לקראת עשרה בטבת: היסטוריה, מציאות והרמב"ן: לצום או לא לצום?

Machon Shilo

3 Jan 201714:22

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the Jewish community's approach to fasting during times of peace and turmoil, referencing the views of Rabbi David Bar-Hayim from the Machon Shimon. Rabbi Bar-Hayim interprets historical and religious texts, suggesting that fasting obligations may vary based on the community's consensus in times of uncertainty. The script delves into the evolution of these practices from the Gaonim and Rambam's era to the present, highlighting a shift in the necessity of fasting due to the changed global situation for Jewish communities, advocating for a more flexible interpretation of religious obligations.

Takeaways

📜 The script discusses the concept of fasting in Jewish tradition, particularly in relation to the current state of the Jewish people and the conditions under which fasting is obligatory or optional.
🌐 It mentions that the majority of the Jewish people still believe that fasting is necessary, but there is a debate about whether this is still the case given the current situation.
👨‍🏫 Rabbi David Bar-Hayim from the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court has recently stated that three out of the four fasts are not obligatory in our times, which is a significant departure from traditional views.
📖 Rabbi Bar-Hayim bases his opinion on the teachings of the Talmud and the commentaries of the Rambam (Maimonides), suggesting that in times of peace, fasting is not obligatory.
🕊️ The script implies that the current state of the Jewish people is one of peace and that there is no known persecution, which may affect the obligation to fast.
📝 Historically, the Jewish people have fasted in response to persecution and calamities, but the Rambam and other sages have suggested that in times without such events, fasting is a matter of individual choice rather than obligation.
🔍 The script highlights the complexity of determining the collective will of the Jewish people, especially in a dispersed and diverse global community.
🗣️ Rabbi Bar-Hayim emphasizes that the decision not to fast should be a collective agreement among the majority of the Jewish people, which is a different approach from the individualistic perspective of the sages.
📚 The script references historical Jewish scholars and their views on fasting, indicating that their rulings were based on the historical context of their times, which may not be applicable today.
🌍 It acknowledges that the Jewish diaspora and the historical persecution of Jews have changed significantly over the centuries, suggesting that the conditions for fasting may no longer be relevant.
🙏 The script concludes by suggesting that individuals should consider the current global situation of the Jewish people and the teachings of modern rabbis when deciding whether to fast.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the script?
-The main topic discussed in the script is the obligation of fasting on certain Jewish holidays, specifically the historical context and interpretation of these obligations by various rabbis and scholars.
What does the script suggest about the current situation of the Jewish community in relation to fasting?
-The script suggests that the current situation of the Jewish community is one of peace and security, which may not require the strict adherence to fasting as it was in the past during times of distress.
What historical events are mentioned in the script that affected the Jewish community's observance of fasting?
-The script mentions historical events such as the Crusades, expulsions from England, France, and Portugal, and pogroms in Ukraine, which greatly affected the Jewish community and their ability to observe religious practices like fasting.
Who is Rabbi David Bar-Hayim, and what is his contribution to the discussion in the script?
-Rabbi David Bar-Hayim is a scholar from the Mekhon, who provides his interpretation of the obligation to fast based on historical and contemporary perspectives. He discusses the views of ancient sages and their relevance to the present situation of the Jewish people.
What is the significance of the Talmud Bavli in the script's discussion?
-The Talmud Bavli is significant as it provides the scriptural basis for the discussion on fasting. It is cited to support the argument that in times of peace, there is no obligation to fast, which is a point of contention among scholars.
What is the script's stance on the relevance of historical rulings on fasting in the present day?
-The script suggests that historical rulings on fasting may not be entirely relevant today due to the changed circumstances of the Jewish community, which now largely lives in peace and without the threats that necessitated fasting in the past.
What is the script's view on the collective decision-making process regarding fasting in the Jewish community?
-The script implies that the decision to fast should be a collective one, with the majority of the Jewish community agreeing on whether to observe fasting in times of uncertainty or peace.
How does the script differentiate between the views of the Gaonim and Rabbi Bar-Hayim on fasting?
-The script differentiates by stating that the Gaonim believed in individual choice regarding fasting in times of uncertainty, while Rabbi Bar-Hayim suggests a collective decision by the majority of the Jewish community.
What is the script's perspective on the current state of peace and security for the Jewish people?
-The script's perspective is that the current state of peace and security for the Jewish people is significantly improved compared to historical times, which may affect the obligation to fast.
What is the script's advice for those who wish to engage with Rabbi Bar-Hayim on the topic of fasting?
-The script advises those interested in engaging with Rabbi Bar-Hayim on the topic of fasting to contact him via email or phone for further discussion or to invite him for a lecture.
How does the script address the changes in the historical context that influenced the obligation to fast?
-The script addresses the changes by comparing the historical context of persecution and insecurity with the current context of relative peace and security, suggesting that the obligation to fast may be less stringent today.

