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Rabbi David Weiss Halivni proposed a theory of Chate’u Yisrael 1 to resolve tensions between traditional exegesis and source critical methods of examining the Torah. His theory provides a way to believe in Torah-mi-sinai as well as discrepancies.

The theory states that "Israel sinned" and allowed the Torah-mi-sinai to be corrupted during periods where Israel proved to be unworthy custodians. Later on, Ezra ha-sofer restored Torah to his best abilities. R' Halivni draws on numerous pieces of evidence scattered in Tanakh about non-observance, and later rabbinic literature about the role of Ezra in tikkunei soferim. The conclusion is that the Torah we have today obviously has human fingerprints in it, but it's our only record of Torah mi-sinai.

Is this belief kosher? Does it violate Rambam's 8th Ikkar? Have any Torah scholars discussed the theory of chatu yisrael?

1. ‘Chate’u Yisrael’ (Israel Sinned): A Possible Solution to the Conflict of Peshat and Derash

Avi Avraham
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  • What exactly does "human fingerprints" mean? – shmosel Mar 20 '24 at 02:43
  • In the scope of DWH’s work, I think the working definition should be “indications of non-divinely sourced insertions into the text of the Torah” – Avi Avraham Mar 20 '24 at 03:19
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    Why would it not be kefirah? The gemara says כי דבר ה' בזה זה האומר אין תורה מן השמים ואפילו אמר כל התורה כולה מן השמים חוץ מפסוק זה – wfb Mar 20 '24 at 14:29
  • Please cite the book and page number where R. Weiss-Halivni expresses this view. – Deuteronomy Mar 20 '24 at 16:34
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    @wfb https://judaism.stackexchange.com/a/44623/759 – Double AA Mar 20 '24 at 17:53
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    @DoubleAA יש לחלק, ולא חילוק כחודו של מחט אלא כפתחו של אולם – wfb Mar 20 '24 at 19:38

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