When did you become the director of life that people should be measured by? Why is your criteria the requirements for Sundays? Who the hell died and left you boss of the world? Your attack is on DV and anyone else in the world that may not have spouse or others...ever hear of widows or people separated by military duty, etc. You insult them all! You're a friggin' idiot, and with each of your posts I am more convinced than ever. Grow up you immature, self-centered arrogant troll!
AMEN AND AMEN!!!!!!!!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
The Case for the Sabbath, Even if You're Not Religious MENACHEM KAISER from The Atlantic MAR 30 2010, 9:20 AM ET
When I underwent my prolonged upheaval from Orthodox Judaism, Sabbath observance was—perhaps predictably—one of the more momentous casualties. It took some time—you don't exit a religious lifestyle; you painstakingly dismantle it—but eventually, my Sabbath dwindled to nothingness.
Still, it's hard to shake a lifetime of sabbatarian habits, and I found myself missing the day of rest, even though I no longer believed it was divinely mandated. My religious trajectory went, roughly, from docility to bafflement to acrimony to nostalgia to, inevitably, longing.
But herein lies a theological stumper. Why—and how—would one keep the Sabbath if God has nothing to do with it? Without a well-formed rationale, efforts to have a day of rest would be invariably tepid and toothless. Nostalgia alone isn't nearly robust enough to sustain a weekly retreat from modernity.
Enter Judith Shulevitz's new book, The Sabbath World. The book is really two texts: a comprehensive historical, sociological, literary, anthropological, and even mystical examination of the Sabbath; and Shulevitz's chronicle of her own, often turbulent, path to Sabbath semi-observance. In this second part of the book, she offers an answer—or at least the material to assemble an answer—to the question, "Why celebrate and promote the Sabbath, even in secular form?"
Shulevitz herself isn't Orthodox—she doesn't believe in divine authorship of the Bible, for instance, or even God (at least in the traditional sense), and will break the Sabbath laws when pressed. (The spiritual vector of this book, it should be mentioned, is decidedly uni-directional: those seeking extra- or a-religious fulfillment from the Sabbath will take to it, but those already ensconced in Sabbath-observing complacency probably won't. There's an inescapable irony here. To the great bulk of Sabbath-observers, those most familiar with the Sabbath, The Sabbath will seem foreign, perhaps even heretical.) Nevertheless, Shulevitz strives towards full observance—and even feels a bit guilty when she falls short—and continually espouses its social, pragmatic, and spiritual utility.
Does society need a mandatory time-out? We have weekends and vacations, sure, but even those are increasingly bent toward structured pursuits. Our leisure is often as scheduled and hectic as our work—and is, consequently, just as stressful. Sabbath, with its myriad proscriptions, offers what might be the only authentic form of leisure: the act and fulfillment of doing absolutely nothing productive.
If that sounds like modern-day blasphemy, it's because it is. Shulevitz is critical of the capitalist mentality to promote unceasing productivity. Something is lost when time is reduced to a commodity; when time is merely exchangeable, in essence, for other goods and services. Without the "old structures and boundaries of times... you remove the brakes that slow down the perpetual motion machine of postindustrial capitalism."
We need, Shulevitz argues, to re-establish and recognize the qualitative aspect of time, not merely the quantitative. "The when of time... matters as much, if not more than, its how much." If time is uniform, then occasion is impossible.
But the Sabbath is more than a personal vacation day imbued with meaning. It's also our best bet to enact lasting communities. The Sabbath, properly deployed, "promotes social solidarity" according to Shulevitz, with a four-step solution to group cohesion. Work-time is limited. The designated day off is universally shared. The day off is as regular as possible, i.e., weekly. And the day in question is festive. A community with a day like that—a day like the Sabbath—is an actual community, a concept nearly extinct in the offline world.
Shulevitz isn't the first to put forward these arguments, but she is the most up to date. In a world defined by constant communication and accessibility (Blackberries and Twitter, however clichéd, probably deserve a mention here), where isolation is nigh impossible and meditation is looked at askance, a haven of time can be welcoming. Most have never experienced the bliss—which follows the acute agony—of being incommunicado.
But let's be real: a social Sabbath isn't going to be instated—even if Shulevitz thinks blue laws are "underrated"—and people are not, by and large, going to voluntarily disconnect from the grid. Is there, realistically, anything to be done?
Shulevitz thinks so, though she herself isn't sure what the solution might look like. "Neo-Sabbatarian laws," as she calls them, would be the product of a dedicated and thoughtful commitment. Limits on overwork, for starters, and concentrated attempts at coordinated social time. Disincentives for irregular work schedules. Enforcing the right of workers to refuse overtime without penalty. Laws like these aren't likely to be embraced in any market-driven culture, but nonetheless, they do start the conversation.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
There is nothing preventing anyone from observing their Sabbath as they and/or their religion recognize. There is equally no right for any one individual, group, or Government, to dictate religious policy upon the masses. If you choose to celebrate the Sabbath in the way you have been taught, then do so, but DO NOT tell me that I must do the same. That is not your right, it is my right! Government policies need to stay out of religious issues, PERIOD! The country is too diverse and legislating religious believes across a broad spectrum is not possible nor should it be.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
There is nothing preventing anyone from observing their Sabbath as they and/or their religion recognize. There is equally no right for any one individual, group, or Government, to dictate religious policy upon the masses. If you choose to celebrate the Sabbath in the way you have been taught, then do so, but DO NOT tell me that I must do the same. That is not your right, it is my right! Government policies need to stay out of religious issues, PERIOD! The country is too diverse and legislating religious believes across a broad spectrum is not possible nor should it be.
