Employees work on Sabbath

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Permalink Reply by Devora on December 31, 2011 at 8:59pm

Hi Tamla, I can concur with Steven, as I have been told the same things when I inquired of a friend of mine, and Orthodox Jew. The sojourners were those who attached themselves to the Bnei Israel as they left Egypt and they would be considered 'converts' today, in Orthodox parlance. Once 'converted' all the mitzvot are required of a person. They consider themselves in service to Hashem at a higher calling, since they are 'chosen' and have 'firstborn' status. I was told, "if we (Jews) are to be a light to the nations and teachers, who are the nations, and the students?"  Once you insert the Ephraim understanding of course that is not understood from their perspective. I do not buy or sell (unless there is an absolute crisis) on Shabbat. I've been told that injunction, or mitzva comes from Nehemiah 13:15-22 (also Jer 17 referencing burdens). Personally I don't cook on Shabbat, I don't light a fire (stove) and I prepare food ahead, Ex 35:3 along with other personal restrictions that separates us on that day. Yet personally, on some level I do understand what my friend has told me about these things, and I respect his lifestyle, however different it is from mine.  The Orthodox are the only ones that do as they do and to the extent that they do. I have to trust G-d that they too are where they are supposed to be in their service to Him.  And hopefully I am too, and all of us.... knowing that we have been drawn to this place by Him. 

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Permalink Reply by David on December 31, 2011 at 10:37pm

Hey Tamla,

You have gotten some good counsel on this post!

 I would like to ask you if there was any vow or contract with the market that your shop is located within, that you would be open on Saturdays?  

dave

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Permalink Reply by Steven J. Wyke on January 1, 2012 at 12:12am

Sister Devora, Your input is very much appreciated.  These past 20 years have provided me the opportunity to spend alot of time with our Chabad Rabbi and we've also made our rounds to Reform, through Conservative and Traditional stopping at Orthodox then settling with Chabad.  The longivity of the Orthodox teachings via our Rabbis gives me, personally, great confidence in the Torah, Written and Oral.  We were with an organization that observed all the Holidays identified as G-ds Holy Days but specific instructions weren't available from the leadership who sorta made up what they thought was correct and taught it according to their own thinking.  I deeply appreciate the Line of Authority that clearly spells out, from Torah, exactly how one is to KEEP the specific Holy Days etc.   I was an Army Green Beret with two tours of duty in Vietnam during the 60's and when I set out a mission order I clearly spelled out exactly what I expected and left nothing up to guess work.  Lives were at stake and I couldn't take chances with my men.  In addition to the written mission orders I also presented oral instructions regarding the specifics of the order clarifying further should questions come up.  Between the written order and the oral explanation everyone had the same info for a successful mission.  I think our Creator provided a much more detail explanation for getting the job done.  I have no problem with His Torahs.  Since I'm a Hasidic Gentile, I'm not required to follow the mission orders given to our Jewish brothers yet my instructions are just as important and numerous to insure I get the most out of life while putting the most into it.  HaShem said it, I believe it and trust those instructions and guidelines for living.  You be well and blessed as we go about our Creator's business. 

Devora said:

Hi Tamla, I can concur with Steven, as I have been told the same things when I inquired of a friend of mine, and Orthodox Jew. The sojourners were those who attached themselves to the Bnei Israel as they left Egypt and they would be considered 'converts' today, in Orthodox parlance. Once 'converted' all the mitzvot are required of a person. They consider themselves in service to Hashem at a higher calling, since they are 'chosen' and have 'firstborn' status. I was told, "if we (Jews) are to be a light to the nations and teachers, who are the nations, and the students?"  Once you insert the Ephraim understanding of course that is not understood from their perspective. I do not buy or sell (unless there is an absolute crisis) on Shabbat. I've been told that injunction, or mitzva comes from Nehemiah 13:15-22 (also Jer 17 referencing burdens). Personally I don't cook on Shabbat, I don't light a fire (stove) and I prepare food ahead, Ex 35:3 along with other personal restrictions that separates us on that day. Yet personally, on some level I do understand what my friend has told me about these things, and I respect his lifestyle, however different it is from mine.  The Orthodox are the only ones that do as they do and to the extent that they do. I have to trust G-d that they too are where they are supposed to be in their service to Him.  And hopefully I am too, and all of us.... knowing that we have been drawn to this place by Him. 

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Permalink Reply by Tamla Boone on January 1, 2012 at 7:41pm

Hi David,

No there is no indication that my store has to be open on Saturdays.  I have told management from the beginning I would not be open on the Sabbath, but I do realize I am missing a good bit of revenue from being closed on the busiest day of the week.  I have always been confidant that the Father would make it up to me...but since I had the offers, I thought I would get you guys opinion.

David said:

Hey Tamla,

You have gotten some good counsel on this post!

 I would like to ask you if there was any vow or contract with the market that your shop is located within, that you would be open on Saturdays?  

dave

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Permalink Reply by Brian on January 3, 2012 at 7:10am

Hello Tamla,

This is indeed a very involved question, that drives to the very core of written Torah, oral Torah and modern day practices.

Many have brought up great points from various understandings.

IF IT IS A BURDEN TO YOU ON YOUR SOUL, I believe that you are seeking the highest/best understanding available and you shouldn't personally be involved on Shabbat.

I know that Torah is to go out to all the nations. And the highest / best standard would suggest to keep it closed.

BUT:

Ross hasn't quit his job because they don't shut down on Saturday.

The most active on ROF, turn on and tune in on Shabbat.

Many people of "the faith" who are not Orthodox Jewish, run to the store, order a pizza or whatever. Though they strive for their best.

However, if you personally feel that commerce is a special area, and you want to make a stand. That is a heavy burden. And since you even brought it up, it must be on your heart.

I don't think anyone should or can judge you on this issue.

The bottom line is to fulfill what HaShem has put on your heart, and when it involves others, give it to them on their terms with a gateway to understand more. This whole question seem less about others and more about you.

If it is about the others, perhaps your refusal of them running the stand currently complicates things, and their willingness to learn from you. I know that the Ben Noach concept is ignorantly rejected in this group, but it is a very real and worthy concept for anyone that wants to learn, practice and build a bridge with the real world of Torah. If you can accept that, you have a lot of room to work with, and better opportunities to expose and teach Torah to the masses.

That is my 25cents worth. I hope it was worth 2cents!

Brian

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Permalink Reply by Leo333 on January 3, 2012 at 2:12pm

Beautifully said Brian!!! And Ted , I agree, Tamla is righteous and strives to be more so!!

Leo 333

Personally, I would also agree, with Rimmon that say you were volunteering/working at a soup kitchen, no problem. Unfortunately "the world" requres things for survival. This is definately something placed upon your heart; to elevate.

Leo 333

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