[Avodah] Truth, Absolute Truth, Prophecy

[Akiva Miller]

.
R' Meir G. Rabi asked:

> HKBH knows what He's doing
> DON'T MIX IN
> Just do as you're told.
> Why does this not apply to
> Rivkah and YaAkov's meddling
> to gain the blessings from Yitzhak

I presume that "do as you're told" refers to the idea that from HKBH's
perspective, a bechor (Esav) is entitled to certain privileges, such as the
blessings, and that Rivka and Yaakov should not have "mixed in", but rather
should have allowed that to happen as per halacha.

This problem appears in many other situations as well. To me, the above is
very similar to the practice of writing a will (in a halachically
acceptable manner, of course) which has the practical effect of overriding
Hashem's ideas about asset distribution. To state it more clearly: Hashem's
ratzon is that daughters (and certainly outsiders) get nothing from the
estate, and sons get equal portions, except the bechor who gets double. But
what do we do? In RMGR's words, we "mix in" and "meddle" and find a way to
do it differently.

Another example: For over a thousand years, it was assur to write down
Torah Sheb'al Peh. But then the rabbis decided that too much was being
forgotten, so they allowed it. How did they know that Hashem sanctioned
this? Maybe all that forgetting was part of His plan. "HKBH knows what He's
doing"

The answer I've often been given to these questions is "Eis Laasos Lashem",
which might be translated as "The ends justify the means." Admittedly, "Eis
Laasos Lashem" *is* a pasuk in Tehillim, and Chazal understood it to mean
that they DO have the right - obligation, even! - to "mix in" when the
situation requires it.

This is a very powerful dispensation, and could create havoc if misused.
Which is why this power is given only to the top tier of our people, which
would certainly include Rivka Imeinu.

Akiva Miller
.
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