Sunday, 2 November 2014

Mockery of Talmidei Hachamim




One of the threats used by the Talmud, is the loss of the world to come for those who mock the hachamim.  In fact, they also claim that the 2nd temple was destroyed because of disrespect for the rabbis.

It is a useful tool to prevent causeless hatred, and mockery is not a good approach. Honest debate is a better approach, from both sides.

There is also a fallacy that the rabbis use, which prevents reading the Torah in its actual intent. A very clear case study was given here http://tanakhemet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/strange-spices-pt-3-cinnamon-250.html
And there are plenty more. It is also hypocritical, since the rabbis spend a lot of their time mocking their opponents, including the Priesthood, and assassinating those who do not agree with them (see http://tanakhemet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/unholy-cow-or-how-to-destroy-your-own.html)

The Torah gives protection from the false threats of the Perushim (Deut. 18:22).  The attacks on the talmudic rabbis are only done for a) their violation of the Torah, and b) their false statements, either logically or scientifically. It should also be noted that the rabbinic movement was never a united, movement. 

Although good deeds and lovingkindness was preached and practiced, and is until today, there were occasions when there was rivalry and violence.
 Long before Islam and its internecine wars, the houses of Shammai and Hillel schools were already killing each other: http://tanakhemet.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/golden-calf-of-talmud.html

This was a great tragedy, which the Talmud itself acknowledges. It is not something that should be revived. Using sarcasm or showing illogic of an argument is not the same as mocking the person, although that is sometimes hard to resist. 

Incidentally, it might also be helpful if the opponents of Karaism made their arguments more respectful too.  The Talmud states  "all mockery is forbidden, except for mockery of Idolatry". 
Since neither side of the debate are idolaters, then that is a good basis for debate.








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