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From: hsc@ahuta.UUCP (h.cohen)
Newsgroups: net.religion.jewish
Subject: Re: The Mitzvot and Humanistic Judaism - round two
Message-ID: <528@ahuta.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 13-Mar-85 12:20:51 EST
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Posted: Wed Mar 13 12:20:51 1985
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Judaism consists of Torah plus thousands of years of interpretation,
commentary, and tradition.  In one sense, violation of the
interpretation/commentary/tradition is violation of Judaism.
Certainly, it is not to be done lightly, but with the utmost caution.
However, 1) interpretation and commentary are part of our tradition, and 
2) Orthodoxy is certainly NOT comprised of literal obedience to Torah.
Regarding the second point, a few examples: The practice of putting on t'fillin
is 1% Torah and 99% interpretation and tradition.  Likewise separating
millig and fleishig.  The application of Mosaic criminal law at times is
in direct conflict with a literal reading of Torah. Orthodoxy is
pleased to call this "interpretation" rather than "reform."  So be
it, but let us not argue against "Humanistic Judaism" from false premises.