|
Ask JewishAmerica Archives
1998 - Volume 1
1/1/98
Negative Remarks About The Talmud
I received a message from a non-Jewish person who had an article that implied
negativity in the Talmud against non-Jews. I researched the first two citations and found
them to be distortions of the Talmud. I asked the person to send me the entire article. He
did and this is my response.
Thank you for the citations.
I must say that the author has done extensive research. I must also say that
the author has no problem with overlooking the many places in the Talmud which provide
instruction to treat non-Jews in a civil and courteous manner, that non-Jews have rights
which must be respected, that Jews must respect the civil laws of the land that they are
in, that Jews must pray for the welefare of the government, etc., etc.
Instead, he/she exclusively presents citations that can be made to imply a
disregard of non-Jews. They also contain other distortions about Judaism. As mentioned in
my previous correspondence, those which we researched were taken out of context and they
provide a false impression.
I is therefore my opinion that the author is a Jew hater who has gone to great
efforts to vilify the Talmud. Not only is the author a hater, he/she is such a deep
anti-semite that he/she seeks to incite hate and suspicion against the Jewish people.
It should be of no suprise to you that there are still such people in this
world.
I have neither the time, nor do I feel that it is my obligation to respond to
claims made by a racist.
I do hope that you have had nothing but positive experiences with Jewish
people. If otherwise, I must confess to you that not every Jewish person has had the
opportunity to study and appreciate the Talmud. In part, this is due to dislocations and
religious persecution, such as the recent Holocaust.
Just like there is anti-Jewish literature in the world, there is also
anti-Christian literature in the world. The Talmud is certainly not among these works.
The author's citations appear to have been taken from a particular English
translation of the Talmud.
I must share with you that even I can not read this English translation. It's a
cross between the KJV Bible and Chaucer. So far, the Talmud can only be studied and
understood with any degree of integrity in its original language.
You write that the citations "could be troubling for Christians".
Let me summarize for you.
First, in my opinion they were written by a racist. Second, those which I
researched were false distortions. Third, it's almost impossible to figure out the Talmud
from the translation that the author used.
Fourth and perhaps most significant, you should not be troubled by any
anti-Christian smear that is suggested. Rather, you need to either strengthen yourself in
your own faith so that they will not bother you, or you need to search out your own faith.
We can let G-d take care of those who show Him disrespect. Those who appear to
offend need to be pitied, not feared or persecuted. It's not we who should be troubled.
Rather, within the next 120 years it is they who will be in plenty of trouble.
I have long ago concluded that there is no religion that the majority of
mankind agrees with. Regardless of the fact that every religion is in the minority, every
person must continue to seek G-d, serve Him, and study His ways.
I do sincerely care for your feelings and I hope that my correspondence is of
help and support.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
1/1/98
Prayers For Bed
>Could you please send me a simple prayer, both in English and Hebrew, that
I
>can recite with my daughter every evening, before she goes to bed. She just
>turned one year old, but it is never too early to start good habits !!!
>
>Thank you very much for your time and consideration
Do you have a Siddur / Jewish prayer book? If not, perhaps I can help get you
one.
We say the first section of the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and then Genesis
42:16.
We say it all in Hebrew. We choose to sing the verse in Genesis to the tune of
Pleasant Dreams.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
- Hear Oh Yisroel, G-d is our L-rd, G-d is one.
- (Blessed shall be the name of the honor of His kingdom for ever and ever)
- And you shall love G-d your L-rd with all of your heart and with all of your
life and with all of your belongings.
- And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart.
- And you shall teach them to your children and you shall speak them when you sit
in your home, when you travel on the road, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
- And you shall tie them for a sign on your arm and they shall be for frontlets
between your eyes.
- And you shall write them on the doorposts of your homes and gates.
Genesis 42:16 (From Yaakov - Jacob blessing his grandsons)
- The angel who redeemed me from all evil shall bless the boys and they shall be
called by my name and the name of my ancestors Avraham (Abraham) and Yitzchok (Isaac), and
may they become abundantly fruitful in the midst of the land.
We say this for girls, also.
You're right on target when you say that it's never too early to start good
habits.
May you merit to raise your daughter for Torah, Jewish Marriage, and good
deeds.
All the best from JewishAmerica
1/1/98
Jewish Lobbies
>I'm a political science student in Tel Aviv University.
>
>I'm writing a paper about the Jewish American Lobbies influence on political decisions
in Israel.
>
>I would appreciate your help by sending me ( by e-mail or mail) any material on this
issue.
