Monday, September 22, 2008

Alarming the Soton By Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser

The Talmud Yerushalmi states that when the first set of tekios are blown before Mussaf, the Soton is somewhat alarmed. When we once again blow the tekios that the chachamim instituted during the tefillas mussaf, the Soton becomes terrified. The early commentaries ask: How is it possible that the chachamim instituted the extra blowing of the shofar during tefillas mussaf seemingly adding on to the original mitzvah? We know that there is a Torah prohibition of adding on to the mitzvos.

The Rashba answers that the issue of “bal tosif, adding on to a mitzvah” is only applicable where the person puts in something on his own accord. However, if the chachamim instituted it for a specific need then there is no prohibition of bal tosif. Like it says in the Torah (Devarim 17:11)”according to the teachings that they will teach you … shall you do,” meaning that we are commanded to listen to the words of our chachamim.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Soton is always on alert, so be prepared don't let him to full you