On Abortion

*Daily Quote May 31, 2020
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations...
— Jeremiah 1:5

This is not a call to believe abortion is murder. Israel is Hashem's people chosen to teach the world. Jews have Torah. Other nations do not. Because Christians do not have Torah. They can not study and learn Torah properly. Even Paul of the New Testament knew this (Romans 3:2). Consider this:

*Daily Quote: November 4, 2019
Two things preceded G-d's creation of the world: Torah and Israel. Still, I do not know which preceded which. But when Torah states, "Speak to the children of Israel", "Command the children of Israel" -- I know that Israel preceded all
— Midrash Tana d'Vei Eliyahu Rabbah 14

Torah was offered to the nations of the world, and only Israel wanted it (Mek. Yitro, Pes. R. K. 103b, 186a, 200a), which is G-d's prophecy that Israel is the teachers/prophets of the world, as the verse tells us "I appointed you a prophet to the nations". G-d preordained that He would have a chosen people, and it was so.

Life begins at first breath: Genesis 2:7

Abortion can be a very positive thing (Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything). It has the power to uplift societies from violence and poverty. Women have the ability to know how to make this choice for good. Accidents happen and in this age we have the power not to make things worse for civilization just because hormones can get in the way of the possession of the G-dly spirit because sex is something that arises from the spirit of beasts that we also have (Tanya). It is difficult to rule over our inner beast because it doesn't want to listen to reason. Mercy is called for in this instance. Don't stick it to a woman because she made a bad choice. Men don't possess the ability to make this decision, whether or not to let a fetus to make it to full term. A body is a body, and a life is a life. Inside the womb a fetus grows from the mother, it may not be her body yet, I don't know, but that doesn't matter because a body is only a body. However, a life is a life. Torah is clear on that matter: that a fetus does not have the breath of life and thus is not alive in as the idea is given in biblical terms.

*Quotes are from chabad.org daily study "Today In Judaism"

The Philosophical/Theological End of the Last Academic Hideouts of Christianity?

G-d is like the Swedish Chef of the Muppets. Don't ask me why He is the way He is. My understanding is that we don't get to judge Gd. G-d Does as He Does, all I can try is to serve Him and hope for Moshiach.

The Torah does not call people to believe in things that they find disagreeable. With Torah, if there is a problem; it can't last. I encountered Judaism by searching because I was looking for a religion I could agree with. In your thinking, should I have searched for a religion I couldn't agree with?

The science of pain is so much easier to believe in than a Gd that uses pain to His liking. I am glad you found Him

The Hasidic Jews virtually rebuilt me into a much better way of life, and it was as if I saw the Light. Good things started happening to me. I was no longer a kid that wished for his own death, plotting how, but always scared that doctors would revive me into an even worse condition. If I did not fear resuscitation, I probably would have committed suicide.

Torah speaks the dark language of a broken mind looking for love. For me, it wasn't, "Light" that attracted me. I was attracted to things in the dark part of the mind, such as throwing stones for the sake of justice.

Gd hates those who deny the wrath of Gd. Gd doesn't answer their prayers with reward.

The worst heresy of this age is that both the Jews, atheists, and the Xtains still provide no answer that I know of to, "The Problem of Pain." It is only the agnostic that has an answer, but it is a flimsy one; it is the easy way out of contemplation of Hashem. I am asking a question to something I feel like is a satisfactory answer (for me that is), and that is that Hashem is everything everywhere, pain, happiness, trees, rocks, depression, excrement, insects, food, men, woman, children, dogs. Everything is made by the design of Gd. However, though we may suffer, the Xtian says, Jesus relieves them from suffering because of the completely absurd and ineffectual claim that, "He (Jesus) died so that we don't have to." Xtians need the news, the death of Jesus and its magic accomplished nothing. A painful senseless death the story seems to tell; but, that means absolutely nothing, except one of millions of cruel, painful, and senseless deaths on this earth. Pain is a problem because chronic pain can be far worse than the pains claimed by the followers of Jesus. Retrospectively the pain of Jesus did not last that long making it a far less problem than chronic pain can be.

