Q&A: 2 Questions: 1. Filling Out a Winner Form 2. Secular Studies
2 Questions: 1. Filling Out a Winner Form 2. Secular Studies
Question
Hello Rabbi— I have 2 questions (not related to each other).
1. Is it permitted to fill out a Winner form, the way it is permitted to fill out a Lotto ticket, or does this fall under the category of gambling with dice? [Winner is a form on which one bets on sports results.]
2. Regarding secular studies—does the Rabbi see secular studies (for example, physics, which you studied) as something with independent value, or as something that helps Torah study (through becoming familiar with different modes of thinking and the like)? And assuming that I see my future in Torah, is it worthwhile to invest in secular studies as well? Thank you
Answer
- From the standpoint of the laws of reliance-based commitment, there is room to permit it. But halakhic authorities have written that this assists transgressors (Sabbath desecration in the games). Therefore it is preferable to use a different lottery (such as Mifal HaPais). Especially since Mifal HaPais funds are also more beneficial to the community. In general, in my humble opinion, it is a shame to buy lottery tickets at all, since the chances of winning are negligible.
2. It has value for developing thinking, even if not always for the benefit of classical Torah study (for understanding Ketzot). Precisely for someone who is designating himself for Torah study, in my view this is more important. As for someone who sets aside fixed times for Torah study—I wrote here not long ago—that it is preferable for him to focus on Torah itself as the object of study (Ketzot).