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Date: Sun, 3 Jan 1999 11:22:57 -0500 (EST)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: People who never sinned

Again the rich discussions we have had about whether man must sin are
really also discussions on (1) what are the hardest domains of law to
follow (2) are their ways of avoiding sinning. I hope people regard the
discussions in that vain.

Shimon Lebovitz mentions Shabbath as an example of a law that is hard to
follow. In responding to him I am simply indicating things which would help
avoid issuray (things forbiddent by) torah.

(1) Shabbath desecration requires cognitive action...e.g. if I accidentally
flip on a light without thinking about what I am doing then I have not
violated Biblical law (my understanding is that it is like Mithasayk)

(2) The Gmarrah itself lists ideas to help avoid Shabbath desecration: E.g.
checking ones pockets Friday night

(3) Finally with regard to things like diapers, cooking, minor first aid
etc. it is worthwhile for every person to decide on a set regime of
activity that they perform every week and not to change this regime except
once or twice a year after thoroughly learning the new subject matter.

Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA
RHendel @ mcs drexel edu