Ethics Based on Torah

Wisdom and Torah are not identical. The Rabbis tell us that wisdom may be found in the world at large, but not Torah.

Many attempts have been made in history to achieve an ethical life based on human wisdom. They have failed as practical matters. The most disastrous case in our times is that of Germany, which stood in the forefront of philosophy, science and culture, yet unleashed unspeakable horrors on the world.

When ethics come from G-d, they are unalterable. Only this formula, based on Torah, G-d’s wisdom, can make true ethical life possible. Every person must then perpetuate that life by “raising many students” — continuing to make true morality known so that all may live in true peace and harmony.