The happiest part of my day, every day, is studying the Torah (chapter and verse) with Dennis Prager (audio available here).
He dedicates about an hour and a half to each chapter in the Torah, and reveals astonishing levels of depth and delight that are contained in each verse.
I thank God each day for His teachings (the Torah) and I thank God each day for His teacher (Dennis Prager).
But there is a danger. Because I know that I have certain weaknesses.
Throughout my life, I have always been drawn to great speakers. As a word-lover, I have to keep an eye on this predisposition, the same way a wine-lover must be careful about that second glass.
And so I ask myself: do I love Dennis Prager – the teacher, the speaker – or do I love the Torah that he teaches?
After much introspection, I can honestly say: it’s the Torah I love.
No offense to Dennis Prager, but the great Christian Pastor John Hagee (founder of Christians United For Israel (CUFI)) is a better speaker than Dennis Prager. I have worked with Pastor John Hagee (writing for the CUFI magazine The Torch), I have attended his sermons in San Antonio, I have read his books, downloaded his podcasts, and watched his programs on TV. Before I decided to become a Jew, I gave Christianity, and especially Pastor John Hagee, a fair hearing. I even used the Old Testament of Pastor Hagee’s Prophesy Bible for some of my Torah studies (the translation is quite good). I even flipped ahead and gave the New Testament a try.
But, even when spoken by the great Pastor John Hagee, the New Testament failed to resonate with me. Unlike the Torah, which lit up every part of me.
The verdict is in:
I love the way you teach, Mr. Prager. But I love the Torah that you teach even more.
