Torah Im Derech Eretz: Rabbi Dr Isaac Breuer's Moriah pt 10: Avraham Emerges From the Ruins of Bavel

Moriah by Rabbi Dr Isaac Breuer - August 30

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Meeting Purpose

To analyze Rabbi Breuer's philosophy on early human history and the Jewish nation's role.

Key Takeaways

• Two Tragedies: Human history is defined by two rebellions: Adam's individual arrogance and the Tower of Babel's collective totalitarianism.
• Avraham's Counter-History: Avraham was chosen to create a new history, a "state of God" (Medinat Elohim), by rejecting the flawed models of individual and collective authority.
• Nationhood vs. Religion: Judaism is fundamentally a nation (Am Yisrael), not a religion (Klal Yisrael). This distinction is critical to understanding its mission and was the basis of a major dispute between Breuer and Yaakov Rosenheim.
• Universal Mission: The Jewish nation's purpose is to be a "blessing to all families of the earth" by demonstrating a society whose authority is God, not man.

Topics

The Two Rebellions Defining History

• 1. Adam's Rebellion (Individualism):
  • Cause: Man's usurpation of divine authority.
  • Result: Removal of the divine presence (Shechina) from the world.
  • Consequence: The Flood (Mabul), which broke human pride but led to a new extreme.
• 2. Tower of Babel Rebellion (Collectivism):
  • Cause: A post-Flood inferiority complex → the individual was seen as nothing, society as everything.
  • Method: The first totalitarian state, built on the new technology of the brick, to "make a name for ourselves" (na'aseh lanu shem)—a name for the state, not for God.
  • Result: God's intervention created a confusion of languages, preventing a single, corrupt universal state and establishing the era of competing nations.

Avraham's Counter-History: The State of God

• The Call to Separation:
  • God commanded Avraham to leave his land, society, and family.
  • Rationale: To exit the flawed "general history" of totalitarian states (e.g., Nimrod's) and create a new, ideal society.
• The New Nation (Am):
  • Foundation: A "created nation" (Am Elokei Avraham) whose authority is God, not man.
  • Purpose: To be a "blessing to all families of the earth" by demonstrating a righteous society.
  • Core Identity: A nation (Am Yisrael), not a religion. This distinction is central to Breuer's philosophy and was the basis of a major dispute with Yaakov Rosenheim.

Next Steps

• Rabbi Bechhofer: Continue the discussion on Breuer's philosophy, focusing on the mission of the Jewish nation and the distinction between Am Yisrael and Klal Yisrael.