The Traditions and Commandments of Men
During the Feast this year, we had a sermon on the custom's of the Jewish wedding and how those customs could provide us with valuable background and insight into some of the examples used in scripture. As I was preparing that sermon, I also saw many traditions used in Jewish life that we should not emulate. Because I keep the Sabbath and the Holy Days, I have been asked many times if I am a Jew. Obviously we know that not everything the Jews do is Godly.
In this article, I want to go through some of the things in Jewish tradition and show that they, as do all people, have many pagan practices mixed in with the laws God gave them. Disobedience and marrying into heathen nations led to captivity which led to pagan practices being added to the truth they already had. This had happened long before the time of Christ.
Mark 7:1-13
1. Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.
2. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.
3. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.
4. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
5. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6. He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10. For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11. But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
(Reference: Matthew 15:1-9)
Here is a portion taken from a book called To Be A Jew by Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin:
In the Ten Commandments as well as elsewhere in the Torah, Israel is repeatedly cautioned against performing any manner of melakha (usually translated as work) on the Sabbath. The Hebrew concept or definition of melakha is not at all identical with what is meant in English by the word "work". It is therefore preferable either to use the Hebrew term consistently or to translate simply as a "task forbidden on the Sabbath".
The Oral Torah defines what Scripture means by the term melakha. It specifically sets forth the tasks or activities prohibited under this category. It does not leave it up to each person to define for himself what should or should not constitute melakha.
The Mishna lists 39 categories of activities regarded as melakha.
Some common activities forbidden on the Sabbath because they constitute melakha, as defined by the Torah:
Cooking and baking (even if it does not involve lighting a fire)
Grinding, fine chopping, straining
Washing clothes (by hand or machine)
Knitting, crocheting, embroidering
Sewing, pasting, gluing
Constructing or repairing - the entire range of building operations and household repair tasks
Writing (or erasing), drawing, painting, coloring, typing
Hair cutting, shaving, paring nails
Kindling (or extinguishing) a fire, lighting a fire from another already burning, making a fire larger or smaller (by poking, adding or drawing off fuel, wood, oil and paper, or by mechanical control knobs), lighting a candle, striking a match or lighter, smoking
Cutting or tearing (this does not apply to food)
Fishing, trapping
Garden care or lawn maintenance
Carrying, pushing or moving and object more than 6 feet within the "public domain" or from a "private domain" into a "public domain" and vice versa.
The rabbis and sages enacted "protective legislation" which are as binding upon us as the Torah itself. Some common activities forbidden by rabbinic law:
Buying and selling
Riding an animal
Boating
Playing a musical instrument
Switching on or off electric lights or any electrical apparatus (radio, phone, tv)
Handling of any items whose use is forbidden on the Sabbath, such as tools, money, writing equipment, candles, matches, etc.
Wedding ceremonies
Journeying on the Sabbath, even on foot, beyond certain limits (approx. ¾ of a mile beyond the limits of the place one is staying on the Sabbath.
As you read the list above, you should notice that most of this cannot be found specifically in the Holy scriptures. They have been added by well-meaning Jewish leaders, but lack the authority only the scriptures can give. The Jews have many things still in practice that God gave them. However, many things have crept in from the world and it's pagan practices. This was even the case during Paul's time as well.
Titus 1:10-14
10. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
11. Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.
12. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
13. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
14. Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
Colossians 2:20-22
20. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21. (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22. Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Taken from United Church of God's booklet Sunset to Sunset: God's Sabbath Rest:
The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, in its article on the Sabbath, describes how extreme these measures had become by Christ's day. The religious code regarding the Sabbath listed "39 principal classes of prohibited actions: sowing, plowing, reaping, gathering into sheaves, threshing, winnowing, cleansing, grinding, sifting, kneading, baking...Each of these chief enactments was further discussed and elaborated, so that actually there were several hundred things a conscientious, law-abiding Jew could not do on the sabbath. For example, the prohibition about tying a knot was too general, so it became necessary to state what kind[s] of knots were prohibited and what kind not. It was accordingly laid down that allowable knots were those that could be untied with one hand...
