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}