The Tradition of Discussion & Debate
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.2.10
The Tradition of Discussion and Debate
There has always been a strong tradition of discussion and debate in Jewish history. This is shown in the Talmud. This tradition still continues in the modern day.
Rabbis and The Talmud
- In modern life, Rabbis need to determine Jewish law.
- To do this, they always refer back to discussions that took place in the Talmud.
- Often they will find a similar or comparable idea and apply it to the new issue.
Connecting to tradition
- By referring back to the Talmud there is a direct connection back to Moses and Mount Sinai.
- This ultimately refers back to God, the giver of the Law.
Discussion and debate
- The Written and Oral Law have ultimate authority.
- Traditionally, nothing can contradict the rules that have been given.
- However, there is a tradition of discussion and debate.
Modern debate
- Often, Rabbis will debate which Law in the Talmud should be used and applied to modern discussions.
- Leading Rabbis passionately defend their ideas in debates.
- Ultimately a ruling will be given and Jewish practice will follow the Rabbinic authority.
Test yourself on The Tradition of Discussion & Debate
Traditionally, can the discussion of rabbis contradict the law?