Shavuot: The Lie Detector Test

Yes, we believe it, but how do we know? Indeed, how do we recognize truth and how do we know if an experience, a lifestyle, a faith, a belief is true? What sign do we look for?

This is an apt question for Shavuot – when we re-experience receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai.

The Jews’ reaction to receiving the Torah was seemingly very impulsive and irrational. Right after they received it, they declared, Naaseh v’Nishma, we will do and we will understand. We will do first and only understand later.

This does not sound very Jewish. Jews question, analyze, debate, dissect, study everything – why would the receiving of the Torah be any different? Would you sign a contract without first reading and understanding it?

Here is a clue: Do we only breathe after we have analyzed, questioned, debated, dissected and studied breath?

When something is essential, it is true to us. The only question is: Is Judaism essential?