sms@eisx.UUCP (Samuel Saal) (03/18/85)
Don A letter of yours was posted to net.religion.jewish to make us aware of some statements made in another net which we otherwise would not have been aware of. The majority of your article was a series of responses to other people and since I don't have any context for your comments I won't discuss them. However, there was one paragraph which on its own or in *any* context requires comment. I have reproduced it here and will comment on it line by line. > That ain't exactly what I've heard. For example, I heard that in the > State of Israel (the epitome of Judaism) it is not possible for a non-Jew > to obtain citizenship. Very far off. You are referring to the "Law of Return". This law states that any Jew can become a citizen immediately upon arrival in Israel. Any one else must go through a standard waiting period very similar to what is required in the US. It takes about 5 years for a non-Jew to become a citizen. This applies equally to Christians and even Arabs (Just as a Russian can become an American citizen even though the US is not on the friendliest of terms with the Soviet Union). Also, as a Jew I don't know how God ranks the value of any deed that I do. I have an idea about some of them in a relative way (for example following the 10 Commandments is pretty important) but *I* would not have any idea what to list as the "epitome of Judaism". > I also heard it is against the law to give a Jew > a copy of the New Testament. I heard that it is also an offense to tell > a Jew under 18 years of age anything about Christianity. I heard that in > the State of Israel if you don't belong to a certain nationality of Jews, > you and a dog have a lot in common. Simply FALSE. > (Somebody even told me that it is > an offense punishable by death to allow a non-Jew to read the Talmud, but > that sounds a little far-fetched to be true.) If I heard wrong, then I'm > ignorant, and I need educating. The statements you make are of great concern to me. If you think these things and are willing to write them, how many people also know of them but are quiet? Don, your statements are NOT ignorant. they are misinformed and sad. The person who made them up is slanderous at best, sick in all likelihood. I believe that the original speaker (and I'll give you the benefit of the doubt that it was not you who said these vicious and foolish things) really needs counseling. It would also do for him to visit Israel or even a Jewish family. Let him see the baselessness of these comments. Don, I am seriously concerned about your holding these erroneous beliefs. If you would like to learn a little bit about Jews, Judaism and Israel, please ask me. I will point you to a variety of sources (not just one viewpoint within Judaism). You will see that we are not a homogeneous group but you will also see that we would never, could never do any of the things you posted. By the way, a side note. One of the groups that your original letter also attacked was the communists, specifically the Soviet Union. I have no love for the USSR, but I notice a similarity in your rhetorical style and theirs. "I've heard...." and "they say..." without valid documentation is one way the Soviets start the baseless rumors they use to slander groups they wish to repress. We have become very good at recognizing this for the garbage quality that is inherent in it and will not let you pass off any of it. With all due respect. Sam Saal ..!{ihnp4}!eisx!sms -- Sam Saal ..!{ihnp4}!eisx!sms Vayiphtach HaShem et pee ha'Atone.