We live to be righteous in this world and to repair the world.

I never said the Tanya teaches animals reason, but regardless in my understanding it is not only humans that are capable of reason. Thus, in this thought, perhaps I am in subordination of the understanding of souls, especially from what I can remember in Tanya. I do believe that for at least some animal souls, like humans, animals can share a part in the Gdly soul, and accomplish some feats such as reason.

I don't separate nature from Gd.

Who invented death? Who invented pain? G-d is all powerful. Gd could stop suffering easy as snapping His fingers, but He does not. He, Himself, invented such things for His ways that I don't completely understand. I love Him as a child loves His parents, without fully comprehending anything of His nature.

"so man will not degrade Yehovah's Ways by changing them over time?" ~ That is absolutely correct. We are as G-d's agents to take care of the earth, not ruin it. Hashem calls us to be stewards of earth, as it says in the Genesis creation account, "Let them rule," and the agricultural Laws of Torah are strongly suggestive of maintaining the glory of planet earth.

degradation of the universe is not the rule. You are speaking of entropy. Entropy says things tend to disorder, but that is not the whole story. A greater equation, delta G, includes entropy, and even supercedes it, such that organization, such as cellular evolution can occur even in the presence of our universe’s entropy. Also, you are thinking of the universe as a closed system. I believe the universe is an open system, where Hashem has left Himself, an "In," as a way reign over and organize of the universe as His kingdom.

culture such as a Law is the product of nature, and culture is inclusive of DNA. Like the morphology of species predicted by DNA; culture can also morph, evolving such things as laws for the benefit of the continuation of groups.

Who knows the future? I don't. But, will say this, I think in the future there will be categories upon categories greater than reason, logic, and science. These are but three boxes. Because I believe in Hashem, I believe that there are greater categories than these.

If miracles as mentioned in torah can be explained through science and logic ~ that is the goal. Fundamentally, I believe that if it can be conceived of, then it can almost certain be built, such as through logic and science. "If it works use it," as the utilitarians say.

I see no difference studying nature with the purpose of gain. ~ For example, climate change, or lightning, rain, etc. (This is where science is headed), and it is in Torah, Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy, first it would appear that religion is far ahead of science. Jews knew about the way the weather works thousands of years, through Torah, before scientists thought of it.

miracles, true or not, may give me insight to how the universe works. I makes me think, "I wonder if I could do that using what I know about religion and science." I have not shut the door on either.

Walking on water: I would call a frozen pond in Israel to be a miracle, especially when folks didn't live that long, such that often the adults were as children. If you are young and you have played on thin ice, I was brought this idea, reading about it in the NIV, it strikes me as children playing on a frozen pond, or even a frozen puddle.

the Electrochemist in me looks for unusual things to help understand and explain the universe.

I have seen a picture of snow in Israel.

Maybe that is why it is mentioned in the literature? It was so rare that someone recorded it.

Question for Christians: When Jesus reportedly walked on water, could that be a frozen pond or lake?

Jesus got angry when people questioned him (What kind of Moshiach would try to stop people from questioning him? - This makes me angry because of the importance of questioning to Judaism) Jesus also demanded his followers follow him extremely, demanding complete loyalty, as if he where a god. For instance, telling a rich man to give up all his money.

I thought Jesus came to bring a sword. Matthew 10:34

New International Version

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Kabbalah Down to Earth - Lovingkindness meets Intellect

Intellect often comes from the interactions between the brain and Hashem. Differently, lovingkindness, such as “honor, and love” come primarily from the heart (spiritually).

Abraham showed us the prime example of lovingkindness, and see where he stands now: He is a sacred Father of 3 major religions, and over the history of creation, and even now Abraham is the most loved person ever to live on earth; not Ishmael, Moses, Solomon, Paul, Jesus, or Mohammed.

