Ask Moshe

Off Topic Politics & World Issues
121

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:
I heard if you eat pork, you guys melt? If this is not the case, though I assume it is, what do you hypothesize is the reason for not eating pork?[/quote]

Actually, it interferes with our ability to shape change into various kinds of animals.

In seriousness, pigs are not a kosher animal, in that they don’t chew their cudd like a cow or deer.

They are particularly disliked because: (1) of their destructive nature (witness the damage of feral pigs); (2) because they carry and spread disease (e.g., swine flu, tricinosis); (3) the pig was the symbol of the Roman Empire that destroyed the Temple (and Roman feral hogs caused much agricultural distruction in Israel — and, in fact, their descendants still do); and (4) they APPEAR to be kosher from the outside (hooves), but hide their true nature.

Notably, it is certainly OK for a Jewish person to eat non-kosher in an emergency situation. Kosher laws are a gift of protection by G-d to the Jewish people, but the primary mitzvah is to always save a life, and if that takes eating SPAM, them SPAM it is.

122

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:
I heard if you eat pork, you guys melt? If this is not the case, though I assume it is, what do you hypothesize is the reason for not eating pork?[/quote]

Actually, it interferes with our ability to shape change into various kinds of animals.

In seriousness, pigs are not a kosher animal, in that they don’t chew their cudd like a cow or deer.

They are particularly disliked because: (1) of their destructive nature (witness the damage of feral pigs); (2) because they carry and spread disease (e.g., swine flu, tricinosis); (3) the pig was the symbol of the Roman Empire that destroyed the Temple (and Roman feral hogs caused much agricultural distruction in Israel — and, in fact, their descendants still do); and (4) they APPEAR to be kosher from the outside (hooves), but hide their true nature.

Notably, it is certainly OK for a Jewish person to eat non-kosher in an emergency situation. Kosher laws are a gift of protection by G-d to the Jewish people, but the primary mitzvah is to always save a life, and if that takes eating SPAM, them SPAM it is.[/quote]

Interesting. My understanding came from the teaching about worshiping the Golden Calf and separating oneself from the surrounding gentiles. So, were there off limit foods before the Golden Calf?

123

[quote]Brother Chris wrote:
Interesting. My understanding came from the teaching about worshiping the Golden Calf and separating oneself from the surrounding gentiles. So, were there off limit foods before the Golden Calf?[/quote]

The concept of kosher animals predates Mt. Sinai (at least as we humans view time)

For example, Noah loaded 7 of various kosher animals into the Ark, while the others got 2.

Abraham kept Kosher.

The two reasons why Jews for thousands of years have kept kosher is because Jews believe: 1) There is a G-d who created the world, sustains and supervises it. 2) God entered into a covenant with the Jewish people, and gave the Torah, obligating Jews to uphold and fulfill its commandments. The kosher laws are a part of that covenant.

There are reasons and lessons behind the various kosher laws, like all the Law, but sometimes it’s “because G-d said so,” — an answer I didn’t understand until I was a parent.

124

My mother is a drunk, racist (anti-white or really anti-non-Apache) bitch. Hits the bottle when she gets home, stays drunk, sleeps, and goes to work fine. Embarasses me in public drunk. Been this way since I can remember.

Do I have an oblgation to “honor her”? And what does that mean? I am gentile, BTW.

125

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]krazykoukides wrote:
This is a really cool thread. Thanks, Jewbacca. [/quote]

You’re welcome. But as noted, it relies upon people like you asking questions.[/quote]

Haha, when I come up with something worth asking I will ask it!

126

[quote]thethirdruffian wrote:
My mother is a drunk, racist (anti-white or really anti-non-Apache) bitch. Hits the bottle when she gets home, stays drunk, sleeps, and goes to work fine. Embarasses me in public drunk. Been this way since I can remember.

Do I have an oblgation to “honor her”? And what does that mean? I am gentile, BTW.