Outlines

00:00

📖 Reflections on Jewish Fasting Traditions

The first paragraph discusses the evolving nature of Jewish fasting traditions in the context of contemporary Israel. It delves into the views of Rabbi David Bar-Hayim from the Machon Shimon Institute in Jerusalem, who interprets the Talmud to suggest that fasting is not obligatory in times of peace. The Rabbi explains that while historically fasting was mandatory during times of distress, the current situation does not warrant it. Instead, he encourages joy and celebration, contrasting this with the views of other scholars who maintain that fasting is still required. The paragraph also touches on the historical context of the Gaonim and Rambam, highlighting their differing interpretations on the subject.

05:01

🤔 The Complexity of Collective Decision-Making in Jewish Law

The second paragraph explores the complexities surrounding the collective decision-making process in Jewish law, particularly regarding fasting. It contrasts the views of the Rambam, who believes that the decision to fast should be a collective one agreed upon by the majority of the Jewish community, with those of other scholars who argue for individual discretion. The paragraph also raises questions about the practicality of achieving consensus among the diverse Jewish communities worldwide, given the geographical dispersion and the multitude of rabbinical opinions. It emphasizes the historical context of the Rambam's time and the subsequent development of Jewish law, suggesting that the current situation may not align with past interpretations.

10:03

🕊️ The Changing Landscape of Jewish Life and the Relevance of Past Scholars

The third paragraph reflects on the significant changes in the Jewish world since the times of the Gaonim and the Rambam, questioning the relevance of past rulings in the modern context. It highlights the historical persecution and expulsion of Jews, such as during the Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition, which led to a widespread state of distress. The paragraph argues that the current situation, where Jews can live without overt persecution and are able to observe the Sabbath and other religious practices, is fundamentally different. It suggests that the rulings of past scholars may not be applicable today, given the improved conditions and the lack of widespread persecution, and encourages a reevaluation of these traditions in light of the present reality.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Jewish People

The Jewish People refers to the ethnic and religious group originating from the historical Israelites. In the context of the video script, it is mentioned that a large part of the Jewish community has returned to their roots, indicating a connection to their religious and cultural heritage. The script discusses the Jewish community's practices and beliefs, particularly in relation to fasting and the state of peace or turmoil they are experiencing.

💡Fasting

Fasting is the practice of abstaining from food and drink for a period of time, often for religious or spiritual reasons. In the script, fasting is discussed in relation to the Jewish holidays and the conditions under which it is obligatory. The script mentions that fasting is a matter of individual choice in times of peace, but obligatory in times of turmoil, reflecting the community's response to different historical and societal conditions.

💡Peace

Peace in this context refers to a state of tranquility and harmony, particularly in relation to the Jewish community's experience. The script discusses how the obligation to fast changes depending on whether the community is in a state of peace or turmoil. It is mentioned that in times of peace, fasting is not obligatory, highlighting the importance of the community's well-being and stability in determining religious practices.

💡Rabbi

A Rabbi is a Jewish religious leader or teacher, often responsible for guiding the community in matters of religious law and practice. In the script, Rabbi David Bar-Hayim from the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court is mentioned, indicating his authority and influence in interpreting religious texts and practices. His views on fasting and the conditions under which it is obligatory are central to the discussion in the video.

💡Talmud

The Talmud is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of the Mishnah and the Gemara. It is a compilation of Jewish law, ethics, customs, and history. The script cites the Talmud to support the argument that fasting is not obligatory in times of peace, as it is a matter of individual choice. This reference shows the importance of historical texts in shaping contemporary religious practices.

