Does Torah Study Protect Us?

Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Hebrew Yated)

There is nothing wrong with believing that the study of Torah protects the Jewish people. I happen to believe that it does. But more importantly so does Rav Chaim Kanievsky whom many Charedim believe is the Gadol Hador. That - of course - should not be a surprise to anyone.

The obvious question is, if Torah study protects us then why bother with all this ‘social distancing’ going on now as a means of protecting us from the coronavirus pandemic? The answer to that should be obvious too. At least those of us that understand the religious principles involved.

As Jews living in the real world, we are obligated by God Himself through His words in the Torah to physically guard our health. When there is any question about our health being in danger we are REQUIRED to do whatever is necessary to save our lives, even if it means violating just about every Halacha in the Shulchan Aruch. Even those which might otherwise carry the death penalty. Like Chilul Shabbos.  

So where does Torahs study come in? There is a spiritual side to protecting our health too. God is the ultimate healer. And although he has given mankind the means to heal, it is only because He wills it so. 

We therefore need to be diligent in not only in our physical efforts but in our spiritual efforts as well. To the extent that we can under these and any circumstances we must do what we know God would want us to in both realms. Since Torah study is such an important Mitzvah - it is the best way to  expend our spiritual efforts beseeching God' for His help.

In other words as human beings we go as far as we can physically. And when we do not or cannot seem to reach full success, God will take over from there and allow us to find the means to overcome a heath crisis. Provided we are worthy.

Which brings me back to the controversial statement by Rav Chaim Kanievsky quoted in the Hebrew Yated as reported by Rabbi Natan Slifkin. Which reads as follows: 

"The Torah commanded us to look after ourselves long before they (the Zionist government) came up with their rules. But if they were to know how much Torah protects and saves, they would find a solution for us to successfully (reopen the yeshivos) without entering into danger." 

This comment was preceded a few weeks ago by his reluctance to close the Yeshivos in Bnei Brak. He said that even though there was a virus plaguing the country, it wasn’t serious enough to close down the Yeshivos… and that it would be the Torah study taking place in them that would save us. 

He was obviously very wrong about the severity of this pandemic and eventually agreed to shut down all the yeshivas as a matter of our health. All bets were off when it comes to saving lives. He has even gone so far as to consider anyone violating the  government’s ‘shelter in place order’ to be considered ‘Rodfim!’  …to be reported to the secular police!

Unintentional though it was, his late start probably contributed to the spread of the virus in Bnel Brak.Which by far has the highest incidence of people so affected.

Even great people can make mistakes. R’ Kanievsky is human and erred. He probably regrets his error. But it clearly was an error. A very costly one. That does not diminish the truth of his belief that Torah study protects the Jewish people. Following the best medical advice does not preclude following spiritual advice too. As long as it does not contradict medical advice. Clearly Torah study in no way precludes following medical advice.

What is troubling to me and Rabbi Slifkin as well is Rav Kanievsky’s condescension about the ‘Zionist Government’. He didn’t have to do that. It would have been nice instead to see him compliment what the government is doing to save lives. A little praise would go a long way to improving the relationship between the secular and religious public.

Alas, an expressed attitude of condescension only adds to the existing enmity that has been exacerbated by accusations that the Charedi world by its cavalier attitude - is responsible for spreading the virus! The fact is - Bnei Brak is a crowded city which makes it highly vulnerable to people there spreading the infection among themselves. No matter how hard they try not to.

That said, I don’t really see anything wrong with Rav Kanievsky asking his question. Since – as I understand it - the government allows congregating for public protest at this time, why couldn’t they find a way to open up the Yeshivos in a similar way?

That is a legitimate question that may have a legitimate answer. Or not. Point being that I see no problem with asking it. Nor do I see a problem with R’ Kanievsky saying that a government run by secular Jews does not understand just how much Torah study protects the Jewish people. They probably do not believe Torah study helps at all.

Rabbi Slifkin asks a question: Just how much does Torah study protect the jewish people? There is no way for any human being to measure that. Rabbi Slifkin suggests that it should be interpreted as follows: 

A more rationalist explanation of the concept of the Torah's protection can be found in the commentary of Meiri (to Sotah 21a). He explains: “Torah protects the world – i.e., that the Torah scholar influences others, and his wisdom enables society to endure.” In his view, the meaning of the statement that "Torah protects" is simply that Torah scholars, with their wisdom, influence society for the better, thereby enabling it to thrive. 

This is an eminently reasonable interpretation. But so too is the idea that God heals via natural means placed in our day into the hands of modern medicine. And that we will eventually merit healing of this new disease through both our physical and spiritual efforts. May it be soon.