In God We Trust

[Toad]

Judge: School Pledge Is Unconstitutional

Sep 14, 3:19 PM (ET)

By DAVID KRAVETS

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A federal judge declared the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools unconstitutional Wednesday in a case brought by the same atheist whose previous battle against the words "under God" was rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court on procedural grounds.

U.S. District Judge Lawrence Karlton ruled that the pledge's reference to one nation "under God" violates school children's right to be "free from a coercive requirement to affirm God."

Karlton said he was bound by precedent of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which in 2002 ruled in favor of Sacramento atheist Michael Newdow that the pledge is unconstitutional when recited in public schools.

The Supreme Court dismissed the case last year, saying Newdow lacked standing because he did not have custody of his elementary school daughter he sued on behalf of.

Newdow, an attorney and a medical doctor, filed an identical case on behalf of three unnamed parents and their children. Karlton said those families have the right to sue.

Karlton, ruling in Sacramento, said he would sign a restraining order preventing the recitation of the pledge at the Elk Grove Unified, Rio Linda and Elverta Joint Elementary school districts in Sacramento County, where the plaintiffs' children attend.

The order would not extend beyond those districts unless it is affirmed by a higher court, in which case it would apply to nine western states.

The decision sets up another showdown over the pledge in schools, at a time when the makeup of the Supreme Court is in flux.

Wednesday's ruling comes as Supreme Court nominee John Roberts faces day three of his confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee. He would succeed the late William H. Rehnquist as chief justice.

The Becket Fund, a religious rights group that is a party to the case, said it would immediately appeal the case to the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. If the court does not change its precedent, the group would go to the Supreme Court.

"It's a way to get this issue to the Supreme Court for a final decision to be made," said fund attorney Jared Leland.

The decisions by Karlton and the 9th Circuit conflict with an August opinion by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va. That court upheld a Virginia law requiring public schools lead daily Pledge of Allegiance recitation, which is similar to the requirement in California.

A three-judge panel of that circuit ruled that the pledge is a patriotic exercise, not a religious affirmation similar to a prayer.

"Undoubtedly, the pledge contains a religious phrase, and it is demeaning to persons of any faith to assert that the words 'under God' contain no religious significance," Judge Karen Williams wrote for the 4th Circuit. "The inclusion of those two words, however, does not alter the nature of the pledge as a patriotic activity."

Newdow, reached at his home, was not immediately prepared to comment.

Karlton, appointed to the Sacramento bench in 1979 by President Carter, wrote that the case concerned "the ongoing struggle as to the role of religion in the civil life of this nation" and added that his opinion "will satisfy no one involved in that debate."

Karlton dismissed claims that the 1954 Congressional legislation inserting the words "under God" was unconstitutional. If his ruling stands, he reasoned that the school children and their parents in the case would not be harmed by the phrase because they would no longer have to recite it at school.

Terence Cassidy, a lawyer representing the school districts, said he was reviewing the opinion and was not immediately prepared to comment.

[Hilly]

Poor Hillary. I can feel her squirming from here! I can't wait to see the campaign commercials in '06 and '08.

[dianepmny]

Thank goodness we're getting Roberts on the Court. And hopefully, another one like him.

[happydad]

Thank goodness we're getting Roberts on the Court. And hopefully, another one like him.

This is not a liberal/conservative ruling. It's true to the Constitution. I encourage Congress to put all of this to rest already and pass a national anthem/pledge of allegiance law that will spell out without any ambiguity when God can be uttered in a publicly funded establishment.

Why do conservatives insist on the vagueness of the second amendment as a defense of gun ownership, but deny the application of the same Constitutional ambiguity when it comes to this, and similar rulings.

[Best Teach]

I find this disturbing, and sad--I cannot explain why.

[Donna]

Anyone who finds wording with "God" to be objectionable can forward all their money to me. It says in God we Trust. If all the atheists give me all their money I can retire.

[happydad]

To add to this is not a liberal/conservative statement I made:

This is about atheists versus those of us who believe in God, one form or another.

[dianepmny]

Amen Donna.

Doh! Can I say "Amen"?

Ha. I don't care anyway; I'll say it as much as I want and will continue to say recite the Pledge the way I've been doing it since I learned it. My son will learn it the same way.

[Tubby]

can anyone guess my opinion?

[Toad]

Exactly! All those who find the wording on their currency objectionable should rid themselves of the offensive paper and send it to me asap.

Anyone who finds wording with "God" to be objectionable can forward all their money to me. It says in God we Trust. If all the atheists give me all their money I can retire.

[Best Teach]

can anyone guess my opinion?


I can't and would love to know what it is!

[Tubby]

I can't and would love to know what it is!

look on the top right of every page

[Best Teach]

look on the top right of every page


D'oh! Thanks :)

[billuscher]

Under God was added to the pledge rather recently, I never understood why it was added. Wasn't the pledge the way it was, good enough.

[dianepmny]

That's all I ever hear these days, over and over again.

To me, it makes no difference that it was added in the '50s, or whenever. Israel only came to be in 1948. It doesn't mean that the concept was meaningless prior to that.

Everything has to start somewhere.

[billuscher]

Some things are perfect the way they are and do not need change, particularly if the changes represent the views of an opinionated group to force their views on other people.

[dianepmny]

And what of those on the other side of this issue? Are they not as opinionated as well?

I don't like some people's view forced on me either, but I don't see this that way.

I like it the way it is.

[Hilly]

57 years is a long-standing tradition, IMHO.

[rogelah]

I remeber the Pledge without the under God and we also recited the Lord's Prayer too. It didn't make much of an impression on me then and certianly didn't have much to do with my outlook or opinion now.

As a kid I learned what I was told to learn. There are a lot of other things that occupy my thoughts as an adult and the same thing was true when I was a kid.

I doubt that reciting the Lord's Prayer when I was a kid had any impact at all on the religious beliefs I profess today.

I don't know what the reasoning was for adding under God and I will venture so far as to say that it is recited today without much thought as to the meaning of the words.

The Constitution, specifically the First Amendment, says Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;

Recitation of two words does not establish a religion or prohibit the free exercise.

If it bothers you so much instruct your kids to skip them.

[billuscher]

Should I tell the kids to skip "intelligent design" or other religious ideas that are being promoted. You have all the free exercise you want to practice your religion, that does not include fostering it on anyone else.

Keep your religion in your church or your home.

[JungleJim]

Careful Bill, you may find yourself in the middle of another Inquisition with subversive statements like those.

Remember this counrty was founded on Christian beliefs... Blah Blah Blah and if you don't like it you can just ignore it......

[dianepmny]

I'm just sick and tired of people trying to (and succeeding in) virtually erasing God and religion from this country.

You can try all you want and you might even succeed, but I'm not going to continue to allow it without a fight.

We both have freedom and rights, not just you.

[Toad]

I am all for division of church and state, but it is to the point only the wealthy can give their kids a moral / ethical education. If you can pay for a private school, then you can turn back the clock to years past.

Crap, I'm slipping down the political / religious slide. :eek:

I'm just sick and tired of people trying to (and succeeding in) virtually erasing God and religion from this country.

