Innovation

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The Alphabet and Monotheism

COMMENTARY

The invention of the alphabet at the right time and place was crucial for recording the divine word and fostering the high levels of abstraction necessary for monotheistic belief. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, in his series of Torah commentaries, explores how divine providence and literacy played a pivotal role in the development of monotheism among the Israelites.

The alphabet created the book that created the people of the book. Was it divine providence that led to this invention becoming available at exactly the right time and place to be used by the Israelites for the holiest of purposes, namely, recording the divine word? Or was it this new development that allowed the Israelites to develop the consciousness – the high levels of abstraction, essential to monotheism, made possible by literacy – that allowed them to decipher the word of the One God?

Covenant and Conversation; Exodus; The Book of Redemption, Yitro, A Kingdom of Priests 20

From Rationing to Space Exploration

COMMENTARY

The extraordinary technological and economic achievements of Medinat Yisrael highlight its rapid progress from food rationing to becoming a global leader in space exploration and having a significant presence on the NASDAQ exchange. This contemporary reflection on the State of Israel’s achievements underscores its transformation from a struggling new nation to a global leader in innovation and technology.

A thoughtful person should ponder the reason behind the extraordinary success of Medinat Yisrael. In its early years, Israel had to ration its food. Now, it is the fourth country in the world to send a rocket to the Moon. Israel, as is well known, has more companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange than any other country, except for the United States and China.

From David to Destruction, Eliyahu HaNavi Ascends, Israel's Chariot and Horsemen 16

The Innovation of the Jewish Calendar

REFERENCE

Hillel the Second's innovation in the Jewish calendar system allowed individuals to independently determine the beginnings of months and dates of holidays. Gershom Bader's historical account highlights the challenges faced in determining the new month and holidays, leading to the establishment of a fixed calendar still used today.

We should note that during the time of Rava’s life the greatest worry of the Babylonian scholars was to determine the beginning of a new month and the holidays since they always had to wait for the decision of the High Court in Palestine. Then Hillel the Second, the Nasi of Palestine, wished to introduce a radical change in the manner of determining the Jewish calendar. Times were such as made it a risk of life to send out messengers with the news of the observation of the new moon and the ratification of the new month by the High Court, even within Palestine itself…

The Jewish Spiritual Heroes, Volume III; The Amoraim of Babylon and the Babylonian Talmud, Rava bar Joseph bar Chama 16

Innovations in Halakhic Protections for Women

JEWISH THOUGHT

Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits introduces innovative halakhic measures to protect women from becoming agunot, ensuring their ability to remarry. This text explores the adaptation of financial responsibility for the get and the use of the principle of hefker bet din hefker to enforce compliance.

Even more remarkable are the halakhic innovations that were introduced in order to protect the wife from becoming an agunah, i.e., a woman not divorced and thus bound to her husband and yet in fact having no husband to live with. We shall list a number of such cases. According to the law of the Torah, the husband is required to pay the scribe for writing the get (divorce document). Referring to the Mishnah, the Gemara explains: “However, these days we do not do it that way. The rabbis have ‘thrown this obligation upon the wife [i.e…

Jewish Women in Time and Torah, ii Woman as a Person 11

Modern Solutions for Shabbat Observance

HALAKHAH

Modern technology can be harmonized with traditional Shabbat observance through the use of timers. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s contemporary halakhic work, Peninei Halakhah, explores practical solutions for maintaining Shabbat prohibitions while benefiting from modern conveniences.

Shabbat prohibitions become forbidden at the onset of Shabbat, but before Shabbat begins, one may take actions whose effects will continue into Shabbat. A prominent example of this is using a timer (“Shabbos clock”). Such timers are connected to the power supply and to an appliance, and its settings control the flow of electricity, determining when the device will turn on and off. This is how, nowadays, we can set electric lights to go on and off over the course of Shabbat. One may leave on lights before Shabbat and set the timer to turn them off at bedtime, on again at lunch time…

Peninei Halakhah, Shabbat 17:6:2

A Transformative Revelation

COMMENTARY

In his ethical exploration of the Torah, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks draws a striking parallel between a pivotal biblical event and transformative historical innovations. Just as moments like the invention of the printing press and the advent of the World Wide Web reshaped human history, Joseph's revelation of his identity to his brothers in Parashat Vayigash stands as a profound, world-altering moment.

