In the past, some believed that the modern world made it more difficult to believe in and observe the Torah and the commandments. However, like many prejudices, the development of science and technology has actually allowed us to better accept things that were previously difficult to understand.
For example, it is much easier for modern man to understand the commandments defined as 'laws' – commandments that human reason cannot comprehend. It is precisely the development of science that has revealed that we actually know very little about the world. Today it is clear that creation is like an onion, with infinite layers, and that science only manages to penetrate its outer layers. Is it any wonder that we do not understand the Creator's commandments?
Levels of cleanliness
Once, when asked why one should immerse oneself in a mikveh and why one should wash one's hands in a vessel, and in the manner prescribed by the halakha, it was difficult to answer. Because really, just a bath and tap water don't clean enough? Today we know that cleanliness is a very relative concept. Hands that have been thoroughly washed with soap and water are very contaminated with respect to the level of cleanliness required of a surgeon. And even the cleanliness that is considered sufficient in an operating room is still lower than the level of cleanliness required in certain laboratory procedures. It is easy to continue this line of thought and understand that there is also a reality of spiritual filth, called 'impurity,' and it is purified by a mikveh and by washing one's hands properly.
Today it is clear that reality is much more complex than what the senses perceive. Once upon a time, people would ask: If there is a God, why can't we see Him? To our ears, this is a primitive question. We don't see electrons either. Many scientific disciplines deal with almost entirely abstract things. It is clear that our physical eyes cannot see a divine-spiritual reality.
Hasidic doctrine explains that every mitzvah has a real impact on the world. This is not an impact that can be measured with physical measuring instruments, but when a Jew fulfills a mitzvah – something real is created here, albeit on the spiritual plane. And the spiritual plane exists and is no less real than the material plane. If the eye were given permission to see what happens through each of our 'small' mitzvahs – free choice would be taken away from us, because we would be running around doing more and more mitzvahs all day long...
The mind is not an idol.
The commandments defined as 'laws' are divided into two types: there are commandments behind which there is a hidden explanation, but which is beyond the grasp of our logic; and there are commandments that are above all reason and logic, such as the commandment of the 'red cow'. And this too is easy for modern man to understand. Today we know that logic is not the final word, and that there are things that are above reason and logic. God, the Holy One, is certainly above logic. What wonder, then, that He has given us commandments that stem from His will, the Blessed One, and that are above reason and knowledge!
It is clear that the basis for everything is faith. But the worldview of modern man makes it easier for him to believe. Reason is no longer an idol, as it was in the past. Today we know well the limitations of human perception. There is no longer any need to justify and distort things. Therefore, it is easier to be a believing Jew in this present era, and to recognize the existence of a reality that is above reason and logic.
