<HTML>Two different issues have been confused regarding this question. There is
the objective inquiry whether everything mentioned by Chazal (including
areas which are far removed from Torah even in its broad sense) must
be treated as God given truth. Furthermore, there is the educational
question of how the issue should be presented to students.
Advocates of the position that all medical suggestions in
chazal are in fact effective, also argued that any suggestion to
the contrary would lead to a collapse of emunat chachamim in
general. Those who identified with the position that separated between
Chazal's knowledge in the field of science or medicine, and their role as
conduits of Torah u'mesorah, claimed that fusing and thereby confusing
these two areas would lead to an eventual boomerang, ultimately causing
a rejection of Chazal's ability to accurately interpret torah.
Clearly the two issues are related since neither side is willing to
suggest a dishonest educational approach.
Although I have a clear cut opinion regarding the objective question,
I cannot claim that I have the knowledge to proclaim my opinion as
being the only possible one. Geonei olam have been quoted in support
of each of the positions. This of course leads us to an "elu v'elu"
situation (I am aware that this concept cannot necessarily be applied
in this case in the normal sense, however for my purposes it is a
good model).
Therefore, regarding the educational issue, within certain
communities, which unquestioningly accept a simple fundamentalistic
view to Chazal, which would probably not be shaken even in later years
due to lack of exposure, it would be legitimate to adopt a suitable
educational policy. In fact introducing ideas which would shake such a
foundation may be a terrible mistake.
Regarding other communities where modern science is taken as a given,
and Judaism is treated with skepticism because of all the conflicts
with modern day medicine, it may be crucial to stress
the distinction between Torah and "foreign" areas of knowledge in
order to ensure emunat chachamim.
However, extreme cases aside, the best policy may be to present
both opinions. Each student will be attracted and identify with
what he feels comfortable with. It is very possible that at a
young age, students will be very impressed that cures of Chazal
really work. However, being overly dogmatic regarding this, is
a potential educational time bomb. The possibility of a future boomerang
can be avoided by the honesty of a comprehensive educational agenda.
Yair Kahn - Yeshivat Har Etzion</HTML>
