Q&A: Symbols
Symbols
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Have you dealt at all, in the sciences of free will, or in neuroscience in general, with symbols and their conscious and subconscious influence?
What do you say about the theory of symbols, which appears very strongly in the writings of Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, though of course it is much older?
Answer
I’m not familiar with the subject. In general, symbols very much put me off. I’m not inclined to see anything as merely a symbol. Symbols are something instrumental, which can be replaced with a more useful symbol. So for example, if tzitzit is only a symbol meant to remind us of the commandments (that is the plain meaning of the verse, and the Sages expounded: tekhelet resembles the sea, and the sea resembles the sky, and the sky resembles the Throne of Glory), then why shouldn’t I use a more effective symbol instead—like hanging the Book of Commandments on the corner of my garment or around my neck?
Discussion on Answer
And by the way, the familiar argument that one could use a better symbol applies to very many reasons given for the commandments throughout the generations, doesn’t it?
I think that is not the reason we observe the commandments. It is possible that they also symbolize something.
Of course, in principle it could be that the commandments are not intended to achieve any goal other than obedience to the divine command (which Maimonides rejects emphatically), and then one chooses commandments that will serve as symbols. But that does not seem plausible to me, as Maimonides wrote.
Obviously. And therefore, in my view, the reasons for the commandments that have been given throughout the generations are also dubious and of little value. Dealing with them is unnecessary (a waste of Torah study, in my opinion).
Thank you, and also for the quick reply.
Bless you.
So you think there’s no such thing? And that this is just homiletics?