You can try all you want and you might even succeed, but I'm not going to continue to allow it without a fight.

We both have freedom and rights, not just you.

[happydad]

Should I tell the kids to skip "intelligent design" or other religious ideas that are being promoted. You have all the free exercise you want to practice your religion, that does not include fostering it on anyone else.

Keep your religion in your church or your home.

Unfortunately Bill, you're like Ralph Nader when you make statements like that. You may think you want to have more democrats and liberals in power and making decisions and deciding legislation...but you're doing nothing but hurting the liberal cause and emboldening conservatives.

God will forgive you for your wanting to exclude him from public displays of respect and reverence, but most Americans, democrats or republicans, may not.

[Tubby]

I must be getting old, leave things the way the were original written and screw the Democrats and the Republicans.

I'M AN AMERICAN AND I BELIEVE IN GOD. HE MAY NOT BE THE SAME GOD YOU BELIEVE IN OR MAY NOT BELIEVE IN, BUT HE'S MY GOD AND YOUR NOT GOING TO TAKE HIM AWAY.

A few months ago I was having coffee with a couple older gentlemen. Listening to their conversation I was shocked. They were actual saying a person must be a "good person" because they belong to their church/synagogue.

I work with a guy who went to church 3 times a week, he was a good person Nono , paid someone to break his wifes legs in front of their kid. Legs were not broken, and he looked good in handcuff going to jail. He also made the 6 o'clock news, getting a free ride to jail. Whoo

[JungleJim]

I don't think anyone is trying to take away an individuals rights to believe in God in whateer form they choose to. This is about state sponsored religion, yes God = religion, even an unnamed, generic God.

Kids should be getting their "moral and ethical" education from home and family not school, the media, sports stars, video games....ect
I wouldn't want some teacher pushing their moral or religious beliefs on my kid. They are there to teach the assigned courses, unless of course it is a religious school.

[Toad]

This is a catch 22 because kids are influenced at school whether we like it or not. The influence is religion is bad and you should not believe in anything because the state says we can't say otherwise. Nuts like this guy in California come from this line of thinking. You also seem to support my point that only the wealthy can do otherwise because religious schools are not free.

Kids should be getting their "moral and ethical" education from home and family not school, the media, sports stars, video games....ect
I wouldn't want some teacher pushing their moral or religious beliefs on my kid. They are there to teach the assigned courses, unless of course it is a religious school.

[Tubby]

I do agree with some of your points, but as you have indicated its the parents/family who should decide not the court system. They are taking away an individual right if they believe their is nothing wrong with saying and using the word God.


I don't think anyone is trying to take away an individuals rights to believe in God in whateer form they choose to. This is about state sponsored religion, yes God = religion, even an unnamed, generic God.

Kids should be getting their "moral and ethical" education from home and family not school, the media, sports stars, video games....ect
I wouldn't want some teacher pushing their moral or religious beliefs on my kid. They are there to teach the assigned courses, unless of course it is a religious school.

[Hilly]

"Under God" is not pushing a religion. Period.

[Non Member]

It certainly is, Hilly.

[Non Member]

And here we go again..nothing anyone says is going to change anyone's mind.

[happydad]

It certainly is, Hilly.

Which one?

[rogelah]

IMO the words under God are there mainly because the Knights of Columbus pushed it so that they would feel good. I have always thought from high school on that pledging allegance evryday was counter productive. I never understood the purpose of reciting it everyday. So, in my view, when the words under God were added, it didn't make it any more relevant.

When I enlisted I took an oath of allegiance to the United States and was not required to repeat it everyday.

It is one of those things in life that one group of people deem absolutely necessary and another deem contrary to the Bill of Rights.

My religious belief is not threatened nor given greater meaning by saying under God. When the Pilgrims arrived in 1620 they did so because they were fleeing from religious persecution. In the next 170 years many other religious groups arrived and remembering what England had done to limit certain rights the Bill of Rights was added.

The words under God do not establish a religion nor do they prohibit the free exercise of anyone's religion. The words only have meaning when they mean something to you personally; if not they are simply two meaningless words.

When a bill comes up in Congress that establishes a national religion or seeks to prohibit the practice of one, wake me up.

[happydad]

When a bill comes up in Congress that establishes a national religion or seeks to prohibit the practice of one, wake me up.

There you go, hitting the nail on the head. I agree.

[dianepmny]

My religious belief is not threatened nor given greater meaning by saying under God.

Nor is my religious belief threatened by it. My very religion/faith is threatened though.

When a statue of the ten commandments is not allowed to be displayed in certain public places, and when any symbol of Christmas isn't allowed to be displyed in front of certain buildings, and when a nativity is made to be taken down at a local mall, and when prayer is taken out of schools and certain "threatening" words are removed from an oath of allegiance to our beloved country, when you can't even put a tree up at your job, my religion is threatened.

This movement won't stop until they get what they want which is for Americans to have the freedom to practice any religion they want, as long as it's in secret and behind closed doors. Hey wait...isn't that one of the first things that Communist leaders take away from the population? Cool. We'll have something in common.

The words only have meaning when they mean something to you personally; if not they are simply two meaningless words.

Don't you DARE tell me that they're "simply two meaningless words". If that were the case, people wouldn't be so up in arms about getting rid of them wherever they appear. Two meaningless words, indeed.

[happydad]

Nor is my religious belief threatened by it. My very religion/faith is threatened though.

When a statue of the ten commandments is not allowed to be displayed in certain public places, and when any symbol of Christmas isn't allowed to be displyed in front of certain buildings, and when a nativity is made to be taken down at a local mall, and when prayer is taken out of schools and certain "threatening" words are removed from an oath of allegiance to our beloved country, when you can't even put a tree up at your job, my religion is threatened.

This movement won't stop until they get what they want which is for Americans to have the freedom to practice any religion they want, as long as it's in secret and behind closed doors. Hey wait...isn't that one of the first things that Communist leaders take away from the population? Cool. We'll have something in common.



Don't you DARE tell me that they're "simply two meaningless words". If that were the case, people wouldn't be so up in arms about getting rid of them wherever they appear. Two meaningless words, indeed.

What do you mean by "prayer" in schools? Why do children of any religion need to pray at a public school? Can't they do that at home?

And I also object to state-sponsored (paid for with everyone's tax dollars) of religious symbols to the exclusion of other religions.

Any mall that pays for a nativitity scene will earn the wrath, disdain or disbelief of many shoppers who feel it is not appropriate.

Unless you view that "Jewish" "Muslim" or other religions deserve the same level of state-sponsored exposure you wish to afford Christianity - I believe that brings this discussion into a whole new topic.

[Best Teach]

Unless you view that "Jewish" "Muslim" or other religions deserve the same level of state-sponsored exposure you wish to afford Christianity - I believe that brings this discussion into a whole new topic.

I agree........

[dianepmny]

Not just Christianity; the words "under God" cover Judaism as well.

[happydad]

Not just Christianity; the words "under God" cover Judaism as well.

Agreed, but you brought up other issues - nativity scenes, prayer in public schools, etc.

[dianepmny]

Well sure, because I was talking about things that have been taken away that affect me and my faith.