There are moments that change the world: 1439, when Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable-type printing press (though the Chinese had developed it four centuries before); 1821, when Faraday invented the electric motor; or 1990, when Tim Berners-Lee created the World Wide Web. There is such a moment in Parashat Vayigash, and in its way it may have been no less transformative than any of the above. It happened when Joseph finally revealed his identity to his brothers. While they were silent and in a state of shock, he went on to say these words:

Essays in Ethics; A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible, Vayigash; The Birth of Forgiveness 2

The Paradox of Deuteronomy

COMMENTARY

Deuteronomy paradoxically warns against adding to the Torah while introducing new elements itself. Everett Fox’s essays explore the dynamic nature of Jewish law and tradition, balancing innovation with preservation.

Ironic is the repeated warning, which appears here for the first time, not to add anything to the Instruction. Yet Deuteronomy itself does just that. But, as we have noted above, by closing the Torah after the end of the book, Deuteronomy is able to introduce innovations with the force of tradition, and seemingly guard against further overt revision.

The Five Books of Moses, by Everett Fox, Deuteronomy, Part I; Historical Overview, Transition 3

The Jewish Drive for Innovation

COMMENTARY

The Jewish tradition of questioning and pushing boundaries has led to significant contributions in science and other fields. This contemporary commentary traces the roots of Jewish innovation back to the patriarch Abraham, highlighting the cultural emphasis on challenging the status quo.

Avraham Avinu began his spiritual path specifically by questioning the status quo of the civilization around him. This Jewish trait persists until today. Science, as shown by the incredibly disproportionate percentage of Jews who have won Nobel Prizes, has been improved by Jews who push past current bounds of science to make new innovation. It’s written into our blood that we don’t sit with what we are told but rather mold the prevailing wisdom into our new creation.

Depths of Yonah 1:3:26

Understanding the Essence Before Building

COMMENTARY

To successfully realize any vision, one must first grasp its core concept and purpose. Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky explores Betzalel's wisdom in understanding the essence of the Tabernacle before its construction.

According to the Tanchuma, Betzalel's flash of insight was that he chose to cut through and build the essence before the tangential. Betzalel stood and questioned Moshe about the essence of things and their purpose. And once he understood the concept of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for the divine presence and as a source of light and Torah, he knew that to be able to erect the walls, he had to begin with the essence, with the content. It is impossible to realize a vision without understanding it in depth…

Karati Bekhol Lev, Vayakhel 1:8

Inventor's Rights in Jewish Law

HALAKHAH

The legal ownership and rights of an individual who invents something new are crucial in both Torah law and the laws of the nations. The Hoshen Mishpat section of the Shulchan Aruch addresses civil law, including property rights and business ethics, making it highly relevant for contemporary Jewish legal discussions.

It is agreed according to the law of the Torah (and the laws of the nations) that any individual who invents [creates] something new in this world, he is its owner in every respect and right.

Rabbinic Authority II, Part II; Rabbinic Authority; The Reality, Chapter 7; Decisions in Hoshen Mishpat, c) Non Compete Agreements 28

A New Beginning

LITURGY

The concept of innovation in Judaism encompasses not just physical changes but also profound spiritual transformations. The Yotzerot for Parashat HaChodesh in the Siddur Sefard speaks of a comprehensive renewal, including a new earth, new laws, and a new Temple.

Thereon a new thing will happen: a new earth will be created, a new law will be given, a new covenant will be made, a new rebirth of man, and a new spirit will be renewed in him, and a new gift, a new offering will be brought thereon. Sun and moon will gain new splendor, their light will shine in a sevenfold brillance; at the two equinoxes it will be renewed. He will confine His presence within the new Temple gate, and it shall be called by a new name, as the name of the city ever since the sanctified day…

Siddur Sefard, Yotzerot, Parashat HaChodesh 34

The Power of Focus in Innovation

CHASIDUT

Innovation in Torah learning requires undivided focus and the elimination of distractions. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a prominent Hasidic master, emphasizes the importance of concentrated study to foster spiritual and intellectual growth.

From what the Rebbe said, we understood that if you wish to innovate, you should concentrate on the subject and not confuse yourself with extraneous introductions. Pretend that you are totally ignorant of everything except the subject at hand. You will then be able to originate many new ideas and bring them to light in order, step by step.

Sichot HaRan 266:4

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