For the source text click/tap here: Eruvin 100
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Unfortunately, I am too much of a historicist and learn nothing about “truth” for the sacred texts cited and the learned discussion above. Spirit for me, is so incarnated in this beautiful cosmos as it unfolds that these texts, albeit sacred, reveal more about their authors than about what is out there.
If postmodern reading means anything, it taught me to see my own biases in these texts, and thus a mirror of myself and my reading practices and (lack of) mastery of the entire corpus of rabbinic literature.
When it comes to nature and morality or nature and Torah, these are cultural constructions we have built, however magnificent the edifices, and are just that. What is my connection with the animal world? DO I learn anything moral from an animal? How absurd! I must move away from these literal readings for them to still make sense.
Which brings me to the fantasy world of Rebbe Nachman who uses animals as tropes of the imagination as we shall see below.