dantech
Well-Known Member
aahhhhh. I thought that a nickname for someone named Yaniv
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Some issues with the Orthodox summary--It's wrong
- Thread starter CMike
- Start date
aahhhhh. I thought that a nickname for someone named Yaniv
CMike
Well-Known Member
The Mission
Orthodox jews believe that we have a good inclination and a bad inclination. They believe that not giving in to the temptation of the evil inclination is what brings us closer to G-D, which is the main goal for an orthodox jew.
Jews also also supposed to be a "light" or example to the other nations.
The Written Law (The Torah)
Orthodox jews believe in the Torah that was given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Torah consists of 613
commandments for jews to obey, as well as a historical account of God's revelation of Himself to our ancestors. Agreed Orthodox jews take the Torah literally and believe that it is perfect. Orthodox jews spent a great deal of time studying the Torah and analyzing it's life guidelines and moral messages.
commandments for jews to obey, as well as a historical account of God's revelation of Himself to our ancestors. Agreed Orthodox jews take the Torah literally and believe that it is perfect. Orthodox jews spent a great deal of time studying the Torah and analyzing it's life guidelines and moral messages.
The Torah consists of the five books of Moses. Whereas the Tanach consists of the five books of Moses plus prophets and scriptures. However, when orthodox jews speak of learning or studying Torah, since everything stems from The Torah, it refers to all jewish studies.
The Two Laws (Torahs)
There were two Torahs given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. There was the written Torah and the oral Torah.
Oddly enough, the Oral Law is today written in the Mishna and the Talmud. The reason why is because around 200 C.E., the Jewish community lost a (I presume you mean "a lot") of knowledgeable Jews during the great revolt, and so Rabbi Yehuda Hanassi decided to acquire the bits of knowledge that everyone still alive had,( wouldn't say bits of knowledge. "How about to acquire the information of the oral law and write it down?") Rabbi Yehudda then compiled all the overwhelmingly matching accounts into the Mishna. Many Rabbis throughout history refused to write down the Oral Law, but it was a necessary step in preservation of our law.
The main purpose of the oral law is to explain the written law. For example, the written law states that G-D says that Jews must keep the shabbos and not create during this time.
However, what is left out of the written law is when exactly shabbos starts and ends. What is considered creating is also missing. In order to implement keeping the sabbath, Jews needed these answers. These explanations are given in the oral law.
Often the oral law consists of several rabbis discussing a topic. The rabbis give long winded arguments to support their position. At the end, these discussions are wrapped up. The Talmud is in Aramaic and is difficult to study. There is also commentary and commentary on the commentary.
Many orthodox Jews spend a lifetime studying the Talmud.
However, what is left out of the written law is when exactly shabbos starts and ends. What is considered creating is also missing. In order to implement keeping the sabbath, Jews needed these answers. These explanations are given in the oral law.
Often the oral law consists of several rabbis discussing a topic. The rabbis give long winded arguments to support their position. At the end, these discussions are wrapped up. The Talmud is in Aramaic and is difficult to study. There is also commentary and commentary on the commentary.
Many orthodox Jews spend a lifetime studying the Talmud.
The Sabbath
The highlight of the orthodox Jews' week is the sabbath which comes from Friday night to Saturday night. A Jewish day starts at night because in Genesis, G-D said he created night and then day. Therefore, the day starts at night.
Orthodox Jews may not work, turn on or off lights, or drive on the sabbath.
Many busy professional Orthodox Jews use the Sabbath as a catharsis to put aside their business and personal issues and just focus on G-D and relaxing.
Orthodox Jews may not work, turn on or off lights, or drive on the sabbath.
Many busy professional Orthodox Jews use the Sabbath as a catharsis to put aside their business and personal issues and just focus on G-D and relaxing.
The Sabbath services
The Sabbath service starts Friday night. It's focus are prayers welcoming the Sabbath.
The next day consists of morning services. The highlight of the service is the reading of the Torah. Each year on the Jewish New Year the Torah is started from the beginning and at the end of the year it's completed. Thereby the entire Torah is read each year.
