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| Vayakhel: Technology and the Sabbath |
What is the central message of the Sabbath? When we refrain from
working on the seventh day, we acknowledge that God is the creator
of the world.
One might think that only the pristine natural world is truly the
work of God. Human technology, on the other hand, is artificial and
perhaps alien to the true purpose of the universe.
Therefore, the Torah specifically prohibits lighting fire on the
Sabbath, emphasizing that our progress in science and technology
are also part of Creation. Everything is included in the ultimate
design of the universe. Our advances and inventions contribute
towards the goal of Creation in accordance with God's sublime
wisdom.
Along with the recognition that all of our accomplishments are in
essence the work of God, we must also be aware that we have
tremendous power to change and improve the world. This change will
be for a blessing — if we are wise enough to utilize our technology
within the guidelines of integrity and holiness.
Fire in the Temple
This caveat leads to the second question we asked: why does the
Torah limit the prohibition of lighting fire on the Sabbath to
"your dwellings"? The Talmud (Shabbat 20a) explains that lighting
fire is only forbidden in private dwellings. In the Temple,
however, it is permitted to burn offerings on the Sabbath. Why
should fire be permitted in the Temple?
The Holy Temple was a focal point of prophecy and divine
revelation. It was the ultimate source of enlightenment, for both
the individual and the nation.
The fire used in the Temple is a metaphor for our mission to
improve the world through advances in science and technology. We
need to internalize the message that it is up to us to develop and
advance the world, until the entire universe is renewed with a new
heart and soul, with understanding and harmony. Permitting the
technological innovation of fire in Temple on the Sabbath indicates
that God wants us to utilize our intellectual gifts to innovate and
improve, in a fashion similar to God's own creative powers.
We need to be constantly aware of our extraordinary powers when we
follow the path that our Maker designated for us. At this spiritual
level, we shouldn't think that we are incapable of accomplishing
new things. As the Talmud declares, "If they desire, the righteous
can create worlds" (Sanhedrin 65b). When humanity attains ethical
perfection, justice will then guide all of our actions, and our
scientific advances and inventions will draw their inspiration from
the source of Divine morality, the holy Temple.
(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. III, p. 53)
Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison
"Do not ignite fire in any of your dwellings on the
Sabbath." (Ex. 35:3)
The control and use of fire is unique to mankind. It is the basis
of our advances in science and innovations in technology. Even now,
fuel sources for burning — coal and oil — are what power modern
societies. In short, fire is a metaphor for our power and control
over nature, the fruit of our God-given intelligence.