Q&A: The State of Jewish Law
The State of Jewish Law
Question
Hello Rabbi, festive greetings. I would be glad if the Rabbi could describe, as much as possible, what his model for a state governed by Jewish law is, and whether today a state of Jewish law is a correct model. If not, does the Rabbi think it will be correct in the future? Or is this an outdated idea that no longer has any place?
Answer
In general, "a state of Jewish law today" is an empty expression. The citizens of the state are not obligated to Jewish law, so how exactly would you make a state of Jewish law? It’s the kind of question that isn’t worth bothering your head with.
In the future, I think and hope there will be a state of Jewish law. Its main feature is that its Jewish citizens will observe Jewish law. The law books will look very similar to today’s law books (with the adjustments required by the times), but the judges will wear frock coats (if they don’t abolish that by then).
Discussion on Answer
I didn’t understand the question. I wrote that by definition, if it is a state of Jewish law, it will fit Jewish law. Beyond that, I have no idea.
But in the end, Jewish law also presents a certain economic model (gleanings, forgotten sheaves, the corner of the field, and the like). How would that be expressed in the economic approach that would be practiced?
I can only repeat myself again: it will be run according to Jewish law.
You can go through all the laws in all sections of the Shulchan Arukh and ask, and afterward copy this sentence again and again.
I don’t really see what you’re driving at.
In the Rabbi’s view, what will the state look like on the cultural and economic level?