Question: How can one believe both in Torah and that the earth is millions of years old?
Dear Rabbi,
How can one can believe both in Torah and that the earth is millions of years old?
Sincerely, Don
Answer: Dear Don,
I am of the opinion that believing that the world is 5768 years old as is the current Hebrew year or believing that the world is six billion years old are both legitimate beliefs with great rabbis on each side of the debate.
To name but one example - if the sun wasn't created until the 4th day of creation, there could not have been 24 hour 'day' cycles. The first 3 days may have been a billion years with the 24 hour cycle only commencing from the 4th day onwards. There are dozens of additional explanations.
Bottom line from this rabbi: Our job is to keep the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. Most else doesn't really matter.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
