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Rank: Advanced Member  Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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There seems to be a lot of people that claim they observe the seventh day Sabbath. What do they do to observe this day as special?
If you observe the Sabbath what do you, the reader, do differently on the seventh day?
What rules are to be followed in order to properly observe the Sabbath?Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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The seventh day Sabbath was established as the outward sign of the Mosaic Covenant. God gave very specific details to what you can and cannot do on the Sabbath. If you observe the Sabbath, do you follow the basic Jewish pattern or do you follow a doctrine of your denomination?
If you observe the Sabbath, do you know what God expects of you?
There are a variety of ways Jewish people honor the Sabbath, God set the rules and men added many conditions of their own. Do you know the difference? Does it make a difference what rules you follow?http://www.teshuvah.com/...es/shabbat/sabbath1.htm
SABBATH BASICSby Yeshayahu Heiliczer The Sabbath is the first mentioned and probably the most important of the "moedim" or G-d-ordained appointed times. Therefore it is extremely important for all Jews, especially a person who is coming back to Judaism and considers himself/herself a "baal teshuvah." to understand the Biblical and Rabbinic rules concerning the honoring of the Sabbath. This article is in no way a complete treatise on the laws of the Sabbath, only a basic understanding.
In the Biblical calendar, a new day starts at the beginning of sunset, and ends at the end of the next sunset, approximately 25 hours later. This is because in the Torah, in the book of Bereshiyt (Genesis) the days of creation are described as "and the evening and the morning were the ___ day." However, "sunset" is not a moment in time, a specific instant which we can look out our window and say has come. Because of the importance of the Sabbath (and other ordained festivals) it is imperative that all preparations and other normal-day activities be complete by the beginning of sunset. The Sabbath then ends at the end of sunset the next day, creating a day of approximately 25 hours. Because of this, the Sabbath candles, marking the end of the workweek (and the last moment that a fire may be kindled in the home) are lit 18 minutes before the "astronomical" sunset, and the havdalah ceremony marking the beginning of the workweek takes place 42 minutes after the next sunset.
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
It is a major responsibility for all Jews to honor the Sabbath or festival by lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset. This unique commandment, entrusted to the Jewish woman, is rich with meaning and purpose. In a world so full of darkness the candles lit by Jewish women and girls bring light, joy and holiness. A little light, our sages say, dispels much darkness. It is very important to know the exact candle-lighting time, because we are not allowed, under any circumstances, to kindle these or any other lights after sunset.
Married women should light at least two candles, corresponding to the two commandments of "Remember the Sabbath" (Exodus 20:8) and "Observe the Sabbath" (Deuteronomy 5:12) but single women, and even young girls, light only one (in deference to their mothers).
Specialness of a Sabbath
The Bible states that we are to make the Sabbath a special, holy and unique day. Part of that uniqueness is the command to refrain from "work" during the 25-hours of the Sabbath. The word used in the Bible which is usually translated "work" is "melakha." The Hebrew word melakha means more than just labor. In fact, in order to make the Sabbath holy, one must refrain from any activity which is creative (because G-d rested from His creative activities), or otherwise changes our environment.
The following is a summary of the laws concerning the Sabbath:
Establishment
1. Sabbath is "Saturday."
The Sabbath is as old as the creation of the world. Gen. 2:2 establishes that the Sabbath as ordained by G-d is on the seventh day of the week, the one which is called in the Gregorian calendar "Saturday."
Genesis 2:2
By the seventh day G-d had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
2. Sabbath is Holy.
Gen. 2:3 Shows G-d's attitude about the Sabbath -- He blessed it, and made it holy - vay'qad·deish -- separated for Him.
And G-d blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
3. Sabbath is Foremost of G-d's Appointed Feasts.
Lev. 23:1-3
HaShem said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of HaShem, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly...'"
Requirements
4. Sabbath is for rest and Sacred Assembly.
No work is to be done on the Sabbath. The words used in the Bible which are translated into English as "work" are the Hebrew words kol–m'law·khaw meaning "all and any kind of creative 'generative' endeavor, changes to the environment or any object."
Lev. 23:3
There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to HaShem.
Exodus 34:21
Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.
5. Preparation and cooking of food prohibited.
These are prime examples of work which is "generative" - i.e., changing something's character. Boiling includes not only bringing a liquid to a boil with food in it, but changing food by pouring boiling water over it. It is also considered cooking to boil the water itself. Baking means not just warming something to make it better to eat, but includes bringing something to a high temperature - high enough to change it. This includes toasting bread, even in an already heated oven or surface.
