[Avodah] More on Mitzvos and Iyun (Was Tznius and ILG)

[Yosef Gavriel Bechhofer]

My colleague wrote, upon seeing my email:


> I think this is a fair representation of my view of mitzvos but I'd 
> like to have "salvific" defined as "metaphysical effect upon the 
> neshamah and upon the spiritual fabric of the cosmos leading to the 
> soul achieving a better place after death."

and

> BTW the notion that the minutae of kashrus, taharos, korbanos, 
> ketores, safrus etc ad infinitum has rational overt impact towards our 
> refinement seems to me at least patently absurd.
>  
> Ditto re the study of Tlamud b'iyun. What difference could it have 
> rationally towards my moral refinement to discuss a stirah in rishonim 
> in zevochim???? Or offer a lmudische disscetion of a machlokes.
>  
> Either it's all supra rational or its just silly.
>  
> After reading the Kellner book I am even more convinced of the 
> inability of the neo Aristotelean world view to explain Judaism.

To which I say:


1. I think it absurd to regard all that as salvific. Why would the RBSo 
have us do all these silly things merely to save our souls. And, a 
refining impact need not be rationally or overtly explainable.


2. It is only such refining (to both reason and emotion) that makes 
Talmud b'Iyun worthwhile. See above #1.


3. At least I have the Rambam and Rov Rishonim on my side. Kellner, 
Shmellner...


YGB

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