"The prohibition regarding writing on the sabbath was further defined as follows: 'He who writes two letters with his right or his left hand, whether of one kind [of letter] or of two kinds,...is guilty. He even who should from forgetfulness write two letters is guilty...Also, he who writes on two walls which form an angle, or on the two tablets of his account-book, so that they can be read together, is guilty..."
Definition of work
The religious authorities' definition of "work" that could violate the Sabbath command was vastly different from any ordinary definition of work. For example, plowing was a prohibited-work category, and few would dispute that plowing is difficult work. However, according to first-century rabbinic opinion, the prohibition against plowing could be violated by simply spitting onto the ground. The spit could disturb the soil, which in the rabbis' view was a type of plowing! Women were forbidden to look into a mirror on the Sabbath, because they might see a gray hair and pull it out, and that would constitute work.
Wearing nailed shoes on the Sabbath was prohibited, because in the authorities' view the addition of the nails meant they were carrying an unnecessary burden. Even walking through grass was not allowed, because some of the grass might be bent and broken, which constituted threshing, one of the forbidden categories of work.
The religious leaders taught that, if a house caught on fire on the Sabbath, its inhabitants couldn't carry their clothes out of the house to spare them from the flames, because that would be bearing a burden. However, they were allowed to put on all the layers of clothing they could wear and thus remove the clothes by wearing them, which was acceptable.
We must be careful to follow the scriptures and not add to or take away from them. Doing either of these things would be perverting the true gospel.
Galatians 1:6-14
6. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10. For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13. For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14. And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Quotes from the Jewish Book of Why
Why is a celebration held on the Friday night following the birth of a boy?
The celebration called Shalom Zachar ("welcome to the male child") or Ben Zachar is of kabbalistic origin. During this ceremony of welcome to the newborn boy, relatives and friends gather in the home of the child's parents to socialize. Among the foods served are cooked legumes (beans, peas, etc.), which are believed to be an effective charm against spirits and demons that might harm the child.
Why is a vigil kept around the baby's crib on the night before the brit (circumcision)?
On the night before the brit it was customary in many European communities to conduct a vigil, called Wachnacht, a German word meaning "night of watching". Schoolchildren would be invited to surround the crib and recite the Shema prayer along with adults, who then spent the night in the study. This circle of protection is of kabbalistic origin and, as is true of many other Jewish customs where encirclement is practiced, its original purpose was to ward off evil spirits. (pg. 18)
Why is a Chair of Elijah provided at a brit?
During the circumcision ceremony, a chair is placed next to the seat reserved for the sandek (godfather/godmother). This chair, which remains unoccupied, is reserved for the prophet Elijah, who according to tradition attends every brit to protect every infant from danger.
In some synagogues, especially in Oriental communities, there is a permanent Chair of Elijah, which always remains empty. To make sure that no one sits in this Chair of Elijah, the chair is sometimes placed high on a wall. (pg. 20)
2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
1. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
5. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
6. And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.
7. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
8. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
9. Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
13. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14. Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17. Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
More quotes from the Jewish Book of Why
Why does the bride, followed by her parents, circle the groom at many wedding ceremonies?
Although many interpretations have been advanced, the origin of the bride circling the groom during the wedding ceremony is probably based on the belief that evil spirits seek to deny a newly-married couple the fulfillment they seek. The bride, by walking around the groom seven times, or three times as is the practice in some communities, protects the husband from demons assigned to harm him. (Demons are unable to penetrate circles.) (pg. 39)
Why does the groom break a glass at the end of the marriage ceremony?
Several reasons have been suggested for having the groom break a glass at the end of the ceremony. In every case the underlying purpose is the creation of noise.
Most probably the real explanation for the origin of the custom is to be found in the realm of superstition. In the Middle Ages it was customary for the groom to taste of the wine after the seven wedding benedictions had been recited. He would then let his bride taste of it as well, after which he would turn to the north wall and throw the glass against it. In the world of Jewish magic and superstition it was believed that evil spirits came from the north. (This belief was popular in biblical times. The prophets often spoke of the evil enemy as descending upon Israel from the north.) And it was believed that the most effective deterrent to evil spirits and demons is noise, including that made by breaking a glass.
