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Day: August 2, 2024

Why are there differing opinions in the Babylonian Talmud?

Why are there differing opinions in the Babylonian Talmud?

Firstly, there is no falsehood in the Gemara. The varying opinions, whether two or three, are all part of the Torah, which represents God’s will and wisdom. However, we typically follow only one of these opinions as the binding verdict. Generally, the majority opinion among the sages is the one that forms the basis of halacha (Jewish law).

Even the opinions that are not accepted as halacha are still part of the Torah and, therefore, part of G-d’s wisdom. The question arises: Is the wisdom of the Torah divine will dressed in human understanding, or is it a philosophy rooted in human reason? The Torah is G-ds will. The opinions not currently accepted as halacha might become binding in the future. For instance, the teachings of Beit Shamai are true, though not halacha for now. In the future, halacha will align with the views of Beit Shamai.

The Babylonian Talmud contains multiple opinions on various subjects that derive from the infinite depth of the Torah. While all opinions in the Talmud are part of divine wisdom, only one is typically followed as binding law, usually the majority opinion.

Even though some opinions are not followed, they are still considered part of the Torah and G-d’s wisdom. Additionally, opinions not currently accepted might become halacha in the future, as Arizal wrote in his books, that Beit Shamai’s teachings will one day be the accepted law in the Messianic era. The entire creation awaits the revelation of Moshiach and the building of the Third Holy Temple, as this would signify the end of evil in the world.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Pinchas: A Land distribution by Divine Order

Pinchas: A Land distribution by Divine Order

The portion of Pinchas provides a detailed account of how the Land of Israel was divided among the twelve tribes. This allocation, divinely ordained, underscores the profound connection between the Jewish people and their homeland-the land of Israel.

The principles inherent in this division offer profound spiritual insights. The promise of the land to Israel symbolizes God’s covenant and faithfulness, inspiring Noahides to trust in divine promises. Moreover, the equitable distribution of land among the tribes reflects the universal values of justice and fairness, core tenets of the Noahide laws.

Just as the Israelites inherited a land with defined boundaries, Noahides will have to respect the established order in creation. The planning evident in the allocation of the land mirrors the divine order that governs the universe. Believing in G-d leads to accepting the fact that the land of Israel belongs to the Jewish people. Through these insights, Noahides can deepen their spiritual connection with G-d and fulfill their moral obligations.

But the full promise G-d gave to Abraham is just about to come. In the Messianic era, the land of Israel will be given to the people of Israel in its full size, which is much bigger than the current one.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.

Can Noahide, who is a bastard, marry a female? Does a bastard have bad traits? Will he be a bad person, or can he be a good person?

Can Noahide, who is a bastard, marry a female? Does a bastard have bad traits? Will he be a bad person, or can he be a good person?

A bastard is defined as a child born from prohibited relationships. Specifically, this term applies to a child born from an adulterous relationship. The primary relationships that result in a bastard are those between a married woman and a man who is not her husband. Close relatives whose union is explicitly forbidden by the Torah, such as a man, his sister, or his mother

In the Babylonian Talmud, it is stated by the sages that even a Jewish bastard who is not allowed to marry a wife (unless she is a slave), if he studies Torah for heaven’s sake, is considered as if he is a high priest who enters the Holy of Holies. A non-Jewish bastard is allowed to marry a non-Jewish woman. And certainly, if he is a Noahide who learns the seven commandments given at Mount Sinai, this act elevates him spiritually far above and beyond the rank of a mere Gentile. Everyone has a free choice whether to be a good person, which means to do G-d’s will by fulfilling His commandments and behaving nicely towards people, or to choose evil, which means doing the opposite of G-d’s commandments and having negative behavior towards others. Overall a bastard is permitted to marry a woman not to mention if he is a Noahide as such he is spiritually elevated, which can have a good effect on his character traits, and certainly can marry a woman.

*This is from a series of articles by Rabbi Bernstein Moshe.