The next day consists of morning services. The highlight of the service is the reading of the Torah. Each year on the Jewish New Year the Torah is started from the beginning and at the end of the year it's completed. Thereby the entire Torah is read each year.
The beginning of the service starts with prayers of psalms, the Shema (Hear O'Israel) prayer is read, followed by the Amidah. The Torah is then read. There are seven people who are called up to read passages from the Torah. Since the Torah has no vowels, and very difficult to read without a lot of training, usually there is someone who reads on behalf of each person.
After the Torah is read, usually passages from prophets are read. These prophets passages correspond with the theme of the chapters of the Torah that are read.
Afterwards, the remaining prayers are completed.
At the end of the services most orthodox services have a kiddush. They make a blessing over the wine and serve the traditional chulunt, it's a mixture of beef, beans, and potatoes, that is cooked overnight in a crock pot.
They then go home and often have a big meal, along with songs to honor the Sabbath.
After the Torah is read, usually passages from prophets are read. These prophets passages correspond with the theme of the chapters of the Torah that are read.
Afterwards, the remaining prayers are completed.
At the end of the services most orthodox services have a kiddush. They make a blessing over the wine and serve the traditional chulunt, it's a mixture of beef, beans, and potatoes, that is cooked overnight in a crock pot.
They then go home and often have a big meal, along with songs to honor the Sabbath.
The yamaka, skull cap
Orthodox Jews usually wear a skull cap or hat. The significance of it that it's a sign that G-D is always above us, watching us.
Why orthodox Jews spell G-D, G-D, without fully spelling out the word
The word G-D isn't spelled out by orthodox Jews. The reason for this is because of the concern that the paper with the word will be thrown out, erased, or destroyed. It is considered disrespectful toward G-D. To remedy the potential problem, orthodox Jews don't write out G-D's name. On paper. On a computer screen there is absolutely no problem since it is just a bunch of pixels that are refreshed 60+ times per minute. Other wise God's name would be erased and rewritten on the screen 60+ times every minute. Because of the possibility of someone printing out what I wrote and then defacing it, Orthodox Jews tend to refrain from actually typing in one of God's name on the computer as well. (Suggest take out this sentence However, "God" is not a name of our God, it is a title so there is no issue in writing the actual word "GOD" )on paper or on a computerI don't agree with that. There is an issue with writing out G-D and erasing it and/or deleting it. It still refers to G-D. I would take out that last sentence.
Why Don't You Spell Out G-d's Name? - Questions & Answers
The word G-D isn't spelled out by orthodox Jews. The reason for this is because of the concern that the paper with the word will be thrown out, erased, or destroyed. It is considered disrespectful toward G-D. To remedy the potential problem, orthodox Jews don't write out G-D's name. On paper. On a computer screen there is absolutely no problem since it is just a bunch of pixels that are refreshed 60+ times per minute. Other wise God's name would be erased and rewritten on the screen 60+ times every minute. Because of the possibility of someone printing out what I wrote and then defacing it, Orthodox Jews tend to refrain from actually typing in one of God's name on the computer as well. (Suggest take out this sentence However, "God" is not a name of our God, it is a title so there is no issue in writing the actual word "GOD" )on paper or on a computerI don't agree with that. There is an issue with writing out G-D and erasing it and/or deleting it. It still refers to G-D. I would take out that last sentence.
Why Don't You Spell Out G-d's Name? - Questions & Answers
Israel
Israel has special significance to Jews. Almost every Jewish prayer involves Israel.
CMike
Well-Known Member
The Role of Women
Women like men are commanded to fulfill the commandments of knowing G-d, loving Him, and fearing Him, .
They are obligated to study the Torah just as men are. Orthodox synagogues usually have women learning groups.
The book of Psalms refers to women as "akeres habayis", a term which means the "foundation of the home". The woman determines the home environment.
Orthodox Jews also believe that women have added wisdom that men don't have.
I wouldn't say wisdom as much as I would say a holy connection to God, that men don't have. More specifically, in their ability to create life.
Men need to pray three times a day to connect to the cycle of the days, weeks, and months that will make the transitions from season to season. Women don't need to do so because they are already connected to God, with their reproductive system. The amount of effort that a woman takes to purify herself with/after her period shows just how holy a woman can be.
