By Rabbi Rafi Andrusier
LA MESA, California — What is religion all about? We always hear of the fellow who found G-d while incarcerated. Was G-d “not found” while in the free world? (Had the inmate found G-d earlier, he may not be sitting in prison in the first place.)
So is that truly the case; we only need G-d for a support and crutch at needy times? What does that say about us? Shouldn’t a person have the strength and independence to get through life without an external force (namely G-d/religion) for a brace when we are weak?
The answer is: all the above is correct. Religion is a crutch and it is indeed a sign of human weakness.
But truth be told, religion is not our only crutch. We have many support mechanisms.
We need food and we’re totally dependent on eating. Without food, we would probably not have the strength to do much at all. The body does not nourish itself. It needs outside help.
We have an emotional crutch too. We need other people. If it weren’t for the support of family and we would not get very far in life.
The human is quite fragile and not self-sufficient. It depends on external sources for survival. You and I all need to be fed, to be loved, and we even need shoes (my feet would be quite sore without them). I thank G-d every day, for it is He who provides me with food, family and footwear.
But above all, we must thank Him for giving our lives purpose. Just as one can’t nourish oneself without resorting to the outside, we don’t have real meaning in life without seeking beyond one’s self.
Does that make us weak? Perhaps. But I believe it gives us strength. Even if we are hungry or lonely – we can face any challenge. Because we have a divine purpose.
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Rabbi Andrusier is spiritual leader of Chabad of East County. Your comment may be posted in the space provided below or sent to rafi.andrusier@sdjewishworld.com