Q&A: Observance of Jewish Law
Observance of Jewish Law
Question
Hello Rabbi, what should one’s attitude be toward a commandment/prohibition that truly makes no sense to them, and therefore is really hard to carry out in practice?
I understand that the Sages have authority and that this obligates us, but today there are so many Jewish laws that were not stated directly by the Sages but by the medieval authorities (Rishonim) and later authorities (Acharonim), and here the question becomes even stronger: are we obligated to act in accordance with what the medieval authorities ruled, even though on a personal level that prohibition can cause us emotional harm because we do not understand it?
Thank you very much!
Answer
This is too general a question. If you think it is an incorrect interpretation, then don’t observe it. But if it is correct, then distress is not a reason that exempts you from observing Jewish law. Severe distress could be grounds for exemption from certain rabbinic laws, but each case must be judged on its own merits. Usually, lack of understanding does not create severe distress. You understand that you are observing it because that is what the Holy One, blessed be He, wants (assuming the interpretation is correct), even if you do not understand why.
Discussion on Answer
Thank you for the information.
Hello Rabbi, I’d be happy to ask the Rabbi whether there are commandments regarding which you think and act differently from what is commonly accepted today in Jewish law?