Q&A: To Whom Was the Torah Given
To Whom Was the Torah Given
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I read many of your articles,
and as expected, with some I agree and with others less so.
But it seems that there is a common thread running through your articles,
and it bothers me.
It seems to me that you think religion was given (by God, whether real or imagined) only to great sages or to people with broad knowledge.
That is not the common approach in Judaism, nor in human culture in general.
If you think I am mistaken in this analysis, I would be happy to send many examples.
And if, much to my regret, I am right, I would appreciate a clear explanation of your position.
Hoping that I meet the intellectual threshold required in order to receive a response…
Answer
Absolutely not true. Though of course, as in any context, it is preferable to be educated and wise.
Discussion on Answer
Hello.
Did I say there should not be a rabbi at a wedding? Let there be a rabbi, but not one from the Rabbinate. What does the state have to do with religion? Beyond that, if ordinary people want absurd things, there is no reason to take their opinion into account, especially when it leads to serious injustices and a major desecration of God’s name. There are also many ordinary people who want not to observe the Sabbath. Religion did not come to satisfy needs, but to do what ought to be done. I am talking about what is correct (in my view), not about how to meet the maximum number of needs of all kinds of people, wise or not.
I’m glad.
I’ll mention one example to you.
When you speak about the Chief Rabbinate,
you ignore the fact that the general public—those ordinary Jews who want their wedding to have Jewish features—also want a rabbi “officially appointed,” so they can feel that they are bringing religion into their lives.
And yes, they do not care what the rabbi thinks about the Western Wall arrangement, for example (I do not care either..), but they want him to represent the state and the religion at their event.
And in my opinion, that is the main reason we need the Chief Rabbinate,
and even if you disagree with me, you should have addressed that.
If I’m not being clear, or if you want another example, I’ll send one.
P.S. This is my guess: almost all the people in your social circle are of very high intelligence.
And perhaps it would be proper to listen first to ordinary people as well.
With all due respect