ABOUT THIS EPISODE
🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcasts
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah?
You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Ramban (Nachmanides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it?
I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah. Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot are very different; the rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do: putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law.
The key is understanding the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards protecting us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself. Think of guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof. If we take Torah seriously, we need those guardrails to keep us in line.
History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I've personally looked at some and thought, "Are you serious?" If X happens, then Y will happen? They seem totally disconnected!" But history shows that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation validates the rabbis' foresight.
Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,
Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧
Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟
Follow us for more:
Website - https://www.joidenver.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy
Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah?
You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Ramban (Nachmanides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it?
I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah. Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot are very different; the rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do: putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law.
The key is understanding the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards protecting us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself. Think of guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof. If we take Torah seriously, we need those guardrails to keep us in line.
History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I've personally looked at some and thought, "Are you serious?" If X happens, then Y will happen? They seem totally disconnected!" But history shows that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation validates the rabbis' foresight.
Keep the questions coming! If you have a burning question about Judaism,
Please email us at Dearrabbi@Joidenver.com📧
Tune in to Dear Rabbi and uncover the wisdom behind Jewish customs and laws. 🎙️🌟
Follow us for more:
Website - https://www.joidenver.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joidenver
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/JOIdenver
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/JOIdenver
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/jewishdiy
Subscribe to "JOI to the World" to access all our podcasts, including Yada Yada Yiddish, Kids Say the Deepest Things, Reconnect, and Dear Rabbi.
English
United States
explicit content
IN THIS EPISODE
TRANSCRIPT 🔗
Are you the producer of this podcast?
Add a podcast transcript
Need Audio-to-Text?
Transcribe with Listen411 in Just 60 Seconds
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS PODCAST
🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, we answer a question about a distinctive Jewish practice: Why do some Jewish women cover their hair? For this episode, my wife Sarah Lehrfield shares her personal perspective as a Jewish woman who covers…
🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle a great and very timely question: Is it antisemitic to be anti-Israel? This is a nuanced issue that requires careful understanding of the difference between legitimate criticism and hate.I lived…
In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a beautifully rhymed question: "Michael ate my kippah." Does it need to go to genizah?" Let me first clarify the terms: a kippah is the head covering Jewish men traditionally wear, Michael is a dog, and genizah is the process and place where we bury holy item…
🎧 Listen to this and other episodes at www.joidenver.com/podcastsIn this episode of Dear Rabbi, I answer a question many people ask: What is the best way to get started in wanting to be more involved in Jewish life? The answer is refreshingly simple and accessible.Luckily, Judaism is not all or not…
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Menachem Lehrfield, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
EDIT
Thank you for helping to keep the podcast database up to date.