Ex 16:21-30
Each morning everyone gathered as much [manna] as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much-- two omers for each person-- and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, "This is what HaShem commanded: `Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to HaShem. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'" So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to HaShem. You will not find any of it on the ground today. Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. Then HaShem said to Moshe, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? Bear in mind that HaShem has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." So the people rested on the seventh day.
6. Carrying anything out of a "domain" is prohibited.
"Domain" means your home/property, building/campus, etc. A walled city is considered a single domain. It should be noted that many Jewish communities have established an "eruv," which is a fence which legally establishes the community as a single domain.
Jer. 17: 21
This is what HaShem says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem. Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your forefathers.
7. Do Not Make (or allow) Others Work.
Besides your not being allowed to work, you are prohibited from doing anything that will make the following people work. You are not to allow any of these to work:
Your children
Any employee or person who would serve you (this includes any stranger who would serve you).
Any animal you own.
Any non-Jewish person in your home.
Ex 20:8-10
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to HaShem your G-d. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Exodus 23:12
Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.
Deut 5:12
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as HaShem your G-d has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to HaShem your G-d. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that HaShem your G-d brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. ThereforeHaShem your G-d has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
8. Lighting a fire on the Sabbath is not permitted.
This is understood to mean doing anything on Sabbath which directly or indirectly lights a fire, such as striking a match, lighting a gas stove, adding wood to a fire, changing a thermostat so as to start a gas or oil furnace, etc. Using (turning on and off) electricity or anything electronic is included in this rule.
Exodus 35:3
Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day.Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 2/25/2011
Posts: 2,957
Location: TX
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Intangible wrote:The seventh day Sabbath was established as the outward sign of the Mosaic Covenant. God gave very specific details to what you can and cannot do on the Sabbath. If you observe the Sabbath, do you follow the basic Jewish pattern or do you follow a doctrine of your denomination?
If you observe the Sabbath, do you know what God expects of you?
There are a variety of ways Jewish people honor the Sabbath, God set the rules and men added many conditions of their own. Do you know the difference? Does it make a difference what rules you follow?http://www.teshuvah.com/...es/shabbat/sabbath1.htm
SABBATH BASICSby Yeshayahu Heiliczer The Sabbath is the first mentioned and probably the most important of the "moedim" or G-d-ordained appointed times. Therefore it is extremely important for all Jews, especially a person who is coming back to Judaism and considers himself/herself a "baal teshuvah." to understand the Biblical and Rabbinic rules concerning the honoring of the Sabbath. This article is in no way a complete treatise on the laws of the Sabbath, only a basic understanding.
In the Biblical calendar, a new day starts at the beginning of sunset, and ends at the end of the next sunset, approximately 25 hours later. This is because in the Torah, in the book of Bereshiyt (Genesis) the days of creation are described as "and the evening and the morning were the ___ day." However, "sunset" is not a moment in time, a specific instant which we can look out our window and say has come. Because of the importance of the Sabbath (and other ordained festivals) it is imperative that all preparations and other normal-day activities be complete by the beginning of sunset. The Sabbath then ends at the end of sunset the next day, creating a day of approximately 25 hours. Because of this, the Sabbath candles, marking the end of the workweek (and the last moment that a fire may be kindled in the home) are lit 18 minutes before the "astronomical" sunset, and the havdalah ceremony marking the beginning of the workweek takes place 42 minutes after the next sunset.
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
It is a major responsibility for all Jews to honor the Sabbath or festival by lighting candles 18 minutes before sunset. This unique commandment, entrusted to the Jewish woman, is rich with meaning and purpose. In a world so full of darkness the candles lit by Jewish women and girls bring light, joy and holiness. A little light, our sages say, dispels much darkness. It is very important to know the exact candle-lighting time, because we are not allowed, under any circumstances, to kindle these or any other lights after sunset.
Married women should light at least two candles, corresponding to the two commandments of "Remember the Sabbath" (Exodus 20:8) and "Observe the Sabbath" (Deuteronomy 5:12) but single women, and even young girls, light only one (in deference to their mothers).
Specialness of a Sabbath
The Bible states that we are to make the Sabbath a special, holy and unique day. Part of that uniqueness is the command to refrain from "work" during the 25-hours of the Sabbath. The word used in the Bible which is usually translated "work" is "melakha." The Hebrew word melakha means more than just labor. In fact, in order to make the Sabbath holy, one must refrain from any activity which is creative (because G-d rested from His creative activities), or otherwise changes our environment.