My vision of Abraham is that he was someone that if you wanted to talk intellectually, he would talk intellectually, but it is his lovingkindness that made him a successful Patriarch.

Ever met a domestic dog? Dogs can teach us a lot about selflessness. A dog's love comes straight from the dog's heart. A dog's loyalty is such that often it will risk its life to save its owner. This is best described as heart or lovingkindness, and not intellect. Intellect in its purest sense is too cold to have friends.

Premarital Sex Equals Marriage

From a daily email called “Today’s Mitzvah” at chabad.org - "Mitzvah means, "good deed" - "When a man takes a wife and is intimate with her"—Deuteronomy 24:1

Below, please find “Kiddushin is accomplished through one of three methods - c) Through a man being intimate with her.”

Premarital sex is a lie.  If pop culture considered intimacy to result in a marital bond as it is understood in Torah, then the world would be a better place.  There would not be as many broken hearts, or unwanted pregnancies if we put an end to this lie.  Let’s get away from the “premarital” sex idea, and claim that there is no such thing as premarital sex.

The theoretical existence of premarital sex is a great lie propagated by media and corporations that use sex in advertisements in order to sell products.

I am not encouraging more sex among people that cannot afford marriages.  Teenage sex often results in unwanted pregnancies where there is not enough pressure for protective commitment.  Commitment of all of society is necessary to protect young ladies.  Yes, the pressure is to protect young ladies to a greater extent because young women have the most to lose from unwanted pregnancy!  This is something many young ladies fail to understand, probably a consequence of unrealistic idealism.

Part of the email itself:

Positive (Torah) Commandment 213
Marriage

"When a man takes a wife and is intimate with her"—Deuteronomy 24:1

It is a mitzvah for a man to marry a woman through kiddushin. Kiddushin is accomplished through one of three methods: a) The man giving the women an object of value [for the purpose of marriage]. b) The man giving the woman a marriage contract [a document upon which is written, "With this document I am marrying you"]. c) Through the man being intimate with the woman.

My Selected Comments ~ Why Do Jews Exclude Other People?

The discussion to this web article has been closed because it has been thoroughly discussed.

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/39606/jewish/Why-Do-Jews-Exclude-Other-People.htm#comments

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAFebruary 13, 2017

Computers are often made up of many things like processors, motherboards, RAM, hard drive, ports, keyboards, etc. The role of each part is divisive, but that doesn’t mean that it is not an essential part of the computer. The same is true in business, especially a chainstore will have a hierarchy of managers, janitors, truck drivers, cashiers etc. However, while their is most certainly a difference of pay between the roles, everybody knows when the cashiers don’t show up because they are so essential. Judaism has a hierarchy as well, such as king, priest, gender roles, and rabbi, etc. What you are getting into here is very dangerous stuff as the Ten Commandments teach not to covet (Exodus 20:14). We have a role. It is what it is. If you want to convert, then do so, but don't try to do kill the religion by teaching an idea similar if not identical to making a rule that everyone should serve as the High Priest at the same time, similar to the way it was with Korech and his company

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAFebruary 6, 2017

It would surprise me to find that Rabbi Manis Friedman is not good man. Research all the work he has poured into making chabad.org tops. Perhaps, listen to his daily verbal teachings of Tanya. What you have found is perhaps a minor blemish to a man whose work for Hashem is mostly stellar. What were you looking for; a God in Rabbi Manis Friedman, perfect in every way in all of his teachings? Don’t set the bar too high for any mortal to accomplish, and maybe someday someone will cut you some slack over something you have said or done. The world continues in existence because of forgiveness. I encourage you to at least try look past the sins that are between yourself and other people. I believe that if you are able to do this, looking past the sins of others, then Gd will look past all of your sins! Live and let live!

