Firstly, I'd like to commend you for a well-researched and scientifically sound approach to Halaqkha. I would point out that to date, no archaeological evidence of miraculous clouds has ever been found- thus conclusively proving their non-existence. On another note, if I may offer constructive criticism, you should really brush up on your transliteration, and instead of sukkah, write suqhkah, so that those of us who are somewhat educated can avoid being thoroughly confused. Although the great Dr. Slifqkin himself fails in that area as well, a fact which constantly leaves my colleagues and my esteemed self- I mean my esteemed colleagues and myself- quite mystified!
It was excellent! Keep it up! (I do think the Torah being a polemic does work better than you think it does though- saying the Torah is a polemic against idolatry is hardly an understatement.)
The Torah being a polemic may have value for the educated like you but when they use it they really mean to say that the Torah isn't of inherent, intrinsic (infinite, Godly, essential, and so on) value. And that's quite worth making fun of.
I am gratified to note that the esteemed Rabbi Doctor's erudite polemics have found fertile ground on which open-minded intellectual and cultured scholars can cultivate their innovative and sophisticated iconoclastic ideologies.
However, while I have not yet had the time to delve adequately into your complete essay, and have so far only reached your first rational explanation (viz. "the great value of physical activity"), I was surprised to encounter a small but not insignificant lacuna - you failed to address the shaking of the four species! And I am sure you will be flattered to hear that this explanation conforms most neatly to explain this otherwise quasi-paganistic ritual - for what better exercise to strengthen the biceps, triceps and deltoids of the arm?
Indeed, some have the minhag, of reportedly ancient origin, to don a "tank top" (referred in some sects as a "wifebeater") to better appreciate the body's physique when doing the waving.
Moreh Nevuchim views an enormous amount of מצוות as countering idolaterous beloefs and practices. The sukkah teaching us about בטחון can verh easily be countering the haughty Egyptians who relied on their own strength "לי יאורי ואני עשיתיני"
It depends how you view רצון ה' during מתן תורה. Those that take a Rambamistic ot Hirshean approach dont have an issue with saying that the Torah is meant to perfect and advance עם ישראל and all of humanity as an extension. If we have already progressed to an extent that should be reason to realize the torah's worth and not to view the מצוות as irrelevant.
Excellent! Humor hits hard without being obnoxious....a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down 🎵
Firstly, I'd like to commend you for a well-researched and scientifically sound approach to Halaqkha. I would point out that to date, no archaeological evidence of miraculous clouds has ever been found- thus conclusively proving their non-existence. On another note, if I may offer constructive criticism, you should really brush up on your transliteration, and instead of sukkah, write suqhkah, so that those of us who are somewhat educated can avoid being thoroughly confused. Although the great Dr. Slifqkin himself fails in that area as well, a fact which constantly leaves my colleagues and my esteemed self- I mean my esteemed colleagues and myself- quite mystified!
These are the best kind of posts! Well done! You have no idea how refreshing it is to have this kind of genre on our side of the fence!
I loved this one. Really funny.
Ok, this one I got as satire.
It was excellent! Keep it up! (I do think the Torah being a polemic does work better than you think it does though- saying the Torah is a polemic against idolatry is hardly an understatement.)
Thanks!
The Torah is a polemic against idolatry the same way the story of the Civil War is a polemic against slavery
I kind of agree with Ash on this one.
https://ishayirashashem.substack.com/p/smash-burn-crash
The Torah being a polemic may have value for the educated like you but when they use it they really mean to say that the Torah isn't of inherent, intrinsic (infinite, Godly, essential, and so on) value. And that's quite worth making fun of.
You'll enjoy this, if you haven't read it yet:
https://ishayirashashem.substack.com/p/smash-burn-crash
I am gratified to note that the esteemed Rabbi Doctor's erudite polemics have found fertile ground on which open-minded intellectual and cultured scholars can cultivate their innovative and sophisticated iconoclastic ideologies.
However, while I have not yet had the time to delve adequately into your complete essay, and have so far only reached your first rational explanation (viz. "the great value of physical activity"), I was surprised to encounter a small but not insignificant lacuna - you failed to address the shaking of the four species! And I am sure you will be flattered to hear that this explanation conforms most neatly to explain this otherwise quasi-paganistic ritual - for what better exercise to strengthen the biceps, triceps and deltoids of the arm?
Indeed, some have the minhag, of reportedly ancient origin, to don a "tank top" (referred in some sects as a "wifebeater") to better appreciate the body's physique when doing the waving.
Moreh Nevuchim views an enormous amount of מצוות as countering idolaterous beloefs and practices. The sukkah teaching us about בטחון can verh easily be countering the haughty Egyptians who relied on their own strength "לי יאורי ואני עשיתיני"
It depends how you view רצון ה' during מתן תורה. Those that take a Rambamistic ot Hirshean approach dont have an issue with saying that the Torah is meant to perfect and advance עם ישראל and all of humanity as an extension. If we have already progressed to an extent that should be reason to realize the torah's worth and not to view the מצוות as irrelevant.
Ok I laughed out loud at this one.
I wish it weren't also so sad...