The kabbalistic explanation for the breaking of the glass is similar. The kabbalists believed that demons are intent upon disturbing the happiness of the new couple and that by smashing and destroying a glass the evil spirits will be satisfied.
The practice of throwing a glass against a wall has long been abandoned, and today, instead of using the glass from which the wine was drunk, a separate glass is prepared for the ceremony and is crushed under foot.
It should be pointed out that in many cultures and civilizations noise was considered an antidote to the influence of evil spirits. Church bells were originally rung to ward off evil spirits. The same is true of the noise caused by the smashing of a bottle against the hull of a ship before it is launched. (Some of this answer has been omitted. Pg. 43)
Why are the phrases mazal tov and siman tov shouted at the end of the wedding ceremony, after the glass is broken by the groom?
As far back as the Middle Ages, two types of congratulations were shouted at the bride and groom at the conclusion of the wedding ceremony. Ashkenazim used the words mazal tov and Sephardim siman tov. Both have ancient roots.
In biblical and talmudic times, the word mazal referred to a star, a constellation of the zodiac, and also a planet. In those days it was widely believed that man's fate depended on the position of the stars. Mazal tov, "good star", later took on a secondary meaning, "good luck".
Siman tov, meaning "good omen", is of talmudic origin. The term has been retained by the Sephardic community as a way of expressing "congratulations". (pg. 44)
1 Peter 1:13-19
13. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
17. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:
18. Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation (conduct) received by tradition from your fathers;
19. But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
More quotes from the Jewish Book of Why
Why are Jewish children usually not named after living relations?
Not naming a child after a living relative is common primarily among Ashkenazic Jews, who identify the name more closely with the soul than do the Sephardic Jews. Ashkenazic Jews believe it would rob a person of his full life if another member of family were to carry his name in his lifetime. (pg. 22)
Why do some Jews follow the custom of placing the deceased on the floor and of then pouring water on the floor?
Although no longer widespread, the practice of pouring water on the floor where a deceased lay is considered by many a way of notifying people who enter a room that a death has occurred. It originated in the Middle Ages, when it was common belief that the ghost of the dead was present after death and was dangerous to ungrateful relatives. This custom, in a variety of forms, was practiced in many cultures. Primitive man believed that spirits could not cross bodies of water and that the ghost, if it made such an attempt, would fall in. (pg. 51)
Why is earth from the Holy Land often placed in the coffin?
There is a strong belief, shared by many Jews, that when the Messiah appears there will be a resurrection of the dead and that those who lived a pious life will roll underground to the Holy Land to be resurrected. In preparation for that trip, earth from Israel is sometimes placed in the coffin. The earth from the Holy Land is considered to possess atoning power. (pg. 55)
Why are the mirrors covered in a house of mourning?
One reason is that the practice of covering mirrors or of turning them to face the wall, which was common among early cultures, has been explained as part of man's primitive belief that a man's soul was his image or shadow. The soul was reflected in a mirror (and in water). Since it was feared that when the soul of man is projected in a mirror the ghost of the deceased might snatch it away, pains were taken not to allow man's image or shadow to make an appearance, and mirrors were therefore covered. (pg. 64)
Why do some people drop clumps of grass on the grave or monument when visiting a gravesite?
Some scholars believe that this custom, which originated in medieval times, is connected with the belief in ghosts and evil spirits. Grass was considered a safeguard against evil spirits. (pg. 77)
Ezekiel 20:13-19
13. But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they walked not in my statutes, and they despised my judgments, which if a man do, he shall even live in them; and my sabbaths they greatly polluted: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them in the wilderness, to consume them.
14. But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.
15. Yet also I lifted up my hand unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;
16. Because they despised my judgments, and walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.
17. Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.
18. But I said unto their children in the wilderness, Walk ye not in the statutes of your fathers, neither observe their judgments, nor defile yourselves with their idols:
19. I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them;
More quotes from the Jewish Book of Why
Why do Jews traditionally visit the cemetery between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?