You don't necessarily need the government to change any laws. People, themselves, can change their behavior -- for example, refusing to shop on Thanksgiving Day for a start -- and businesses would respond by closing their doors on Thanksgiving Day if enough people just stayed home to enjoy family and friends.
The other point is that the "sabbath rest" is not just a religious thing and not just about taking the 7th day off. In ancient agrarian societies, leaving fields fallow during the 7th year was an early form of soil conservation.
Ultimately, I am advocating for a change of hearts and minds from living life to accumulate wealth and "toys" to savoring life in order to have time to enjoy not just whatever wealth and "toys" one has but, more importantly, the people one has (family and friends).
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
You don't necessarily need the government to change any laws. People, themselves, can change their behavior -- for example, refusing to shop on Thanksgiving Day for a start -- and businesses would respond by closing their doors on Thanksgiving Day if enough people just stayed home to enjoy family and friends.
Good, I hope all you religious extremists stay home on Thanksgiving.
You don't necessarily need the government to change any laws. REALLY, since when???
People, themselves, can change their behavior -- for example, refusing to shop on Thanksgiving Day for a start.. How about instead of refusing, people have a choice to shop or not...
The other point is that the "sabbath rest" is not just a religious thing and not just about taking the 7th day off. In ancient agrarian societies, leaving fields fallow during the 7th year was an early form of soil conservation. So we should close stores on Thansgiving every 7th year????
Ultimately, I am advocating for a change of hearts and minds from living life to accumulate wealth and "toys" to savoring life in order to have time to enjoy not just whatever wealth and "toys" one has but, more importantly, the people one has (family and friends). So you are advocating to impose your values on others!!!!! NOT YOUR RIGHT! Many of us can have a complete life and enjoy it, including, toys, wealth, family, etc. The measure of our value doesn't have to be wealth and toys, or can be our own interpretation of those elements. Bottom line, it is OUR CHOICE TO LIVE AS "WE" feel we want to.
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
You don't necessarily need the government to change any laws. REALLY, since when???
People, themselves, can change their behavior -- for example, refusing to shop on Thanksgiving Day for a start.. How about instead of refusing, people have a choice to shop or not...
The other point is that the "sabbath rest" is not just a religious thing and not just about taking the 7th day off. In ancient agrarian societies, leaving fields fallow during the 7th year was an early form of soil conservation. So we should close stores on Thansgiving every 7th year????
Ultimately, I am advocating for a change of hearts and minds from living life to accumulate wealth and "toys" to savoring life in order to have time to enjoy not just whatever wealth and "toys" one has but, more importantly, the people one has (family and friends). So you are advocating to impose your values on others!!!!! NOT YOUR RIGHT! Many of us can have a complete life and enjoy it, including, toys, wealth, family, etc. The measure of our value doesn't have to be wealth and toys, or can be our own interpretation of those elements. Bottom line, it is OUR CHOICE TO LIVE AS "WE" feel we want to.
I think if you actually READ what I wrote -- you would understand what I was saying.
I have every right to voice my opinion and try to convince others to come around to my position on an issue. Just like you have every right to do the same thing. I have NEVER stopped anyone or suggested that anyone should be stopped from voicing their own opinion nor doing as he/she chooses. I intend to keep voicing my opinion and, hopefully, it will encourage others to change their thinking and their behavior. Businesses can be "convinced" to change their policies if enough people not only speak up with their voices but with their wallets.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
I read every word and you present your opinion as how it is supposed to be...that's what I disagree with! How it is supposed to be for you may not be the same for others. Of course, based on your lack of caring to listen to others (i.e. CVS), I can understand why you present yourself as you do. Have a nice day!
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
You don't necessarily need the government to change any laws. People, themselves, can change their behavior -- for example, refusing to shop on Thanksgiving Day for a start -- and businesses would respond by closing their doors on Thanksgiving Day if enough people just stayed home to enjoy family and friends.
Ultimately, I am advocating for a change of hearts and minds from living life to accumulate wealth and "toys" to savoring life in order to have time to enjoy not just whatever wealth and "toys" one has but, more importantly, the people one has (family and friends).
It's not brave to seek government protection for every social grievance.
It's lazy, and so is not talking about them or coming up with government free solutions.
There is nothing preventing anyone from observing their Sabbath as they and/or their religion recognize. There is equally no right for any one individual, group, or Government, to dictate religious policy upon the masses. If you choose to celebrate the Sabbath in the way you have been taught, then do so, but DO NOT tell me that I must do the same. That is not your right, it is my right! Government policies need to stay out of religious issues, PERIOD! The country is too diverse and legislating religious believes across a broad spectrum is not possible nor should it be.
I agree 100%.....BUT.....for as long as I can remember the Jews not only enjoyed the days off for Christian holidays....but they knew how to harness it for their economic gain!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
NEVER heard a peep from the Jews!!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
...for as long as I can remember the Jews not only enjoyed the days off for Christian holidays and their own....but they knew how to harness it for their economic gain!!!
They exercise their rights without need of Government intervention and have found they can capitalize on other religious Holidays to profit...can't fault them for that! Non-Jewish companies capitalize on the Jewish faith!
JUST BECAUSE SISSY SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO...BUT HE THINKS IT DOES!!!!! JUST BECAUSE MC1 SAYS SO DOESN'T MAKE IT SO!!!!!
They exercise their rights without need of Government intervention and have found they can capitalize on other religious Holidays to profit...can't fault them for that! Non-Jewish companies capitalize on the Jewish faith!
not finding fault at all.....was just sayin'.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
The modern conservative is engaged in one of man's oldest exercises in moral philosophy; that is, the search for a superior moral justification for selfishness. John Kenneth Galbraith
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