Is It Possible to Study Torah Without Learning Talmud or Mishnah?
The question of whether one can study the Torah without delving into the Talmud and the Mishnah is a topic that has sparked much debate among scholars, religious leaders, and lay readers alike. This article aims to explore the possibilities and implications of such a study.
Common Misconceptions and Religious Implications
Sometimes, the study of Torah is conflated with the study of Talmud and Mishnah. There is a cultural and religious view that posits: no, one cannot study Torah without learning Talmud or Mishnah because of beliefs like the Xtian-Muslim abomination of avodah zarah, or the violation of the second impartial commandment as perceived in monotheism (see Exodus 20:3). These views suggest that a complete understanding of the Torah requires a solid understanding of these texts.
Access to the Torah Text
However, one does not need extensive knowledge in Talmud and Mishnah to begin a journey in Torah study. Access to the original Hebrew texts, such as the Tanakh, is the foundational prerequisite. Anyone who can read Hebrew can access the original texts, which include the Five Books of Moses and the Hebrew prophets. Additionally, any major bookstore will carry translations and commentaries on these texts, providing another gateway to understanding:
Even if you do not read Hebrew, you can still get close to the original meaning by obtaining a copy of the Tanakh and reading the first five books, the Torah.
Importance of Commentary and Context
The study of the Torah is enriched when one dives deep into the classical Jewish commentaries. Commentators like Rashi, Maimonides, and more recent ones are based on the teachings of the Talmud, which elucidates the Mishnah and the midrash. Without these commentaries, understanding the nuances and contextual applications of Torah can be significantly challenging:
The Five Books of Moses and the books of the Hebrew prophets cannot be properly understood without the classic Jewish commentaries, which are based almost entirely on the teachings of the Talmud.
Practical Approaches and Personal Experience
It is important to address that one can indeed study Torah without Talmud or Mishnah and still derive significant spiritual and educational benefits. Many Jews engage in study groups that focus exclusively on the Torah, and these groups often provide a supportive community and a deeper spiritual experience. A respondent mentions finding a Torah study group that enriches their lives and brings them new friends, making Torah study a communal and fulfilling activity:
I’m a member of a Torah study group that I find enriches my life and brings me new and congenial friends.
Expert Opinions and Comprehensive Understanding
Expert scholars and rabbis argue that the study of Torah without Talmud or Mishnah would lead to overly literal interpretations that are subject to modern-day misinterpretation and thus inaccurate. They believe that a holistic study of the Talmud and Mishnah is critical for a comprehensive and accurate understanding of Torah:
The interpretation of Torah, and the rest of the Tanach, would be much too literal and subject to current interpretations, which would make it inaccurate.
Therefore, it is not advisable to study Torah without understanding the commentaries that have been established over centuries, which have been informed by the Talmud and Mishnah.
Conclusion and Alternative Perspectives
In conclusion, while one can undoubtedly study Torah without Talmud or Mishnah, a deeper and more comprehensive understanding is enriched by engaging with these texts. Whether one chooses to study the Torah alone or in combination with Talmud and Mishnah, the ultimate goal remains to gain a profound and meaningful understanding of God’s word and its application in daily life. It is also important to note that Jews and Gentiles are not inherently different, and the principles of studying Torah remain applicable to both communities (see Samaritanism):
Jews are like Gentiles in many ways, and generally speaking, Jews can do anything Gentiles can do and vice versa. Consequently, Jews can study Torah without Talmud, and it is called Samaritanism.