Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site masscomp.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!masscomp!trb 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