[Donna]

Any mall that pays for a nativitity scene will earn the wrath, disdain or disbelief of many shoppers who feel it is not appropriate.


How does you feel about the Christmas displays in the malls? They are more toned down than they used to be. I notice more non denominational decorations and Hannukah (sp?) decorations along with Christmas trees. I haven't seen nativity scenes in a few years. Were all the Christmas decorations all that offensive? Being Christian, I never even realized that this would offend anyone.

[Non Member]

Don't you DARE tell me that they're "simply two meaningless words". If that were the case, people wouldn't be so up in arms about getting rid of them wherever they appear. Two meaningless words, indeed.

Oh Diane, I can't resist....'under God' are two meaningless words.

[JungleJim]

What do you mean by "prayer" in schools? Why do children of any religion need to pray at a public school? Can't they do that at home?

She made one point for me and you made the other. Thanks guys

-Keep all religion out of public schools- period

-Why not do it at home, church.....wherever?

[JungleJim]

And I also object to state-sponsored (paid for with everyone's tax dollars) of religious symbols to the exclusion of other religions.

Unless you view that "Jewish" "Muslim" or other religions deserve the same level of state-sponsored exposure you wish to afford Christianity - I believe that brings this discussion into a whole new topic.


Yea, like should we use the Constitution for toilet paper or just burn it and be done with it.

[dianepmny]

Being Christian, I never even realized that this would offend anyone.

Yet it does, or so it seems since we're continually singled out for exclusion.

Oh yes, of course the Menorah can stay up, but the Nativity is too offensive and must go immediately.

That's not even the worst of it. The pathetic part is that we are the only ones who are willing to stand up for ourselves. Most people would do it for others, but there are very few would do it for us. That sickens me.

[Non Member]

That's not even the worst of it. The pathetic part is that we are the only ones who are willing to stand up for ourselves. Most people would do it for others, but there are very few would do it for us. That sickens me.

Since when did Christians get this victim mentality? Is it since all the priests were exposed for what they are?

[happydad]

How does you feel about the Christmas displays in the malls? They are more toned down than they used to be. I notice more non denominational decorations and Hannukah (sp?) decorations along with Christmas trees. I haven't seen nativity scenes in a few years. Were all the Christmas decorations all that offensive? Being Christian, I never even realized that this would offend anyone.

Christmas (i.e. winter solstice) decorations don't bother me. In fact, it's my wife's favorite time of the year and we enjoy doing it up, along with the menorah in the window.

Most of the decorations I think you are referring to have nothing at all to do with Christianity, and everything to do about Santa Claus and snow and etc etc.

[happydad]

Is it since all the priests were exposed for what they are?

Was that a pun?

[Best Teach]

Most of the decorations I think you are referring to have nothing at all to do with Christianity, and everything to do about Santa Claus and snow and etc etc.

Damn, twice in one day!! I agree!

[happydad]

Oh yes, of course the Menorah can stay up, but the Nativity is too offensive and must go immediately.

Who said that, besides you?

Originally Posted by happydad

And I also object to state-sponsored (paid for with everyone's tax dollars) of religious symbols to the exclusion of other religions

[happydad]

Damn, twice in one day!! I agree!

Here's an article that should help some folks who think the Dec. 25th is celebrated exclusively as the birth of Christ.

http://www.religioustolerance.org/winter_solstice.htm

[Donna]

Christmas (i.e. winter solstice) decorations don't bother me. In fact, it's my wife's favorite time of the year and we enjoy doing it up, along with the menorah in the window.

Most of the decorations I think you are referring to have nothing at all to do with Christianity, and everything to do about Santa Claus and snow and etc etc.
Yes, the ones in more recent years are more Santa Claus. I do remember years ago seeing nativity scenes. I thought the disappearance of so many of those had to do more with the commercialization of Christmas rather than that they offended someone. There is one church called the Worship Center (on Broward Blvd) I think that has a beautiful outdoor display each Christmas.

[Toad]

It kind of gets back to the area you are from. In my home town there is a life size nativity scene complete with camels and the rest right in the middle of town on public property. I never knew other people might be offended at such a sight until I moved to this area.

Yes, the ones in more recent years are more Santa Claus. I do remember years ago seeing nativity scenes. I thought the disappearance of so many of those had to do more with the commercialization of Christmas rather than that they offended someone. There is one church called the Worship Center (on Broward Blvd) I think that has a beautiful outdoor display each Christmas.

[Toad]

Hell, there were probably some Democrats in town too but I just didn't know any. (I just put that in for HD) :D

It kind of gets back to the area you are from. In my home town there is a life size nativity scene complete with camels and the rest right in the middle of town on public property. I never knew other people might be offended at such a sight until I moved to this area.

[rogelah]

Not just Christianity; the words "under God" cover Judaism as well.Not the same thing. In Christianity there is the Trinity;there is no such thing as the Trinity in Judaism. The point being is that God means different things to each of us.

The Muslim Allah is the same God as Christians and Jews. Muslims view Islam as the best of the three with Christianity second and Judaism third.

Like Christianity, Islam includes the Torah and Islam includes even the New Testament. Muslims revere Abraham and respect Issac, Jacob, Jesus, etc. as prophets. But the Quran is their Book of Faith and Mohammad is their supreme prophet.

So the respect you fear is being taken away from you by banning the words under God you would deny the same respect for those who do not believe in a supreme being?

[rogelah]

...Oh yes, of course the Menorah can stay up, but the Nativity is too offensive and must go immediately...Public display of the menorah is not condoned by Judaism. It is a private symbol and there are arcane rules for its display outside one's home. It is not supposed to be displayed by non-Jews.

The only reasons for diplaying the menorah publicly are 1) an attempt to justify a Manger display or 2) to draw Jewish shoppers into the Xmas spirit to spend money on buying gifts for a minor Jewish holiday that has no connection to gift giving; it is a celebration of freedom.

I doubt if Jews would object if there were no displays of Menorot.

[rogelah]

Yea, like should we use the Constitution for toilet paper or just burn it and be done with it.Burning the original document would be terribly offensive to me. However, if you want to burn a copy...go for it...and I would shake my head an wonder if you got a bad batch of grass or maybe just bad attack of gas? :D

[Toad]

So the respect you fear is being taken away from you by banning the words under God you would deny the same respect for those who do not believe in a supreme being?

I think it is clear that the founders of this country had God clearly in mind and would not like to see his reference removed from our lives. Take a look a the Declaration of Independence:


IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

[rogelah]

You will notice the adjective Nature's in front of the word God. It doesn't mean that they believed any differently then as compared to today. Their world was a little less complicated when it came to differences in religions. Most educated men knew how to read Hebrew and other languages such as Greek and Latin.

They were conversant with Greek and Roman deities and understood that not all people believed in the same vision of God.

Their objections to state sponsored religion was based upon intolerance by governments that sponsored a religion such as the Anglican Church.

[Toad]

You will notice the adjective Nature's in front of the word God. It doesn't mean that they believed any differently then as compared to today. Their world was a little less complicated when it came to differences in religions. Most educated men knew how to read Hebrew and other languages such as Greek and Latin.

They were conversant with Greek and Roman deities and understood that not all people believed in the same vision of God.