[/quote]

Wow. First, I’m sorry about that. That’s terrible.

Yes, Jew or Gentile has an obligation to honor one’s parents. We got complex about the Laws of Noah, but when you break them down, they end up pretty much the 10 Commandments, less the Sabbath. I can send you a specific link on how the commandment to honor one’s parents applies to gentiles, but I refer you first to the fate of Noah’s son who mocked Noah after the Flood, which is pretty much proof of concept.

The obligation to honor one’s parents is a special obligation, in that you are promised “so that you may live long in the land the L-RD your G-d is giving you.” It’s a special reward for obeying this particular mitzvah.

Now, how do you go about honoring your parents?

Basic honor entails. (This is my list, others differ.)

  1. Serving all their essential needs and assisting them in whatever way possible when older or in need: feeding them, dressing them, transporting them, etc.

  2. Rising to one’s feet whenever a parent enters the room. One should remain standing until the parent has sat down or is no longer within eyesight.

  3. Not standing or sitting in a place which is designated for a parent.

  4. Not disagreeing with parents when in public. Even when not in public, an opposing opinion must be expressed in a respectful manner.

  5. Not calling parents, or referring to parents, by their first name.

  6. Don’t insult your parents, even when they deserve it (e.g., calling your mother a “bitch”)

Now, I would choke on this list if my mother was difficult, so that’s a normal reaction.

But it’s not about her. It’s about you and G-d.

Each of us — Jew and Gentile ---- has an individual responsibility to do mitzva, regardless of the actions of the people around us.

Don’t let your mother’s problems cheat you of your opportunity to serve and obey G-d.

127

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]thethirdruffian wrote:
My mother is a drunk, racist (anti-white or really anti-non-Apache) bitch. Hits the bottle when she gets home, stays drunk, sleeps, and goes to work fine. Embarasses me in public drunk. Been this way since I can remember.

Do I have an oblgation to “honor her”? And what does that mean? I am gentile, BTW.

[/quote]
…
But it’s not about her. It’s about you and G-d.

Each of us — Jew and Gentile ---- has an individual responsibility to do mitzva, regardless of the actions of the people around us.

Don’t let your mother’s problems cheat you of your opportunity to serve and obey G-d. [/quote]

For emphasis.

One repetition of the command is Leviticus 19:3, “Every man shall fear his mother and his father, and you shall observe My Sabbaths. I am the Lord, your God.”

Rashi considers the question of “fear” and of “honor” and includes some precepts as examples of each. But why does the commandment include the obligation to observe the Sabbaths? Because honoring or fearing one’s parents cannot supercede observance of the Sabbath, and presumably, the other commandments, even if one’s parents were to wish it so.

But further on, the word “fear” reappears, in verse 14, “You shall not curse a deaf person. You shall not place a stumbling block before a blind person, and you shall fear your God. I am the Lord.”

One may fear God as one might “fear” a parent. The obligation is in the conscience of the individual: a deaf person cannot hear the curse, a blind person cannot see who wronged him, but only the transgressor knows, as does an ever-present God. (“Who knows your thoughts,” says Rashi.) So, too, with one’s honor to one’s parents–an obligation that may, at times, be witnessed only by one’s own conscience and by God alone.

128

[quote]DrSkeptix wrote:
Don’t let your mother’s problems cheat you of your opportunity to serve and obey G-d. [/quote]

with one’s honor to one’s parents–an obligation that may, at times, be witnessed only by one’s own conscience and by God alone.[/quote]

You all make a good point. I would not be doing it for her, but for God.

Makes the teeth gritting anger more bearable.

129

Exactly how restrictive is the Sabbath? I’ve heard quite a few different “off-limits” activities that had me raising my eye-brows as much as your comment about children standing up when a parent enters the room :wink:

In Israel, if you forget to buy beer or milk or bbq sauce, are there plenty of options? Perhaps Arab grocers? Or is it more like in America, where there is just a large enough portion of the population that doesn’t give a damn so it doesn’t really affect much?

