בס''ד
Parshat Ki Tavo
20 Elul, 5772
September 7th, 2012
Drs.Dana Bravata and Crystal Smith-Spangler at Stanford University (takeh), after
reviewing thousands of papers on the subject, “did not find strong evidence that
organic foods are more nutritious or carry fewer health risks than conventional
alternatives…”
Oh boy.
Had they criticized farmer’s
markets, had they flown in fruit from Zimbabwe, had they pointed out that kale
tastes really, really bad – these researchers could not have angered organic
food advocates more.
Personally, I love studies like these. Having
one’s conceits busted is good for the soul.
Every great idea, organic
farming included, attracts intellectual detritus. It’s just what happens. When we
believe in a principle, we will muster every proof we can think of in its support.
About half the time, those proofs turn out to be, ahem, complete
bullshit. Unless one periodically clears out the false hypotheses, precious
pieces of wisdom gather the smell of manure.
My beloved Rav Kook valued atheism.
He wrote,“Atheism has the right of
temporary existence because it is needed to digest the filth adhered to faith
for the lack of intellect and service” (Orot 126)
I
hesitate to point out that, just over a week away, are two holidays designed
for the very purpose of cleaning spiritual house. When it comes to beliefs – better
not to be a hoarder. Time to roll up our sleeves and start scrubbing.
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