I would say wisdom as well.
Understanding Women – The Kabbalahs Perspective | WWW.KabbalahWisdom.org
The dominate part of a woman’s brain is Binah. Binah is comprehension and understanding...As also explained there women have a better sixth sense which can also be attributed to a better understanding of the world around them which allows them to compare things to more situations giving them a better sixth sense.)
The dominate part of a woman’s brain is Binah. Binah is comprehension and understanding...As also explained there women have a better sixth sense which can also be attributed to a better understanding of the world around them which allows them to compare things to more situations giving them a better sixth sense.)
Women are considered to have have more spirituality and be closer to G-D because they can create life.
Also, in an Orthodox Jewish marriage, women have the right to demand sex, whereas the man has no such right.Not only that, but it is the man's responsibility to satisfy his wife so that she doesn't get to the point where she needs to demand sex.Agreed
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dantech
Well-Known Member
So anything that refers to our God shouldn't be written? If I write my Creator, I should actually write it my Cr-ator? The Alm-ghty? K-ng of K-ngs?
Why do you think it's not alright to write, or rather to erase, a title that refers to our creator?
dantech
Well-Known Member
I stand corrected.
CMike
Well-Known Member
Why Don't You Spell Out G-d's Name? - Questions & Answers
Why Don't You Spell Out G-d's Name?
By Aron Moss
Question:
As you know, I'm not a "believer." I am a logical person -- I only believe in things that can be logically proven. But I was just interested: Why do you always write "G-d"?
Answer:
We do not write G-d's name in a place where it may be discarded or erased. Treating G-d's name with reverence is a way to give respect to G-d. So even though on a computer the name is not really being erased (and perhaps is not really there in the first place), and "G-d" is only an English term used to translate G-d's holy name, it is in keeping with this respect that I write "G-d" in my emails and on-line articles.
This causes problems. No matter how many times I write "G-d", the spell-check on the computer has no idea what I mean. "G-d" is not in its dictionary, and it won't accept it as an addition to the dictionary. So the computer comes up with all types of suggested corrections: Go, Do, G'day. And often half the name ends up on a new line: G-d.
I guess I shouldn't expect any better. No matter how smart a computer is, certain things are beyond it. How would you program a computer to have respect for G-d's name? It is unreasonable to ask a computer to relate to G-d, because G-d is not a logical concept -- He created intellect, and He cannot be captured by His own creation. A computer is limited to logic, so it can't handle spiritual concepts. Just as a metal-detector will beep when a gun is passed through it, but it cannot pick up a person's thoughts or intentions, intellect can grasp logic and rationale, but it cannot detect the Divine.
But a human is not a computer. Intellect is not where we begin and end. We have a soul that is beyond intellect, and our soul detects G-d because our soul sees G-d.
Jewish faith is about getting in touch with the soul that knows G-d already, without needing any proof. This is not negating intellect -- it is transcending it.
How do you get in touch with your soul? Ask G-d. He'll tell you.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1443443/jewish/Why-Dont-Jews-Say-Gds-Name.htm
Why Don’t Jews Say G‑d’s Name?
On the use of the word “Hashem”
By Baruch S. Davidson
Question:
I’ve recently been reading through the Bible, and it seems that the Jewish people have been grossly neglecting their mission. Throughout the Bible, the L‑rd is instructing the people to “proclaim His name” (Isaiah 12:4, Psalms 105:1) and “chant praises to His Name” (Psalms 68:5), speaks highly of one who “knows My name” (Psalms 91:14), and there are countless other references to His name.
Yet, in all my encounters with Jews, they seem to make a point of not mentioning His name. Instead, they vaguely refer to Him as “the Almighty,” “the One Above,” or as “Hashem,” which I understand to be Hebrew for “the name.”
Why don’t the Jewish people obey Him and “proclaim and praise His name” instead of beating around the bush?