Their objections to state sponsored religion was based upon intolerance by governments that sponsored a religion such as the Anglican Church.

I think you are making a very good argument to leave the Pledge alone. God can mean mean things to many people, but the word is there for the individual to interpret it.

[dianepmny]

I doubt if Jews would object if there were no displays of Menorot.

And I beg to differ. Since almost every Jewish person that I know is a traditional Jew and not a religious Jew, I would bet money on the fact that most of them don't even know about what you mentioned in your post. Further, I'll bet that they would strongly object if a Menorah wasn't put up in a public place that also had Christmas symbols and decorations or if one was up and was ordered to be taken down based on public objection.

You do remember what happened at Pembroke Lakes Mall, don't you? It goes against everything you've just posted.

[dianepmny]

Not the same thing. In Christianity there is the Trinity;there is no such thing as the Trinity in Judaism. The point being is that God means different things to each of us.

I know that Judaism doesn't recognize the Holy Trinity, but they do believe in and recognize God. Therefore the word "God" applies to Judaism as well.

[dianepmny]

Is it since all the priests were exposed for what they are?

Wow. Pray tell, what is it exactly that "all the priests" were exposed for?

Happydad, when I spoke of the Menorah staying up while the Nativity was ordered to be taken down, it was a very specific case that wasn't state-sponsored.

[rogelah]

And I beg to differ. Since almost every Jewish person that I know is a traditional Jew and not a religious Jew, I would bet money on the fact that most of them don't even know about what you mentioned in your post. Further, I'll bet that they would strongly object if a Menorah wasn't put up in a public place that also had Christmas symbols and decorations or if one was up and was ordered to be taken down based on public objection.

You do remember what happened at Pembroke Lakes Mall, don't you? It goes against everything you've just posted.I think Jews realize that the hype about Hanukkah is all about boosting sales becuase it occurs somewhere in the Xmas season. It has become a secular celebration with giving of gifts, supposedly one gift each night.

Just as the Xmas Tree is not a Christian symbol but is associated with the birth of Christ (although it is often postulated he was born in July becuase that is when a supernova explosion in occurred that would account for the star in the east).

I probably know more secular and religious Jews than you do. I have never been part of a discussion or heard about grievances that a Menorah was not displayed where there was a Nativity or other Christmas display.

No, I do not remember what happened at the Pembroke Lakes Mall and I don't know what you mean by a [i]traditional[i] Jew.

[rogelah]

I know that Judaism doesn't recognize the Holy Trinity, but they do believe in and recognize God. Therefore the word "God" applies to Judaism as well.The Christian concept of God is different from that of the Jewiah concept. Judaism holds that God is incorporeal; without form or physical structure. The Torah contains no description of God. There is no concept that God created good and Satan created evil; God created everything. There is no Hell in Judaism. There are no levels of heaven and purgatory ala Dante. The Messiah in Judaism is a living human being not God's son.

The point in making these distinctions is that different religions have different concepts of what constitutes God. There are beliefs, I hesitate to use the word religion, that do not have a single God but have many gods; the Roman or Greek gods for instance. The Egyptians believed that Pharoh was God. Atheists disavow the concept of a god being responsible for creation or anything else that cannot be explained reasonably.

God or no God is a personal choice and not something that any one person can force upon another.

Benjamin Franklin proposed that the Constitutional Convention be started each day with a prayer asking for God's guidance and it was defeated.

[Toad]

Benjamin Franklin proposed that the Constitutional Convention be started each day with a prayer asking for God's guidance and it was defeated.

B. Franklin's prayer would have likely been a Christian prayer, which is one religion in particular, which should not start the Constitutional Convention. The fact that a prayer was considered at all speaks of the convictions of our founders, and is yet another argument to leave "God" in the current Pledge.

Now that I think of it, a prayer was said over the loud speaker before every high school football game I ever played both home and away. I wonder what that California guy would think of that? I would like to see him discuss it with the football coach! Argue

[Tubby]

........There is no Hell in Judaism........

Now you have me wondering what will happen to a few people Flame Flame

[dianepmny]

God or no God is a personal choice and not something that any one person can force upon another.

Absolutely agreed.

Thank goodness...no, thank God that public displays of Christianity don't do that. Nor do the words "under God".

[happydad]

thank God that public displays of Christianity don't do that.

Nor would their absence. Would you be so welcoming for public displays of Islam, funded by your tax dollars?

[rogelah]

Now you have me wondering what will happen to a few people Flame FlameJudaism is focused on how you live your life in the fullfillment of Mitzvot (commandments; there are 613 of them not just the Ten Commandments which are not called commandments in the Torah but are really categories of commandments). Judaism is not focused on doing things to get to an afterlife. Bottom line is that there is no dogma that spells out the afterlife but afterlife is certainly a part of Judaism (see referenes to Olam Ha Bah). So each Jew is free to speculate on what the afterlife is like. Therefore if you think that someone should be consigned to Hell...go for it!

[rogelah]

B. Franklin's prayer would have likely been a Christian prayer, which is one religion in particular, which should not start the Constitutional Convention. The fact that a prayer was considered at all speaks of the convictions of our founders, and is yet another argument to leave "God" in the current Pledge.

Now that I think of it, a prayer was said over the loud speaker before every high school football game I ever played both home and away. I wonder what that California guy would think of that? I would like to see him discuss it with the football coach! ArgueOkay, if you can divine that it would have been a Christian prayer I can divine that the reason it was rejected was becuase those men realised that religious belief is a personal thing and has no place in the discussion of politics.

I recited the Lords's Prayer everyday in Elementary School and Junior HIgh. I didn't give it any thought as to whether it was Jewish or Christian; I just recited it because it was a required thing. I have also listened to prayers before football games and before Nascar races and I am not offended when the speaker asks for his requests in Jesus' name.

And I doubt that any football coach ever gave much more than a passing thought to the invocation before the game becuas he was probably still in the locker room with his players worrying about winning the game and keeping his job.

[Toad]

Okay, if you can divine that it would have been a Christian prayer I can divine that the reason it was rejected was becuase those men realised that religious belief is a personal thing and has no place in the discussion of politics.

I recited the Lords's Prayer everyday in Elementary School and Junior HIgh. I didn't give it any thought as to whether it was Jewish or Christian; I just recited it because it was a required thing. I have also listened to prayers before football games and before Nascar races and I am not offended when the speaker asks for his requests in Jesus' name.

And I doubt that any football coach ever gave much more than a passing thought to the invocation before the game becuas he was probably still in the locker room with his players worrying about winning the game and keeping his job.

So now bring it back home. Shouldn't we just leave the pledge alone. For those that don't believe in any God, it really shouldn't offend them just as in your examples above?

[Toad]

Okay, if you can divine that it would have been a Christian prayer I can divine that the reason it was rejected was becuase those men realised that religious belief is a personal thing and has no place in the discussion of politics.



You may know something (or a lot) I don't about old Ben. What kind of prayer would he have said?

[happydad]

So now bring it back home. Shouldn't we just leave the pledge alone. For those that don't believe in any God, it really shouldn't offend them just as in your examples above?

