Q&A: Several Questions
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Several Questions
Question
- What is the Rabbi’s attitude toward the State of Israel (that is, whether it is “the foundation of God’s throne in the world” or “an act of Satan”), and what should the attitude toward the symbols of the state be as well?
- Whether and how is it possible to understand that the obligation of Torah study applies to every free moment? After all, the Torah is how to live, not life itself.
- Does the Rabbi think there is such a concept as “da’at Torah,” which gives rabbis a better understanding in their perception of reality?
Answer
- To the best of my judgment, nobody knows what these expressions mean. I’ve already written several times that in my view the state is an interest of the Jewish people, and it has absolutely nothing to do with God or with His thrones. The attitude toward the symbols of the state is not a religious or halakhic question but a civic one. Personally, I don’t see anything special in them, but I try not to offend people whom this bothers.
- Part of how to live is to study Torah. It is an important commandment, and not merely a means of knowing what to do.
- No.
Discussion on Answer
About understanding reality. The ability to weigh value-based considerations can indeed develop better among Torah scholars. But even there, it depends on openness and on their fundamental approach.
But still, is there not a religious aspect to the State of Israel?
In my opinion, no. I’ve written about this quite a bit. Search the site.
3. Is the “no” because of “a better understanding in the perception of reality,” or a general statement about “da’at Torah”?
In the sense of developing the intuitive ability to discern values and their weights and boundaries