Q&A: Column 320
Column 320
Question
Hello Rabbi, in Column 320 the Rabbi proved from a Talmudic aggadah (or at least presented the passage about this) that one should not rely on metaphysical considerations when making decisions.
My question is: in yesterday’s and today’s Daf Yomi (Sabbath 134–135) we see two stories in the Talmud that seem to show the opposite: 1. Rava became weak after changing his understanding of the Mishnah and acting accordingly, and Rava says that this was because he had deviated from the Jewish law, even though the rabbis argued that he was correct. 2. Rav Adda bar Ahavah caused his son to become one with crushed genitals, and claimed that this was because he acted against the Jewish law, even though Samuel agrees with him.
According to this, it would seem that there is room for metaphysical considerations in halakhic ruling, contrary to what the Rabbi said, that they have no place in decisions.
I would appreciate an explanation. Thank you, and have a good week.
Answer
A proof that refutes itself. From there there is actually proof for what I said. After all, he explains his words by saying that the baraita is precise in accordance with them; that is, the mere fact that he became weak is not an argument. At most, it gives some motivation to recheck yourself.
But even if you find some aggadah or statement in that direction, it changes nothing. Even a heavenly voice does not change the Jewish law, so certainly aches and pains of one kind or another do not. And in general, it seems that deciding on the basis of such things is actually included in the Torah prohibition of “you shall not practice divination.” And perhaps deciding on the basis of metaphysical considerations is included in that category as well.
If the Rabbi has pains after a certain column, will he check himself again????