If I am not mistaken, Rog IS in favor of leaving the pledge alone. Doh

My religious belief is not threatened nor given greater meaning by saying under God.

The words under God do not establish a religion nor do they prohibit the free exercise of anyone's religion. T

When a bill comes up in Congress that establishes a national religion or seeks to prohibit the practice of one, wake me up.

[rogelah]

You may know something (or a lot) I don't about old Ben. What kind of prayer would he have said?Since Christianity is derived from Judaism it is possible that it could have been something from the Torah (the Old Testament).

The first Thanksgiving that was celebrated by the Pilgrims was actually the celebration of the Jewish festival of sukkot.

I do not have any objection to the recitation of any particular prayer or pledge that anyone may be asked to or required to utter. I don't have an objection to the Ten Commandments being displayed in a courthouse.

I do object to politicians making laws that make a religion the National Religion or preventing exercise or non-exercise of a religion. Note: there was an attempt by religious leaders after the Civil War to have a Constitiutional Amendment making the United States of American a Christian nation. Congress was sensible then but in 1955 with the Godless Communists about to invade Congress changed the National Motto from E pluribus unum to In God We Trust, placed In God We Trust on all currency and added the words under God to the Pledge of Allegiance.

I would also point out that the current flap is really one American objecting to something and seeking relief in court rather than with a gun. I would not be bothered by it but we live in a country where people have the right to object.

Thank God!

[happydad]

I don't have an objection to the Ten Commandments being displayed in a courthouse.

I do. Here's why. (http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_10c6.htm)

The first commandment requires that no god other than Yahweh is to be worshipped. This is in open conflict with the "first freedom" in the U.S. -- religious freedom.

The second commandment, interpreted literally, punishes a man's children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and perhaps even great-great grandchildren if the man has sinned by serving other Gods. Spreading the responsibility for one person's sin onto innocent descendents was common in the ancient Middle East. However, most contemporary ethical systems -- both secular and religious -- hold a person responsible only for their own actions. Punishing innocent children widely considered a seriously immoral act.

The fifth commandment requires that children honor their parents. Many would feel that it is unreasonable to expect a child to honor a parent who was a sexual molester, a physical abuser or was guilty of neglect.

There are two problems associated with the tenth commandment: It treats women as pieces of property. It condones slavery. The terms "manservant" and "maidservant" in the King James Version of the Bible refer to male and female slaves.

There are more. It is a religious doctrine. It may shared by the Christianity, Judaism and Islam religions - but not by others. It belongs in religious venues. Not publicly-funded institutions.

AND BEFORE ANYONE JUMPS ON ME ABOUT THIS, ANSWER THIS QUESTION:

Do you have the Ten Commandments on display IN YOUR HOME?

[Toad]

Since Christianity is derived from Judaism it is possible that it could have been something from the Torah (the Old Testament).

The first Thanksgiving that was celebrated by the Pilgrims was actually the celebration of the Jewish festival of sukkot.

I do not have any objection to the recitation of any particular prayer or pledge that anyone may be asked to or required to utter. I don't have an objection to the Ten Commandments being displayed in a courthouse.

I do object to politicians making laws that make a religion the National Religion or preventing exercise or non-exercise of a religion. Note: there was an attempt by religious leaders after the Civil War to have a Constitiutional Amendment making the United States of American a Christian nation. Congress was sensible then but in 1955 with the Godless Communists about to invade Congress changed the National Motto from E pluribus unum to In God We Trust, placed In God We Trust on all currency and added the words under God to the Pledge of Allegiance.

I would also point out that the current flap is really one American objecting to something and seeking relief in court rather than with a gun. I would not be bothered by it but we live in a country where people have the right to object.

Thank God!

Thanks for the insight. I thought you knew more ;)

[billuscher]

To my good friends may I remind you.

America is not a Christian country. It is a non-religion country, in which we are free to practice any religion we want to.

The Declaration of Independence is not the founding document of America the Constitution is. There is a reason that God is not mentioned in the Constitution. Because our founders wanted to make sure that religion and government would be separate and that means it does not belong in schools or government buildings or financially supported by our government.

And this doctrine is the miracle of America. Keep your religion in your home, your church and your heart, it does not need to be anywhere else.

[JungleJim]

Burning the original document would be terribly offensive to me. However, if you want to burn a copy...go for it...and I would shake my head an wonder if you got a bad batch of grass or maybe just bad attack of gas? :D


sigh.........I am not for destroying the Constitution.
It was an attempt at sarcasm, some people here seem to be more then happy to 'overlook' certain aspects of the Constitution when it clearly goes against their veiws.

[Tubby]

Maybe the government would have less holidays if they did keep religion out of the government and schools.

[Tubby]

What did Red Skelton think

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance (http://www.usflag.org/skeltonspledge.html)

[rogelah]

sigh.........I am not for destroying the Constitution.
It was an attempt at sarcasm, some people here seem to be more then happy to 'overlook' certain aspects of the Constitution when it clearly goes against their veiws.I speak only for myself; others may take offense at the burning of a copy, that is their right. I realize that others have different views than mine and that is their right. I too, overlook the law whenever I smoke a joint or exceed the speed limit.

I don't believe it is against the law to destroy a copy of the Constitution. Some might do it to make a point others might do it to provoke a response.

Let me say again, I have no problem with any citizen's right to object peacefully although I might personally find their point of view opposite of mine or even objectionable.

There seems to be, to me anyway, a need of Christian religions to prozeltyze everyone else or defend their faith under arms. As proof I offer as one example the Spanish Inquisition or another to rid the Holy Land of infidels ala the Crusades; even Communism was made to seem a threat to Christian faith as in Godless Communism and resulted in the changing of the national motto, Pledge of Allegiance and adding the words In God We Trust to the currency.

Arguing against those things is often cast as Un-American. All the current posturing reminds me of a Leonard Robbins quote:How a majority,
Reaching majority,
Seizing authority,
Hates a minority!

[happydad]

Arguing against those things is often cast as Un-American. All the current posturing reminds me of a Leonard Robbins quote:

This is the correct quote:

How a minority,
Reaching majority,
Seizing authority,
Hates a minority!

[rogelah]

This is the correct quote:

How a minority,
Reaching majority,
Seizing authority,
Hates a minority!Thanks for the correction.

[Donna]

. I too, overlook the law whenever I smoke a joint or exceed the speed limit.


Is that present tense? If so, party at Rog's house. I'll bring the munchies. :D

[happydad]

Is that present tense? If so, party at Rog's house. I'll bring the munchies. :D

Yeah, better than Flanigan's!!!!

[Bobby35ny]

Nor would their absence. Would you be so welcoming for public displays of Islam, funded by your tax dollars?

What? Do you mean like postage stamps and other stuff like that?

We already have that to a limited degree (it's obviously a smaller percentage of the population, except where I live in NYC) and I have no problem with it at all. Nor do I have any problem with public displays of Judaism. I love that we can celebrate all of our differences with our brothers and sisters. I especially love that my child can learn more about these differences and celebrate right along with the rest of us.

Unlike others, other religions and faiths do not threaten me, nor do they threaten my own faith. There's room for everyone at this vast table.

