One of the greatest misconceptions about Torah and Jewish law is that it is old-fashioned, applying only to the time in which it was given, or at least only up until the era of enlightenment.
The bearers of these misconceptions look at Torah through the prism of their limited perspectives, often restricted by ignorance of the richness and depth of Torah wisdom. They see Halacha as relevant in the ancient land of Israel, or maybe even the Shtetl. But what does a system like this do for us in the 21st century? How can Halacha, which was formed before the industrial revolution, inform life that is permeated by the changes that machines have brought to our lives? How can a body of law that was codified before the development of modern medicine and information technology have anything to say about a life that is defined by those advancements?
Yet the Torah is called Torat Chaim, a living Torah. A Torah of life, or a living Torah is one that informs and shapes life under any and all circumstances. Last I checked, there is no expiration date stamped on the side of a Torah scroll, a Talmud, or the code of Jewish law. In fact, by mining the depths of Halacha and the method of applying Halachic principles throughout the ages, we can find amazing insight into 21st century issues.
This coming Wednesday evening at 7 pm, I will be leading a discussion on Futuristic Halacha. Questions like how time bound Halacha can be observed during space travel. How does mitochondrial DNA replacement affect the status of a fetus? Is lab-grown meat Kosher? Can AI replace Rabbis to answer Halachic questions? Learn more and register at www.chabadneworleans.com/future.
Why should we want to be governed by an old-fashioned system even if we can find some relevant applications to our modern lives? Why can’t we just move on and embrace current systems?
Remaining faithful to Torah and Halacha anchors us to something greater than anything that a human being can come up with on their own. It connects us to Hashem. It connects us to Absolute Truth. It connects us to the Source of Life. True, this connection requires humility, a willingness to submit to a greater power. But that submission, that humility, is more empowering and liberating than anything that a human being can offer.
How can we feel connected to something that was given to us over 3300 years ago? Remember the words of the Shema, “And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart.” On this our sages comment, “’Today,’ teaches us that each day the words of Torah shall be for you as brand new.” Each day the Torah is fresh and relevant. Each day the Torah has an insight for us that is needed just for that day and time.
Embrace the timeless connection that is both ancient and current all at once.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin