The lesson of the difference between the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmud
By zevi770 · September 7, 2014
It makes no sense – why study a far more complex, in fact, almost insane construct of a legal code when you can have a clear one instead – yet this is the wisest of all nations, the Jew’s way of study
Instead of studying for thousands of years the Jerusalem Talmud structured like a legal code, we study the Babylonian Talmud structured like random conversations pieced together and only a true true genius amongst geniuses can make heads or tails as to what the final law is
But the answer gives us a clue as to the entire human experience
For would it not be far easier for God likewise to reveal his intent for you
Must you wander through hallways of darkness feeling like a blind gecko, for the faintest signs of truth
The answer of course is there is a benefit to blindness over light and that is as follows
But perhaps the following explains it best
Asks the Baal Shem Tov
Why when we get to heaven do thousands of angels (perhaps millions) stand on one side representing all the good we have done and thousands on the other
If God is anyway the judge
The answer is that we are all unsure until we are sure, so to prove the case to you is the entire heavenly court case
Similarly on earth – if God tells you this is the law you may wonder, but having plummeted to the depths of the analyzation of the difficult back and forth arguments, we arrive at the laws conclusion decisively
And the same is in life
God clearly gives man freedom of choice
Perhaps easier if he didn’t
But to truly understand, to truly feel, to truly appreciate, to truly desire to do the good over the bad, light over darkness, love over fear, you must experience in equal measure both.