The philosopher Yeshayahu Leibowitz is renowned for downplaying the religious significance of God’s miracles. He argued that miracles, in and of themselves, appear to have little lasting effect on human beings, as evidenced by the episode of the Egel HaZahav—the golden calf—which occurred so soon after the revelation at Sinai. For Leibowitz, the true miracle lies not in divine intervention but in the human capacity for an affirmative response.

This idea finds expression in the following midrash:

“The Lord said to Moshe: ‘Tell the children of Israel to turn back and encamp before Pi-Hahirot’ (Exodus 14:2). Moshe said to them: ‘Turn back.’ When they heard the........

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