As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“My (Hashem’s) Bread.” (28:2)

HaRambam (More’ Nevuchim) devotes many chapters to explain away all expressions which might imply corporeality (physicality) to Hashem. Thus, the “eyes of Hashem,” the “hand of Hashem,” “Hashem came down,” “Hashem rejoices,” and numerous other examples which attribute physical properties to Hashem. RMBM declares that it is a serious heresy to believe that such physical descriptions are actually true (Teshuba 3:7).

Now the great question presents itself. If such beliefs are heretical, why does Hashem’s Torah employ such forms of speech that could mislead men into serious errors?

The answer is that despite the peril that men might be led into error by these words, yet these very expressions are urgently necessary in order to prevent a much greater peril. For, as wrong as is the belief in the corporeality of Hashem, the lack of belief in Hashem(atheism) is even worse. Even the belief in an impersonal G-d, conceived merely intellectually without genuine Awareness of Him, is also a very great failure for men.

Thus, Hashem insists that we maintain the principle of His incorporeality and that He is infinitely sublime over all human attributes. But at the same time we must employ all physical expressions when speaking of Hashem, in order to gain a strong and realistic Awareness of Him. Men live by their senses more than by mere intellectuality. In order to make the belief in Hashem effective, the intellectual concepts must be transformed into physical Awareness as much as possible. Therefore we serve Hashem in the Sanctuary as a King is served in the palace. We pray with words to Him, although He knows our thoughts & doesn’t need the sound of our voices. We think of Hashem’s eyes that gaze down upon us. We respect our fellow man because he is the “image of Hashem.” We bow to Hashem even though He is supremely unaffected by any honor which we render Him.

All of these physical attitudes and acts are not necessary for Him. They are urgently necessary for us in order to gain a sensory perception & true Awareness of Him. This Awareness is our purpose in life. Therefore, all the physical terms used by the Torah (and the physical deeds required by the Torah) are vital to bestow upon us the gifts of Fear and Love of Hashem, with which we serve Him when we bring the “bread” offering.

Quoted from “A Journey Into Greatness” by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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