A Defense of Geonic Tradition

[ . . . ] In the book of Kings, it is explained that one who prays in the diaspora should face the direction of the land of Israel, as it is written: They pray to You toward their land, which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name (1 Kings 8:48).

In the book of Jeremiah, it is explained that it is forbidden to transport an object from the private domain to the public domain on the Sabbath, as it is written: Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day (Jeremiah 17:22).

In the book of Isaiah, it is explained that it is forbidden to engage excessively in mundane matters on the Sabbath, as it is written: [Honor it (the Sabbath), not doing your wonted ways,] nor pursuing your business, nor speaking of it (Isaiah 58:13).

In the book of Ezekiel, it is explained that a gift will be returned in the Jubilee year, like an object that is sold, as it is written: But if he give of his inheritance a gift to one of his servants, it shall be his to the year of liberty; then it shall return to the prince (Ezekiel 46:17).

In the book of the Twelve Prophets, it is explained that something that touches an object that has touched something holy shall not become holy, as it is written: If one bears hallowed flesh in the skirt of his garment, and his skirt touches bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any food, shall it be holy? [And the priests answered and said: No.] (Haggai 2:12).

In the book of Ruth, it is explained that whenever someone makes a declaration, it is ratified by means of shoes or other objects, as it is written: Now this was the custom in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a man drew off his shoe [and gave it to his neighbor] (Ruth 4:7).

In the book of Psalms, it is explained that a contrite spirit in exile is equal to offering of sacrifices, as it is written: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. (Psalms 51:19).

In the book of Job, it is explained that each daughter inherits a tenth of her father’s property, because he equated his sons to his daughters, who totaled ten: And their father gave them inheritance among their brethren (Job 42:15).

In the book of Ezra, it is explained that it is mandatory to read from the Torah scroll in public on every holiday, as it is written: Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God (Nehemiah 8:18).

Why is all of this written? Because there are many commandments given by tradition—not in writing—and these are a few of them. Authority was given to the sages to transmit them and explain them, as it is written: [That] which wise men have told from their fathers and have not hid it; to whom alone the land was given (Job 15:18–19). Now, our dear friend, have you not known? have you not heard (Isaiah 40:28) that we are sitting in Baghdad, continuously teaching the nation what is prohibited and permitted, impure and pure, kosher and unfit, and all the other finer points of the Torah and the commandments? Anyone who desires to know the law should enter our gates. We also pray for the Jewish people and bless at all times, as Samuel said: As for me, far be it from me to sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you, but I will instruct you in the good and the right way (1 Samuel 12:23). It is our wish that you do so, sending us questions about the Bible [mikra’], the Mishnah, and the Talmud, and then from them you will understand the Torah. Send with them your contributions, in order that righteousness will be established, and the world secured, by your hands, and our blessings and prayers on your behalf accepted eternally.

Selah.

Source: CUL T-S 13J31.4.