Q&A: A Commandment That Comes Through a Transgression, and Something Else
A Commandment That Comes Through a Transgression, and Something Else
Question
Hi Michi,
Before I bring up the actual topic, I feel the need to share something fresh—very fresh—with you: since the teeth in my mouth are ruined, I went to our dentist, and he explained to me that he is unable to treat my teeth, except for temporary treatment, because of the surgery. [I knew there was a problem—any infection in the jaw could spread to the heart!]
This morning, in my distress, I googled and found that the doctor who operated on me has a responsa website. I said to myself, “What can happen?” I’ll ask today, he’ll answer when he has time [if at all…], and I asked the question about dental treatment after the surgery. And to my surprise—within just a few minutes he answered me: there’s no problem!
So his Sabbath desecration increased my Sabbath enjoyment… meaning—a commandment that comes through a transgression!
Now I want to share with you a very interesting story I experienced today:
Today we celebrated one of my daughters’ birthday in Ilanot Forest. And after the pigging out, X [my eldest daughter], Y, and I walked along the “forest” paths. While we were wandering, Y told X how, among other things, the angels guide him and his wife to study a chapter from the Hebrew Bible, based on a random selection. This week the lot fell on I Kings chapter 22, the event in which Ahab fell.
And the question was asked: why did the angels see fit to summon for Y and his wife דווקא this event? I’m telling you this because I don’t remember whether, in your book The Science of Freedom, you addressed this complex and delicate issue—how far a person is sovereign over and responsible for his words and deeds. I get the impression that this is an extreme expression of the Sages’ saying: “Everything is in the hands of Heaven except the fear of Heaven!”
The funny part is that X is a very rational person, but she accepts Y’s connection with the angels as a fact.
Tomorrow or in the coming days I’ll send you another reflection—and again on the matter of Reform Judaism.
So all the best to you, and have a good week.
Answer
Hello A’,
As you know, I don’t really understand much about angels. So it’s hard for me to answer why they did or didn’t do something. But if Y is knowledgeable, we may presume that he checked it out properly.
So what are you doing about the teeth in the end?
All the best.
Discussion on Answer
For my part, I don’t adopt factual claims because they are useful, but only if my conclusion is that they are true.
Good morning to you, Michi,
The honor of the angels remains in its place, but they are nothing more than “communication agents.” The piercing question is indeed the degree of a person’s sovereignty over his words and deeds. Therefore I make a practice of praying to God and asking Him to guide me as to what to do. Because I am aware that even if my intentions are good and proper, I may make mistaken decisions—and not only in personal matters. Therefore I have adopted the belief in divine providence, for without it I would be completely lost!
Have a pleasant day.