As for the words "under God" in the Pledge, every single person in this country has the right to leave those words out or opt out of the Pledge all together if that's what they wish.

That's what makes us so great.

Problem is (you knew that was coming, didn't you?), that's just not enough for them. They must remove the words permanently in order to achieve their ultimate goal of no religion. You CAN have it all, but I'm going to fight you every step of the way.

[rogelah]

Is that present tense? If so, party at Rog's house. I'll bring the munchies. :DSorry, Donna. In my current state I don't need a joint to make me loosey-goosey. You should have seen the look on the face of the guy I gave my last baggie to. You'd have thought he had struck gold , Columbian Gold that is. :D

[Donna]

Oh well, thought it sounded too good to be true. :D

[dianepmny]

Awwwwwwwww nuts.

That was me who posted under my husband's name (Bobby35ny). I left the laptop and posted at the desktop.

I apologize for that. :)

[Tubby]

Awwwwwwwww nuts.

That was me who posted under my husband's name (Bobby35ny). I left the laptop and posted at the desktop.

I apologize for that. :)

Sure tell it to the judge, sounds like another Steve and Happywestonian only he could remember which button to push. Gossip Argue

Just Kidding, we will let Bobby decide on what your payment shall be.

[Bobby35ny]

Oh trust me. I hope I'm in trouble. :)

[Bobby35ny]

DAMNIT!!!! I DID IT AGAIN!!!!!

Nevermind...I'm leaving the desktop.

[Toad]

There seems to be, to me anyway, a need of Christian religions to prozeltyze everyone else or defend their faith under arms. As proof I offer as one example the Spanish Inquisition or another to rid the Holy Land of infidels ala the Crusades; even Communism was made to seem a threat to Christian faith as in Godless Communism and resulted in the changing of the national motto, Pledge of Allegiance and adding the words In God We Trust to the currency.

Arguing against those things is often cast as Un-American. All the current posturing reminds me of a Leonard Robbins quote:

Your examples are are factual, but I will share another example of the flip side of Christian not exactly defending their faith. My kids go to a Catholic high school, we are not Catholic, and are required to take theology for four years. My son now knows more about other religions and atrocities committed by the Catholic church than I ever will. Currently he thinks Hindus have all the bases covered. I think it is very interesting that a Catholic school expose the good & bad of all religions.

[Toad]

DAMNIT!!!! I DID IT AGAIN!!!!!

Nevermind...I'm leaving the desktop.

Bobby please take off those bra & panties! :D

[Tubby]

Bobby please take off those bra & panties! :D

That reminds me I have to go clean my car.

[rogelah]

,,,Problem is (you knew that was coming, didn't you?), that's just not enough for them. They must remove the words permanently in order to achieve their ultimate goal of no religion. You CAN have it all, but I'm going to fight you every step of the way.Problem is that the words were added by Congress in 1955 in as a defense against Godless Communism and therfore makes the US Government party to promoting a deity as creating or promoting or favoring our government.

Just to cloud things a little more, the church pennant is allowed to fly above the US flag.

[happydad]

Problem is (you knew that was coming, didn't you?), that's just not enough for them. They must remove the words permanently in order to achieve their ultimate goal of no religion.

They being atheists, I presume. Or judges ruling based on Constititional law?
What does seperation of church and state mean to you?

[dianepmny]

Nope, it's not just Atheists that I'm talking about; in this case, I'm talking about everyone who's working or doing everything in their power to bring about the removal of the words from the Pledge.

[billuscher]

It's true if we don't like the words under God in the pledge we don't have to say it. The opposite is also true we can leave the words under God out and you can say them if you want to.

[Hilly]

Or SHOUT them. :)

[happydad]

Nope, it's not just Atheists that I'm talking about; in this case, I'm talking about everyone who's working or doing everything in their power to bring about the removal of the words from the Pledge.

You didn't answer the second part of my question.

[billuscher]

Hilly, thank God we live in America, if you want to shout "under God" go right ahead, but don't ask me to say it.

[Hilly]

I wouldn't dream of doing that, Bill! But if you don't mind me asking, I am curious: If you are thanking Him that you live in America, why would it bother you to say "under God?"

[billuscher]

God lives in my heart, I don't need to shout it out and neither do you.

[Hilly]

heh. Are you scolding me, Mr. Uscher?
No, I don't need to shout it out. In fact, my response was more toungue-in-cheek than anything.

[Bobby35ny]

God lives in my heart, I don't need to shout it out and neither do you.

God lives in my heart too. And while I might not need to should it out, I'll do so if I want as it's not up to you or anyone else whether I choose to or not.

[billuscher]

You have every right to shout out anything you want, just don't make me shout it out

[happydad]

God lives in my heart too. And while I might not need to should it out, I'll do so if I want as it's not up to you or anyone else whether I choose to or not.

You still haven't answered my question. Nono

[Hilly]

You have every right to shout out anything you want, just don't make me shout it out

The real issue for me is this: If you don't want to shout it out or even whisper it, then remain silent during that part of the pledge. But for heaven's sakes, leave the pledge alone.

Do we really need a judicial decision to help people close their mouths for two little words of a pledge that has been part of our American heritage for 50 years?

[dianepmny]

Just who is making you shout it out anyway?

[happydad]

Just who is making you shout it out anyway?

You still haven't answered my question. Why? It's simple, and relevent to the discussion. I'll repeat it.

What does seperation of Church and State mean to you?

[billuscher]

[QUOTE=Hilly]The real issue for me is this: If you don't want to shout it out or even whisper it, then remain silent during that part of the pledge. But for heaven's sakes, leave the pledge alone.


You are right they should have let the pledge alone 50 years ago, it was perfect the way it was.

return the pledge to the way it was, and if you want to add "under God" you can.

[happydad]

[QUOTE=Hilly]The real issue for me is this: If you don't want to shout it out or even whisper it, then remain silent during that part of the pledge. But for heaven's sakes, leave the pledge alone.


You are right they should have let the pledge alone 50 years ago, it was perfect the way it was.

return the pledge to the way it was, and if you want to add "under God" you can.

Bill - we usually agree, but not here. What else should be returned to the way it was 50 years ago. Segregation? Those that wish to be silent on the issue of God in the pledge can do that - be silent.

[billuscher]

And those who want to be vocal on the pledge can do that - be vocal

[Hilly]

Right. So leave the Pledge alone, stop messing with the court's time and all those lawyer fees to change a 50-year tradition, and stay silent. It is SOOOOOO much easier and cheaper for us that way.

[JungleJim]

So those that don't agree with mixing God and government should just be silent, hmmmm. Not very liberal of you HD, one might even say unAmerican. You don't like someone's views on the seperation of church and State and now your'e looking to curb their freedom of speech
What's next? Burkas...morality police...stonings.....honor killings...the Inquisition- part II

[billuscher]

Hilly, Stay silent, never. Never have, never will. Do not trample on my constitutional rights, we need to protect them whatever the cost. Just remember the constitution is very clear that the government should not interfere or sanction religion.

[happydad]

Hilly, Stay silent, never. Never have, never will. Do not trample on my constitutional rights, we need to protect them whatever the cost. Just remember the constitution is very clear that the government should not interfere or sanction religion.