If you are referring to formal and registered lobbies, there is only one that I
know of, AIPAC. Their web site is at http://www.aipac.com/
According to my understanding, they are completely above politics, by policy.
Their charter is NOT to be of influence on political decisions in Israel.
If you are referring to informal lobbies, then there are so many out there that
I could not even begin to count them. It frequently becomes a family matter.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
1/1/98
Colonial Jews
>I would like to get some information about Jewish life in colonial USA
between 16th and 18th centuries.
>
>Best Regards from Istanbul / Turkey
I'd look in the following sites:
All the best from JewishAmerica
1/11/98
Ten Commandments
>I have a son who will soon be a Bar Mitzvah, his Torah portion is Yitro
>which as you know is the 10 Commandments. We are struggling with trying
>to relate our family today with the commandments set forth. Can you
>make any suggestions? I, as a mother feel that the 5th and 6th
>commandment would most reflect the 1990's. Thank you for your guidance.
I feel that you are definitely on the right track by seeking to relate your
family to the Torah.
We can only benefit by moving ourselves up to the standards of the Torah. Those
who seek to pull down the standards of the Torah for convenience or for lifestyle
preferences are doing a great disservice to themselves.
You have the vision to see how parts of the Torah can be reflected into the
1990's.
I promise you that you this is true of every part of the Torah.
We can take the Ten Commandments as an example.
1. I am the L-ord who brought you forth from Egypt.
I'm sure that you have a Passover Seder each year. We are required to remember
the Exodus every day. The Exodus was the end of a long process that transformed the Jewish
people from a family into a nation that was able to accept the Torah. Without the Exodus,
the Jewish people would not have been able to make a commitment to the Torah.
2. Idolatry.
The pagans and their idols have mostly disappeared. Yet, idolatry still lives
on today in a figurative sense. Many families have been disrupted by 20th century forms of
idolatry.
3. Using G-d's name to swear falsely.
Respect of G-d's name and His reputation is a great family foundation. Our
children must look to the family to develop their sense of integrity. If our children
respect G-d, they will more easily accept that He respects them. I know of no greater
source of self-worth.
4. Shabbos.
Shabbos and Jewish festivals preserve family life. We sit down to the Shabbos
table as a unit, not as a collection of individuals that happen to meet. On Shabbos we
tune out many things that distract from family life.
5. Honoring parents.
We can only build for the future by recognizing our great past. Our ancestors
are a great source of significance.
6. Murder.
The first family was destroyed by murder. Cain became a homeless wanderer.
7. Adultry.
A person who is uncertain as to the identity of his father will struggle to
maintain his own identity and integrity. It will probably be more difficult for him to
establish a stable family of his own.
8. Kidnapping (Theft).
We pray to G-d for the safety and welfare of our children.
9. False Testimony.
We want our children to learn honesty and ethics from the family, not from
society and its penal codes.
10 Coveting.
"Who is wealthy: He who is content with his lot." Ethics Of Our
Fathers.
Mazal Tov and All the Best From JewishAmerica
1/12/98
Baby Announcement
>When is it okay for a Jewish woman to tell her husband, family, friends,
>coworkers, etc. that she is pregnant? Is there any reason (Jewish,
>superstitious, or other) why she should wait until a certain week or
>month before it is visually apparent that she is pregnant? Also what
>does Judaism say about throwing "baby shower" parties: not allowed, or
>if allowed, when okay?
The issues that you raised are non-trivial and I consulted with my Rabbi, Rabbi Shmuel
Blech, before posting this answer.
Not only is it okay to immediately tell a husband, it is a requirement. The wonderful
news belongs to him as much as it belongs to the mother. It is his baby, also. He must not
feel left out.
It is advisable to share the good news with immediate family and very close friends
just prior to wearing maternity. Their feelings may be hurt if they learn about the new
addition from a neighbor and not directly from you.
Public announcement prior to wearing maternity is not prohibited. Yet in some circles,
people refrain from doing so.
There is a concept in Jewish tradition called ‘Ayin Hora,’ or evil eye. It is
an advisement against inviting envy.
In this circumstance, one never knows whether there is a family who is desperately
trying to have a child and who might twinge from the news. We are highly encouraged to be
sensitive to the feelings of others. Perhaps the exuberant announcement may be viewed as
an insensitivity and it could invite a heavenly judgment. Furthermore, the couple may have
a special merit for which Heaven is especially attuned to their feelings.
For this reason, many people do not purchase baby furniture or host baby showers before
the baby is born.
Understandably, it is not advisable to refuse a baby gift if doing so would hurt the
giver’s feelings.
