RAV KOOK ON Ki Tavo Part 2: Accept and Then Analyze
How should we learn Torah — with an open heart, or with a critical eye?
Moses told the people, “Pay attention (‘haskeit’) and listen, Israel.” (Deut. 27:9) Why does Torah use this unusual word, 'haskeit'?
One explanation proposed by the Talmud is that 'haskeit' is a composite word, formed from the words 'hass' (‘be quiet,’ ‘hush’) and 'kateit' (‘to shatter'). When studying Torah, we should first be quiet and accepting, even if we fail to fully understand the reasoning. Only afterwards should we try to analyze and dissect what we have learned, raising whatever questions we have.
This follows the advice of Rava, the fourth-century Talmudic scholar, who counseled:
“One should first study Torah and only afterwards scrutinize” (Shabbat 63b).
Why is it wrong to question and criticize from the outset?
How should we learn Torah — with an open heart, or with a critical eye?
Moses told the people, “Pay attention (‘haskeit’) and listen, Israel.” (Deut. 27:9) Why does Torah use this unusual word, 'haskeit'?
One explanation proposed by the Talmud is that 'haskeit' is a composite word, formed from the words 'hass' (‘be quiet,’ ‘hush’) and 'kateit' (‘to shatter'). When studying Torah, we should first be quiet and accepting, even if we fail to fully understand the reasoning. Only afterwards should we try to analyze and dissect what we have learned, raising whatever questions we have.
This follows the advice of Rava, the fourth-century Talmudic scholar, who counseled:
“One should first study Torah and only afterwards scrutinize” (Shabbat 63b).
Why is it wrong to question and criticize from the outset?
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