I still don't grasp how "under God" or "In God we Trust" interferes or sanctions one religion over another, or any religion at all for that matter.

And Jim - you (I think) have no religion so how does this issue really affect you at all. Show me where any government document says freedom "from" religion.

[Donna]

Would you think differently if it said "under Jesus" instead. I think the point is that for those who don't believe they don't think it should be there to choose to say or not.
I don't have a problem with it, but I think if I were atheist I would.

[happydad]

Would you think differently if it said "under Jesus" instead.

Absolutely. Jesus is not revered in all religions. God is.

[JungleJim]

I'm not an atheist, I would say agnostic. Whether there is a God, supreme being or not I can't say but the fact is this country is founded on freedom of religious choice which is also freedom from religion, especially when it's state sponsored. Allowing that gets into very dangerous territory. Just as you have a right to believe what you choose, without government influence, so does everyone else. This is about protecting EVERYONES rights not just the supposeded religious majority.

[JungleJim]

While walking the dogs last night I saw a bummper sticker on a neighbors car it read:

Freedom is the distance between Church and State

I have nothing against religion, I have a problem with people that try to force thier beliefs on others, even more so when they themselves are not living their lives according to the teachings they are pushing.

[Hilly]

Do not trample on my constitutional rights.
How is leaving the Pledge alone trampling on your rights? You are the one who wants to change a 50-year tradition. You want to trample the rights of others.


Just remember the constitution is very clear that the government should not interfere or sanction religion.
..Which as Happy Dad said has absolutely nothing to do with the Pledge.

[Hilly]

I have nothing against religion, I have a problem with people that try to force thier beliefs on others, even more so when they themselves are not living their lives according to the teachings they are pushing.

1. No one has the ability to force their beliefs on you. If they physically could do that, you would be a Christian. Or a Mormon, or Jehova's Witness. Or any other faith whose members knock on your door and then hogtie you and cram their beleifs down your throat until they are satisfied you beleive as they do.

2. Hypocricy is always a problem with religion of any sort. Why you ask? Because humans are involved! :)

[JungleJim]

Funny story,
I bought a small 'Beware Of Dog' sign and put it in the lower corner of the window by the front door. My wife came home from work and questioned why I put that up, I said it's just an extra deterent. A couple of days later ther's a knock on the door and the three dogs race to the door barking and carrying on. I open the door some guy was halfway down the side walk he says "I just want to give you this to read" and leaves quickly. I look down and sure enough it was the Jehovah's handouts. I told my wife that may have been the best $3.00 I ever spent.



"The law for religious freedom... [has] put down the aristocracy of the clergy and restored to the citizen the freedom of the mind." --Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1813. ME 13:400

[JungleJim]

1. No one has the ability to force their beliefs on you. If they physically could do that, you would be a Christian. Or a Mormon, or Jehova's Witness.


Clearly you have never experienced the Jedi mind trick ;)

[rogelah]

I still don't grasp how "under God" or "In God we Trust" interferes or sanctions one religion over another, or any religion at all for that matter.

And Jim - you (I think) have no religion so how does this issue really affect you at all. Show me where any government document says freedom "from" religion.I'll try once more.

It is not the words under God that are offensive but rather that Congress, by public law, added the words to the pledge. The First Amedment says this. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;...

By adding the words the US Government is showing favoritism, promoting or recommending that belief in God is sanctioned by the US Government. Similar reasoning covers the addition of In God We Trust to our currency.

And for those of you who don't know the words to the original pledgeI pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all

[jzt]

I do have to say, the pledge was fine as it was originally written.

[happydad]

Ironic how changing "indivisible" to "under God" succeeds in dividing us. Doh

[Hilly]

but rather that Congress, by public law, added the words to the pledge. The First Amedment says this. Your beef is 50 years old. Yet I bet you never even thought about this before 3 years ago.

Similar reasoning covers the addition of In God We Trust to our currency.


Awwwwww, MAN! I just KNEW it!!! Next you'll want to change our money, and force the rest of us to change our change. You see where this kind of thinking leads? When will you be happy?

[rogelah]

Your beef is 50 years old. Yet I bet you never even thought about this before 3 years ago.



Awwwwww, MAN! I just KNEW it!!! Next you'll want to change our money, and force the rest of us to change our change. You see where this kind of thinking leads? When will you be happy?I am attempting to point out that these things start out one way and by the nature of the times in which they are changed are driven by such rhetoric as yours.

I do remember the rhetoric when the pledge was amended, the national motto was changed and the words In God We Trust were added to our currency. I am also old enough to remember Joseph McCarthy, Allen Dulles and the Knights of Columbus who ramrodded those changes under the guise that the US was headed for godless Communism.

I do not care whether they stay or are removed, whether you recite the words or do not. IMV you are saying that those who are opposed to the words being in the pledge or on the currency is an attempt to erase religion from our daily conciousness.

Over 75 years of communism in Russia never erased religion; witness the fact the speed with which it returned to open practice in the Soviet Union. It was never out of sight in Poland.

Your outrageous indigantion should be warning enough that the first order of business should be the guarantee of the rights of all citizens by strict interpretation of the Constitution rather than making laws that that you feel are innocuous but actually infringe on the rights of other citizens.

[Hilly]

IMV you are saying that those who are opposed to the words being in the pledge or on the currency is an attempt to erase religion from our daily conciousness.

Isn't it?


Your outrageous indigantion should be ..taken as humorous sarcasm. :)

[billuscher]

I wil lbe happy when the government obeys the constitution and keeps its hands off religion. I also think that in "God we trust" should be taken off our money. Which God am I supposed to trust.

[Hilly]

Those words on your cash aren't meant as a commandment for you, Bill. How could "In God we Trust" be offensive to anyone? As for which God, I think you know the answer to that one.

[rogelah]

I wasn't aware that In God We Trust is a Commandment. For that matter the ten that are said to be Commanments are not; they are the aseret ha-dibrot (ten utterances or as some translate...categories). The word for Commandment is mitzvah or mitzvot (plural).

The torah tells us that there are 613 mitzvot. Do you keep the other 603?

As for which God we trust...yours is different from mine. I have only one God you have three...The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. My God is not described in any physical form...your God takes on the physical form of a human being...His Son.

And what does In God We Trust mean? What do we trust God to do? I don't pray to God and ask him to give me the winning lottery numbers and then trust that my next ticket will contain them.

I announce that God is unique and there is no other shema Yisroel adonai elohanu adonai echod. I bless God's name boruch ha-shem.

I have never understood the need to use The Constitution, The Pledge, currency, etc. (all public) to affirm one's faith. Faith is something you feel in your heart, know in your mind and conduct your life in accordance with.

[happydad]

Which God am I supposed to trust.

Your God, of course, you silly wabbitt.

[Toad]

I wasn't aware that In God We Trust is a Commandment. For that matter the ten that are said to be Commanments are not; they are the aseret ha-dibrot (ten utterances or as some translate...categories). The word for Commandment is mitzvah or mitzvot (plural).

The torah tells us that there are 613 mitzvot. Do you keep the other 603?



