[Avodah] Freedom of exegesive interpretation

[Arie Folger]

Rabotai,

We have, in the past, often argued about whether we are free to interpret 
verses according to our own understanding, against that provided by the 
midrashim and the Talmud. One of the issues was whether those Rishonim 
offering alternative explanation were offering additional layers of 
understanding or alternative, sometimes exclusive interpretations. A most 
notable example we discussed was Ramban.

I just stumbled across a new data point. 

On the Mishnah Nazir 5:5, the Tosafot Yom Tov writes:

	although in the Gemara it wasn't explained thus, since regarding the law
	(din) there is no difference whatsoever (between the interpretation of the
	Talmud and that suggested by the TYT), permission has been granted to
	interpret [differently, according to one's own POV --af], since I do not see
	any difference between the interpretation of Mishnah and of Scripture, for
	permission is granted to interpret Scripture, as our eyes see the
	compositions of interpretations since the days of the Gemara. However, it
	must be that he shall not decide and interpret any law (din) such that it
	would contradict the opinion of the ba'alei hagemara.

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