Q&A: A Sage Who Forbade
A Sage Who Forbade
Question
Can the Rabbi explain to me the reasoning and rationale behind the rule, “A sage who forbade—his colleague may not permit” — why? Even if we say that this applies to a specific case, at the end of the day I think differently! And does this rule still apply today?
Answer
First, it is obvious that this was said only about a specific case (not “even if we say”).
Second, this is probably an enactment based on the sages’ policy, meant to prevent ignoramuses from treating Jewish law with contempt. Many people think that if every sage says something different, then there is no real Jewish law and everything is made up. For example, many people say this today about the courts (especially the Supreme Court). But Torah scholars, of course, know that there is no contempt here, and differences of opinion are their daily bread.
Discussion on Answer
Of course it still applies today. Why not? But there are various qualifications to this prohibition.
I’d be happy to read more in detail about this prohibition and its qualifications. Have you written about it?
No. You can search online.
And does this still apply today as well? I can’t disagree with a rabbi who ruled something on a specific case??