YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Jewish Laws and Thoughts
- Jewish Thought
- Foundations of Faith
The Torah study is dedicatedto the full recovery of
Asher Ishaayahu Ben Rivka
There is, at any rate, need for additional explanation. For, it is impossible to ignore the fact that there are a great many discrepancies between Rabbis when it comes to Jewish law. One Rabbi prohibits while another permits. One deems fit for consumption while another deems unfit. Rabbis sometimes disagree concerning what they both heard from their own mentor; one says that the Rabbi permitted, while the other says that he prohibited. It would be no exaggeration to say that there is almost no issue in the Torah concerning which Rabbis do not disagree. This being the case, should not these many discrepancies in Jewish law and the different schools of thought in Judaism weaken our sense of security in Torah scholars? Does this not prove that there are many inaccuracies and mistakes? How is it possible to rely on such an ancient tradition when we find so many discrepancies within the tradition itself?
Answer: To the contrary, the many discrepancies between Torah scholars serve to strengthen our faith and trust in the reliability of the tradition. The fact that each Rabbi maintains his opinion and refuses to give in bears out the adamancy of Torah scholars to defend the truth. The Torah itself commands us to possess such adamancy when it states: "Do not fear any man!" From where do we learn that a student of Torah who is convinced that the position taken by his rabbi is a mistaken one must speak up despite the respect he holds for his mentor? Answer: "Do not fear any man!" Do not hold back your opinion from anybody.
Foundations of Faith (51)
Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed
7 - 7. The Reliability of Tradition
8 - 8. Rabbinic Discrepancies
9 - 9. The Unique Status of the Jewish People
Load More
All of the disagreements in the Torah exist within a wide and agreed upon framework. All accept the basic foundations, all accept the Written Tradition, and in this regard, there is no discrepancy. There are no variant readings of the Torah which has been handed down generation after generation. All accept the Oral Tradition. Controversy arises only when it comes to the fine points, the details, the outer limits of the law - not the fundamental obligations.
The variety of opinions and positions, the stubborn adamancy of each approach and view to maintain its way, the devotion of each congregation and each community to its heritage - these things do not weaken our faith in tradition. Rather, they strengthen our faith in the shared, the foundation, the rules upon which all of the approaches agree. Because the fundamentals are shared by all of us, it is possible to state with regard to all of these approaches that, as our sages teach: "Both are the words of the living God" - God's praise ascends from all of them together. The Sages teach: "Every disagreement for the sake of Heaven is destined to endure. What is an [example of a] disagreement for the sake of Heaven? The disagreement between Hillel and Shamai."
In summary, we see that, to the contrary, disagreements between Torah scholars serve to strengthen our trust and faith in the reliability of the tradition that is accepted by all. It, then, is for us like eyewitness account.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
