Q&A: Judaism Without Jewish Law
Judaism Without Jewish Law
Question
I wanted to know the Rabbi’s opinion regarding a person who does observe the commandments, but says that Jewish law is not the main thing in Judaism, and that Judaism is first and foremost nationality rather than religiosity. And that being Jewish does not necessarily mean being religious. My question is not what the Rabbi thinks about the person himself, but about this view that he presents. It should be noted that of course this person is aware of basic statements such as “study is primary because it leads to action,” and also “since the Temple was destroyed, the Holy One, blessed be He, has nothing in His world but the four cubits of Jewish law,” and the like. I am asking from a philosophical perspective, about the importance of the commandment-observant aspect, or whether there really is room to say as he does.
Answer
My opinion is that he is mistaken. I didn’t understand the question.
Discussion on Answer
Is study primary?
Action is primary. And that is what gives study that leads to action its force.
The importance of Jewish law stems from the fact that it leads the Jewish people to preserve the Torah. Until the day comes when they will actually fulfill it as well.
Contrary to everything all those babblers of opinions say. (They too have their importance: they draw many people after them instead of letting them go to another religion.)
The question, “Can Judaism exist without Jewish law,” assumes that there is such a thing as Judaism without Jewish law, and now you are asking whether it can endure. My claim is conceptual: Judaism without Jewish law is not Judaism. Only Jewish law is Judaism.
Every person can define Judaism however he wants, and if someone wants to define it as a nationhood—good for him. That is not the Judaism I know. In any case, defining Judaism as a nationality is a fact, not a value. Someone belongs to that nationality or does not. That has no value significance whatsoever. Judaism, by my definition, is a value. Belonging to it and observing its commandments is the fulfillment of God’s will.
Can the Rabbi elaborate more on the importance of Jewish law, and whether Judaism can exist without Jewish law? The claim is that Judaism is a nation and not a religion, and that being Jewish does not mean being religious and observant of the commandments.