Ohr HaChaim(Shemos 18:21): Why did Yisro deserve being the
source of the information about forming the judicial system? While it is true
Yisro deserved being honored for honoring Moshe and thus he honored G-d, but
there were other ways of honoring him not in this ways that indicates - chas v'shalom - the lack of
knowledge of G-d's people until Yisro came and enlightened them? It appears
that the reason is that G-d wanted to teach the Jewish people a fundamental
lesson not only for that generation but for all generations. The lesson being
that there are among the nations of the world men of great intelligence and
understanding such as Yisro and these nations have awareness of important and
valuable information. G-d's intent was to show that the election of the Jews
was not because their knowledge and insight was greater than other nations.
They were not chosen because of their superior wisdom and knowledge. Their
election was the result of G-d's supreme kindness and His love of the Avos.
This explanation is more appropriate according to the view that Yisro came
prior to the Revelation at Sinai. Accordingly G-d's message was that even
though there are amongst the Nations greater wise men than amongst the Jews -
the Jews were nevertheless chosen. We are thus to praise Him for choosing us
because of his Kindness. However, even according to the view that Yisro came
after the Revelation at Sinai - a similar lesson can be learned by the fact
that Yisro is mentioned in the sequence of events of the Torah prior to the
giving of the Torah.
Not just that there are wise amongst the nations, but also that a rational statement can be true, regardless of the source. I've found that discussing anything with rabbanim, no rational statement I make is accepted, unless I provide a source - namely that it has already been stated by an eminent rabbinic authority. So why did Moshe not ask Yithro for a source?
ReplyDeleteI wish to make a public Vidui -
ReplyDeletea few months ago I made an unwarranted criticism of a great Talmid hacham of a previous generation. Now, i have learned a few things:
a) it is wrong to do this, and I thank Rav Aviner who made a very clear statement of the issur in criticising Talmidei hahcamim, even where there is room for disagreement.
b) I should recognize that whatever knowledge I may accumulate , it is still only a fraction of what great Talmidei Hachamim know.
c) even if, theoretically i were to become great, still does not justify my cynicism.
d) even in cases where I feel justified to be a cynic, it is not appropriate to attack others more learned than me.
I am working on a few more points too, so I am making a public apology.
Did Moshe had no Hava Amina?
ReplyDelete