The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values
The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values
By Nachum AmselUrim Publications
Hardcover, 592 pages
Nachum Amsel has done it again. The Encyclopedia of Jewish
Values presents over forty exciting and pressing issues of the day where
clarity from a Jewish perspective is so urgently needed and sought. Some of the
topics include: Alternative Medicine, Birthdays, Capital Punishment, Competition,
Gun Control, Homosexuality, Music, the Land of Israel, Ransoming Hostages,
Leaders who Sin, and much, much more.
The chapter on “Sports” was exceptionally interesting, and
frankly, fun to read. There are many halachic issues relevant to sports, such
as a variety of Shabbat related laws, and responsibility for damage and injury
incurred in the course of sports. Readers will learn about sports in Judaism
throughout the ages, right from the Biblical (with examples in Job, Zacharia,
and Lamentations, no less!) and the Talmudic (Kohanic altar races, among other
creative games and sports). The chapter also includes a brief review of famous Jewish
baseball players in Unites States history.
Some of our greatest sages encourages sports and exercise
and even engaged in it themselves. For example, The Chafetz Chaim advises
walking and swimming, as does Rabbi Yaakov Kaminetzkly, a swimmer himself. Rav Avraham
Kook writes that a healthy body is as important as a healthy spirit. Rabbi
Shlomo Goren did fifty push-ups daily. As you can see, there is much Jewish
value to be found in sports (not to be confused with sitting in front of a
television set with beer and pretzels and watching a football game). Here are
some excerpts from that chapter:
In discussing the activities
forbidden on Shabbat but permitted during the rest of the week, the Mishna
declares[1]
that one of these activities is wrestling on the ground or (as described by
some commentaries) mudwrestling! Apparently, this was a commonly practiced
sport in Mishnaic times
In the thirteenth century, a
question of Jewish law was presented to Tzadok ben Aryeh the Doctor.[2] He
was asked about carrying a leather ball on Shabbat, a ball filled with hair or
a ball made of wood, and whether these could be used to play sport on Shabbat,
which he forbade. Thus, we see that Jews were also actively playing ball sports
in The Middle Ages.
The Tosafot commentary, mentions[3] that
in his time (France and Germany in The Middle Ages) it was the custom at Jewish
weddings for the friends of the groom to engage in jousting contests while
riding on horses! This was done in order to fulfill the obligation to make the
groom and bride happy at their wedding. In comparison, some of the outrageous
activities and wild performances seen at some religious Jewish weddings today
(for the same purpose) actually seem very mild.
On to another topic. Amsel is not scared to tackle
Homosexuality. Take for example this honest, and possibly uncomfortable,
historical/halachic excerpt from rabbinic sources:
Maimonides[4],
who lived in the 12th century, also ruled like the majority opinion in the
Talmud -- i.e., that Jewish males were not suspected of homosexual behavior (or
bestiality). He does add, however, that those Jews who do refrain from being
alone with a man or an animal are to be praised. Thus, in Spain and in Egypt of
the 12th century, homosexual activity was still not a prevalent activity found
among the Jews. However, this norm seems to have changed in the time of Rabbi
Yosef Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch[5].
He first quotes Maimonides word for word, but then adds that as in “these”
[his] times there is great licentiousness, two men should not be alone together
(or sleep in the same bed)".
We see from these words two important concepts. First, that in the 16th century in the Land of Israel, there seemed to be substantial homosexual activity among Jews. Second, Jewish law recognizes that homosexuality is a function of individual societies, and it responds to this societal change with changes in Jewish law.
We see from these words two important concepts. First, that in the 16th century in the Land of Israel, there seemed to be substantial homosexual activity among Jews. Second, Jewish law recognizes that homosexuality is a function of individual societies, and it responds to this societal change with changes in Jewish law.
However, two centuries later, a commentary on the Shulchan Aruch, Rabbi Sirkis (Bach) writes[6] that he does not understand these words of the Shulchan Aruch because he cannot find any homosexual activity in his community. Therefore, he does not agree with (or apply) this particular Jewish law to his community, and permits two males to be alone together.
There is much more on homosexuality that is presented in a clear and balanced manner complete with halachic, historical, and medical discussions.
Finally, the chapter on lying is exceptionally thought
provoking. It begins with the importance of telling the truth followed by a
slew of examples in Torah literature where lying is acceptable from the
perspective of halacha. As Rabbi Eliezer of Metz in the 1100’s writes that “any
lie where no harm will come as a result is not forbidden in Judaism.”[7] It
is the slippery slope of “the end justifies the means.” Even when lying is
permitted, however, it doesn’t mean that we are required to take advantage of
the “heter!” Indeed, I urge tremendous caution to anyone who wishes to lie even
when technically permitted. If you are caught in your lies –although you may
have committed no sin—your word and credibility will be irreparably, possibly
permanently damaged. Yes, you can lose your credibility all within the confines
of halacha. Remember: just because halacha allows it, it doesn’t mean we have
to do it!
The Encyclopedia of Jewish Values is a perfect example of worthwhile,
quality scholarship that is accessible to anyone regardless of their background
or level of learning. Each entry presents the historical, philosophical, scientific,
biblical, Talmudic, and halachic perspective of the subject making for a very
thorough and competent presentation. Of tremendous value to advanced readers is
the latter half of the book which presents all the sources cited throughout the
text in their full Hebrew original, organized clearly chapter by chapter. For
educators, this is priceless: instant source sheets in preparation for a shiur
or lecture on one of the many fascinating topics in the book!
The author tells us that this volume will be the first of
several which is sure to make the complete Encyclopedia of Jewish Values an authority and treasury on Jewish thought for both scholars and laymen.
To order the Encyclopedia of Jewish Values: http://www.urimpublications.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=UP&Product_Code=EncyValues&Category_Code=aaa
