In answer to the comment posted 5/18/2001: I think
you missed the point. The Torah does not say "you
can't be trusted to control yourself." In fact,
it's just the opposite. The Torah says, "it is up
to you to control your inborn, natural desires but
it is definitely quite difficult, so these
guidelines will help you out."
Great article. Thank you. - c. c. -0/5-/2001
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Shalom Rabbi Hochberg! Good words! I would add, that HaShem's laws not only restrict us but they also establish our area of freedom. For example the command to refrain from adultery not only restricts us but on the other hand, it establishes our exclusive right to our spouse. I have heard that children used to play close to the school before fences were built arround the playground. The same fence that restricted their play area also established it, giving them a greater freedom and peace within its boarders. The law dont steal gives us a right to private property, and the law dont kill, establishes our right to life! When we realize that HaShems word is the path of life and peace, following it is sweet. - K. K. -0/5-/2001
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The article is very interesting and well-written. But it is disturbing to me that the attitude of the Torah would be "you can't be trusted to control yourself, so just do these things". It seems to run contrary to the idea that we have the free will to act good or bad, to perform mitzvot or not. One thing that I always liked about Judaism compared to, for example, Catholocism was that Catholics never have to think about their religion or their actions - everything is prescribed. Jews have to think. This is what, in my opinion, has put us in the forefront of world thinkers and intellectuals throughout history. I prefer to think that I have *chosen* to act right, rather than being *commanded* as one would a child. -0/5-/2001
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Thanks Rabbi! Just what I needed. - J. M. -0/5-/2001
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