[Avodah] Torah Study vs. other contributions to soCIETY

[Samuel Svarc]

>From: David Riceman <driceman at att.net>
>Subject: Re: [Avodah] Torah Study vs. other contributions to soCIETY
>
>Samuel Svarc wrote:
>>
>> No one thinks learning subjects that will help you in Torah is
>prohibited.
>>
>As you keep telling me, we're not talking about permitted, we're talking
>about preference.

I'm pleased the message registered. ;-)

>  If it's inappropriate to study Aristotle, rather than
>studying Torah full time, why did the Rama do it?  If the preference
>includes not only Torah but anything that will help you in Torah, why
>doesn't that include training for Zakka, which undoubtedly includes much
>medical information useful for Talmud Torah, and probably presents it in
>a very time-efficient manner.

Sure, if someone wants to train to enhance his Torah study, go right ahead
(although I disagree with you on how effective and time efficient a route
this is). In the context of the original discussion, the training for Zaka
scenario was used as a stand-in for the exact opposite, where one has the
knowledge necessary for Torah but wants to learn it's practical application
as a means to save lives.

I hope this clears up any lingering misunderstandings.

KT,
MSS