Craig HamiltonSandwichFebruary 1, 2017

... However, if one looks further, the Torah never says rape a non-Jew’s dignity because they are not Jewish. If interpreted properly, observe that the Torah makes provisions for the way non-Jews are to be treated; and these provisions are clearly compassionate, and not even slightly mean (Exodus 22:20, Deuteronomy 10:19). If it isn't compassionate, then it is not Torah.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MANovember 23, 2016

By definition I have come to see the maxim that, “If it is Jewish, then it has to be good.” What you are going through now is as a tributary, a stream, mixing in with a river of Jewishness. Navigating, these mixing currents is what you are experiencing now. It can lead to frustration, and even temper tantrums, which I believe that is this problem's source.

What I recommend is for you to pick yourself up, dust off any dirt, and get back at facing the problems that may separate you by changing your viewpoint of them to a Jewish viewpoint. For instance, if you have encountered what seems to be wickedness in Judaism, you may be correct. However, Jews also set a place at Passover for the wicked son with the hope that love will win over wickedness.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAJanuary 27, 2016

Neither city person nor a member of your Jewish family; but a friend interested in practicing Judaism.Reply

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAJanuary 24, 2016

My problem was that I felt like you gave a bunch of uses of the word "we," but not the one I was looking for. You listed many other ways, but none of which was to be a friend of the Jews.

I was concerned about inclusion among those with Jewishness. Do you, Shoshana, feel that I, as a non-Jew, should be welcomed as a friend among Jews, even though I have no desire to convert (there is no way I am kicking out my gentile wife. She is essential)? Chabad.org treats me as a friend, and as a fellow chabad.org user, such that I was hoping that we could share that condition - friendship (like many other fellow chabad.org users do).

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAJanuary 11, 2016

While not being a Jew, I find a tremendous level of inclusion here at chabad.org.

When I first found chabad.org, I long wondered that when Jews wrote, “We,” if “we” meant that Jews were excluding me, and other gentiles.

That “we” word hurt my feelings because I wanted to experience inclusion, especially among those that cherish Torah. How can Torah divide right-minded people if they both love Torah? It is not possible. For example, not even R. Hillel, and R. Shammai, could separate Jew from Jew. Through the Torah, Hashem included both schools of thought, and we found that they were never separate at all.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MANovember 20, 2015

“There were some awkward moments when our child was exposed to Xmas as celebrated by "our" family and when he realized that his paternal grandma did not keep kosher, but we explained that it was fine for her, as a Christian, to celebrate Xmas and to eat non-kosher.”

I think Hashem loves your Grandma for her ability to eat with you as much as your ability to eat with her, but if either is the case, I think Gd allowed your family to be happy. He granted you happiness because on a smaller part He was impressed with your family’s love for Him Xtianity aside, but on a greater part because the time your family spent together inspired deeds of love, inspiring Him to happy, such that He granted your family happiness. Cheers!

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAOctober 19, 2015

We need Jewish diplomats to help explain this. Chabad.org does a wonderful job at it. It may seem silly, but many fall flat on their face with misconceptions about the Jews – usually remnants of what they learned as children in non-Jewish households – including myself at times. Peacekeeping is an art form, not merely a role. Priests need diplomacy skill.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAOctober 19, 2015

“I think people are misunderstanding roles here… It's a matter of role, not better or worse.”

You are so correct! Depending on our experiences, sometimes we make false assumptions. One misconception I had that really made me mad years ago was a belief that Jewish role-play involved Jews metaphorically thumbing their nose at gentiles. I said a prayer that I didn’t want to be like the other man, those men who get angry and attack Israel – nothing but another villain to the Jews. Couldn’t I at least be something more original? So, I continued my education, a good idea, and Gd has blessed me greatly, especially because I came to love His people, His Jews, and His Torah more deeply. Differently, when anger festers, those angry people may be inadvertently attracting psychopathic followers, monsters eager carry out their will by attempting to destroy the Jews. To heal the world, these problems deserve more than just a quick look over.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAOctober 16, 2015

