The Holiness of Doubt

In this enlightening debut, rabbi Hoffman argues that the Torah can be better understood through questions the text itself poses, starting in Genesis with the snake’s provocation of Eve. The Torah’s questions are “more than literary devices,” Hoffman explains, and asking them is “as sacred... as expressing absolute faith.” God’s first question of Adam and Eve in the garden “Where are you?”—might seem odd coming from an “all-knowing” being, but his intention, Hoffman writes, was to inspire self-reflection and compel Adam and Eve to “take responsibility for [their] actions”; eventually their fear of God “will be transformed into confidence and loyalty.” Before God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah, his query “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” demonstrated he was “grappling with the potential for goodness in the face of total wickedness,” and, as such, implicitly grants humans “permission to ask questions of God... because God models that behavior.” Ideal for synagogue study groups and curious believers, this offering advances an attitude toward doubt that’s freeing but purposeful textual questions exist in order to help readers “confront... uncertainty” and enrich their faith. Jewish readers eager to take their Torah study a step further should have a look. * Publishers Weekly * A beautiful reading and rereading of the Torah, offering readers elegant insights, inspiration, and guidance in these difficult days. -- Rabbi David Wolpe The one who questions and doubts is a person of faith. Scattered throughout the Torah are prompts—questions that help guide our lives. In Rabbi Joshua Hoffman’s masterful book, he seeks to answer those questions. And in doing so, he provides us with direction for our own lives while also helping us to probe the depths of wisdom that Torah has to offer. At the same time, Rabbi Hoffman offers us his own torah so that we may deepen and widen our learning even further. -- Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky, former executive director of Big Tent Judaism One of my best Talmud teachers told us that the questions in the Talmud were often better than the answers. A professor of mine told us graduate students in philosophy that a philosopher is a five-year-old child who never stopped asking “Why?” Being willing to ask questions and not expect totally satisfactory answers is the mark of the epistemological humility that we all should have, for God may know everything, but no human being does. This does not mean, though, that we should not ask questions and seek answers. On the contrary, questions are absolutely critical in seeking meaning in life, as this book amply demonstrates. So ask away, and let Rabbi Hoffman and the Torah itself spur you to more questions! -- Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, rector and distinguished service professor of philosophy, American Jewsih University This is a wonderful book for anyone who wants a deeper mode of Torah study. Rabbi Hoffman explores the world of the Torah through the questions found in the text and helps us ask our own questions of ourselves, God, and the world. -- Rabbi Denise L. Eger D.D., founding Sr. Rabbi of Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, CA, author, past president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis This book reminds us that what makes us human is our ability to question everything. It was a pleasure to engage on this journey of questions and answers, doubt and faith, through the Torah with Rabbi Joshua Hoffman as a guide. He helps us explore our own questions and doubts, leaving lots of room to think and reflect along the way. Bring an open mind and heart, and start reading! -- Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal, CEO, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Rabbi Hoffman’s unique focus of methodically examining the questions within Torah, rather than the questions we may have about Torah, reveals a “face” of Torah we might otherwise overlook. As he highlights, this opens important conversations about inquiry, faithfulness and doubt that are most relevant and grounded in our sacred text. -- Rachel Bovitz, executive director, Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning In the sacred text of the Torah to which so many turn for answers and clarity, the presence of abundant questions challenges us to probe deeper. Hoffman’s book thoughtfully and insightfully invites us to embrace the blessing of uncertainty in our studies and spiritual life journey. -- Ari Sunshine, senior Rabbi, Congregation Shearith Israel, Dallas, Texas