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Generate a Generation

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Rabbi Alt merited to learn under the tutelage of R’ Mordechai Friedlander ztz”l for close to five years. He received Semicha from R’ Zalman Nechemia Goldberg ztz”l. Rabbi Alt has written on numerous topics for various websites and publications and is the author of the books, Fascinating Insights and Incredible Insights. His writings inspire people across the spectrum of Jewish observance to live with the vibrancy and beauty of Torah. He lives with his wife and family in a suburb of Yerushalayim where he studies, writes, and teaches. The author is passionate about teaching Jews of all levels of observance.

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Generate a Generation

The pasuk[1] says בינו שנות דר ודר, understand the years of generation after generation. Each generation has its unique issues. As a result, what worked for one generation may not work for another one. It is only one who knows and is able to relate to the issues of that generation that can decide on how to act concerning a given issue.

 

The Kedushas Levi[2] asks why we say תשבי יתרץ קושיות ואבעיות (the acronym of the word תיקו which the gemara[3] uses to leave a question unanswered), that in the days of Moshiach, Eliyahu will answer all the unsolved questions. Since Moshe will be resurrected, and he is the giver of the Torah, why doesn’t he provide the answers?

 

The Kedushas Levi explains that only one who is living in this world knows what the situation is and how the halacha should be decided. This is not the case with one who passed away and has lost his worldly connection. This explains why Eliyahu will provide the answers, as he never died and was always part of the world.[4] Consequently, unlike Moshe, Eliyahu is the one qualified to decide matters affecting us.[5]



[1] Devarim 32:7.

[2] Likutim, s.v. Teiku. Also see the Mabit in Beis Elokim, Shaar Ha’yesodos, chapter 60.

[3] See for example, Temurah 3a. This simply means, “let the question stand unanswered.”

[4] See Targum Yonasan, Bamidbar 25:12 and Zohar 3:214a.

[5] Predicated on this idea, it has been pointed out that the issues in a specific locale should be decided by the Torah authority that knows that locale and its way of life.

Author of Three Books

 
Listen to the short Fascinating Insights Podcast at https://jewishpodcasts.fm/fascinating-insights

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