How do I convince him that the way we study Talmud is not a threat?''But it is a threat, Reuven. I just told you it is a threat. In the hands of those who do not love the tradition it is a dangerous weapon.''Everything is dangerous in the wrong hands. How do I convince him that we're not a threat?
In Chaim Potok's "The Promise," a dialogue unfolds around the reading and interpretation of the Talmud, highlighting the tensions in scholarly traditions. One character expresses concern that their approach to studying the Talmud may pose a threat, especially when the text is misused by those who lack respect for the tradition. This fear underscores the delicate balance of preserving religious practices while engaging with contemporary thought.
Another character counters this notion, arguing that any tool can become dangerous if wielded by the wrong person. The challenge lies in alleviating fears and demonstrating that their scholarly pursuit is not meant to undermine tradition but rather to deepen understanding. This conversation reflects the broader themes of faith, intellectual inquiry, and the struggles between modernity and tradition within Jewish thought.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