The following is a summary of the laws concerning the Sabbath:
Establishment
1. Sabbath is "Saturday."
The Sabbath is as old as the creation of the world. Gen. 2:2 establishes that the Sabbath as ordained by G-d is on the seventh day of the week, the one which is called in the Gregorian calendar "Saturday."
Genesis 2:2
By the seventh day G-d had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.
2. Sabbath is Holy.
Gen. 2:3 Shows G-d's attitude about the Sabbath -- He blessed it, and made it holy - vay'qad·deish -- separated for Him.
And G-d blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
3. Sabbath is Foremost of G-d's Appointed Feasts.
Lev. 23:1-3
HaShem said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'These are my appointed feasts, the appointed feasts of HaShem, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies. There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly...'"
Requirements
4. Sabbath is for rest and Sacred Assembly.
No work is to be done on the Sabbath. The words used in the Bible which are translated into English as "work" are the Hebrew words kol–m'law·khaw meaning "all and any kind of creative 'generative' endeavor, changes to the environment or any object."
Lev. 23:3
There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to HaShem.
Exodus 34:21
Six days you shall labor, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during the plowing season and harvest you must rest.
5. Preparation and cooking of food prohibited.
These are prime examples of work which is "generative" - i.e., changing something's character. Boiling includes not only bringing a liquid to a boil with food in it, but changing food by pouring boiling water over it. It is also considered cooking to boil the water itself. Baking means not just warming something to make it better to eat, but includes bringing something to a high temperature - high enough to change it. This includes toasting bread, even in an already heated oven or surface.
Ex 16:21-30
Each morning everyone gathered as much [manna] as he needed, and when the sun grew hot, it melted away. On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much-- two omers for each person-- and the leaders of the community came and reported this to Moses. He said to them, "This is what HaShem commanded: `Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to HaShem. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'" So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to HaShem. You will not find any of it on the ground today. Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. Then HaShem said to Moshe, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? Bear in mind that HaShem has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." So the people rested on the seventh day.
6. Carrying anything out of a "domain" is prohibited.
"Domain" means your home/property, building/campus, etc. A walled city is considered a single domain. It should be noted that many Jewish communities have established an "eruv," which is a fence which legally establishes the community as a single domain.
Jer. 17: 21
This is what HaShem says: Be careful not to carry a load on the Sabbath day or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem. Do not bring a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your forefathers.
7. Do Not Make (or allow) Others Work.
Besides your not being allowed to work, you are prohibited from doing anything that will make the following people work. You are not to allow any of these to work:
Your children
Any employee or person who would serve you (this includes any stranger who would serve you).
Any animal you own.
Any non-Jewish person in your home.
Ex 20:8-10
Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to HaShem your G-d. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
Exodus 23:12
Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.
Deut 5:12
Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as HaShem your G-d has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to HaShem your G-d. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that HaShem your G-d brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. ThereforeHaShem your G-d has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
8. Lighting a fire on the Sabbath is not permitted.
This is understood to mean doing anything on Sabbath which directly or indirectly lights a fire, such as striking a match, lighting a gas stove, adding wood to a fire, changing a thermostat so as to start a gas or oil furnace, etc. Using (turning on and off) electricity or anything electronic is included in this rule.
Exodus 35:3
Do not light a fire in any of your dwellings on the Sabbath day. Why ask such a question ??? EVERYONE KNOWS the Talmud is not the word of Jesus, it is merely mans opinion. If one UNDERSTANDS Scriptures he would know such teachings (the Talmud, traditions of men) is just what Christ was rebuking the Pharisees for !!! Good try but  better luck next time.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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Sonny35 wrote: Why ask such a question ??? EVERYONE KNOWS the Talmud is not the word of Jesus, it is merely mans opinion. If one UNDERSTANDS Scriptures he would know such teachings (the Talmud, traditions of men) is just what Christ was rebuking the Pharisees for !!! Good try but better luck next time. Generally speaking, as it is in this case, a question is asked when I want an answer, be it fact or opinion. I am curious about other view points, how else can I know what a person thinks if I do not ask?
No sonny35, most people do not recognize the difference between the Talmud, the Tanakh, the Mishnah or the Torah. Although you seem to know there is a difference, I'm not so certain you know which is which. This is generally why I would then ask you what you think, so I can understand what you are saying and why.
You see sonny35, this is the way a conversation or discussion takes place. One person may ask and another may answer, the specific topics drift as the information flow proceeds. Conversation stoppers are making assertions as absolute fact and then calling anyone that thinks different an idiot.... you know, the way you typically act.