Again, early advertisement and baby showers are not against Jewish law. There are many
areas of conduct that are much more crucial.
All the best from JewishAmerica and MAZAL TOV!
1/19/98
Abraham's Religion
>In what way did the religion of Abraham differ from that of the
>Israelites in Egypt during/after Moses? In Exodus, for instance, Moses
>mentions that the Pharaoh and the Israelites doubt his revelation from
>God and his personal relationship with God. What exactly was the
>religion of the Israelites at that time?
As a descendant from Noah, Abraham was required to keep the Seven Noahide Commandments.
The six-hundred-thirteen commandments of the Torah were known to Abraham but they were
not mandatory. They were good practice. Therfore, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob observed them
as much of them as was practical, on a voluntary basis.
After the Exodus, at the Mount Sinai revelation, the Jewish people accepted the
six-hundred-thirteen commandment upon themselves and their descendents.
This revelation was very unique. The Torah records that G-d spoke DIRECTLY to well over
six-hundred-thousand adults at one time. They heard G-d speak to Moses. G-d did this to
leave no room for doubt that Moses was indeed his true prophet.
With a little bit of research into the history of religions and cults, it should become
perfectly clear to you why this degree of authenticity was necessary.
From this perspective, the people had every right to doubt Moses' authenticity prior to
the revelation at Sinai.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
1/19/98
Adult Bat Mitzvah
>I am interested in a Bat Mitzvah for myself. I am 42 years old. I never
>had any formal Jewish training in the past. What do I need to do?
Really good question.
Joan, from a traditional viewpoint, a twelve-year-old young Jewish woman is a
full-fledged Jew with or without a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. She is fully responsible for
herself as a Jew.
I have to say that your desire to celebrate your being Jewish is in of itself a cause
for celebration. You have come to realize that you need to do something significant
because you are Jewish. This is a sign of growth and Jewish maturity. Forgive me if this
seems like an exaggeration, but I feel that you are now on the road to greatness.
Traditional Judaism does have a special celebration that I feel is most appropriate for
you. It is called a Siyum.
A Siyum is a celebration for completing a major course of Jewish study.
I recommend that you click over to www.artscroll.com, look for the Artscroll Tanach
Series, and check out their Stone Edition Chumash. This is a wonderful translation of the
Torah with a fine commentary. Get a copy and study it from cover to cover. Invite some
friends over for a party and make a presentation on what you have learned. Make sure that
the food is Kosher, that you wash for a formal meal with bread, and that you recite the
appropriate blessings both before and after the meal. If you do this on Shabbos, try and
do this in a manner that conforms with honoring the Sabbath and keeping it holy.
This would be a true Siyum, a real celebration, and the best darned way I know for a
forty-two year old woman to not just make a Bat Mitzvah, but to BE a Bat Mitzvah, a
'Daughter of Mitzvah.'
Please let me know if there is anything else I can do and how it's going.
All the best from JewishAmerica and Mazal Tov.
1/20/98
Tzvi
>Tzvi:
>Can you send a phonetic spelling of your first name???
It's easy in Hebrew.
You only need three letters.
- Tsadi
- Vais
- Yud.
Let's just put them all together, now.
- Tsadi has the sound of the last two letters in the word 'greets'
- Vais has the sound of the letter V - There is a vowel under this Vais. It turns the
sound into 'vee'
- The Yud is silent, like the Y in the word valley.
Say Greets-vee a few times and then try to drop the 'Gree'
Good luck.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
1/22/98
Singing To G-d
>I am about to teach a class, in our liberal arts (founded by Catholic
>sisters) college, in which I will show how the religious use early
>Gregorian chant as a means of communicating with the Divine. What I
>have read indicates that this practice has its origins in early
>synagogal chant, specifically in the singing of the Psalms. What I
>would like to hear from you is this: What does it mean to SING to G_d?
>I would like to know the root function of music in Jewish liturgy.
I am not familiar with this area.
I believe that you are associating song with tunes.
I do know that several sections of the Bible are designated as songs and that while
there is a clear tradition regarding their words, I am not aware of an official and single
tradition regarding their tune. This leads me to believe that in the traditional sense,
the term 'song' does not need to be closely associated with a specific tune, if at all.
The earliest record of religious music that comes to mind is that of Miriam's, when the
sea split open for the Jewish people. She took a tambourine and led the women in praises
to G-d. (Exodus 15:20)
We also know that the Levites sang during the Temple service.