Turning people away, making conversions difficult, and other forms of ways Jews may seem to exclude others is almost certainly destined to continue to backfire on the entire Jewish population. It may not even be correct problems, merely mistaken gentiles, but their reality is that many of them feel that they are getting the cold shoulder. We need to get the real message of Torah out. Rejection because your mother is not special enough is like having a door to a party you want to attend slammed in your face. Remember that! Having the perfect doctrine is meaningless unless it reduces hatred, and fuels peace. My thought is that doing these separatist things makes the combustion fuel that drives the hearts of the enemies of Israel. There has to be a better way.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAOctober 14, 2015

Having a large and diverse gene pool are essential for producing robust offspring that will pass their genes down for future generations. Lack of genetic variability is dangerous and should be cause for caring people of all kinds to be concerned. We find these similar ways in humankind toward endangered animals. We protect their endangered habitats, legislating protective laws to try to save them.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAJune 27, 2015

Regardless of our status as a Jew or non-Jew; these ideas are comfortable with our soul. Regardless of who invented these things, Jew or non-Jew; they are pleasing to nearly anyone. There is a part in our souls that of nearly all of us have such that these contributions sit well with our souls. We don’t like these things just because they are accredited to the Jews. We like them because our Creator made a spot in our heart for them. Take for instance the invention of controlled fire. Controlled fire probably predates even Abraham, the first Jew. I argue that Gd placed a special part in our souls that intrigued us about fire; making us ponder if we could use fire for a good purpose, such as to sterilize, to cook (there are many reasons), or even bad purposes, such as to torture. Jews and non-Jews see things in nature that spark ideas, such that we try to make them useful to us

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAAugust 19, 2014

Charcoal colored people can become milky white colored by hiding their color with white makeup. Usually, charcoal colored people report that they are generally treated better if they hide their dark skin in that way. However, of course it may all be in the head. For instance, perhaps without consciousness the charcoal colored people acted differently.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MADecember 18, 2013

I am not against questioning. I just thought things like saying the Shema twice daily where Rabbinically widely accepted. I am pro-questioning just like you. I wasn't aware that there is much Rabbinical questioning of the Mishnah Torah (I posted one or more comments to chabad.org elsewhere in disagreement with Maimonides, myself). I know many observant Jews "swim" in the Talmud, questiong it, agreeing with some parts, but not others. I am aware that some Rabbi's say that non-Jews have an all accepting approach to Judaism, which is unacceptible, and that conversion mandates a push and pull with Judaism study. As for me personally, I like the idea of being a non-Jew who attempts to observe the 613 laws of Judaism. I know that unlike most religions Judaism can evolve. For instance 2,000 years ago, there where not the "black hat Jews," as that style of a black hat was yet to be fashionable. I would like one these costumes. I like to say the Shema in the morning and before bed.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MADecember 9, 2013

This banned book list is very small. There were really only a handful of books possible to ban anyway; one of which was the Talmud. The priests that banned the Talmud couldn't even read it. Really, I think you are making this banned book thing into something that it isn't because that is what secular high school teachers do. Aside from the Jews, only the clergy and the nobility in Europe were usually literate, representing fewer than 1% of the population. Most of the others probably didn't even remember the sermons. Consider the 99%; life expectancy was under 30 (for crying out loud)! Rumor and suspicion ruled then in the ways that gossip rules high school hallways. Jews were viewed with suspicion, as Jews do not assimilate. Jews in the Dark Ages were the equivalent of Muslims in America today. People hear a family is Muslim and then some cower in fear and some would probably murder them if they could get away with it by law.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MADecember 9, 2013

"When the leaders of the church decided that Augustine's positions on various points was correct, the books written by those who disagreed with him were banned."

When is this time period? I have never heard of such a thing. How far reaching was it? Certainly, this did not eliminate Paganism, that was later.

"Only one doctrine was permitted to be published."

