Q&A: Studies of Faith
Studies of Faith
Question
Hello, Rabbi. Does the Rabbi think there is legitimacy to studying faith / belief and raising questions, even within an educational setting for young teenagers? Say, a junior yeshiva? That is, is there reason to worry about questions that will remain unanswered?
Another question, unrelated: is it permitted to ride a Sabbath mobility scooter within a Haredi neighborhood on the Sabbath? (Because of concern for “do not form separate factions,” and the like.) More broadly, is it permitted to act contrary to the local custom in matters considered unconventional and carrying a religious character?
Answer
Studies of faith / belief need to be done carefully, because the inclination is active in these areas. Therefore, at a young age it is appropriate to begin by learning basic matters and presenting faith in a simple way. Little by little, they should be exposed to additional books and works, and if someone is troubled by the matter, he can continue further.
Apparently some questions will remain unanswered, certainly given the abilities in these areas that the ordinary staff of junior and senior yeshivot have. But if the questions are not brought up, they may surface later when the students encounter them without guidance and support, and then the situation will be worse.
Therefore, in my opinion it is preferable to do this each person according to his own level—that is, to progress with each individual according to his abilities and according to his needs.
In principle, local custom does have significance, but of course it depends on how necessary and how burdensome the matter is. Preserving it does not justify any price. In my opinion, a person is not required to remain shut up in his house the entire Sabbath just so that people will not be bothered by a different custom from their own. Let them deal with it (or: let them form factions).
Maybe one more comment. I once heard from Rabbi Blumentzweig, head of the hesder yeshiva in Yeruham, that custom involves a paradox. It is the preservation of innovation. A custom is created by some innovation (which was not practiced before), and once it is created there is an obligation to preserve it.
Therefore, there is something in conservatism that calls for opening new possibilities. When people begin riding mobility scooters, a new reality and custom could emerge, and then once again it will be permitted.