Month: January 2017 – ד׳ בטבת תשע״ז

Uncovering Original Intent in Torah

We have already written here strongly promoting the scientific or “realistic” approach to Torah study.
This method, lost with the demise of Chazal and Rishonim, has gained more adherents over time. But we still have a ways to go. For example, one clear rule is that the true meaning of any text is best gained by studying its earliest commentators (obvious exceptions notwithstanding). The closer to the era and spirit of the author(s), the better.
If we follow this rule, one should study Avos Derebbi Nosson when seeking to elucidate Mishna Avos. Right? Moreso, when faced with two possible interpretations, the one from Avos Derebbi Nosson ought to win out.
You already know what I’m going to ask: How often was this even attempted by the commentaries on Avos?

Our Great Jewish Community Leaders

Here’s an example of clear self-censorship in Mishna Berurah 581:9 for fear of the community overlords:
“וידקדקו”, נהגו לעבור לפני התיבה פרנסים ומנהיגים שיודעים בצער הדור והיינו דוקא כשהם נאמנים ומגינים על הדור ומרוצים לעם ובעוה”ר בדור הזה וכו’ וכדי לתקן פרצה זו ראוי שיתפלל הש”ץ הקבוע
The “et cetera” makes no sense otherwise.

How to Kill Amalek Legally

They say Germany is Amalek.

Assuming this to be true, and assuming the mitzvah applies to individuals, maybe all you need to kill Amalek is a donation to the German suicide organizations, or better yet, the “German Society for Humane Dying“. I don’t think the size of the donation matters much.

Of course, political campaigning for government funds for assisted suicide and the like is not enough; they must be enabling death in the here and now.