What doctrine is this? Does it have a name?

"The King James Bible was a product of the 16th century Church of England and constituted a document of English Protestantism, rather than of Christianity as a whole."

This is what I am trying to communicate to you. Christians are all about telling each other that they aren't Christians. Everyone wants to say that their denomination is the authoritative one. We only get that among converts in Judaism. There is only doubt over converts, and the method for assuring conversion. However, Rabbi's are certain that if one has a Jewish mother, that makes one Jewish.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MADecember 8, 2013

Hymie confused the Mishneh and the Mishah Torah. R. Judah haNassi wrote the Mishneh in the Dark Ages, which was heavily commented on. That work is called the Talmud. The Talmud permits questioning. That is the style of the Talmud Bavli. Maimonides compiled the Mishneh Torah much later than the Talmud Bavli in the the Middle Ages. The Mishneh Torah is the summary of Talmudic rulings. The Mishnah Torah has been called the "Constitution of Judaism." It is to Judaism what the US Constitution is to Americans. Judaism has only one kind of Jew, like the USA has one kind of American. Christians say stuff like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Baptists, and Catholics are different faiths, such is the idea of denominations. We never find that in Judaism, except Reform and Orthodox disagree over who is a convert, in the way that the US questions who is a citizen and who is an illegal alien.

Craig HamiltonSandwichDecember 6, 2013

Where did this happen? And, how prevalent was it? From what I know Christianity, as it is now, the practice of Christian faith essentially dates back to the creation of the King James Bible, which occurred at about the same time as the invention of Guttenberg’s printing press. Most lands considered Christianized, where in fact dominated by Pagan (non-Christian) belief, as people were illiterate, and had short life expectancies. St. Augustine was born, 354 “AD.” People would have only heard what Augustine said, unable to read. Who was banned?

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MADecember 3, 2013

Thanks for correcting me Hymie. Avi, my apologies. I incorrectly concluded that Avi said an astronomical number of people are worshipping like Jews. However, the subject of my comment in question is extremely relevant to the subject of "Why Jews Exclude," with respect to Christianity. Though Jews have chuckim, chuckim have precise ways that they can be observed. Different from the possibility of Orthodox chuckim observance, Christianity has thousands of different denominations, each with different doctrine. Differently, with Judaism, there is only difference with respect to the amount or level of observance, while Rabbi's are not in disagreement over what the words actually say. For example, Rabbis can argue laws in Talmud, but no Rabbi has a doubt as to the conclusion of the argument in the Mishnah Torah. Christianity has no doctrine or commentary where conclusions gained widespread agreement. Consequently, for lack of coherence Christianity must be excluded from Judaism.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MANovember 19, 2013

I must disagree with you in that billions of people worship in the way that Jews do. Clearly, you are including the majority of Christians here, am I correct that you are not including Islam?, and I have to admit that there is a very small minority of Christians that worship like Jews, not messianic Jews, however. Most Jews would probably say Islam is closer to Judaism than Christianity. Isn't it a shame when Jews and Muslims don't get along. However, let's get one thing straight, Christianity, especially the Christian doctrine of the New Testament is too confusing if not impossible for Jews to understand (myself included). Consequently, to the fact that leading Jewish rabbis fail to understand the New Testament, is that rabbis believe it is not Jewish. The New Testament is often understood by non-Jews to mean, "Do good!" However, beyond that I don't believe that there are many conclusions that we as followers of Torah can make that are in agreement with Christianity.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MANovember 14, 2013

Indeed Tesla did invent many things. However, for their size, Jews have contributed a disproportionally large amount of good things. Though the Scots contributed television, there were hints of Judaism from many things that influence the world. Marx came from a long line of Talmudic scholars. Einstein thought himself as a Jew. Freud developed some of his thinking from Talmudic thought. Research a list of Jewish Nobel laureates and you will see. When researching the number of Nobel laureates by subject; this is what I found, which may be in error: Chemistry 36 Nobel laureates, Economics 29, Literature 13, Peace 9, Physics 51, and Physiology 55. Though the numbers may not be exact, the point is made. Indeed, to belong to the Jewish nation is something very special, and all the while it is not an elite group. One, such as a simple son or daughter, may suffer from chromosome non-disjunction and still be a Jew. The simple Jew is also welcomed to celebrate Passover.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAJuly 18, 2013

In order to understand the culture of Jews which can now be quite atheist, we must first understand why these Jews adopted these beliefs. Admittedly, I disagree with atheism myself, but that is beside the point.

