10-17-2010, 10:03 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-13-2022, 09:12 AM by Director Michael.)
1) It's not within the purview of a Gentile to write an original pshat (simple-meaning) commentary on the Hebrew Bible that is authentic pshat, because the pshat meaning is part of the Oral Torah, so one who expounds the pshat must first deeply and broadly study within the Oral Torah, for its own sake. But that level of Torah study is not permitted for Gentiles. So a Noahide may learn the pshat explanations from great Torah scholars (Rashi is the most important), that have been accepted in the body of the Oral Torah, as well as straightforward insights that are taught by any reliable Orthodox Rabbis.
2) - In fact, G-d's will for the halakha (Torah Law) is revealed from the rationalizations and debates of the faithful Jewish Sages and Torah scholars, in their final accepted rulings on any particular matter.
- Hasidic "philosophy" is not philosophy in the secular sense of the word, G-d forbid. Rather, the Hasidic masters, with their Divine inspiration, revealed deeper dimensions (plural) of understanding G-d and His Divine wisdom that was concealed within His Torah.
- If a Noahide thinks that he (or she) sees (as opposed to "derives," which implies in-depth study) a new philosophical explanation or teaching through his intellectual comprehension, he can consult with a reliable Orthodox Torah scholar to find out if his new understanding is acceptable, and whether the scholar knows if it has been expounded publicly before. (It may be that the particular "new" insight was previously recognized privately, but not yet brought out to the public domain).
2) - In fact, G-d's will for the halakha (Torah Law) is revealed from the rationalizations and debates of the faithful Jewish Sages and Torah scholars, in their final accepted rulings on any particular matter.
- Hasidic "philosophy" is not philosophy in the secular sense of the word, G-d forbid. Rather, the Hasidic masters, with their Divine inspiration, revealed deeper dimensions (plural) of understanding G-d and His Divine wisdom that was concealed within His Torah.
- If a Noahide thinks that he (or she) sees (as opposed to "derives," which implies in-depth study) a new philosophical explanation or teaching through his intellectual comprehension, he can consult with a reliable Orthodox Torah scholar to find out if his new understanding is acceptable, and whether the scholar knows if it has been expounded publicly before. (It may be that the particular "new" insight was previously recognized privately, but not yet brought out to the public domain).