[Avodah] Minhag Yisroel and Gra on 2 Matzos vs.3 Matzos

[Arie Folger]

I wrote:
> > In conlusion, I do not believe that we can find a single overarching
> > principle that explains all ma'hloqot in halakhah.

RJR wrote:
> > Which is exactly what bothers the unified field theorists -  then
> > halacha seems arbitrary and the halachik process not reproducible.

Of certain import is an article in the most recent volume of Hakirah, here: 
http://www.hakirah.org/Vol 5 Rabinovitch.pdf

R. Rabinovitch (RY in Ma'aleh Adumim IIRC) originally published the article 
elsewhere, in Hebrew, and it was translated for Hakirah. The folowing quote 
is relevant to our discussion:

==== BEGIN QUOTE ====
The Ramban z”l wrote:
        “Everyone who studies our Talmud knows that among disputing
        commentators there are no absolute proofs nor definitive solutions
        for most problems, for this field is not an exact science like
        geometry or astronomy. Rather, we invest all our efforts when
        evaluating differing opinions on an issue, ruling out some
        possibilities through decisive reasoning and forcefully applying the
        conclusions and rules of the Gemaras. We favor an opinion which
        is more straightforward and more consistent with the Talmudic
        discussions, provided it adheres to clear and rigorous logic. This is
        all we can accomplish, and is the aim of every G-d fearing scholar
        who is expert in the wisdom of the Talmud.”5
        Since the wisdom of Torah is unlike the study of
mathematics, there is room for opposing opinions. One ḥakham sees
one aspect prevailing, while a second sees the opposite. It is clear,
however, that both sides justify their position on recognized
principles and criteria. To this person, a particular component carries
more weight, while to the other, it carries less. Therefore, even one
==== END QUOTE ====

KT
-- 
Arie Folger
http://www.ariefolger.googlepages.com