If Torah Forbids Adding Laws, How Do Rabbinic Mitzvot Exist?

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In this episode of Dear Rabbi, I tackle an excellent paradox: The Torah explicitly states that one is prohibited from adding or subtracting from the mitzvot. So how then do rabbinic mitzvot come to be? Isn't that adding to the Torah?

You're correct that the Torah forbids us from adding or detracting from it, and both are equally problematic. Your question is so good that the Ramban (Nachmanides) himself asks it: How did the rabbis make fences for the Torah? Isn't that adding to it?

I explain the crucial distinction between rabbinic mitzvot and adding to the Torah. Adding to the Torah would be claiming "this is what the Torah says" when the Torah doesn't actually say it. Rabbinic mitzvot are very different; the rabbis are doing exactly what the Torah commands them to do: putting up protective fences to prevent people from transgressing actual Torah law.

The key is understanding the distinction between rabbinic law and Torah law. As long as we recognize these are safeguards protecting us from violating biblical Torah law, it's not only acceptable but actually required by the Torah itself. Think of guardrails on a highway or a fence on top of a high roof. If we take Torah seriously, we need those guardrails to keep us in line.

History proves the wisdom of rabbinic laws. I've personally looked at some and thought, "Are you serious?" If X happens, then Y will happen? They seem totally disconnected!" But history shows that Jewish communities that abandoned rabbinic laws began abandoning Torah laws as well. The direct correlation validates the rabbis' foresight.


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