PRECISE WIRING
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Maimonides 1
explains the importance of not tampering with the Torah:
“The Torah explicitly states that its Mitzvot (Commandments)
will remain binding forever, with neither change, addition nor subtraction...
Therefore, if any person will arise – whether Jew or non-Jew – and performs
signs and wonders, saying that God sent him to either add or subtract a Mitzvah
from the Torah, or explains it differently than our tradition from Moses, or
claim that the Mitzvot were given to Israel for only a limited time and not for
all generations – then we immediately know he is a false prophet. In all such
cases, we know that such a prophet is speaking presumptuously in God’s Name,
making up something not told to him by God. For God Himself told Moses that
these commandments are for us and for our children forever.” (Foundations of Torah 9:1-2)
Jewish law is a precise metaphysical science. For just as adding
one wire to your cell phone means it no longer can pick up reception, so too we
must not tinker with Jewish law/Torah. As King David declared: Torat Hashem Temimah
- “the
Torah of God is perfect” (Psalms 19:8). The masterpiece is marred
just as much by adding as by subtracting.
Footnote:
1. Moses Maimonides: Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon.
He was a
physician born in Moorish Cordoba (1135-1204 CE) and was affectionately
referred to as the “Rambam.” In Jewish circles Maimonides
is considered the greatest Talmudist (a person knowledgeable in Rabbinic commentaries of Jewish law),
physician and philosopher in Jewish history.