Apparently you didn't seem to pay attention to the many scripture references directly from the Torah and not the Talmud. There are quotes from Exodus, Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Numbers and Jeremiah. God's Law is the entire written Torah, or the Tanakh. Did God then proceed to parse His Word into mandatory and not quite so important laws?Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 2/25/2011
Posts: 2,957
Location: TX
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Intangible wrote:Sonny35 wrote: Why ask such a question ??? EVERYONE KNOWS the Talmud is not the word of Jesus, it is merely mans opinion. If one UNDERSTANDS Scriptures he would know such teachings (the Talmud, traditions of men) is just what Christ was rebuking the Pharisees for !!! Good try but better luck next time. Generally speaking, as it is in this case, a question is asked when I want an answer, be it fact or opinion. I am curious about other view points, how else can I know what a person thinks if I do not ask?
No sonny35, most people do not recognize the difference between the Talmud, the Tanakh, the Mishnah or the Torah. Although you seem to know there is a difference, I'm not so certain you know which is which. This is generally why I would then ask you what you think, so I can understand what you are saying and why.
You see sonny35, this is the way a conversation or discussion takes place. One person may ask and another may answer, the specific topics drift as the information flow proceeds. Conversation stoppers are making assertions as absolute fact and then calling anyone that thinks different an idiot.... you know, the way you typically act.
Apparently you didn't seem to pay attention to the many scripture references directly from the Torah and not the Talmud. There are quotes from Exodus, Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Numbers and Jeremiah. God's Law is the entire written Torah, or the Tanakh. Did God then proceed to parse His Word into mandatory and not quite so important laws? Again, Why ask such a question ? Thermostats, a light switch, etc. Such a question "is the way a conversation or discussion takes place" ??? Are you serious ??? Maybe in your world but not in mine.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Joined: 3/3/2008 Posts: 12,990
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It's a good question.
And I thought it was a very good article.
You should read it.
I think the sabbath is not understood nor observed correctly by sabbatarians.
Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? - Galatians 4:16
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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Sonny35 wrote:
Again, Why ask such a question ?
Thermostats, a light switch, etc.
Such a question "is the way a conversation or discussion takes place" ???
Are you serious ???
Maybe in your world but not in mine.
Again, I ask questions because I don't know what everyone thinks. How am I to learn anything if I can't ask a question?
I'm not talking about "Thermostats, a light switch, etc." Despite your opinions, God set several basics rules to keeping the Sabbath. I'm not talking about interpretations of the Law, I am talking about direct commands from YHWH on Sabbath observance. Since, you don't follow God's way, what are your Sabbath guidelines and rules?
Do you follow ANY of God's Sabbath observance requirements?Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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We need to know more then the basic Sunday school class about Judaism if we can ever hope to fully understand God's and His desires for mankind. We need to learn the history and development of God's Law from a Jewish perspective. I know some people have a good understanding, but for those that don't, I want to go into details that surround the Law and the Sabbath so we can get a better understanding.
Jewish people do not have an "Old" Testament because they do not include the "New" Testament in Jewish law. However, how can we have a complete understanding of the New Testament if we don't have a good knowledge of the "old?" How do we know what Jesus means when he mentions commandments if we don't have a complete list of commandments and basic understanding?The word "Torah" is a tricky one, because it can mean different things in different contexts. In its most limited sense, "Torah" refers to the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But the word "torah" can also be used to refer to the entire Jewish bible (the body of scripture known to non-Jews as the Old Testament and to Jews as the Tanakh or Written Torah), or in its broadest sense, to the whole body of Jewish law and teachings.
Written Torah
To Jews, there is no "Old Testament." The books that Christians call the New Testament are not part of Jewish scripture. The so-called Old Testament is known to us as Written Torah or the Tanakh.
This is a list of the books of Written Torah, in the order in which they appear in Jewish translations, with the Hebrew name of the book, a translation of the Hebrew name (where it is not the same as the English name), and English names of the books (where it is not the same as the Hebrew name). The Hebrew names of the first five books are derived from the first few words of the book. The text of each book is more or less the same in Jewish translations as what you see in Christian bibles, although there are some occasional, slight differences in the numbering of verses and there are some significant differences in the translations.
