Q&A: Interpretation
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Interpretation
Question
Hello Dr. Michi,
Do you see the Sages’ interpretation of the Torah’s commandments as ultimate? If it were up to you to interpret the commandments, would you interpret them differently from them, or is their interpretation something like a lofty divine thing?
Thank you
Answer
It is not lofty, but it is binding (even though there may be mistakes there). They have formal authority, even if not substantive authority. Search here on the site for the difference between those concepts and discussions about the authority of the Talmud.