Tower of Babel

“Parashat Zachor: 'Hating as a Mitzvah.'"
(updated and revised from Vayikra 5763-2003)

In February 2003, the highly-acclaimed young scholar, Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik, penned an essay in the Christian theological journal, Present Tense, entitled The Virtue of Hate. Although Soloveichik's arguments are technically correct, Prof. Soloveichik, fails to put these valid arguments within proper context. Judaism in fact does theological somersaults in order to find merit even for the most hardcore wicked.

“Using Technology in the Service of the Al-mighty”
(updated and revised from Noah 5764-2003)

The Tower of Babel, an ill-conceived enterprise, is an example of the harm that results when human creative forces run amok. The use of modern-day advances and technology is positive only when the motive behind such practice is grounded in the Divine architectural plan.

“The Vital Importance of Truthful Judgment”
(Updated and Revised from Noah 5760-1999)

In the narrative of the Tower of Babel, the Bible depicts a would-be omniscient G-d as having to come down to see the city and the tower that the people had built. If G-d is truly omniscient, why should He have to come down; surely He knows of the wickedness of the people? The Torah is faced with a daunting challenge: Are moral lessons more important than theological truths?

"Making a Name for Ourselves"

The narrative of the Tower of Babel represents a profound protest against human hubris and over-confidence.

"The Power of Unity"

Why was the generation of the flood punished more harshly than those who built the Tower of Babel?

"Why Didn't the Egyptians Rebel Against Pharaoh?"

Egypt had already suffered through seven plagues. The Egyptian people were down on their knees. Why didn't the citizens rebel against Pharaoh? Why did they allow their storied civilization to be destroyed before their very eyes?

"Using Technology in the Service of the A-lmighty"

The Tower of Babel, an ill-conceived enterprise, is an example of the harm that results when human creative forces run amuck. The use of modern-day advances and technology is positive only when the motive behind such practice is grounded in the Divine architectural plan.

"Parashat Zachor: 'Hating as a Mitzvah?'"

The highly acclaimed young scholar, Rabbi Meir Y. Soloveichik penned an essay in the Christian theological journal, Present Tense, entitled The Virtue of Hate. Although Soloveichik's arguments are technically correct, he fails to put these valid arguments within proper context. Judaism in fact does theological somersaults in order to find merit even for the hardcore wicked.

"Does the Torah Ever Distort the Truth?"

In the story of the Tower of Babel, the Bible depicts a would-be Omniscient G-d as having to come down to see the city and the tower that the people had built. If G-d is truly Omniscient, why should He have to come down; surely He knows of the wickedness of the people? The Torah is faced with a formidable challenge: are moral lessons more important than theological truths?