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Is it hypocrisy for Jewish communities to erect an eruv?

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Greatnan Sun 11-Aug-13 07:35:03

An eruv is a wire erected around an area, within which orthodox Jews can treat the whole area as their home and carry out their normal activities on the Sabbath. One will soon enclose a large area of Northern Manchester. Without it, they would be forbidden to do any kind of work, domestic or otherwise, to carry anything, even a baby, a walking stick, or a handkerchief. The erection of the eruv seems to me to be allowing them to follow the letter of the law, whilst ignoring its spirit and intention. Why not just ignore the law if you don't agree with it? It has a very negative impact on the sick, disabled, and mothers of young children.
I view this as similar to the rule forbidding Catholics to eat meat on certain days, which was meant to impose some sacrifice on them. Now, many Catholics eat expensive fish, which surely does not involve much sacrifice (except financial - chicken would be much cheaper.)
I can't see the point in finding ways to get round rules, instead of just ignoring them or trying to get them changed.

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MiceElf Wed 14-Aug-13 18:40:34

Fair enough Nanaej. I'm happy that I don't know any of those 'holier than thou' types, but I'm surprised that anyone these days would take such an extreme and bizarre view of anyone who does not have a religious belief.

I've said before in this place that the church is a church of sinners and it behoves none of us to be judgemental.

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Greatnan Wed 14-Aug-13 18:52:12

I am judgemental - of the corrupt, of fraudsters, of rapists, of abusers of all kinds - I don't condemn anybody for their religious beliefs, but I have been insulted many times because I am an atheist. I was once told by the then Education Minister, who is now a Conservative peer (Lord Hunt) that I could not possibly give my children sound morals if I were not a Christian!

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nanaej Wed 14-Aug-13 19:01:20

I was told by a person they would pray for me to become a believer because she thought I was generally a good person and it was a shame I would burn in hell.

I try only to 'judge' people by their actions & not their religion/belief/non-belief/ race, nationality/sexuality/political views etc etc! It's hard sometimes not to be prejudiced but I try hard not to be.

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MiceElf Wed 14-Aug-13 19:11:31

Well, thank the Lord that it was only one person! Let us hope and pray her understanding develops.

And I agree with you that it's not what a person says, but what they do, that matters.

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MiceElf Wed 14-Aug-13 19:15:05

Greatnan, I hope you reported him for his outrageous comment.

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