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Now that we have the internet,how does it affect Judaism? Did our Sages anticipate the internet? And what do our Sages think of it today? It has always been important in Judaism to live in a Jewish area. But now with the Jewish internet community, though not ideal, is that still the case? Have the Rabbis worked out the stringencies and leniencies involved in internet Judaism? Can people do Tshuvah on the internet? Or can they convert? Since there are Bet Din?
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Shalom Raybin.
I shall reply to only this part of your question as "teshuva" ( as the word is often used to designate a type - actually non homegeneous - of Jew) applies to me . I have spoken of Ba'al teshuva on this site and perhaps this is somewhat on your mind. Also others may be better able to respond to the other parts of your question (and this one too). You asked "Can people do Tshuvah on the internet? " Your question doesn't make sense to me. One does teshuva in one's self and in one's community. The following is a general definition of teshuva from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teshuva: Repentance in Judaism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from Teshuva) Jump to: navigation, search Repentance in Judaism known as Teshuva (literally means Returning in Hebrew), is the way of atoning for sin in Judaism. According to Jewish law, if someone commits a sin, he can be forgiven for that sin if he performs 'Teshuva'. This means that he ceases his forbidden actions, regrets what he has done, confesses before God, and firmly resolves never to repeat those actions. Aside from this standard process of Teshuva, someone who has committed a crime against another human being is required to make it up to him. If one stole from his fellow, he must return the stolen item; if one has pained his fellow in any way, he must placate his fellow to achieve forgiveness. The High Holidays are set at a time that is especially conducive to Teshuva. Yom Kippur (the day of atonement) is a day of fasting at the culmination of which Judgement for that year is sealed. Therefore, Jews strive their hardest to make certain that they have performed Teshuva before the end of the day." This has certain inplications for a person'a actions. With regard becoming a Ba'al teshuva, as well as what can be derived from the preceeding quote, etc, there is a personal process one has gone through which leads one to this point of affirming one's place in the covenant community. All sorts of experiences may be a part of this process. They can be referred to be such words as personal spiritual journeying (the actual words vary - they don't really matter- the point is that it is an individual and experiential matter) and that covers many options/possibilities. Perhaps using the internet could provide one with relevant experiences; perhaps not. The key point is where the person ends up - as a committed Jew. And the core action happens in a person's mind and heart. But the person must link into Jewish community. And community to me means more that reading and/or corresponding with (mostly) Jewish people on a Jewish site on the internet. I just can't get my head around the "do Tsuvah on the internet". Sounds a bit weird but maybe I didn't understand what you had in mind.
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Do you perhaps mean "kiruv" -- helping to bring close? For sure the internet is a fantastic communications mechanism for kiruv, and also, in my opinion, for serious Torah learning. |
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If one has a virtual conversion on the internet- than they would go to a virtual mikveh? if so this virtual conversion- would be really unreal.
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I had one mechanical engineering class in college where we studied digital control of some things including a robotic arm...
I think the thought of a virtual mohel (by robotic arm) is of greater shock value than the worry about electronics near a body of water. Rain water probably conducts electricity better than pure filtered drinking water. Now if the robotic arm were analog or physical control I think it could be used to ink a kosher mezuza scroll if used to magnify / replicate the movements of a kosher sofer.... But then again, to write a Sefer Torah requires the mikvah I think immediately prior, and robots are worse than cats when it comes to water. |
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Rob,
Forget the robot. Create a golem! It can be taught to do a brit mila and also to shecht behema. And it doesn't really need to be virtual. |
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Dear Moshe:
Please see my Dec 15 post http://globalyeshiva.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8146063...861004091#4861004091 |
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Rosemary- Thanks for the scoop on Yom kippur, and Tshuva. My Kohen rabbi taught me everything about Yom Kippur but somehow about the only thing I remembered is you are not supposed to have sexual relations on it.
Rob-If you can have kiruv on the internet, then why can't you have Tshuva, too. Don't the two go hand-in-hand? Bracha- About the virtual Mikvah- That is why I asked if there are certain leniencies involved in internet Judaism. Should there be or not? |
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Sounds like you seriously could start on a learning about Judaism study, Raybin. The level of our discussion here, at this wee moment is soooooo low. You are missing out on so much, as if you are standing outside a cave of the most astounding treasures (each of which, when held, leads to undreamed of joys) and are just having a peep in through cracks now and again. By all means bring up your questions here. I am sure nobody begrudges giving you a hand. But you could so speed up your progress if you get yourself some good books on Juaism - start with just one - and read.
