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From: trb@masscomp.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: Speaking of fences ...
Message-ID: <203@masscomp.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 29-Feb-84 12:50:51 EST
Article-I.D.: masscomp.203
Posted: Wed Feb 29 12:50:51 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 2-Mar-84 07:33:15 EST
References: <932@ihuxr.UUCP>
Organization: MASSCOMP, Littleton, MA
Lines: 36

Lew speaks of the ritual fence, the eruv.  I've already read what Avi
had to say about the eruv, I have a bit to add.  Maybe I can keep it
short.

A Jew can't carry things "outside" on Shabbos.  The Jewish community
makes an eruv, a barrier which many might consider a ridiculous
artifice.  The notion of eruv might not make sense to you.  You know
what?  It doesn't make sense to me either, but it's universally
accepted as Jewish law.

One of the *fundamental pillars* of Judaism is that the Jews accepted
(and accept) the Torah and its associated laws WITHOUT QUESTION.
That means without question.  Clear?  Good.  Perhaps one of the
yeshiva students out there can retell the story of when God was
looking for a nation to whom to give the Torah, I'm not sure I
remember it properly, but the unquestioning acceptance of the Torah by
the Jews is a central theme.

Rationally, there are some Jewish laws, like eruv, or the kosher laws,
which I don't understand, but I accept that they're ok.  There are
other legal interpretations, which I think are a low-class wimpout on
the part of moronic Jews who are trying to pull a fast one.  First and
foremost in this department are the laws which some claim enable Jews
to smoke cigarettes on Shabbos and Yom Tov.  Cooking is explicitly
permitted on Shabbos and Yom Tov through exceptions in the laws
which prohibit working and lighting fires.  Cigarette smoking, I would
think, should be right out, but some weasels have odd interpretations
of the laws which allow lighting and smoking of cigarettes on Yom Tov.
I think that's a real crock of crap, and I've even seen Chasidim smoke
on Yom Tov.  I would think that Judaism would prohibit smoking
entirely, considering what it does to your lungs.  Jews aren't allowed
to defile their bodies.  Chasidim also drink unbelievable amounts of
vodka to celebrate various holidays, they do it in the name of the
glory of God, I find it ridiculous.

	Andy Tannenbaum   Masscomp Inc  Westford MA   (617) 692-6200 x274