[net.religion.jewish] biblical vs. orthodox

segs@mhuxv.UUCP (slusky) (02/12/85)

[Asher Schecter writes ]

>                                           All sectors of Judaism
>agree that throughout Biblical  times only Orthodox laws were the
>laws of Israel. There were no reform or conservative or any other
>phony  pseudo-jewish laws in effect. 

There's been so much silliness on this net lately that it's tough to
keep up. So I can appreciate that no one had the energy to even comment
on this gem. However I find it hard to let it just go by uncommented.

Orthodoxy is a modern movement. Biblical Jews practiced Biblical Judaism.
During the time of the first Temple, practices changed. They changed again
during the Babylonian exile, during the time of the Second Temple, and 
after its destruction. 
Medieval Judaism added its own flavor and Chassidism and the Mitnaggic
reaction to it again were movements within Judaism. 
Refering to Biblical Jews as Orthodox is wildly anachronistic.

Susan Slusky
--