Q&A: On the Oral Torah
On the Oral Torah
Question
Hello Rabbi, I accept that there is an Oral Torah and that the Sanhedrin has authority in these matters, but according to that, it is hard for me to understand where the authority of later Tannaim and Amoraim comes from to interpret the Torah, since they do not fall under the category of "according to what they instruct you." So why should I listen to their reasoning regarding the understanding of verses?
Answer
What does this have to do with interpreting the Torah or explaining verses? The question is whether they have the authority to determine Jewish law, whether through interpretation, exposition, reasoning, an enactment, or a decree. The authority of anyone who is not the Sanhedrin is authority that comes from below—that is, from acceptance by the public. The Amoraim accepted not to disagree with the Tannaim, and the post-Talmudic sages accepted not to disagree with the Talmud. From that point on, there is no longer any real authority. The question of authority has been discussed here in quite a few places, and you can search for it.