I hope that this is helpful.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
1/22/98
Baalas Teshuva
>I am a baalas teshuvah and now keep Kosher, the holidays and Shabbos. I
>dress modestly and cover my hair outside the house. We keep the family
>purity laws also. But I can't shake the feeling I am missing something I my
>observance. I am not sure exactly what midos tovos are but perhaps it is
>this area I am neglecting. Could you please elaborate on this subject?
>Also, I am from the Ashkinazec tradition, do I need to cover my hair in the house
>when alone or when other women are there?
I am very happy for you and your family. May G-d continue to give you the desire to
grow and may you see great success.
You write of a concern that you may be missing something.
You know, many people do not have this feeling.
From the bottom of my heart, I believe that those people are very much in trouble. You,
however, are very fortunate to have these feelings. You have greater hope for growth then
they. If you do grow, someday you will surpass them.
You must treasure these feelings and you must channel their energy in a positive
manner.
If you haven't already, you must begin on a course of study. The Torah is our
instructions for living and it is vast. Don't worry about not finishing. Even if you don't
finish, everything that you learn is of great value. Set aside some time each day to
study. Set goals, like some number of pages a day. Find a Torah class or a study partner.
Look into Heritage House's Study Buddy program, http://www.study-buddy.org.il/index.html
I know of people who devote considerable time and energy to study. They are always
finding out things that they never knew before.
Grow, study, keep growing, keep studying.
Midos Tovos means 'good measurements.' You would think that this has something to do
with honesty in business.
It actually refers to proper and balanced behavior.
We have many character traits. They all can be used in a constructive manner and they
can be used in a destructive manner. We must then in the proper measure and circumstance.
For example, there are times when being generous is positive behavior and there are times
when being generous is destructive.
Just like study and training are needed to master the laws of Kosher food, study and
training are also needed to master Torah behavior.
I just took a look at ArtScroll's web site, http://www.artscroll.com and found the
following new book on their home page:
Anger: The Inner Teacher
A nine-step program to free yourself from anger
by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
Rabbi Pliskin turns his attention to one of the worst of personality scourges. Rabbi
Pliskin is perceptive, understanding, scholarly, eloquent, and compassionate. He brings
his vast Torah knowledge and human understanding to bear on problems of faith and
behavior. Here, he presents a down-to-earth approach to scale heights of character and
spirit.
Filled with insights, anecdotes, and examples, this book is a precious addition to
anyone's arsenal of human understanding and self improvement.
Why don't you check it out?
Regarding the question on covering your hair. If you and your husband have a Torah
scholar that you ask your questions, I suggest that you ask him this question, also.
Please write back if you don't have anyone.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
1/22/98
Interfaith Wedding
>I was interested in finding out the dates of any jewish holidays in Oct/Nov of
>1998. I am planning on getting married in an interfaith wedding ceremony
>during this time and want to make sure there are no holidays during this time
>that would not allow us to get married on those particular dates.
>Thank you for time.
Thank you for your correspondence.
It is a bit painful for us to respond to your message.
>Why is it a bit painful to respong to my coorespondence?
From your words, it seems that either you are Jewish and are planning a non-Jew or that
you are not Jewish and you are planning to marry a Jew.
I am personally committed to Torah observance. I realize that there are many people who
are not committed to Torah observance. While I respectfully disagree with their behavior,
and I can still accept them as fellow Jews.
Having said this, I must share with you that within the Torah framework as I know it,
intermarriage is a great misfortune.
In good conscience, I don't know of any day that would allow you to participate in an
intermarriage.
If you are Jewish, I take it as a positive sign that it matters to you whether your
marriage to a Gentile occurs on Yom Kippur. As a friend, I suggest that you take this
further and that you give additional thought to investigating Torah Judaism.
I'd be glad to provide you with additional resources, if you so desire.
All the best from JewishAmerica.
Table Of Contents
For Ask JewishAmerica's Archives
|
![[RWB]](../../images/rwb.gif){kind=small}
![[JewishAmerica]](../../images/jalogoan.gif)
![[bar]](../../images/logobar3.gif){kind=small}
![[Contents]](../../images/bcontent.gif)
![[Feedback]](../../images/bfeedbak.gif)
![[Resources]](../../images/bresourc.gif)
![[Search]](../../images/bsearch.gif)
![[Home]](../../images/jahome.gif)
![[Judaism 101]](../../images/j101.gif)
![[The 2001 Principle]](../../images/2001-3.gif)
![[Heritage]](../../images/heritage.jpg)
![[InnerNet]](../../images/innernet.gif)
![[Jewish Vocational Service]](../../images/jvs.gif)
![[Kosher Lamp]](../../images/KosherLampLogo.gif)