Faith, Doubt, and the Journey Back: A Personal Exploration of Judaism’s Core Principles

In life, we all wrestle with big questions: What do I believe in? Does God exist? Am I living a life that reflects those beliefs? In Judaism, these questions aren’t just philosophical musings—they’re the foundation of what it means to be connected to something greater than yourself. Faith, doubt, and the power of returning (Teshuva) are central to this journey, and they invite us to explore our relationship with God, with others, and with ourselves.

What Does It Mean to Believe?

Belief in God begins with one simple but profound question: Do you believe in God? Not just in a vague “higher power” or “the universe,” but in a God who created everything and actively governs the world. Judaism teaches that true faith isn’t passive—it’s about seeing God as the Creator, the ultimate Ruler, and someone deeply involved in human life.

But belief isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. For some, faith comes naturally, while for others, it’s a constant struggle. Either way, belief isn’t just about accepting that God exists. It’s about recognizing that God sees us, guides us, and cares about the details of our lives.

The Struggle with Doubt

Let’s be honest: doubt is part of the human experience. Judaism doesn’t shy away from this. It acknowledges that many people struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the world around them. But it also sets boundaries. Doubt is one thing—outright rejection is another.

Here are some examples of what Judaism considers heresy:

1. Denying God’s existence or saying He has no role in our world.

2. Believing in intermediaries, like stars, spirits, or other forces, to “help” you.

3. Rejecting prophecy—saying God doesn’t communicate with humanity or denying the divine messages given to prophets like Moses.

4. Questioning the Torah’s authenticity—even rejecting one word is seen as a rejection of its divine origin.

5. Claiming the commandments are outdated—this includes saying, “The Torah was relevant once, but it’s not for today.”

For some, these ideas may feel harsh. But they highlight the centrality of belief in Judaism—faith isn’t just a passive tradition, it’s an active connection.

Finding Your Way Back

Here’s the beautiful thing about Judaism: no matter how far you’ve strayed, the door to return is always open. Teshuva—repentance—is one of the most powerful concepts in Jewish thought. It teaches us that no matter how lost or disconnected we feel, we can always come back.

Repentance isn’t about shame or guilt. It’s about growth. It starts with acknowledging where you went wrong, feeling genuine regret, and committing to change. Even if you’ve doubted or rejected God for years, one sincere moment of Teshuva can transform everything. As Isaiah says:

“Peace, peace, to the far and the near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal them.”

Whether you’ve struggled with belief, fallen out of practice, or feel stuck in life, Judaism offers a way forward. It doesn’t ask you to be perfect—it asks you to be honest. Honest with yourself, honest about your mistakes, and open to reconnecting.

Faith Isn’t All or Nothing

Faith isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to wrestle with doubts. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s one small step at a time.

In the end, Judaism reminds us that faith is personal. It’s not about where you are right now—it’s about where you’re willing to go. The beauty of Teshuva is that it meets you wherever you are and helps you take that next step toward something greater. And isn’t that what life is all about?