Are they right?

[naomi24]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith /article6513866.ece

[Schutzengel]

How ridiculous.

[123everton]

No.

[ludwig]

Obviously not. They're stupid unpleasant people trying to make money from society's tolerance of their ridiculous beliefs.
Hopefully they'll be laughed out of whatever court or other body makes a judgement on this, made to pay any costs and fined for wasting everyone's time.

[naomi24]

^^ I couldn't have put it better myself. How can anyone respect their beliefs when they behave like this - and more to the point, why should we?

[WaldoMcFroog]

I sincerely hope that they've seen an opportunity to earn a couple of quid through a frivolous court case. The alternative is too depressing.

[Lonnie]

Hi naomi, I read this, and they are being stupid in their action, now, regardless of what the article says, where they are coming from, which I could never agree with, is, as you know, religious Jews are not allowed to work on the Sabbath, and they are not allowed to encourage others, regardless of religion, to work on the Sabbath,

They even say, switching on a light, is encouraging people in the power stations to work, and that is not allowed, however. I know Frums that use timers, so whats the difference.

These people should be ashamed.

[ludwig]

More information here..

http://www.megavolt.co.il/articles/answers.htm l

What a load of nonsense it all is.

[ludwig]

..the electrical halacha section is particularly relevant.

[ludwig]

It boils down to this..

1) I've imposed silly rules on myself about the way I live my life.

2) Your behaviour (which is perfectly normal) makes it impossible for me to follow my self-imposed silly rules.

3) Therefore you must either change your normal behaviour to suit MY silly rules, or pay me lots of money as compensation.

Give me a break. Go and live somewhere where everyone follows the same silly rules, (either Israel, or an isolated island, population :- you ) and stop harrassing your neighbours.

[naomi24]

Excellent link, Ludwig. I love the bit about the astronaut.

How ridiculous it all is.

[ludwig]

Yes, it's an interesting one isn't it. When you're in space there's basically no such thing as 'days', so how do you know when it's ok to put the lights on or not.
If we ever put a colony on Mars, when will the sabbath be observed? - will it still go by earth time?
No doubt someone in a funny hat will have to make a ruling on it.

[Ankou]

if they feel aggrieved because something makes them contravene their strict obedience to religious dogma, then they have every right to make a formal complaint. nothing wrong with that in my view.

this does not mean they will win, and it certainly won�t make them popular with the neighbours, and i sincerely hope this is not courtesy of the legal aid system.

are they right, probably according to some archaic doctrine, yes. do i think they are right, no. but they are entitled to say their piece just like anyone else. so i hope they are listened to, understood but by and large unsuccessful in any monetary compensation from their neighbours.

[naomi24]

Pretty worrying really to think we may, in future, take these antiquated ideas into space, Ludwig. Heaven(?) help the Martians! :o)

[jason.p]

I find this behaviour unbelievable. If it was just an individual it would be diagnosed as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder requiring psychiatric help. This type of fanatical fundamentalism has no place in modern society. Having said that, I suppose they are as entitled to their beliefs as I am to mine, but when it starts to affect other peoples lives as in this case, they should be slapped down hard. I really do hope the courts do not uphold their claim.
Small wonder the Jews have a history of being persecuted. This sort of behaviour does nothing to gain them respect.

[naomi24]

I think, in the main, you're right Jason, although I don't believe the majority of Jews would have tried this one on. These people are having a 'punt', just as the Muslims do who take a job at supermarket and then refuse to handle pork or alcohol. I sincerely hope they fail - and I hope they get landed with the costs

[wildwood]

If these people are truly upset by being responsible for turning the light on, what difference is a load of cash going to make to them?

I am tempted to say "put a buckety over your head" but that would be nasty so I won't do that.

[naomi24]

That's a very good point, Wildwood.