The period from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur is known as the Ten Days of Repentance. According to tradition, the fate of man is judged between these Festivals. During this time, to influence the Heavenly Tribunal to act favorably upon man's petitions for a New Year of goodness and health, the individual Jew sometimes turns to his departed and asks them to testify in his behalf. This is accomplished by cemetery visitations. (pg. 80)
Why do some Jews engage in leisure-time activities on the Sabbath (dancing, playing ball, swimming) whereas others refrain?
Although the Code of Jewish Law forbids such activities as playing ball, swimming and dancing on the Sabbath, some authorities find them permissible because they add to the joy of the Sabbath Day. However, even liberal authorities feel that some activities should be restricted on the Sabbath so as to set that day apart from the rest of the week.
Interestingly, on Orthodox authority permits swimming in a private pool on the Sabbath only if the sides of the pool are high enough to prevent water from overflowing. If the water were to overflow, it would create a stream, an activity forbidden on the Sabbath. (pg. 165)
Why is the Shabbes goy an important part of Jewish life?
Shabbes goy is a Hebrew-Yiddish term for a non-Jewish person who is engaged by a strictly observant family to perform certain activities forbidden to Jews on the Sabbath: to put lights on and off, start a fire, etc. Without him strict compliance with Jewish law would be difficult. (pgs. 166-167)
Why do Jews "sell" their chametz to non-Jews before Passover?
All chametz (leaven) must be removed from one's home and one's ownership during Passover. This calls for the sale of all such food and articles that one owns and/or of the subleasing of places where one has chametz stored. The procedure must be bona fide, without conditions attached, if it is to comply with Jewish law.
Because of the hardship often involved, a procedure was created whereby a Jew "sells" his leaven to a rabbi, who in turn "sells" it to a non-Jewish person with the understanding that the sale is only symbolic. The non-Jew is considered the owner of all this leaven throughout Passover. But once the holiday is over, it is understood that for monetary consideration the transaction is to be nullified and that the leaven once again becomes the property of the Jew. Through this legal fiction, the biblical requirement (Ex. 13:7) that a Jew not have leaven in his possession during Passover is fulfilled. (pg. 188)
Why do Jews visit a body of water on Rosh Hashana afternoon to empty their pockets of crumbs?
This ceremony is symbolic of self-purification. On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashana (or on the second day if the first falls on a Sabbath) Jews gather at a body of water to empty their pockets and recite penitential prayers, including the verse from Micah (7:19), "And Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."
Scholars are not certain about the origin of this custom. Some claim it was inspired by the verse in Micah; others believe the passage was quoted only after the custom had been established. Since most of the prominent scholars of the Middle Ages did not approve of the ceremony, it is reasonable to assume these scholars believed it was of pagan origin and that emptying crumbs from one's pockets was associated with the primitive idea of giving the devil a gift so he would not cause harm. Primitive man believed that evil spirits lived in streams and wells and could be placated with gifts, hence the expression, "giving the devil its due". (pg. 233-234)
Why is the shofar blown on Rosh Hashana?
Originally the shofar was blown to herald the beginning of each month (the New Moon). On those occasions short blasts were sounded. But on the New Moon of the seventh month (Tishri) long alarm blasts were sounded. The Bible (Lev. 23:14) states the reason for the long blasts by explaining that the New Moon of the 7th month marked the beginning of a special period of holy convocation. During that month major Jewish holidays were celebrated.
The Talmud advances a more mystical interpretation. It states that the shofar is blown in order to confuse satan and thus prevent him from bringing any charges against Jews before God on the Day of Judgment. When satan hears the shofar blown so loud and so often (according to tradition it is blown every morning during the month preceding the holiday, to be followed by 100 blasts on Rosh Hashana proper), he will believe that the Messiah has arrived and that his influence and power over God will have come to an end. (pg. 225)
In Conclusion:
The Jews, as do many people, have some of the truth. They also, as do most people, have many errors. We must search the scriptures to rightly divide the word of truth and never add to or take away from it! We must examine our beliefs to see if they are traditions of men, or commandments of God.