Judaism and the revelation of Gd to Moses at Mt. Sinai are, and should be forever ingrained in those that are new to Jewishness. In fact, the new theory is that civilization came about through desire to worship Gd. In square one of Jewishness, one must first accept Torah.

The Jews that believe that to be civilized, one should be an atheist are no doubt the product of ancient religion, and also one that seems prone to mishaps along the way. Some say it is the religionists fault, others say it is secular Judaism that is at fault. However, to know both of these as choices is really the only way to understand us as we are today. Also, those that choose the secular route, often disappear into the abyss of cultures, seemingly with their line wiped from the Book of Life.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAApril 9, 2013

While the Torah does permit marriage of one’s first cousin, it does not indicate that this is the most ideal situation, as there are many incest taboos of which we can extrapolate incest is not best. Marriage of closer cousins is also closer to being sinful when we look at the big picture the Torah presents us. Thus, if anything we should be able to extrapolate that when marrying, the further the genetic link between partners, the better, although this is not the only consideration. Jews are a clan, and likewise to maintain a sense of identity, Jews should marry someone who is familiar with Judaism, and at least have a partner that embraces Jewish endeavors.

Craig HamiltonSandwichMarch 13, 2013

To those that are choosing observance; that is beautiful. I encourage everyone who wants to observe to observe, while not trying to fit people into boxes, such as Jew and gentile. I believe that everyone has a certain level of comfortable observance that if they choose to embrace confers a certain level of beauty. As it is such that those proclaiming what it is that they do for the sake of observance, Hashem grants to them greatness due. So, it is not that I seek a Jewish wife, but it is that I seek for folks, including my wife to embrace Judaism, if that is what their heart desires.

Folks know I like religion a lot and I try to encourage those that I know to a level of observance that feels comfortable for their souls, encouraging rather than discouraging. Folks get enough challenges to their religion without intentional discouragement.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAApril 17, 2012

If the numbers dead under Nazi Germany is alarming to you, the perhaps research to see how fast the world replenishes 10 million people. As far as world population is concerned 10 million people is but a drop in the bucket.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAApril 11, 2012

When selecting a mate, it is generally good to select someone that is familiar with the set of circumstances that you grew up with, such as culture. Why? Because when two people get married it is as two rivers merging. First, there is turbulence. Then, if you actually make it by the turbulence, then a river is more likely to be calm. It is good to keep the turbulence to a minimum, while not promoting incest.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MAJanuary 23, 2012

I have spent countless hours trying to get Christians to have empathy for those that they say are going to hell. With a friend I even came up with a response to Pascal's Wager. I call it Craig and Byron's Wager. We wager that if Christians personally knew all the people that they say are going to hell, then they would stop being Christian.

Craig HamiltonSandwich, MANovember 12, 2010

There is another audio recording on this website that refutes that everyone carrying the last name Cohen is in fact a Cohen. The evidence suggested is that there are far too many with that last name for it to be legitimate. Cohen is but one family of the Levites, such that it would be highly unlikely that there are more Cohenim that regular Levites. However, among Jews there are far more Cohenim than just regular Levites. Another argument given is that that no Jew possesses an ancestry accurate enough to tell him whose Y chromosome he possesses. No ancestry directly from Aaron is possibly claimable by any Jews. However, there are some ancestries in Christian mythology that claim that their are Cohenim among them. Thus, it may be plausible to suggest that all with the last name Cohen are related. However, it is not plausible to suggest that they are legitimate Cohenim.

