The Rabbis and the Oral Law

One of the most basic teachings given over to a student who wants to learn about Judaism, is the understanding that the Written Law and Oral Law were both given on Mount Sinai.

The Written Law refers to the Five Book of the Torah. The Oral Law is the interpretation and implementation of the Written Law, as well as the authority given to the Rabbis in preserving the Torah’s teachings.

The Maharal explained this beautifully in his book, “Be’er Hagolah.” All of the decrees, safeguards, fences, and customs that were instituted by the Rabbis throughout the generations, are part of the Oral Law.

In actuality, they truly reflect the will of G-d. This will is meant to be expressed at the proper time and place, by the sages of that generation.

The point to be made is that the Chachamim (wise men) and the Tzadikim (righteous men) are the embodiment of the Torah She’beal Peh, the Oral Law. Their role is to take the will of Hashem from the abstract to the practical.

It is essential that we respect and not minimize the roles of the Rabbis in each generation. It is not only the fact that they are our guides and teachers. Following them, is an acceptance of this basic principle that both the Oral and Written Law, were given on Mount Sinai.