Basic Points of Halacha?

[schwartmrs]

Okay,I'm finding myself in the position of "I don't even know what questions to ask."

So, I'm going to ask this....

What would you consider to be "basic" for a "beginner"? If I were to come to you as a "baby Messianic" and ask you to teach me, what would you teach me first?

I know everybody's opinions are going to be different, but that's okay...it's the diversity I'm after ;)

So....what are the "10 Commandments of Halacha"?


Shade

[simchat_torah]

you might want to touch base on the "origins of halacha" thread... I've just posted in response to your question.

shalom,
yafet

[schwartmrs]

Thank you, Yafet. I have, indeed, been looking at that post, and I will print that out and study it further...

As to THIS question, let me clarify....

I am new to this, but anxious to learn.

We keep the Sabbath, we are learning to celebrate the Feasts, and recently, we have been praying and studying our way through the issues of headcoverings for women, and keeping kosher.

I know there's more than this....much more....my question is....

where should we go from here in our observance? I'm not really looking for "this is what you must do next"....I'm looking for suggestions...

When you were new at this like me, what blessed you?

Shade

[Henaynei]

The three pillars of obedience in Judaism, according to the rabbis are these:

Shomer Shabbat - observing Shabbat

Shomer Kashrut - observing Kosher

Shomer Taharat HaMishpokha - observing the laws of Family Purity



What I have found is that we all usually enter at some beginning level in each of these and usually in the order above presented. Each we enter at the level of our current level of ability to tolerate and at our current level of understanding. We at first think we "have it pretty much together." With time, the honest seekers begin to understand how very far they are from "true observance." From you post it sounds like you have started your journey along *that* path - mazel tov!!!



My husband and I have been "observing" for about 15 years. We are SO FAR from being any where near true observance as to be almost laughable, BUT to those observing from the outside, both Messianic, normative Jew and any gentile it has been said we "are so orthodox it is scary." The scary thing is HOW FAR from true obedience we are.



However, we study and strive, we seek and learn. We pray and seek consul - until we gain another morsel of truth and light and understanding. Then we apply that new knowledge to our obedience with joy (usually!! LOL).



What we have discovered is that all of G-d's instructions are designed to separate us from the world and to G-d. Truly, we are not taken out of the world but we ARE to be separated from it. Obedience to the instructions of HaShem does just that.



So, start with these three (keeping in mind that "Love the L-rd your G-d with all you are and have, and love your neighbor" encompass the entire Law).



Start at the level at which your understanding gives you strength. From there study, come here and ask questions about specific issues. Read recommended books. And, as our new knowledge gives us new strength we push through the hard soil of our willful lives and GROW toward the Light!!



Remember the acorn http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_11_2.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001) that grows too fast loses heart and strength and withers, the one that grows too slow molds.

Neither ever becomes the mighty Oak. http://www.whitedragon.org.uk/images/oaktree.jpg (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

[schwartmrs]

Pure wisdom, my sister....pure wisdom.

Thank you, and bless you,

Shade

[visionary]

Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:4-9 Hear, O Israel: HaShem our God, HaShem is one. Love HaShem your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

To even do this, I would be blessed. Pray for strength and wisdom in living the Word.