Q&A: Can a Person Choose Not to Believe the Divine Inspiration Pulsing Within Him?
Can a Person Choose Not to Believe the Divine Inspiration Pulsing Within Him?
Question
Hello Rabbi,
What do you think about the court ruling (which seems pretty bizarre to me) that instructed Rabbi Tal to stop relying on divine inspiration? It reminded me of your argument that there is no authority when it comes to facts. Would he be able to deny the “fact” that divine inspiration is pulsing within him?
I’m trying to judge them favorably, that they didn’t want to destroy the world of thousands of families (maybe fewer, I have no clue) who depend on him, but I can’t manage it.
Answer
I’m not familiar with the ruling and haven’t heard about it. But perhaps they demanded that he not act on the basis of divine inspiration, not that he shouldn’t believe it (though one should take it into account 🙂).
Discussion on Answer
It should say: Joshua.
But this is not comparable to that. He can accept it and believe it, but in practice not act on it.
The wording I quoted does indeed appear regarding Joshua (Hullin 124), but I meant what they said elsewhere (Yevamot 102): if Elijah were to say that halitzah may not be done with a sandal, we do not listen to him.
And as for the distinction the Rabbi made — that is exactly what I meant: from there it is proven that one can believe his words but not act in accordance with them. I brought this as support for the Rabbi’s point.
I understand. They work out together.
In the sense of: even if Elijah says so, we do not obey him.