יום שישי, ינואר 25, 2008

History??

In halachic discussion the intellectual truth is what holds sway. History is irrelevant. Which of the parties in the discussion lived when and under what circumstance is all irrelevant. Rava says... Rashi says... Rav Gifter says... Alive or dead the truth is the only thing that matters. We in learning the opinions and the sides of the debate are the arbitrators. Our arbitration may lead us to a different conclusion than that of the arbitrator from 100 years ago and that's OK.

Also, regarding the need for a historical truth to Jewish historical events. Do we need to answer the question of "What if it didn't happen"? A first reaction might be "of course we do!". If it didn't happen why would keep to the religion? On the other hand if Shmuel HaNavi made up the character of Gideon to tell us a moral lesson of leadership pre-monarchy would it shake our faith in God and Torah?

So why study history?

For halachic discussions, history may give a better understanding of each theory. By knowing when and how each debtor lived we can better understand their statements. Knowing medieval French may help us understand an explanation of Rashi. Understanding Arabic may reveal fine distinction in Rambam's writings that we were previously unaware of.

Regarding historical truth of events I feel there is a difference between the historical accuracy of Sinai vs the historical accuracy of Gideon's battles.

תוויות:

2 Comments:

At 3:43 לפנה״צ, Blogger G said...

**passed out in surprise**
History? that's what I thought this blog was
what the...! cottonpickin' foreiners and there crazy backwards language

 
At 1:55 לפנה״צ, Blogger mosh said...

i think the accuracy of tanach is important maybe not the exact details but if gidion is a mashal , then so is the rest of shoftim and who's to say that shmuel isn't a creation of a later scribe too and that King David was a urban legend etc etc

 

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