TORAH (The Law):
•Bereishith (In the beginning...) (Genesis)
•Shemoth (The names...) (Exodus)
•Vayiqra (And He called...) (Leviticus)
•Bamidbar (In the wilderness...) (Numbers)
•Devarim (The words...) (Deuteronomy)
NEVI'IM (The Prophets):
•Yehoshua (Joshua)
•Shoftim (Judges)
•Shmuel (I &II Samuel)
•Melakhim (I & II Kings)
•Yeshayah (Isaiah)
•Yirmyah (Jeremiah)
•Yechezqel (Ezekiel)
•The Twelve (treated as one book):
◦Hoshea (Hosea)
◦Yoel (Joel)
◦Amos
◦Ovadyah (Obadiah)
◦Yonah (Jonah)
◦Mikhah (Micah)
◦Nachum
◦Chavaqquq (Habbakkuk)
◦Tzefanyah (Zephaniah)
◦Chaggai
◦Zekharyah (Zechariah)
◦Malakhi
KETHUVIM (The Writings):
•Tehillim (Psalms)
•Mishlei (Proverbs)
•Iyov (Job)
•Shir Ha-Shirim (Song of Songs)
•Ruth
•Eikhah (Lamentations)
•Qoheleth (the author's name) (Ecclesiastes)
•Esther
•Daniel
•Ezra & Nechemyah (Nehemiah) (treated as one book)
•Divrei Ha-Yamim (The words of the days) (Chronicles)
Written Torah is often referred to as the Tanakh, which is an acrostic of Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim. http://www.jewfaq.org/torah.htmNever argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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I have long held that the Ten Commandments are the foundation of God's Law. The Law is built upon the first Ten, but the first Ten do not comprise God's Law. Some of the Jews I know don't consider the first Ten to be anything more then the starting point upon which God gave man His Law. All of the individual laws of The Law were built upon the basic precepts of the Ten, but the Ten themselves are not God's Law.
We need to look at this through the Jewish roots from which every thing springs. This is best explained by someone more intimately involved in Judaism such as this....Aseret ha-Dibrot: The "Ten Commandments"According to Jewish tradition, G-d gave the Jewish people 613 mitzvot (commandments). All 613 of those mitzvot are equally sacred, equally binding and equally the word of G-d. All of these mitzvot are treated as equally important, because human beings, with our limited understanding of the universe, have no way of knowing which mitzvot are more important in the eyes of the Creator. Pirkei Avot, a book of the Mishnah, teaches "Be as meticulous in performing a 'minor' mitzvah as you are with a 'major' one, because you don't know what kind of reward you'll get for various mitzvot." It also says, "Run after the most 'minor' mitzvah as you would after the most 'important' and flee from transgression, because doing one mitzvah draws you into doing another, and doing one transgression draws you into doing another, and because the reward for a mitzvah is a mitzvah and the punishment for a transgression is a transgression." In other words, every mitzvah is important, because even the most seemingly trivial mitzvot draw you into a pattern of leading your life in accordance with the Creator's wishes, rather than in accordance with your own.
But what about the so-called "Ten Commandments," the words recorded in Exodus 20, the words that the Creator Himself wrote on the two stone tablets that Moses brought down from Mount Sinai (Ex. 31:18), which Moses smashed upon seeing the idolatry of the golden calf (Ex. 32:19)? In the Torah, these words are never referred to as the Ten Commandments. In the Torah, they are called Aseret ha-D'varim (Ex. 34:28, Deut. 4:13 and Deut. 10:4). In rabbinical texts, they are referred to as Aseret ha-Dibrot. The words d'varim and dibrot come from the Hebrew root Dalet-Beit-Reish, meaning word, speak or thing; thus, the phrase is accurately translated as the Ten Sayings, the Ten Statements, the Ten Declarations, the Ten Words or even the Ten Things, but not as the Ten Commandments, which would be Aseret ha-Mitzvot.
The Aseret ha-Dibrot are not understood as individual mitzvot; rather, they are categories or classifications of mitzvot. Each of the 613 mitzvot can be subsumed under one of these ten categories, some in more obvious ways than others. For example, the mitzvah not to work on Shabbat rather obviously falls within the category of remembering the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. The mitzvah to fast on Yom Kippur fits into that category somewhat less obviously: all holidays are in some sense a Sabbath, and the category encompasses any mitzvah related to sacred time. The mitzvah not to stand aside while a person's life is in danger fits somewhat obviously into the category against murder. It is not particularly obvious, however, that the mitzvah not to embarrass a person fits within the category against murder: it causes the blood to drain from your face thereby shedding blood.
