Truth is the Seal of Our Torah

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch, remembered as a hero of German Orthodoxy, is credited with preserving Judaism during a time of great change in the 1800s. Known for his brilliance and deep piety, Rav Hirsch introduced an idea that might surprise many: the concept of Torah Im Derech Eretz—studying Jewish texts alongside secular knowledge. This belief in integrating the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of our heritage has been a central part of his teachings. Yet, over the past century, this perspective has been censored in some circles, erased from the very works that uphold him as an authority.

This is where my struggle with Orthodoxy begins.

Five years ago, I stepped away from religious observance because of a question that no one seemed willing to answer: “How can it say in the Talmud that the sun revolves around the earth, when science shows us that it’s the earth that revolves around the sun?” Later, I discovered a simple answer that had existed for centuries. The rabbis of the Talmud were working with the scientific knowledge available in their time, never intending their observations to be eternal truths. They were students of their age’s wisdom—just as today’s rabbis must be—and never claimed infallibility in the realm of science.

Growing up in an Orthodox environment, I was taught that the Torah and Talmud contained divine truth, and that our greatest rabbis are channels for God’s word, free from error. This perspective—while deeply meaningful in many ways—left me struggling to reconcile my faith with my understanding of the world.

Yet, Orthodoxy isn’t a history lesson; it’s a guide for living. Rav Dessler, a renowned rabbinic scholar, described “truth” as anything that advances the good and brings us closer to God’s will. Sometimes, however, “truths” can keep us at a distance. When something is taught as an absolute truth that cannot be questioned, it risks alienating those who seek honest answers. And that, to me, is a tragic loss.

The Torah is brilliant in its expansiveness, guiding us in every aspect of life. Jewish law spans the entirety of human experience, offering guidance from the moment we wake to the moment we sleep. It validates our fears, our aspirations, and our innermost emotions. For every day and every hour, there is a practice that can bring us closer to a life of meaning. And while there are times when certain teachings may need to be simplified, it’s vital that we preserve the essence of truth so that when questions arise, honest answers are available.

One of my teachers had a sign in his office that read, “Tell the truth. Then you don’t have to remember what you said.” The message is simple but profound—when we uphold honesty, we don’t have to twist ourselves around a memory or hide from deeper questions. Judaism, with all its wisdom, can withstand inquiry, and I believe it grows stronger for it.

The Torah’s brilliance lies in its adaptability and in the dedication of each generation to refine its teachings. It encourages us to wake up with gratitude, to practice kindness and respect toward ourselves and others, and to spend time connecting with family and community. Inside each of us, Judaism teaches, there is a divine spark, a piece of God deserving of love and respect.

For me, these are Judaism’s immutable truths. And when we embrace them with honesty, they have the power to elevate us all.