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"The study of the Mishna and the halachic rulings plays the same role for holy material as does the study of geography in secular matters, as a way of maintaining a logical approach and establishing a basis in reality" [Rav A.Y. Kook, Orot HaTorah 6:9].
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"The study of Torah... adds the light of our lives as Yisrael to our souls, and awakens within them pleasant knowledge and good hidden feelings, along with the unique trait of Yisrael, just as general studies help to awaken within us the knowledge and the feelings of mankind in general." [Ibid 6:11].
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General study... has a benefit in addition to the fact that it is worthy to know all we can from general knowledge... We broaden our intellect by adding general knowledge to it... There are some things that in themselves have no intrinsic value, but which are nonetheless worthwhile to know as a way of exercising our intellect and broadening it to strive for perfect knowledge.
The same is true for various subjects in the study of Torah... Every item of the Torah, even including a small insight... has great value... because of the importance of knowing real truth and understanding it. And what is true for the secular study of historical details and also the knowledge of ancient languages... is also true for every subject which is beneficial in general that the study of its details are a welcome addition to the glory of the intellect. Logically (by a "kal vachomer") this leads to the conclusion that every single detail of our entire Torah must be something that is very dear and well liked. [Ibid 8:6].
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In the past, Amos Shapiro, the President of Haifa University, managed giant Israeli companies, including El Al and Cellcom. In an interview that he gave a few months ago, Shapiro strongly criticized the attitude of Israeli society towards the world of research.
"The universities are the yeshivot of the twenty-first century," he said, "I am surprised by the lack of understanding in Israel of how important research can be. The Jewish nation, which was so tolerant of those who studied in the 'cheider' and whose sole occupation is Torah study, does not show the same tolerance towards the universities."
Shapiro's starting point is mistaken. The universities are not the yeshivot of this century. The yeshivot are the yeshivot of the twenty-first century. But he is absolutely right about the attitude of our society with respect to general knowledge. Large sections of Israeli society despise knowledge as such. Every item of knowledge is analyzed in practical terms. "What can we get out of it?" Knowledge that does not teach a person practical skills is considered a waste of time and effort.
The controversy about the studies of yeshiva students is not only related to the understanding of the importance of the Torah. Rather, it concerns the very importance of studying and the value of knowledge in general.
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Those who do understand the value of knowledge, who declare that the fate of the country depends not on the Arrow Missile or on a magic wand but rather on the education of this nation that resides in Zion – should do all they can to preserve the one place in our country where the study of humanities is being developed. This is the only place where the number of students of the humanities has grown from year to year – the yeshivot.
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"Logically (by a "kal vachomer") this leads to the conclusion that every single detail of our entire Torah must be something that is very dear and well liked."
End of article.
I think the explanation is very simple. We live in a society where financial gain is the primary focus. Thus, studying the humanities and broadening one's knowledge for the sake of knowledge have no place. The beauty of Torah [amongst other things] is that we study in order to study. Torah Li-shma is defined by some as "Torah for the sake of Torah".
That is why there is great opposition in many yeshivas to having "semicha programs". "Semicha program" means "degree" which means "money". So the equation is "Torah = Money". That equation of course triggers a great amount of nausea for those who love Torah.
The other side of the coin is that at the end of the day - people need a livelihood. That is why many of the great tzadikim in history studied for semicha at some point. And there were yet those who refused to earn a livelihood from Torah and found other ways to support their families. ואלו ואלו דברי אלוקים חיים.
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