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I would have thought not eating would be remembered prominently too? Lets see, tshuva goes hand in hand with Yom Kippur too, right? I would agree that kiruv leads to tshuva, however the key thing as Rosemary said a few posts back is that tshuva has to be from within, one doesn't utilize the internet or any other institution to repent and/or return. Perhaps what you mean by tshuva is not what I would think of... in what ways would you imagine the communication with other's by computer through the internet play a role in taking on a greater commitment to mitzvos? |
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Raybin, I revisited this thread of posts just now, starting at the bottom and worked my way up. When I got to your first post I suddenly "got" somehing I didn't see before. Maybe the recent postings by S Chaya helped my insight. You talking about what is acceptable Jewish practice and are wondering if the internet has changed this. Come on !
Apart from the fact that obviously the presence of the internet is not going to change the nature of Judaism, Judaism is a religion that is centered in a people in a totally real community. There is just no substitute for flesh and blood, here and now Jewish community, especially with regard certain things. To become or be a Jew, sometimes it is necessary or best to join in with the everyday Jewish things, not least of which is communal prayer. I'd better stop here. Somebody else can say better what is to do with this.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gila, |
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I have great interest in this topic. Rosemary, you are not treating me with respect or caring. One thing I know about Judaism that you seem to be ignorant of is that learning from the kohanim takes precedence over books. I guess it was a dirty joke when I said all I remembered, because really I remembered alot more. In fact, I am observant. I don't think there is anything wrong with wondering what our sages would think of the internet, out of due respect. Also, I am greatful that there is rabbinic authority here, so I am pleased that there are Bet Din that we can rely on. The internet Jewish Community is not a real community according to Jewish standards if it doesn't have a mikveh. So maybe I let my imagination get carried away with me about the mikveh, but I use the "Global Yeshiva needs you" as mine. Rediculous to you, huh?
Also, don't kid yourself and believe that terrorists aren't reading this site. The internet has opened up a dialog between Goys and Judaism. I am up on current events and I notice how things are affected by what we say on the internet. So in all actuality, I have asked excellent questions, with all due respect to our Sages and Rabbis. BTW I was married to a Kohen and in case you didn't know, they have the ultimate authority in Judaism,and therefore the world, Besides G-d. Shalom everyone This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gila, |
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GY Moderator |
That is not correct, I'm afraid, nor has it ever been, AFAIAA. Halachic authority rests with the Rabbis in each generation. |
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Shalom, Raybin.
I am sorry, Rabin, if I have done the wrong thing by you.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Gila, |
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Raybin,
When you dress tzniut, exactly how do you dress? What did your kohanim tell you? Do you still consult kohanim today for shayla etc.? Could this be the advice that's ending you up under arrest or being taken to the hospital? |
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Technical Support  |
I had to edit a few posts to keep this thread friendly. Please remember to debate the issue and not get personal, there is a person with feelings behind the screen name.
Thank you for keeping The Global Yeshiva a friendly site. The members involved may pm me for further information. Comments, questions or suggestions for the Global Yeshiva? Please send me a private message. |
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Rosemary-I'm sorry, too.
Yisroel Phillips- I thought the Kohanim and Levites were given spiritual authority by HaShem. Why then does a kohen say a priestly blessing? No one blesses unless they themselves are blessed. And why is it their priveledge to say Grace after meals? Don't worry, the chips always fall on me. Moshe Israeli- I dressed the standard way. Please don't misunderstand me, my Kohen Rabbi has never given me ill advice. I no longer live in an area that has a rabbi, so I rely on the Global Yeshiva and other Jewish sites to tune me in. That is why I started this topic, to find out if internet Judaism is real or just an illusion. It seems real to me. By reading and interacting on the internet I have become more observant again. But Rosemary is right, I could probably use some books, too, like a siddur. |
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GY Moderator |
Raybin, it is true that Kohanim (and to a lesser extent, Leviim) have a higher degree of Kedusha [holiness] by virtue of the role they take in the service in the Temple. We therefore give them precedence in Grace after Meals, being called to the Torah, etc. The Priestly Blessing is mandated by the Torah, but effectively they are passing on Hashem's Blessing to us. It is the Rabbis, however, who are the final arbiters of Jewish Law. Our Rabbi happens to be a Kohen, but his authority in our community is by virtue of his learning, not that he is a Kohen. |
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GY Moderator |
I have found, by becoming involved in various learning projects, that the Internet is a wonderful resource for learning Torah and keeping in contact with other Jews. I will give you one example. I am presently taking a course over the Internet to learn a certain part of the Shulchan Aruch. The course is best if one has a study partner. I have seen messages from other students who live far away from available study partners asking if anyone is willing to learn with them via Skype (the free Internet telephone system). What a wonderful thing, that people can be thousands of miles away from each other and yet can learn together as if they were face to face. I think you are right, though, that you should get some books, including a siddur. All these can be purchased from various Internet booksellers. If you would like some details, then let us know. But even a lot of the main Hebrew works (including translations) are available on-line. What you can't do over the Internet is make up a Minyan, immerse in a Mikveh, answer Amen to Blessings, partake in a Pesach Seder, and many other things. |
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