Great post from Marty Bluke

About half a year ago, I picked up a book at shul, called Jewish Women Speak on Jewish Matters. Inside this book was the linked article. When I read it, I had the cynical thoughts along the lines of the following blog entry by Marty Bluke. Since he presents it in a much better way than I can, please, read it here.

Back to ADDeRabbi

Recently, ADDeRabbi posted an entry titled Ethical Dilemma. In it, he presents a situation where he had forsaken a day of work because the document he was translating had been tampered with. What's interesting is his thoughts:

"I was not concerned about getting into legal trouble. A disclaimer (i.e. "I'm translating the document, not vouching for its authenticity", or some such) takes care of that. I could easily find a halakhic loophole as well (I do not want to get into it because it would necessitate revealing too many details of the case). It's just the wrong thing to do. It's unethical to be involved with fraud. End of story.

At a different stage in my life, I would have taken solace in the fact that God would somehow pay me back, right here in this world, for my behavior. I don't think like that anymore. I tend to think, rather, that "No good deed goes unpunished." So where's the comfort? I spent a whole day working on a project, and ignoring my kids who, like me, had the day off.

I wish to make it perfectly clear that this decision has not given me some type of inner peace. I do not feel good for having "done the right thing." If anything, it has made me very agitated. I wasted a day and pissed away about $350. And I am not blessed with the gift of absolute certainty that, in this case, would at least have granted me the confidence that I am doing what is right in the eyes of God and man. No such luck."

I think that this way of thinking is more mature than thinking that "G-d will provide" or "G-d will make this up" or "G-d something something." What if not? Does doing the right thing have to bring the inner satisfaction?

Also, notice that he could have translated the document and got paid for it using a halachik loophole, as he mentioned. I guess in that regard he's not like a guy I know who said, "What's so immoral with not paying taxes?!" I'm sure that guy eats only handmade shmurah matzah on Pesach, but sells his chametz; uses Prozbul, but not heter mechirah. I guess he has a loophole for cheating on taxes as well, as long as it fits his hashkafah, since his hashkafah determines his morality. Oh well...

Gives something to think about...

For the Germophobes around us

With a hat tip to ADDeRabbi, I'd like to offer this short article from JTA:

Health warning over hospital mezuzot

Published: 02/24/2008

Devout Jews should think twice about kissing hospital mezuzot.

According to an Israeli study released this month by Assaf Harofeh Hospital, mezuzot in medical wards frequently carry germs and bacteria that can lead to illnesses such as urinary tract infections, intestinal upsets and skin rashes.

The conclusions were reached after studying 70 mezuzot from different parts of the hospital. Though the communicability of the illnesses is far greater among patients, whose immune system may be compromised, doctors said healthy hospital staff and visitors also should take precautions.

Many religiously oriented Jews touch mezuzot when passing and then kiss their fingers as a sign of reverence for the biblical inscription carried within.

Make your own conclusions. Though I do like the one of Adderabbi :-)

Declining dollar and the Israeli Hareidim

The Jewish Worker posts two articles:

The declining dollar and the Charedi world and

The Gedolim say the dollar is worth 4 shekels.

Definitely worth a read.

Burkas and the authenticity of Judaism

Adderabbi posted an interesting entry today. Please read and tell me if he has holes in his reasoning.