130

Cool thread Jewbacca.

I like your digs at Reform. I live in Jlem now, in the military, made Aliyah. Looking back, I see it was Reform’s complete disconnect from real Judaism that gave me no connection whatsoever to my heritage. I had such trouble identifying with being Jewish before visiting Israel.

Only when I visited Israel on a long term program post college did this spark inside me explode into a fire and since then I can’t get enough to learn. Learning about real Judaism, living in the history of Israel, its all so real.

Anyway, I have a question. I’m reading the Tanach for the first time. What is the explanation for the multitudes of killing and exterminations of peoples throughout Joshua to Kings? It just doesn’t sit well with my Jewish mother moral viewpoints on violence, if you get what I mean.

131

[quote]Carrier wrote:
…I live in Jlem now, in the military, made Aliyah.
[/quote]

Mazel Tov!

The IDF has a conversion program from Lone Soldiers or immigrants who are Jewish-for-alliyah, but not necessarily Jewish. Obviously, you don’t need to convert, but I would encourage you to get in the program (or a similar one) simply because it is a highly structured class of the basics from an Orthodox perspective.

[quote]

What is the explanation for the multitudes of killing and exterminations of peoples throughout Joshua to Kings? It just doesn’t sit well with my Jewish mother moral viewpoints on violence, if you get what I mean. [/quote]

Since you are in the military, I will give you the military reason. Joshua, et al, were essentially an unsupported light infantry division with no depth, deep in hostile territory, no support following, and no infrastructure in place to pacify captives.

In short, they could not afford to move ahead with a hostile force — even a largely defeated hostile force — in their rear.

You can actually track this, militarily, from Jericho forward.

Indeed, one of my tactics classes in the IDF discussed these battles at lengths, from a purely strategic basis. I am candidly surprised this was not part of your training.

132

[quote]Cortes wrote:
Exactly how restrictive is the Sabbath? I’ve heard quite a few different “off-limits” activities [/quote]

Restrictive? Try “liberating.”

I encourage non-Jewish people to have what I call a Reform Sabbath ---- have a fmily dinner Friday night, drink some wine, all the next day, don’t go to stores, don’t get on the computer, don’t watch TV, don’t answer the phone; don’t text; don’t go to work. Hang out with your family. Eat waffles. Take a nap. Lay in bed and have sex (excuse the children for that one).

[quote]
that had me raising my eye-brows as much as your comment about children standing up when a parent enters the room ;)[/quote]

Do the list for your parents and see if your relationship with your parents is better.

[quote]
In Israel, if you forget to buy beer or milk or bbq sauce, are there plenty of options? Perhaps Arab grocers? Or is it more like in America, where there is just a large enough portion of the population that doesn’t give a damn so it doesn’t really affect much? [/quote]

Stores are supposed to be closed, but they can pay a fine and stay open. (And I think some stores can be open, like drug stores.) Probably about 50% stay open.

The bigger issue is restaraunts would lose their kosher certification if they did this, so a lot more restaurants are closed for Friday night. (Again, some stay open, especially in tourist areas.)

BTW, I believe Israel is the only place in the world where you can get a Chik-fil-A on Sunday.

133

Great thread JB. I have a question out of interest. I hope it’s not a stupid one. When you said:

Jewbacca wrote:[quote]
I was taught that sometimes a Jewish soul is “trapped” in a Gentile body, and this is the reason for conversion. As a practical matter, given the dispersion of the 10 tribes and the forced convesions of Jewish people by the Roman Catholic church — a large number of gentiles are are Jewish, and don’t know it.[/quote]

If someone did know that they had Jewish ancestry in a direct maternal line, do you believe it would be incumbent upon them to convert or would it be okay for them to just observe the Noahide laws?