Answer:
You really called us out on this one. We Jews have an absolute obsession with avoiding uttering G‑d’s name. (Notice that we don’t even spell it out fully when writing the English word for G‑d. See: Why Don’t You Spell G‑d’s Name?) Actually, we are careful not to pronounce G‑d’s names except when reading the Torah or prayers.
Our caution is founded on an understanding of the third of the Ten Commandments, “You shall not take His name in vain.” Although this verse is classically interpreted as referring to a senseless oath using G‑d’s name, the avoidance of saying G‑d’s name extends to all expressions, except prayer and Torah study. In the words of Maimonides, the great Jewish codifier:
It is not only a false oath that is forbidden. Instead, it is forbidden to mention even one of the names designated for G‑d in vain, although one does not take an oath. For the verse commands us, saying: “To fear the glorious and awesome name.”1 Included in fearing it is not to mention it in vain.
Therefore if because of a slip of the tongue, one mentions [G‑d’s] name in vain, he should immediately hurry to praise, glorify and venerate it, so that it will not have been mentioned in vain. What is implied? If he mentions G‑d’s name, he should say: “Blessed be He for all eternity,” “He is great and exceedingly praiseworthy,” or the like, so that it will not have been [mentioned entirely] in vain.2
Considering the awe with which we are meant to approach G‑d and His names, the verses in the Prophets which speak of making G‑d’s name known are not referring to His actual name. Rather, the prophet is saying that the Jewish people should let the world know about G‑d’s existence, how He is Creator of the world and constantly supervising and recreating every living thing.Therefore if because of a slip of the tongue, one mentions [G‑d’s] name in vain, he should immediately hurry to praise, glorify and venerate it, so that it will not have been mentioned in vain. What is implied? If he mentions G‑d’s name, he should say: “Blessed be He for all eternity,” “He is great and exceedingly praiseworthy,” or the like, so that it will not have been [mentioned entirely] in vain.2
Similarly, when the Psalmist regularly refers to praising G‑d’s name, he refers to praising G‑d’s wondrous deeds.
This brings us to the obvious question: If the Psalmist means to say that we should be praising G‑d Himself, without mentioning His name, why not just say “praise Him,” instead of the constant use of the phrase “praise His name”?
This question is addressed by the great chassidic master, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi. In very short, he explains3 that praise, by definition, is the expression of some degree of appreciation—either emotional or intellectual—for the greatness or beauty of the object of praise. The greatness of G‑d Himself, however, entirely transcends anything comprehensible to the human mind.
Our praise of G‑d is generated by the emotional or intellectual appreciation of His greatness, but only as He makes Himself known to us through His various manifestations—embodied and described in the various names that the Torah calls Him. Hence, the expression “Praise His name.”
Please see our additional articles on Divine Names.
Please let me know if this helps.
Best regards,
Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson
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CMike
Well-Known Member
Rather than getting to an arguement about it, I would rather post from what I consider legitimate sources of why we aren't suppoesed to write out G-D.
Also I think we should side on the respect for G-D if there is any doubt.
Here is another source.
Judaism 101: The Name of G-d
Writing the Name of God
Jews do not casually write any Name of God. This practice does not come from the commandment not to take the Lord's Name in vain, as many suppose. In Jewish thought, that commandment refers solely to oath-taking, and is a prohibition against swearing by God's Name falsely or frivolously (the word normally translated as "in vain" literally means "for falsehood").
Judaism does not prohibit writing the Name of God per se; it prohibits only erasing or defacing a Name of God. However, observant Jews avoid writing any Name of God casually because of the risk that the written Name might later be defaced, obliterated or destroyed accidentally or by one who does not know better.
The commandment not to erase or deface the name of God comes from Deut. 12:3. In that passage, the people are commanded that when they take over the promised land, they should destroy all things related to the idolatrous religions of that region, and should utterly destroy the names of the local deities. Immediately afterwards, we are commanded not to do the same to our God. From this, the rabbis inferred that we are commanded not to destroy any holy thing, and not to erase or deface a Name of God.
It is worth noting that this prohibition against erasing or defacing Names of God applies only to Names that are written in some kind of permanent form. Orthodox rabbis have held that writing on a computer is not a permanent form, thus it is not a violation to type God's Name into a computer and then backspace over it or cut and paste it, or copy and delete files with God's Name in them. However, once you print the document out, it becomes a permanent form.
