were forced to describe Gd in physical terms and to speak of Him with the attributes of created beings, in order to enable people to accept the existence of the Creator. The books of the prophets expressed this to people using physical terms, which are close to their minds and understanding. Were they to say it in the appropriate form, using spiritual terms and matters, we would understand neither the words not the matter, and we could not serve something we did not know…"

(Rabbeinu Bachya ibn Paquda, Chovot haLevavot, Shaar haYichud 10)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

"Seeing Gd", Part 1

Hi,

"Moshe Rabbeinu's statement has already confused some people, as he asked of his Gd, 'Show me Your glory.' And the response added confusion, saying, 'You cannot see My face, for no man may see Me and live.' And people's confusion doubled with His statement, 'You will see My back, and My face will not be seen.' 

"I will say, to reveal and explain this, that Gd created a light and displayed it to prophets, as evidence that the words of prophecy they hear are from the Creator. When a prophet sees it, he says, 'I saw the glory of Gd.'"

(Rabbi Saadia Gaon, Emunot v'Deiot 2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai