One of the things that irks me is the hypocrisy. They dislike Israel, but are more than happy to accept welfare benefits.They oppose the existence of Israel, but they claim that a guy is doing more for Israel by studying than he is by soldiering.
Seems like they’ll say whatever they need to in order to get what they want, which is for Israeli society to contribute to them without them having to contribute to Israeli society. Their holier-than-thou claims don’t excuse that.
I’m generally in favor of welfare benefits for citizens of a country, and I don’t claim to be able to judge whether an individual is genuinely in need or if they just don’t want to work. In this case, however, a community is willfully choosing to live on welfare benefits instead of working. This should not be tolerated.
Is there any evidence that the Talmud condones leeching off of society?
It clearly condones the existence of rabbis, who are not productive members of society unless you accept that spirituality confers some sort of benefit. On that basis, it’s not really fair for anyone but the irreligious to complain about the Haredi leeching.
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Is there any evidence that the Talmud condones leeching off of society?
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Actually, later authorities than the Talmud have taken the position that it is work than to be supported by charity.
Well, to be fair, we support scholars in any number of fields. And, if there is going to be a Jewish community that follows halacha (Jewish law), then you need those well-versed in it to render decisions on matters both large and small.
I was driving home this evening and caught the last part of a story on All Things Considered about some orthodox Jewish sect full of ravers. So, what’s up with these Na Nachs?
If you’re supposed to give them away to charity, I don’t think anyone ever does. They might make a contribution to charity (aren’t you supposed to do that as part of your bar mitzvah or something, at least it seems common enough) but they keep the one they got from Rabbi Schneerson (I’m pretty sure they are the ones that glue his face to the dollar bill too (in the place where the president’s face is).
I was confused.
Didn’t the Christians do this in early Christianity, they were called the hedonists. Good times.
Noted Terminator prototype Rasputin had an interesting take on it, too. His thought process apparently went : having a good time is a sin. Jesus died to absolve me of my sins. If I do not sin, Jesus died in vain. I *must *turn my sinning to 11 to honour Jesus. Party on, Garth !