That is why observant Jews avoid writing a Name of God online: because there is a risk that someone else will print it out and deface it. See a 1998 discussion of the issue at The Sanctity of God's Name, Part 1: Erasing Sacred Texts from a Computer Screen if you're interested, but be aware that the lengthy article is thick with technical religious jargon, not always explained.
Normally, we avoid writing the Name by substituting letters or syllables, for example, writing "G-d" instead of "God." In addition, the number 15, which would ordinarily be written in Hebrew as Yod-Hei (10-5), is normally written as Teit-Vav (9-6), because Yod-Hei is a Name. See Hebrew Alphabet for more information about using letters as numerals.
CMike
Well-Known Member
I know. It's hard to believe they have wisdom :run:
CMike
Well-Known Member
Here is another one.
Why do we write G-d - Jewish Community Center
Writing G-d
Q. Why don't we write G-d properly?
Often Jewish publications will write G-d without the "o" instead of spelling the word properly. The Torah (Deuteronomy 12:4) prohibits us from erasing, destroying or desecrating the name of G-d. G-d has seven names in Hebrew that are considered holy and forbidden to destroy or erase.
We live in a world that in constantly changing, nothing is permanent. What is "in" today is "out" tomorrow. Only the Creator remains permanent never changing with time and never being effected by things around Him. We celebrate the Creator's stability by ensuring that His written names or anything else that represents Him, is not destroyed.
Because of the prohibition of erasing G-d's name, we try not to write it in places that it could be erased or thrown out. Over the years we have developed misspellings for all of G-d's seven Hebrew names.
When misspelled, we can erase or throw out what we have written without desecrating a G-d's real name.
Jewish law generally limits the prohibition of erasing G-d's name to the Hebrew names of G-d (His original names). We would therefore be able to erase an English word such as G-d even if we were to spell it properly. However, there is a view that the prohibition extends to the equivalent of the word G-d in all languages, that view would prohibit erasing the English word G-d if it is spelled out properly.
Since it's no big deal to put a dash instead of an "o" and everyone gets what we're trying to say, many Jews and Jewish organizations (such as ours) do it as standard practice in all publications, emails and web posts.
Why do we write G-d - Jewish Community Center
Writing G-d
Q. Why don't we write G-d properly?
Often Jewish publications will write G-d without the "o" instead of spelling the word properly. The Torah (Deuteronomy 12:4) prohibits us from erasing, destroying or desecrating the name of G-d. G-d has seven names in Hebrew that are considered holy and forbidden to destroy or erase.
We live in a world that in constantly changing, nothing is permanent. What is "in" today is "out" tomorrow. Only the Creator remains permanent never changing with time and never being effected by things around Him. We celebrate the Creator's stability by ensuring that His written names or anything else that represents Him, is not destroyed.
Because of the prohibition of erasing G-d's name, we try not to write it in places that it could be erased or thrown out. Over the years we have developed misspellings for all of G-d's seven Hebrew names.
When misspelled, we can erase or throw out what we have written without desecrating a G-d's real name.
Jewish law generally limits the prohibition of erasing G-d's name to the Hebrew names of G-d (His original names). We would therefore be able to erase an English word such as G-d even if we were to spell it properly. However, there is a view that the prohibition extends to the equivalent of the word G-d in all languages, that view would prohibit erasing the English word G-d if it is spelled out properly.
Since it's no big deal to put a dash instead of an "o" and everyone gets what we're trying to say, many Jews and Jewish organizations (such as ours) do it as standard practice in all publications, emails and web posts.
My suggestion would be to start that particular section with "Some Orthodox Jews don't spell ..." or something along those lines.
dantech
Well-Known Member
Yeah, that could work.
dantech
Well-Known Member
No need to do that, just do as Tarheeler suggested and start the paragraph with: "some opinions believe that..."
Actually, I'd argue that it points out a strength of Orthodoxy: the open debate of halakha.
Considering that this isn't a debate section of the forum, I second.