Q&A: Halakhic Morality vs. Human Morality
Halakhic Morality vs. Human Morality
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I watched your interview with Yaron London about your trilogy. There you addressed the question of human morality versus halakhic morality, and you noted that from your perspective both categories are binding on you, and sometimes there is a conflict between them.
My question is: does the conflict, and the fact that one does not automatically choose halakhic morality, stem from the very limitations of halakhic authority as set by the Torah’s command? Or does halakhic authority in moral matters still retain full force by virtue of the Torah’s command, but nevertheless you are not willing to accept it—and if so, why?
Thank you
Answer
First of all, there is no such thing as halakhic morality. There is Jewish law. Sometimes there are conflicts between Jewish law and morality. I did not understand your question.
Discussion on Answer
What do you mean, why? Why should it take precedence? These are two desires of the Holy One, blessed be He, and when they clash, that is a conflict. As for further details, I have series on Jewish law and morality, and it’s worth listening there.
Okay, so I’ll be more precise: the question is about human morality as against halakhic principles that contradict that morality (if I’m not mistaken, that’s what you were talking about in the interview).
And what you said was that there are situations in which Jewish law and morality clash, and from your perspective Jewish law does not always take precedence.
So my question is why. Is it because of the understanding that practical halakhic authority has limits inherent in the Torah itself, and therefore in not every case must one observe and accept the principles of Jewish law in a complete and absolute way? Or is that not the reason, and the choice of morality actually stems from preferring morality over the Torah’s principled command to follow Jewish law?