Q&A: The Balance Between Withdrawal and Integration: Work, Society, and Army Service versus Preserving Torah and Commandments
The Balance Between Withdrawal and Integration: Work, Society, and Army Service versus Preserving Torah and Commandments
Question
Since integrating into general society—at work, in studies, while shopping, in military service, and in other areas of life—can make it harder to observe Torah and commandments than remaining secluded within a protected framework like a yeshiva, kollel, or the home, but on the other hand there is both an obligation and a human and practical need to be part of the social sphere in order to conduct a normal life, how can one distinguish between the areas in which it is preferable to remain within a protected and isolated framework, and the areas in which it is proper, and even necessary, to integrate into broader society?
Answer
I don’t know how to give a sweeping rule. My basic approach is that a person should be involved in the world. The Torah was not given to ministering angels. That includes places where this may lead to sin, so long as the part of the world one is entering is normal and reasonable—basic decent conduct. But when the very integration is itself sinful, and not merely something that raises an indirect concern, then there is room not to do it. For example, if we were to flee to the deserts and live alone in a cave, none of us would fail in gossip. And yet nobody recommends such a way of life. The reason is that the Torah was given to us to observe in this world, and if that creates challenges then one should deal with them and not run away from them. But to join a group whose conversation is gossip—that is a kind of social involvement whose very nature is sinful, and that should be avoided.
Of course there are different situations and different degrees, and here I’ve written only the general principle as I see it.
Discussion on Answer
When God offers the Jewish people the Torah, He says: “And now, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My treasured possession from among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Nothing is mentioned here about material give-and-take relations, only an offer to be a holy people—and as of now, science still has not found a way to achieve that.
A wonderful idea, and even somewhat original. The important question is not whether it is wonderful or original, but whether it is true. I see no indication whatsoever that it is.
I have an idea: observance of the commandments was meant for a certain generation that placed its hopes and its understanding of the world in God. If we look carefully, most of the Hebrew Bible describes a give-and-take relationship with God. Nowadays, when science provides the best solutions for all areas of life, there is no longer any point in observing commandments. What do you think of the idea, Michi? (It’s important to me to note that the idea is genuine and not an attempt at trolling.)