Torah Study Removes Doubts
One of the challenges that is made regarding the authenticity of Orthodox Judaism, has to do with the role of the rabbis.
Many believe that they are not bound by the teachings of the rabbis for various reasons. Some claim that today’s rabbis do not have the same knowledge and authority of the great scholars of the past. Others feel that since there is no accepted rabbinic body for all Jews, like the Sanhedrin, they are not bound by rabbinic law. And there are others who feel that science and technology is too complex for the rabbis to incorporate these advancements into practical Jewish Law.
We learn an important foundation from Yakov Avinu that might answer these critics. We are told that he stopped at the Yeshiva of Shem and Eiver for fourteen years. This detour allowed him to avoid Eisav and gave him the strength to deal with his future challenges.
If those who challenge the authenticity of the rabbis would immerse themselves in the study of Torah and Talmud, all doubts would be removed. We are speaking of immersing in Torah, not just casual learning by attending a class every now and then.
When one devotes himself deeply in Torah study, investing hours, days, and years, everything becomes clear.
He realizes that he is part of a chain that began with the giving of the Oral Law on Mount Sinai. He connects with the Tannaim and Amoraim of the past, and it is as if he is studying together with them.
The Rabbis described the study of Talmud as “the study in the pursuit of truth.”
One feels a very high spiritual connection with this kind of study. One realizes that every question in the world has its answer based on the Torah.
There is nothing that has eluded our great scholars.
It is the diligent study of Torah that has kept us alive through our long and bitter exile. The unwavering commitment to stay within the boundaries of Halacha, allowed us to survive.
Yakov Avinu set the example of how to build the proper foundation. If we would do the same all of our questions and doubts would be removed.