Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site akgua.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!rjb From: rjb@akgua.UUCP (R.J. Brown [Bob]) Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish Subject: Re: BenDavid on Polygamy in Judaism Message-ID: <1045@akgua.UUCP> Date: Fri, 19-Oct-84 12:45:55 EDT Article-I.D.: akgua.1045 Posted: Fri Oct 19 12:45:55 1984 Date-Received: Sun, 21-Oct-84 11:59:25 EDT Organization: AT&T Technologies/Bell Labs, Atlanta Lines: 60 I recently posted this article which if read carefully ASKS for an opinion of those who would know about this subject (i.e. learned Jews). [Bob] >Subject: Polygamy and Judaism > >I have noticed in passing remarks by Mr Martillo that >Sefardim still practice polygamy in some parts of the >world and I take it that the rest of the Jewish groups >practice monogamy. Now if we start with Genesis >2:24( *NOTE* Observant Jews please don't be offended >that I don't know how to reference the text but by the >Christian divisions ..2:24 etc.) >we note that "That is why a man leaves his father and >mother and is united with his wife and they become one." >(TEV). >This verse directly follows the creation of Eve. >I would say this is a pretty strong endorsement (in context) >of monogamy. Yet later in the Scriptures we find many of >the leaders like David and Solomon who are lavish polygamists >(Solomon had hundreds of wives and concubines.) >God seems not to take official notice of this (like He did >when David seduced/"raped" Bathsheba). > >What say the learned of Judaism on this topic ? [Mr BenDavid replies] >>I have the distinct impression that you can't read the first word of the >>Bible because it is in Hebrew - so having the presumptuousness to try >>and tell us what it says is tragi-comical. Let me say that I am truly impressed by Mr BenDavid's scholarship (however I am sure he doesn't care one way or t'other). He appears to have spent many years developing and learning about Judaism and "pre-pagan" Christianity. He appears to be a wealthy man wrt to knowledge. However, regarding this recent submission don't you think, Yiri, you are letting your hatred for what you think are false ideas spill all over the intellectual table we have spread before us ? My question and opinion was offered with a sincere desire to learn about the Jewish understanding on this issue. I have, in this case, no "axe to grind" as you like to say. Are you so far above me Yiri that an honest question brings sneering contempt at my relative lack of learning? Are you so paranoid that if you give me a reasonable answer that I will turn it against you by beating you over the head with the hated name of Jesus ? Yes indeed Rabbi, teach us of love, compassion, justice, and mercy which are all evident even in my brain damaged version of the Scriptures. Bob Brown {...ihnp4!akgua!rjb}