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Interaction with the Outside World: Difference between revisions
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Interaction with the Outside World (view source)
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* Intermarriage is a very serious sin. The Torah forbids it and warns how it will lead to idolatry. There is a dispute whether intermarriage with non-Jews other than the 7 nations of Canaan is Biblical or Rabbinic in nature. Either way, the gemara Sanhedrin 82a records the punishment from the prophets of someone who intermarries, being cut off from the Jewish people. This sentiment is also found in Eruvin 19a, which says that those who intermarry will not be saved from Gehinnom. Such is the gravity of intermarriage. | * Intermarriage is a very serious sin. The Torah forbids it and warns how it will lead to idolatry. There is a dispute whether intermarriage with non-Jews other than the 7 nations of Canaan is Biblical or Rabbinic in nature. Either way, the gemara Sanhedrin 82a records the punishment from the prophets of someone who intermarries, being cut off from the Jewish people. This sentiment is also found in Eruvin 19a, which says that those who intermarry will not be saved from Gehinnom. Such is the gravity of intermarriage. | ||
* Chazal enacted several decrees against products of non-Jews such as their cheese, milk, oil, wine, bread, and all cooked dishes. The reason for these enactments was to prevent intermarriage.</ref> | * Chazal enacted several decrees against products of non-Jews such as their cheese, milk, oil, wine, bread, and all cooked dishes. The reason for these enactments was to prevent intermarriage.</ref> | ||
# The Jewish people are praised for their isolationism.<ref>Bamidbar 23:9, Devarim 32:12</ref> Chazal see this as fundamental to our identity. <ref>Shemot Rabba 36:1 comments that Bnei Yisrael are compared to oil because just like oil doesn't mix with other liquids, so too the Jews don't mix with the other nations.</ref> | # The Jewish people are praised for their isolationism.<ref>Bamidbar 23:9, Devarim 32:12</ref> Chazal see this as fundamental to our identity. <ref>Shemot Rabba 36:1 comments that Bnei Yisrael are compared to oil because just like oil doesn't mix with other liquids, so too the Jews don't mix with the other nations. Maharal (Nesach Yisrael ch. 25) writes that Bnei Yisrael are compared to fire and the nations to water because if they mix the water puts out the fire and if they stay separate the fire can evaporate the water.</ref> | ||
==Approach 1: Seclusion== | ==Approach 1: Seclusion== | ||
