Q&A: Various Topics
Various Topics
Question
Hello Rabbi. I have a few questions on different topics:
1. The issue of the plausibility of the miracles that appear in the Torah, and also more generally. It is hard to accept, for example, that miracles on the scale of the Ten Plagues actually occurred, even if they do not contradict reason (is that in fact true? If so, I would be glad to understand why). What makes the Rabbi accept this? I would appreciate it if the Rabbi could help put my mind at ease.
2. Why is studying the Talmud considered a cornerstone of religion? What is its value?
3. How can one accept that the Holy One, blessed be He, cares whether I bow to a statue? Why does that matter to Him? (You could say this about many commandments, but here it feels like there is some kind of childish jealousy.)
4. A very, very general question. What does the Rabbi think of Rabbi Sherki’s teachings in general? What impression does the Rabbi have of him? Can one find substantive content in him?
Thank you
Answer
In the future, please split different topics into separate questions, not all together, because it is impossible to discuss everything at once.
- I do not know how to put your mind at ease, because I do not understand what is bothering you.
- Jewish law is God’s will, and studying it is our way of cleaving to Him.
- Ask Him. As for pork, do you understand what bothers Him there? And what about impurity? And the other forbidden foods?
- I do not know him well enough, but he is an intelligent person.
Discussion on Answer
1. Then make an effort.
2. Why is it preferable to study books of Jewish law? Who said everyone needs to become halakhic decisors?
3. Because I am not left with the impression that these are childish matters.
In general, you are assuming all kinds of baseless assumptions and then raising difficulties. Do not assume, and do not raise difficulties.
1. It is hard for me to imagine and understand the plausibility of such a reality.
2. So why not simply teach books of Jewish law? Even in Haredi circles, for example, where they study a lot of Jewish law, they still study Talmud, and not everyone who studies Talmud becomes a halakhic decisor.
3. If so, why does it not trouble the Rabbi that ostensibly this makes it look like the Holy One, blessed be He, is occupied with childish matters?
Thank you