Q&A: Torah Protects and Saves
Torah Protects and Saves
Question
Hello and blessings,
I would like to ask the Rabbi about the meaning of “Torah protects and saves” — are there rational explanations, or only metaphysical ones? And in general, why resort to metaphysical explanations when there are rational ones?
With blessings of Torah
Answer
You understand that I can’t answer the question of why one should resort to certain explanations if there are others. Either someone thinks they are better, or he does it for no particular reason.
I assume the meaning is that Torah study protects the person who studies it (the Holy One, blessed be He, watches over him).
Today, of course, this takes on a simpler and more rational meaning: if you study Torah, you are exempt from the army, and therefore your life is not in danger. Go and see the wisdom of our Sages of blessed memory, who in their holy spirit foresaw what would happen almost two thousand years later.
Discussion on Answer
What nonsense. I thought there were people among you who understand cynical humor, but you’re really so square.
What nonsense. I thought there were serious people among you, but you’re really out in la-la land.