Q&A: The Malbim’s Method
The Malbim’s Method
Question
Hi Rabbi, I am wondering what your opinion is regarding the Malbim’s method of learning. On the one hand, his way of learning is consistent, but he seems to have a method that does not fit with any of the medieval authorities (Rishonim). Do you think his approach is correct?
Answer
I’m not familiar enough with his approach. The fact that he goes against the medieval authorities (Rishonim) does not scare me. One is allowed to innovate, and if the arguments are good then they can and should be accepted. From a general impression, I can say that he is somewhat speculative. He has good ideas from time to time, but the pretension to present 613 rules of the holy tongue seems to me really unfounded. Especially since, for some reason, there are exactly 613 rules.