Q&A: How Are You So Well-Versed?
How Are You So Well-Versed?
Question
Hello. All the breadth of knowledge you quote in your answers to questions—is that all from memory? Or do you have access to software like Otzar HaChochma? Or both?
Answer
A strange question with vague wording, and I don’t know what kind of answer you’re expecting. What does “all the breadth of knowledge” mean? Are you asking whether I make use of databases and the internet? The answer is definitely yes (I also refer people there). Are you asking whether everything I know comes from there? The answer is no. Are you asking what the ratio is between my personal knowledge and the databases? I don’t know how to answer that.
And if you ask me why any of this is important—I don’t know how to answer that either.
Discussion on Answer
“And if you ask me why any of this is important—I don’t know how to answer that either” — it’s as important as knowing whether a tree that falls in a forest clearing makes a sound. And it would have been interesting to see what the Rabbi’s answer would look like if he were asked on the Sabbath, when there’s no computer at his side (according to the views that are not those of the rabbis of the Maghreb). From looking at the site, the situation seems dire. There is not even one (!) answer from the Rabbi on the Sabbath, and apparently that’s because it’s forbidden to search in Otzar HaChochma. And immediately after the Sabbath there are. Thus it is proved.
Happy holidays,
Gil
Very sharp indeed.
Gil, it’s as important as knowing, if a jug fell, how much was in it. And even sharper.
Gil, the reason the Rabbi doesn’t answer questions in Jewish law on the Sabbath is because no questions in Jewish law arrive on the site on the Sabbath.
I suggest you run an experiment.
Next Friday night send a question, and we’ll see whether the Rabbi answers.
“That you quote.” You answered me at greater length, and well. I was curious what you’re made of.