List of the Aseret ha-Dibrot
According to Judaism, the Aseret ha-Dibrot identify the following ten categories of mitzvot. Other religions divide this passage differently. See The "Ten Commandments" Controversy below. Please remember that these are categories of the 613 mitzvot, which according to Jewish tradition are binding only upon Jews. The only mitzvot binding upon gentiles are the seven Noahic commandments.
1. Belief in G-d
This category is derived from the declaration in Ex. 20:2 beginning, "I am the L-rd, your G-d..."
2. Prohibition of Improper Worship
This category is derived from Ex. 20:3-6, beginning, "You shall not have other gods..." It encompasses within it the prohibition against the worship of other gods as well as the prohibition of improper forms of worship of the one true G-d, such as worshiping G-d through an idol.
3. Prohibition of Oaths
This category is derived from Ex. 20:7, beginning, "You shall not take the name of the L-rd your G-d in vain..." This includes prohibitions against perjury, breaking or delaying the performance of vows or promises, and speaking G-d's name or swearing unnecessarily.
4. Observance of Sacred Times
This category is derived from Ex. 20:8-11, beginning, "Remember the Sabbath day..." It encompasses all mitzvot related to Shabbat, holidays, or other sacred time.
5. Respect for Parents and Teachers
This category is derived from Ex. 20:12, beginning, "Honor your father and mother..."
6. Prohibition of Physically Harming a Person
This category is derived from Ex. 20:13, saying, "You shall not murder."
7. Prohibition of Sexual Immorality
This category is derived from Ex. 20:13, saying, "You shall not commit adultery."
8. Prohibition of Theft
This category is derived from Ex. 20:13, saying, "You shall not steal." It includes within it both outright robbery as well as various forms of theft by deception and unethical business practices. It also includes kidnapping, which is essentially "stealing" a person.
9. Prohibition of Harming a Person through Speech
This category is derived from Ex. 20:13, saying, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." It includes all forms of lashon ha-ra (sins relating to speech).
10. Prohibition of Coveting
This category is derived from Ex. 20:14, beginning, "You shall not covet your neighbor's house..."
The Two Tablets: Duties to G-d and Duties to People
Judaism teaches that the first tablet, containing the first five declarations, identifies duties regarding our relationship with G-d, while the second tablet, containing the last five declarations, identifies duties regarding our relationship with other people.
You may have noticed, however, that the fifth category, which is included in the first tablet, is the category to honor father and mother, which would seem to concern relationships between people. The rabbis teach that our parents are our creators and stand in a relationship to us akin to our relationship to the Divine. Throughout Jewish liturgy, the Creator is referred to as Avinu Malkeinu, our Father, our King. Disrespect to our biological creators is not merely an affront to them; it is also an insult to the Creator of the Universe. Accordingly, honor of father and mother is included on the tablet of duties to G-d.
These two tablets are parallel and equal: duties to G-d are not more important than duties to people, nor are duties to people more important than duties to G-d. However, if one must choose between fulfilling an obligation to G-d and fulfilling an obligation to a person, or if one must prioritize them, Judaism teaches that the obligation to a person should be fulfilled first. This principle is supported by the story in Genesis 18, where Abraham is communing with G-d and interrupts this meeting to fulfill the mitzvah of providing hospitality to strangers (the three men who appear). The Talmud gives another example, disapproving of a man who, engrossed in prayer, would ignore the cries of a drowning man. When forced to choose between our duties to a person and our duties to G-d, we must pursue our duties to the person, because the person needs our help, but G-d does not need our help.
The "Ten Commandments" Controversy
In the United States, a controversy has persisted for many years regarding the placement of the "Ten Commandments" in public schools and public buildings. But one critical question seems to have escaped most of the public dialog on the subject: Whose "Ten Commandments" should we post?
The general perception in this country is that the "Ten Commandments" are part of the common religious heritage of Judaism, Catholicism and Protestantism, part of the sacred scriptures that we all share, and should not be controversial. But most people involved in the debate seem to have missed the fact that these three religions divide up the commandments in different ways! Judaism, unlike Catholicism and Protestantism, considers "I am the L-rd, your G-d" to be the first "commandment." Catholicism, unlike Judaism and Protestantism, considers coveting property to be separate from coveting a spouse. Protestantism, unlike Judaism and Catholicism, considers the prohibition against idolatry to be separate from the prohibition against worshipping other gods. No two religions agree on a single list. So whose list should we post?
