Q&A: Karet
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Karet
Question
Honorable Rabbi, I wanted to know whether in our times there is a punishment of karet, since we do not see those liable to karet dying at a young age, as according to the views of the medieval authorities (Rishonim). And if not, then I would like an explanation, since the Torah is eternal. Thank you very much
Answer
I have no idea
Discussion on Answer
Why on earth nonsense?! The Torah itself speaks about karet. I don’t know because I don’t understand this area. My impression is that even the medieval authorities (Rishonim) didn’t understand it all that well either.
So you’re claiming that it’s not clear to you what “karet” means, right?
Right
Doesn’t this difficulty bother the Rabbi (or is it simply that you just don’t know)? If not, why not? That is, is it possible that this is nonsense, so why should I care about violating something punishable by karet, or does it just show that the Sages said absurd things?…..