Q&A: The Moral Imperative (Conscience) and the Halakhic Imperative — Two Different Sources of Obligation for a Jew
The Moral Imperative (Conscience) and the Halakhic Imperative — Two Different Sources of Obligation for a Jew
Question
The distinction between Jewish law and conscience is that Jewish law obligates in the halakhic dimension, while conscience derives its authority from divine creation. And there can be conflicts between them, and one needs to know how to choose. Just as in the world of Jewish law, when there are two laws that conflict with one another.
And based on this, one may desecrate the Sabbath to save the life of a non-Jew, since today a non-Jew is considered a "human being," unlike in ancient times. Since the divine imperative of conscience overrides an interpretation of the Sages.
I hope I understood correctly.
According to this, it is difficult, because the very permission to desecrate the Sabbath to save a Jew's life is itself an interpretation of the Sages, and furthermore the rule that regarding the three cardinal transgressions one must be killed rather than transgress is also an interpretation of the Sages (for we have no clear determination from the Torah itself in a conflict between the three cardinal transgressions and human life).
So how do we find our way in choosing between Jewish law and the imperative of conscience?
Answer
I didn't understand. Please formulate the question more clearly. In particular, lay out the assumptions and why they give rise to the question.
Discussion on Answer
You did not understand correctly. The picture is far more complex. I dealt with this in lecture series on Jewish law and morality.
As I understood your view: the imperative of conscience overrides the Sages, but does not override a verse, and therefore one must desecrate the Sabbath to save a non-Jew — did I understand correctly?
If so, does the imperative of conscience also override the three cardinal transgressions?