And once we decide on a list, what translation should we post? Should Judaism's sixth declaration be rendered as "Thou shalt not kill" as in the popular KJV translation, or as "Thou shalt not murder," which is a bit closer to the connotations of the original Hebrew though still not entirely accurate?
These may seem like trivial differences to some, but they are serious issues to those of us who take these words seriously. When a government agency chooses one version over another, it implicitly chooses one religion over another, something that the First Amendment prohibits. This is the heart of the controversy. But there is an additional aspect of this controversy that is of concern from a Jewish perspective. In Talmudic times, the rabbis consciously made a decision to exclude daily recitation of the Aseret ha-Dibrot from the liturgy because excessive emphasis on these statements might lead people to mistakenly believe that these were the only mitzvot or the most important mitzvot, and neglect the full 613 (Talmud Berakhot 12a). By posting these words prominently and referring to them as "The Ten Commandments," (as if there weren't any others, which is what many people think) schools and public buildings may be teaching a message that Judaism specifically and consciously rejected. http://www.jewfaq.org/10.htmNever argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Intangible wrote:Sonny35 wrote:
Again, Why ask such a question ?
Thermostats, a light switch, etc.
Such a question "is the way a conversation or discussion takes place" ???
Are you serious ???
Maybe in your world but not in mine.
Again, I ask questions because I don't know what everyone thinks. How am I to learn anything if I can't ask a question?
I'm not talking about "Thermostats, a light switch, etc." Despite your opinions, God set several basics rules to keeping the Sabbath. I'm not talking about interpretations of the Law, I am talking about direct commands from YHWH on Sabbath observance. Since, you don't follow God's way, what are your Sabbath guidelines and rules?
Do you follow ANY of God's Sabbath observance requirements? I do not go to my job and "WORK" on the Sabbath, I do not just go to church and then go play golf,etc. on the Sabbath, I do not watch football games,etc. on the Sabbath. Isa.58:13-14. I turn on the lights on the Sabbath, I heat my meals on the Sabbath and I set my therm on heat if it is cold on the Sabbath. I attend to and do not let my livestock starve of thirst to death on the Sabbath. I spend God's Holy Sabbath day in REST from my "weekly job", "WORK", attend a convocation (worship service) in special honor and worship of the Lord, return home and study HIS word and dwell on the things of GOD just as HE says TO DO on HIS Holy Sabbath Day, (ALL DAY) !!! It is by the Spirit of God's law now in our hearts we keep, honor and worship the Lord on HIS HOLY SABBATH DAY which is to be above all other weekly days of normal prayer and worship because we love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul. That is HOW and WHY I KEEP THE SABBATH !!! Does this answer you question ???
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I am fully persuaded in my heart that I remember and do solemnly keep the Sabbath in Christ, Who is the Sabbath. No longer works that I have done, or am doing, but a daily dying to self interest, and a daily giving my will to Yahweh as my faithful creator Who will lead me in the works that He gave me to do before the world ever was. I keep the fourth commandment as contained in the fleshly tablet of my heart.
All of us, please ask ourselves prayerfully:
Do I boast about my "Sabbath keeping?"
Do I truly abide in Christ Jesus, and His finished work?
May God grant us understanding and capability in all things, Amen.
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I spend God's Holy Sabbath day in REST from my "weekly job", "WORK", attend a convocation (worship service) in special honor and worship of the Lord, return home and study HIS word and dwell on the things of GOD just as HE says TO DO on HIS Holy Sabbath Day, (ALL DAY) !!!
It is by the Spirit of God's law now in our hearts we keep, honor and worship the Lord on HIS HOLY SABBATH DAY which is to be above all other weekly days of normal prayer and worship because we love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul.
I DO NOT GO TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY AND BOW BEFORE THE ALTAR OF BAAL.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 3/3/2008 Posts: 12,990
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Sonny35 wrote:... I DO NOT GO TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY AND BOW BEFORE THE ALTAR OF BAAL. Who does? 
Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? - Galatians 4:16
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SUN-day keepers !!!
As seen in church every SUN-day !!!
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 3/3/2008 Posts: 12,990
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Sonny35 wrote:SUN-day keepers !!!
As seen in church every SUN-day !!! How does worship on the first day of the week resemble
anything like bowing before the altar of Baal?
If the day of the week determines which deity is being worshipped,
then you must be worshipping Saturn on SaturnDay, right?
Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? - Galatians 4:16
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Not of works lest any man should boast.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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Sonny35 wrote: Intangible wrote: Again, I ask questions because I don't know what everyone thinks. How am I to learn anything if I can't ask a question?
