Was Monotheism a gradual or an immediate transition for our Forefathers Abraham, Issac and Jakob? There are instances of idolatry throughout our history, but with our Fathers did they gradually come to worship only one G-d.? The story is told of Abraham smashing the idols – was this a final break and emergence into Monotheism?
Hi, This is a great question. Most people take monotheism for granted. It sounds like you realize that it was not always that way. In fact, Abraham was a man who stood against the grain. He instinctively knew that G-d was IT. He knew The One True G-d and did not have “idol” counterparts. Abraham knew G-d from the very beginning. For he and his family there was nothing gradual about it. They knew the truth. He stood firm against idol worship in the polytheistic time that he lived in. In short, Abraham and his children had a complete, immediate awareness. G-d communicated with them in a unique way. It was not that communication which made them who they were, but rather who they were was why G-d spoke with them in the way that He did. I hope this helps.
Be Well, Rabbi Litt
So why does Jacob in Beit EL requires G-d to perform for him before he makes HIM his G-d, and the G-d of his people? Wasnt HE this already.?
Hi, If you actually read the text you see that G-d commanded Jacob to go to Bet El. He said, “Arise – go up to Bet-El and dwell there, and make an alter there to G-d Who appeared to you when you fled from Esau your brother…(Jacob said)… I will make there an alter to G-d Who answered me in my time of distress, and was with me on the road that I traveled.” (Genesis 35:1) As you can see, Jacob believed in God so much that he commanded his entire household to participate with him in his offerings to God. There is no commentary, and frankly, no way to understand, that Jacob needed this instance of Bet El as a proof in G-d’s existence or love or covenant to the Jewish people. So, to answer your question directly, Jacob already knew of G-d from his father and his own personal experiences.
Be Well,
Rabbi Litt