[Avodah] Lechem u Basar (was How game theory solved a religious mystery)

[Prof. Levine]

At 10:59 AM 8/20/2010, R. Micha wrote:
>On Areivim, RZS asked about the value in general:
> > *If* Prof. Auman was mechaeven to the intention of the original Amoraim,
> > then yasher koach to him, and we can now understand this gemara better
> > than the rishonim did; and maybe there are more gemaras that the same
> > knowledge will help interpret, but maybe that's the only one. Is it
> > really worth studying game theory just for that? Once one has 'filled
> > his belly with bread and meat', perhaps; but surely not until then.
>
>The quote about lechem ubasar is significant, and can't be summarily
>dismissed.

Is it possible that "filling one's belly with bread and meat" means 
that one has to study secular subjects as well as Torah? After all, 
R. Yhonason Eybeschutz wrote in Yaaros Devash 2:7 (as translated by 
L. Levi in Torah and Science, pages 24-25):

For all the sciences are "condiments" and are necessary for our 
Torah, such as the science of mathematics, which is the science of 
measurements and includes the science of numbers, geometry, and 
algebra and is very essential for the measurements required in 
connection with the Eglah Arufah and the cities of the Levites and 
the cities of refuge as well as the Sabbath boundaries of our cities. 
The science of weights [i.e., mechanics] is necessary for the 
judiciary, to scrutinize in detail whether scales are used honestly 
or fraudulently. The science of vision [optics] is necessary for the 
Sanhedrin to clarify the deceits perpetrated by idolatrous priests; 
furthermore, the need for this science is great in connection with 
examining witnesses, who claim they stood at a distance and saw the 
scene, to determine whether the arc of vision extends so far straight 
or bent. The science of astronomy is a science of the Jews, the 
secret of leap years to know the paths of the constellations and to 
sanctify the new moon. The science of nature which includes the 
science of medicine in general is very important for distinguishing 
the blood of the Niddah whether it is pure or impure and how much 
more is it necessary when one strikes his fellow man in order to 
ascertain whether the blow was mortal, and if he died whether he died 
because of it, and for what disease one may desecrate the Sabbath. 
Regarding botany, how great is the power of the Sages in connection 
with kilayim [mixed crops]! Here too we may mention zoology, to know 
which animals may be hybridized; and chemistry, which is important in 
connection with the metals used in the tabernacle, etc.

Yitzchok Levine 
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