💡Gemara

The Gemara is a part of the Talmud, consisting of discussions and interpretations of the Mishnah. It is a crucial source of Jewish law and tradition. The script refers to the Gemara in the context of the obligation to fast, indicating that it establishes that fasting is not obligatory in times of peace, thus providing a basis for the Rabbi's interpretation.

💡Rambam

Rambam, also known as Maimonides, was a prominent Jewish philosopher and scholar. His works, including 'Mishneh Torah', are highly influential in Jewish thought. The script discusses the Rambam's views on fasting, suggesting that his interpretation differs from that of the Talmud and other scholars, emphasizing the complexity of religious interpretation and the diversity of opinions within the Jewish community.

💡Community Decision

The concept of community decision in the script refers to the collective agreement or consensus of the Jewish community on religious practices. It is mentioned that in times of uncertainty or turmoil, the community's decision on whether to fast is crucial. This reflects the democratic nature of religious practice within the Jewish community and the importance of collective agreement in shaping religious observance.

💡Diaspora

Diaspora refers to the dispersion of a population from its original homeland. In the context of the script, the Jewish diaspora is mentioned in relation to the historical and geographical spread of the Jewish people. The script discusses the challenges faced by Jewish communities in different parts of the world, particularly in relation to religious observance and the influence of external factors such as persecution and assimilation.

💡Persecution

Persecution in this context refers to the systematic mistreatment or harassment of a group, often based on their religious or ethnic identity. The script mentions historical instances of Jewish persecution, such as the Crusades and expulsions from various countries, highlighting the impact of these events on the Jewish community's religious practices and the obligation to fast.

💡Modern Context

The modern context in the script refers to the current state of the Jewish community and its religious practices. The speaker argues that the historical interpretations of religious obligations, such as fasting, may not be relevant in the present day due to changes in the community's circumstances. This reflects a debate within the Jewish community about the relevance of historical religious laws in contemporary life.

Highlights

A large part of the Israeli community has returned to its birthplace with the self-awareness that most of the people still support the idea of adapting to this known situation.

Rabbi David Bar-Hayim from the Jerusalem Rabbinical Court recently stated that in the idea that three out of four fasts are not in our time, how the Rabbi explains the fact that the Rabbi is based on, by the Torah and all the known poskim saying that all four fasts are obligatory.

The Rabbi cites the Gemara in the Talmud, which establishes that in a state of peace, there is no obligation to fast on these days.

In a state of peace, it is forbidden to fast, but there is a joy on those days, in a state of obligation to fast, and in a state of no peace and wine, as written in the Talmud.

Rabbi cites the words of the Geonim and Rambam based on the issue in the Babylonian Talmud, page 18a, page 20b, stating that in our time, the situation is different and not all fasts are obligatory.

The Rambam, in his book 'Mishneh Torah,' discusses the idea that in times when the Temple is standing, all six fasts are days of joy and not days of fasting.

The Rambam also discusses the three situations: peace, no peace, and no wine, and how the majority of the Jewish community decides whether to fast or not.

The Rambam emphasizes that the decision is not individual but rather a collective agreement among the majority of the Jewish people.

The Rambam's definition of the situation is different from that of the Geonim, stating that the decision is not individual but rather a collective agreement among the majority of the Jewish people.

The Rambam's words were written before 650 or 700 years ago, during the 13th century, and all the poskim and scholars of that time agreed with this historical context.

The situation of peace and no wine has changed over the centuries, especially after the Crusades and the expulsion of Jews from various countries.

Today, there is no place in the world where Jews are persecuted or forced to convert, and they can observe Shabbat and learn Torah without fear.

The Rambam's words are not relevant today as the situation has changed for the better, and there is no need for collective fasting as in the past.

The poskim who followed the Rambam and the Talmud also lived in different historical contexts, and their rulings are not applicable today.

It is important to understand that the historical context has changed, and the rulings of the past may not be relevant in today's world.

The Rabbi encourages sharing these ideas with friends and family, and if interested in dedicating an idea with Rabbi Bar-Hayim, contact can be made through the provided email or phone number.