134

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Cortes wrote:
Exactly how restrictive is the Sabbath? I’ve heard quite a few different “off-limits” activities [/quote]

Restrictive? Try “liberating.” [/quote]

Come on now…

135

[quote]SexMachine wrote:
If someone did know that they had Jewish ancestry in a direct maternal line, do you believe it would be incumbent upon them to convert or would it be okay for them to just observe the Noahide laws?[/quote]

Well, they are Jewish already, so they do not need to “convert,” but they would need to start practicing Judaism, get circumcised, etc.

136

[quote]therajraj wrote:

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Cortes wrote:
Exactly how restrictive is the Sabbath? I’ve heard quite a few different “off-limits” activities [/quote]

Restrictive? Try “liberating.” [/quote]

Come on now…

[/quote]

Yes, liberating. Maher, as his is wont to do, found someone who did not have at hand the easy responses to all these situations, and made him appear foolish.

I wonder how many thousands of hours of tape had to hit the floor to find those clips.

137

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]therajraj wrote:

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]Cortes wrote:
Exactly how restrictive is the Sabbath? I’ve heard quite a few different “off-limits” activities [/quote]

Restrictive? Try “liberating.” [/quote]

Come on now…

[/quote]

Yes, liberating. Maher, as his is wont to do, found someone who did not have at hand the easy responses to all these situations, and made him appear foolish.

I wonder how many thousands of hours of tape had to hit the floor to find those clips.[/quote]

Fair enough.

Since you are informed, please fill the gaps.

How is the sabbath liberating to an old man restricted to a power wheel chair?

How is the sabbath liberating to a person living on the 30th floor of a building? You can’t use elevators right? I mean elevators with a sabbath mode are not typical right?

138

[quote]therajraj wrote:
How is the sabbath liberating to an old man restricted to a power wheel chair?

[/quote]

If a power wheelchair was the only way around, and he had no one to push it for him (unlikely in tightly knit Orthodox Jewish communities — in our shul, he’d have volunteers knocking down his door to help) he could use the power wheel chair, just like old people who drive to Shul on Shabbos.

And, candidly, for an old man, having a friend push the wheelchair is probably way better than a battery.

An observant Jewish person would not voluntarily chose to live apart from the Jewish community in a 30 story building, so this is a non-issue.

Actually, we can.

They are the more the rule, than the exception, in Israel. And again, they are common in
Orthodox communities, which is part of the reason for these rules — keeping us together as a people.

139

[quote]Jewbacca wrote:

[quote]therajraj wrote:
How is the sabbath liberating to an old man restricted to a power wheel chair?

[/quote]

If a power wheelchair was the only way around, and he had no one to push it for him (unlikely in tightly knit Orthodox Jewish communities — in our shul, he’d have volunteers knocking down his door to help) he could use the power wheel chair, just like old people who drive to Shul on Shabbos.

And, candidly, for an old man, having a friend push the wheelchair is probably way better than a battery.

An observant Jewish person would not voluntarily chose to live apart from the Jewish community in a 30 story building, so this is a non-issue.

Actually, we can.

They are the more the rule, than the exception, in Israel. And again, they are common in
Orthodox communities, which is part of the reason for these rules — keeping us together as a people.[/quote]

I have to agree, it does sound refreshing.

I’ve designed a Sabbath mode into a refrigerator which I found interesting. It takes human interaction out of the defrost algorithm and lights and such. There was a much larger market for it than I realized. 99% of people with those refrigerators probably have no idea it’s there.

140

[quote]DoubleDuce wrote:

I have to agree, it does sound refreshing.

I’ve designed a Sabbath mode into a refrigerator which I found interesting. It takes human interaction out of the defrost algorithm and lights and such. There was a much larger market for it than I realized. 99% of people with those refrigerators probably have no idea it’s there.[/quote]

Thank you very much. I have the big Electrolux Icon refrigerators/freezers (the ones that are cabinet depth and each as wide as a normal fridge — big family) in all my US houses. Awesome machinery.