Re: Max's/Maayan's Post

**Also, Max, I find it interesting that in light of your speaking of Rambam, he was the one that quoted: "Do not consider it
proof just because it is written in books, for a liar who will deceive
with his tongue will not hesitate to do the same with his pen”

Max,

I loved your view point, and being involved with Chabad for over 8 years, somethings seem quite questionable to me about it, even today. Though I am not currently involved directly with any Chabbadnik I am interested nonetheless. If you go back over the 200+ years, you see the Breslover Chabbadnik speak of this spiritual revivalist movement by the Baal Shem Tov. Its always been kind of a quest for me to ascertain truth behind everything I read or study, even Chabad. I consider myself uniquely Jewish, in that I am traditional, but its the experience of our forefathers that I hold close to my heart, not some of these silly interpretations.

When it comes to something like Shomer Negiah laws - I think Rabbinic Judaism. Negiah is only expounded directly from Oral traditions, I have yet to find it implicitly stated in the Chumash. I have a lot of friends in New York, who are Jewish, some who attend many Yeshivot, and most are either Orthodox or Chabadnik, and I find myself coming to my senses when I think of them having fun or going out in the city. How do they do it? Truth is, it limits most of what they do socially, and to even dance with a girl would be forbidden due to Negiah, and spiritually binding as to damnation or condemnation. Oddly enough, it is interesting to note that because of this, a few of my friends that attended Yeshiva University awhile back chose a homosexual lifestyle. I do say because of it, because there is no feasible way that you can tell me that would make me believe otherwise. Its New York -- millions of attractive women, four years at a university, parties, no girls, and you can only hang out with guys? I am no psychology expert, however from what I have learned being bounded by something so strong will invert your psychological environment in drastic ways. And this is a classic example of social distortion, and not the punk band!

People naturally, psychologically speaking, want to feel wanted, accepted, and to fit in. Sexual activity is very important in life, however in the context of Jewish law, one's feelings about this issue get quickly overturned by rabbinical interpretation. If we truly want to be honest here, what would a Creator want for us? What would someone of understanding, acceptance, and love want for humanistic people in terms of Sex?

Max, I may not be old but I have had my heart torn in many pieces by people, religious teachings, or the like. Your story is very true and I agree with Maayan, that its a very real issue in New York, and I really hope that more young Jews come to terms with themselves, and whats going to make them happy instead of their religion. The religion of Judaism does not promise hopes of Olam Haba, we can only hope that through being ourselves, humans, and living lives of decency and being whole-hearted that we may be chanced with a glimpse of an afterlife. I feel in many ways that the laws of Shomer Negiah drive the point across that if you are not subservient to them, you will burn in your own guilt for eternity, this is simply not the case. Gd knew perfectly well that when he created us, we would falter and stray away from the perfect image in which he wanted us to maintain. Without this, there would be no Moses, Aaron, or any other Jewish figure teaching wisdoms on how to perfect our morality through living in righteousness.

I believe the interpretation of Shomer Negiah is simply a misguided concept that is widely believed to be apart of some Jewish ritual and apologetical goobldygook. Sadly, the laws have nothing to do with actually being a "good Jew," yet Orthodox frum and Chabbadnik alike choose this interpretation, instead of whats true inside the hearts. I feel like the saying "just follow your heart" is replying over and over right now. I could only hope the world of Orthodox Judaism could be happy in themselves, instead of forcing themselves to be content within the confines of religious ideologies.