BRIT-AM BIBLICAL ISRAEL NEWS ONLINE
Contents:
1. Is Kosher Healthier?
2. Does Good Character Bring Success in Life?
3. Question on the Obligation to Go Up to Jerusalem
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1. Is Kosher Healthier?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kashrut
The claims that the laws have a hygiene/health purpose has therefore fallen out of favour among Biblical scholars, particularly since there are dangers that the laws do not cover; for example, there are no prohibitions on the types of fruit and vegetables which can be eaten, even though there are many poisonous herbs, seeds, berries, and fruits.
Nevertheless, some continue to pursue the idea that the food laws introduce health benefits. In 1953, Dr. David I. Macht, an Orthodox Jew who is one of the primary proponents of the theory of biblical scientific foresight, conducted toxicity experiments on many different kinds of animals and fish.[22] His experiment involved lupin seedlings being supplied with extracts from the meat of various animals; Macht reported that in 100% of cases, extracts from ritually unclean meat inhibited the seedling's growth more than that from ritually clean meats.[23] In addition, Dr. Macht's research indicated that mixtures of meat and milk, and meat that wasn't ritually slaughtered, appeared to be more toxic to lupin seeds than meat from other sources.[24] Macht's claim that his methodology,[25][26] known as phytopharmacology, could have any conclusions in relation to human consumption, has never[27] been scientifically corroborated by independent researchers, and is regarded by the scientific community as not being mainstream science; at the request of a Seventh-day Adventist Church publication, Macht's study was explicitly challenged by a series of senior biologists[28]
2. Does Good Character Bring Success in Life?
Extracts from:
"Be a Mensch. Why Good Character is the Key to a Life of Happiness, Health, Wealth, and Love"
An anthology complied by Moshe Kaplan, MD.
Extracts from
"Introduction" by Sara Yoheved Rigler
Howard Jonas is the founder and CEO of a multibillion-dollar company, and he writes: "Good character, which is at least as essential [as talent and luck], if not more so, to founding and running a major company, can be developed." Professor Robert Aumann won the Nobel Prize in economics, the pinnacle of academic achievement, and he writes: "Game Theory recognizes those modes of behavior that we call 'good character traits' as ways to foster cooperation in repeated interactions and to provide a person with an enhanced social existence". In layman's terms that means: Good character builds stable, positive relationships.
p. xviii
The authors of Be a Mensch tell us why to bother. Howard Jonas assures us that good character is good business. Natan Sharansky shows us that the secret of achieving inner freedom lies in aligning your principles with the divine principles, and living a life of meaning in which those principles guide and direct all your activities. Dr. Yakir Kaufman proves, citing scientific studies, that good character traits are the key to good health. Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb demonstrates why character development is essential to tapping our maximum potential. Psychologist Dr. Judith Mishell explores the extensive psycho-logical benefits of good character, such as greater happiness and self-esteem.
p. xix
Deep down, we all admire sterling character traits more than wealth, fame, or reaching the top of the corporate ladder. We might want to be as rich as Bill Gates or as famous as Julia Roberts, but our admiration is elicited more by the fellow who, last year, jumped down onto the tracks of the New York City subway system in front of an oncoming train in order to save the life of someone who had fallen there. His courage and altruism inspired a flood of media praise, public recognition, and medals, because we all know true greatness when we see it.
p. xx
3. Question on the Obligation to Go Up to Jerusalem
Troy wrote:
re.
Reah: Obligations, Blessings, and Laws
http://www.britam.org/deuteronomy/4raeh.html
[Deuteronomy 12:21] IF THE PLACE WHICH THE LORD THY GOD HATH CHOSEN TO PUT HIS NAME THERE BE TOO FAR FROM THEE, THEN THOU SHALT KILL OF THY HERD AND OF THY FLOCK, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN THEE, AS I HAVE COMMANDED THEE, AND THOU SHALT EAT IN THY GATES WHATSOEVER THY SOUL LUSTETH AFTER.
#AS I HAVE COMMANDED THEE#. They were to slaughter animals to eat their meat as they had been commanded. These are the Jewish Laws of Ritual Slaughter. They are based on the Oral Tradition.
Based on these verses, Yair, would you agree that we are released from going to Jerusalem (males) if the journey be too far? i.e., if, say we are in the U.S. or other far away places?
I am speaking of the requirement for males to appear in Jerusalem during the 3 major Feasts.
Thank you,
Troy