I'm not talking about "Thermostats, a light switch, etc." Despite your opinions, God set several basics rules to keeping the Sabbath. I'm not talking about interpretations of the Law, I am talking about direct commands from YHWH on Sabbath observance. Since, you don't follow God's way, what are your Sabbath guidelines and rules?
Do you follow ANY of God's Sabbath observance requirements? I do not go to my job and "WORK" on the Sabbath, I do not just go to church and then go play golf,etc. on the Sabbath, I do not watch football games,etc. on the Sabbath. Isa.58:13-14. I turn on the lights on the Sabbath, I heat my meals on the Sabbath and I set my therm on heat if it is cold on the Sabbath. I attend to and do not let my livestock starve of thirst to death on the Sabbath. I spend God's Holy Sabbath day in REST from my "weekly job", "WORK", attend a convocation (worship service) in special honor and worship of the Lord, return home and study HIS word and dwell on the things of GOD just as HE says TO DO on HIS Holy Sabbath Day, (ALL DAY) !!! It is by the Spirit of God's law now in our hearts we keep, honor and worship the Lord on HIS HOLY SABBATH DAY which is to be above all other weekly days of normal prayer and worship because we love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul. That is HOW and WHY I KEEP THE SABBATH !!! Does this answer you question ??? Thank you for your answers. I appreciate the fact you took time to respond.
You keep some of the basic tenets of the Sabbath, but you seem to over look others. How do you know what to follow? Do you have a simple method you use to determine what portions of Sabbath law no longer apply?
If I remember correctly, you have said something about the ceremonial laws no longer being in effect and you said the Talmud no longer applies to believers. What measure do you use to parse God's words recorded in the Bible? How do you know which command of God is no longer in effect?
Does the differences between the Jewish and the Sabbatarian observance matter? Do you believe all Sabbath observance is a good thing even if not performed the same way? Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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Sonny35 wrote:
I spend God's Holy Sabbath day in REST from my "weekly job", "WORK", attend a convocation (worship service) in special honor and worship of the Lord, return home and study HIS word and dwell on the things of GOD just as HE says TO DO on HIS Holy Sabbath Day, (ALL DAY) !!!
It is by the Spirit of God's law now in our hearts we keep, honor and worship the Lord on HIS HOLY SABBATH DAY which is to be above all other weekly days of normal prayer and worship because we love the Lord our God with all our heart and soul.
I DO NOT GO TO CHURCH ON SUNDAY AND BOW BEFORE THE ALTAR OF BAAL.
Personally, I don't bow before ANY alter made by man!Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member Joined: 1/4/2010 Posts: 3,100 Location: on a hill in the hollow
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Sonny35 wrote:SUN-day keepers !!!
As seen in church every SUN-day !!!
So even if these people do EVERYTHING exactly as you do, you say they are worshipping Satan JUST because of a DAY!
Doesn't it matter who you call out to in prayer?
They both pray to YHWH and they both conduct their daily lives the same, they both have repented and accepted Jesus' sacrifice, one gathers on one day while another gathers a different day, yet you are saying one worships YHWH and the other worships Satan?! Even though they both pray in the name of Jesus, the prayers get rerouted every Sunday so neither God nor Jesus hear them?Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Joined: 2/25/2011
Posts: 2,957
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Intangible wrote:Sonny35 wrote:SUN-day keepers !!!
As seen in church every SUN-day !!!
So even if these people do EVERYTHING exactly as you do, you say they are worshipping Satan JUST because of a DAY!
Doesn't it matter who you call out to in prayer?
They both pray to YHWH and they both conduct their daily lives the same, they both have repented and accepted Jesus' sacrifice, one gathers on one day while another gathers a different day, yet you are saying one worships YHWH and the other worships Satan?! Even though they both pray in the name of Jesus, the prayers get rerouted every Sunday so neither God nor Jesus hear them? "JUST because of a DAY" God in His Scriptures tell us very plainly WHICH DAY, THE DAY, A DAY !!! Why does man rebel and choose a diff. DAY, why is man so set to go to church on SUN-day instead of the Sabbath ??? Just WHY is God's Sabbath so avoided and SUN-day the "a DAY" is observed in its place ?? The Sabbath has Scriptural proof throughout the Bible. SUN-day, your "a DAY" has not one verse that states the 1st day of the week is to be A DAY of weekly worship. If you choose to break the Scriptural Sabbath and instead keep SUN-day you are not worshiping GOD. If not GOD, then who ???
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