Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
Blind faith believes that which it is told, because it wants to believe.
Intellect believes that which it understands, because it wants to attain understanding.
Wisdom believes that which is true, because it is true.
Wisdom doesn’t have to fit that which some self-serving faith wishes to believe. Neither does it await the approval of intellect to say, “This can be understood.”
Wisdom is a power of vision, the power to see “that which is” without attempting to fit it into any mold. It is not blind at all, but it is nevertheless faith beyond reason. Because when you see the truth before you, all the reason in the world can't convince you otherwise.
Wisdom, therefore, is the only channel by which an Infinite G‑d may enter.