A Verifiable God

Quotes from Spinoza's Theological-Political Treatise

“Christ promises a spiritual reward”

 

[This spiritual reward I, the author, have most certainly received.  However, I do not believe in Jesus, but I can’t deny the possibility of having received it from Jesus.]

“(The) Law of Moses, (is) related to nothing but the Hebrew state and consequently nothing other than material benefits”

 

[This physical reward Moses promised I, the author, have most certainly received.]

In conclusion:

“we can know no one except from his works.  Anyone therefore who abounds in the fruits of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control…has truly been taught by God and is altogether happy.”

[Jackpot for spiritualists and religionists, but keep on searching you empiricists]

Faith Is Magical Thinking

At times I have been accused of magical thinking, but this is what I know; Hashem tells us this:

Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that YHWH thy God, He is God; the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations;

And this,

Deuteronomy 7:15 And YHWH will take away from thee all sickness; and He will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee, but will lay them upon all them that hate thee.”

Now, I can’t say that I have never been sick, or that I have always been faithful.  I struggled with mental illness, and opiates, which to me these are the “Evil diseases” I knew at my worst.  Even to this day, I have a few allergies.

However, Hashem’s word promises me that he will keep me free from sickness, in return for obedience, and that is precisely what I experience.

I do my best to follow His commands, and this is what I get:  I have never been vaccinated against the flu, yet it has been several years since I have had any viral infection.  In addition, it has been at least 20yrs since I have had a bacterial infection, going back to one time in high school when I had small one under my toenail, probably from the boys locker-room.  This seems like magical thinking indeed, but I don't care because it works, sort of; one must do in addition to acquiring belief!  At one time I had a job that dealt with sewage, and I still didn’t get sick, not even once!

Therefore I suggest that one can live free from disease through religion, but it’s not as if one can state that he or she has faith and continue to doubt Torah.  One must have faith first, and possibly prove later.

As a former atheist, I am not going to be able to tell you that everything in this existence is reasonable, or provable.  We may never be able to study about Hashem in a quantifiable way, or to understand before doing.  If that sort of thinking is an obstacle for you, then I truely feel sorry for you.

Note: Quotes from 1917 JPS Corrected version.

Idol or G-d: Is truth discernible?

One man's God is the next man's idol! How profound. Just say that and put the next evangelist that tries to save you in a pickle. It reminds me of a comical skit from The State. Old fashioned man proclaims [license taken], “I believe in the one true G-d,” dramatic pause “And his name is Zoro and he is living in that lake,” which is followed by the old fashioned man humorously whistling at the end of the short clip.

watch the skit here:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpiw-ng5wkQ

I have never heard apologetics from any religion that address this maddening issue, which is that once we establish that there is a G-d, we fall flat on our faces in details, not minor details, but MAJOR DETAILS!, such as what the name of G-d is, but the where, the when, the why, and the how, so I will tell it: The details are up to Gd Himself, not me. However, I have a function too. As a faithful follower of Hashem, my role is to be as His instrument in order that His will may be done. He doesn’t need me to be His instrument, but through His unfathomable ways he has chosen to work through humankind.

Want to know how I came to faith? When I was an atheist at Rutgers, G-d spoke to me and instantaneously I believed. G-d said, "I AM punishing you." There was nothing not to believe about that Voice, and it caused me great joy because I never knew Gd could be capable of retribution, and not only that but that He also cared enough about me enough to speak with me. In my opinion, Hashem chose to speak to me when I was at my lowest because I felt like I had nothing to lose. I would try anything. Had he spoken to me in less dire circumstances, I may have brushed it off without changing. That is how I feel about folks when I tell them about G-d and they roll their eyes or deny that He has spoken with me. Like me in the good times, I expect that they wouldn’t change a thing.