The Jewish advance., 1880-01-16

SalU nature WOuIu become OF lnOmcntOuS
Importance. There is no Joke about
that | shall perhaps give a samplc.of
a treatise of this kind in another chap
tcr-a regular rabbinical 9'-'- when
will feel better disposed for earnest
cogitation.
had very good friend in a thorough
bred Lithuanian rabbi at New York
He resided in East Broadway and |
often exchanged visits with him. Once
called upon him on Sabbath after
noon. After exchanging the customary
greetings with him and his good lady. he
said iokingly:
Why, Mr.. Joseph, [ never thought
that you were hypocrite p
And do you think so now, rabbi ?" |
asked.
To a certain extent, yes.
3" Upon what ground, if may ask p
saw you through the window throw
ing away a lighted cigar, which you had
been smoking before you mounted the
stairs Just now"
Is this all ?" asked
| suppose it is something, though"
Nothing in the least, rabbi" | re-
Joined. " do not deny that | do not
consider smoking on Sabbath sin.
The prohibition is only on the grounds
of 7SD'o> T-'s. 1t can not be entered in
the prohibition of l-c-7 ~ since the
word " means the burning of large
fire for work purposes. Noled and
Muheeh are rabbinical hedge works in
which | do not believe"
Why, then, did you throw away your
cigar ?" asked the rabbi.
For the same. reason" I answered,
that | would do the same on any day
before entering house, to the inmates
of which my smob.' ng might be disagree
able 1t is mere courtesy. -- I come to
you because [ believe that my visits are
agreeable, and for the purpose of deriv-
ing pleasure from your company. 1t
would be highly improper if, in return
for this, | might do anything which |
knew would hurt your feelings
If such is the case, said the Rabbi.
" | take back my insinuation, and in Or
der to prove to you that I can appre-
ciate your sentiments as a gentleman, |
shall not take you to task for your false
views"
Nay, Rabbi, demonstrated, = a de-
bate on this subject would Just afford
me great pleasure"
The rabbi open{d the debate. Ttlast-
ed for more than an hour. The good
lady sat by listening and almost crying
for pity that man like myself who
could venture on measuring arms in a
rabbinicaI debate with her iege lord,
should be such an. Apjhore$.+ \ Finally,
the rabbi was the victorious party from
a casuistical and dialectical point of
view, His convictions he could not
carry into my heart. Such is life, alas
But we are soon going to have it other
wise Reform over the left will
come forth from New York and spread
over the land. Our rabbis will become
strictly consistent and explain their
positions so clearly (and, mind you,
without rhctomcaISo7fa moytalc} in the
pulpit and in pamphlets. These posi-
tions will so satisfy the people that all
the affairs Of this country will become.
like the river Sa4Jatyou (you will fnl
q wuthfal account Of it in the famous
historical book 7~'-' .~c@2-) eea~ing to
flow their regular course ON the seventh
day Of he week, The blue laws Of
NassaehUs y, led into life in
favor Of t -.t ay. upon the
strength OF o# @wucot The
whole worlo a RI aizcd. a, one
Of our wide 10y cists lfor his
The Talm s ,.. .r mjscrcant, al
though literal ,...V. the teachings
of Epjcure.