Rabbi Reuven Mann
Written by student
Regarding the question raised in connection with Einstein two weeks ago in the JewishTimes, Einstein was stated to believed in “Spinoza’s God; a God who reveals Himself in the orderly harmony of what exists, and not in the God who concerns Himself in the fate and actions of human beings.” I would ask Einstein, “Did you not oppose all forms of oppression and brutality, while also revering Maimonides and other great people? Did you not express your gratitude to the Jewish people for their compassion for man? So why would you be concerned about the fate of man, to be a compassionate man? Is man significant or not, in your estimation? Would God - having created man - not be concerned with the fate of man, who you, Einstein, maintain such an estimation? Is there not a contradiction in your words?” Why are you concerned about mankind, of whom you feel God is unconcerned?
I say this with all respect for Einstein. I am nothing compared to him. But no man is beyond reproach. Einstein contradicts himself. Einstein says that it is important that man recognize God, even Spinoza’s God. If so, then God is in fact concerned with man. For who else will recognize Spinoza’s God, other than man? If it is important that God of the cosmos be recognized, who shall recognize Him? None other than man can recognize God.
Thus, man’s fate is quite important, and God does in fact desire man to recognize Him. The God of the cosmos indeed is concerned about the fate of man.