All That Do Wrong
Are An Abomination
Shabbat Ki Teze: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19; Isaiah
54:1-10.
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RABBI ELIEZER COHEN SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
T
his week's sedrah, Ki Teze,
is one of a small number of
sedrot in the Torah that
contain numerous, it would
seem, unrelated mitzvot (com-
mandments). The 74 (according
to the count of Maimonides)
mitzvot in the sedrah read like a
catalogue of laws concerning
every area and facet of Jewish
life.
It seems that this list is a part
of the brit (covenant) Moses is
reaffirming as the Jewish people
are about to enter the land of
Canaan. This brit comprises the
middle portion of the book of
D'vorim.
It is prohibited for a Jew to
have inaccurate weights and
measures with which to do busi-
ness (the small to sell with and
the large to buy with) as a
method of cheating others. Ab-
solute honesty and integrity are
demanded of every Jew by the
Torah. The verse further indi-
cates that with this scrupulous
regard for honesty and right, the
Jewish community will thrive in
its land. What is particularly
striking about the verse is the
characterization of dishonesty
and deception as "abomina-
tions."
The Hebrew word to'ayva,
which is usually translated as
"abomination," is used in a very
limited number of contexts in the
Torah. The first time it is used is
in Genesis (43:32) explaining that
the Egyptians ate separately
from Joseph and his brothers:
'The Egyptians couldn't eat with
the Hebrews because it was an
abomination for Egypt." The
word indicates that such behav-
ior is not only prohibited but elic-
its an emotional, almost physical
reaction of revulsion and disgust.
Thus, the Egyptians found eat-
ing together with the Hebrews to
be repulsive.
The same word, to'ayva, is
used numerous times in
Deuteronomy, referring to idola-
try and idols and also in reference
to unacceptable worship.
In addition to idolatry and re-
lated topics being called to'ayva,
there are .a number of verses
dealing with types of sexual pro-
hibitions including incest and
adultery that the Torah also
calls to'ayva, including trans-
vestitism and homosexual
Eliezer Cohen is rabbi of
Congregation Or Chadash.
sodomy (not being homosexual,
but the act).
The other area in Jewish law
called to'ayva by the Torah is eat-
ing those species forbidden to eat.
Rabbi Cohen
Thus the Torah considers idol-
atry, sexual immorality and eat-
ing forbidden species as
abominations. It certainly can be
understood that one's sensibili-
ties would be affronted and one
could consider it disgusting to eat
worms, cats or oysters. Likewise,
when considering incest or per-
version, revulsion can be expect-
ed. Worship of idols and like
practices could induce absolute
aversion.
What is so remarkable about
the verse in our sedrah is that the
Torah also characterizes decep-
tion and dishonesty, cheating and
taking advantage as to'ayva. Be-
having in such a way as to mis-
lead or cheat another human
being should be something that
not only is absolutely prohibited,
but should revolt and disgust us.
We should literally be sickened
by the cheat and his despicable
behavior. El
High Holiday
Hebrew Classes
Congregation B'nai Moshe will
offer opportunities for adults to
learn Hebrew in time for the
upcoming High Holidays. All of
the following programs are free
of charge. Walk-in to pre-regis-
ter.