What are the other 603?

[Non Member]

Those words on your cash aren't meant as a commandment for you, Bill. How could "In God we Trust" be offensive to anyone? As for which God, I think you know the answer to that one.

They mispelled it - it should read "In Gold We Trust".

[rogelah]

What are the other 603?1 To know there is a God Ex. 20:2
2 Not to entertain thoughts of other gods besides Him Ex. 20:3
3 To know that He is one Deut. 6:4
4 To love Him Deut. 6:5
5 To fear Him Deut. 10:20
6 To sanctify His Name Lev. 22:32
7 Not to profane His Name Lev. 22:32
8 Not to destroy objects associated with His Name Deut. 12:4
9 To listen to the prophet speaking in His Name Deut. 18:15
10 Not to test the prophet unduly Deut. 6:16


Laws of Character
11 To emulate His ways Deut. 28:9
12 To cleave to those who know Him Deut. 10:20
13 To love Jews Lev. 19:18
14 To love converts Deut. 10:19
15 Not to hate fellow Jews Lev. 19:17
16 To reprove Lev. 19:17
17 Not to embarrass others Lev. 19:17
18 Not to oppress the weak Ex. 21:22
19 Not to speak derogatorily of others Lev. 19:16
20 Not to take revenge Lev. 19:18
21 Not to bear a grudge Lev. 19:18


Laws of Torah Study
22 To learn Torah Deut. 6:7
23 To honor those who teach and know Torah Lev. 19:32


Laws of Idolatry and Paganism
24 Not to inquire into idolatry Lev. 19:4
25 Not to follow the whims of your heart or what your eyes see Num. 15:39
26 Not to blaspheme Ex. 22:27
27 Not to worship idols in the manner they are worshiped Ex. 20:5
28 Not to worship idols in the four ways we worship God Ex. 20:5
29 Not to make an idol for yourself Ex. 20:4
30 Not to make an idol for others Lev. 19:4
31 Not to make human forms even for decorative purposes Ex. 20:20
32 Not to turn a city to idolatry Ex. 23:13
33 To burn a city that has turned to idol worship Deut. 13:17
34 Not to rebuild it as a city Deut. 13:17
35 Not to derive benefit from it Deut. 13:18
36 Not to missionize an individual to idol worship Deut. 13:12
37 Not to love the missionary Deut. 13:9
38 Not to cease hating the missionary Deut. 13:9
39 Not to save the missionary Deut. 13:9
40 Not to say anything in his defense Deut. 13:9
41 Not to refrain from incriminating him Deut. 13:9
42 Not to prophesize in the name of idolatry Deut. 13:14
43 Not to listen to a false prophet Deut. 13:4
44 Not to prophesize falsely in the name of God Deut. 18:20
45 Not to be afraid of killing the false prophet Deut. 18:22
46 Not to swear in the name of an idol Ex. 23:13
47 Not to perform ov (medium) Lev. 19:31
48 Not to perform yidoni (magical seer) Lev. 19:31
49 Not to pass your children through the fire to Molech Lev. 18:21
50 Not to erect a column in a public place of worship Deut. 16:22
51 Not to bow down on smooth stone Lev. 26:1
52 Not to plant a tree in the Temple courtyard Deut. 16:21
53 To destroy idols and their accessories Deut. 12:2
54 Not to derive benefit from idols and their accessories Deut. 7:26
55 Not to derive benefit from ornaments of idols Deut. 7:25
56 Not to make a covenant with idolaters Deut. 7:2
57 Not to show favor to them Deut. 7:2
58 Not to let them dwell in our land Ex. 23:33
59 Not to imitate them in customs and clothing Lev. 20:23
60 Not to be superstitious Lev. 19:26
61 Not to go into a trance to foresee events, etc. Deut. 18:10
62 Not to engage in astrology Lev. 19:26
63 Not to mutter incantations Deut. 18:11
64 Not to attempt to contact the dead Deut. 18:11
65 Not to consult the ov Deut. 18:11
66 Not to consult the yidoni Deut. 18:11
67 Not to perform acts of magic Deut. 18:10
68 Men must not shave the hair off the sides of their head Lev. 19:27
69 Men must not shave their beards with a razor Lev. 19:27
70 Men must not wear women's clothing Deut. 22:5
71 Women must not wear men's clothing Deut. 22:5
72 Not to tattoo the skin Lev. 19:28
73 Not to tear the skin in mourning Deut. 14:1
74 Not to make a bald spot in mourning Deut. 14:1


Laws of Repentance
75 To repent and confess wrongdoings Num. 5:7


BOOK TWO: THE BOOK OF LOVE OF GOD

Laws of Reading the Shema

76 To say the Shema twice daily Deut. 6:7



Laws of Prayer and Kohanic Blessings

77 To serve the Almighty with prayer daily Ex. 23:25
78 The Kohanim must bless the Jewish nation daily Num. 6:23



Laws of Tefillin, Mezuza and Sefer Torah

79 To wear tefillin on the head Deut. 6:8
80 To bind tefillin on the arm Deut. 6:8
81 To put a mezuzah on each door post Deut. 6:9
82 Each male must write a Sefer Torah Deut. 31:19
83 The king must have a separate Sefer Torah for himself Deut. 17:18



Laws of Tzitzit
84 To have tzitzit on four-cornered garments Num. 15:38


Laws of Blessings
85 To bless the Almighty after eating Deut. 8:10


Laws of Circumcision
86 To circumcise all males on the eighth day after their birth Lev. 12:3


BOOK THREE: THE BOOK OF SEASONS

Laws of the Sabbath

87 To rest on the seventh day Ex. 23:12
88 Not to do prohibited labor on the seventh day Ex. 20:10
89 The court must not inflict punishment on Shabbat Ex. 35:3
90 Not to walk outside the city boundary on Shabbat Ex. 16:29
91 To sanctify the day with Kiddush and Havdallah Ex. 20:8



Laws of Eruvin (Rabbinical)


Laws of Yom Kippur Rest

92 To rest from prohibited labor Lev. 23:32
93 Not to do prohibited labor on Yom Kippur Lev. 23:32
94 To afflict yourself on Yom Kippur Lev. 16:29
95 Not to eat or drink on Yom Kippur Lev. 23:29



Laws of Festival Rest

96 To rest on the first day of Passover Lev. 23:7
97 Not to do prohibited labor on the first day of Passover Lev. 23:8
98 To rest on the seventh day of Passover Lev. 23:8
99 Not to do prohibited labor on the seventh day of Passover Lev. 23:8
100 To rest on Shavuot Lev. 23:21
101 Not to do prohibited labor on Shavuot Lev. 23:21
102 To rest on Rosh Hashana Lev. 23:24
103 Not to do prohibited labor on Rosh Hashana Lev. 23:25
104 To rest on Sukkot Lev. 23:35
105 Not to do prohibited labor on Sukkot Lev. 23:35
106 To rest on Shmini Atzeret Lev. 23:36
107 Not to do prohibited labor on Shmini Atzeret Lev. 23:36



Laws of Chometz and Matzah

108 Not to eat chametz on the afternoon of the 14th day of Nissan Deut. 16:3
109 To destroy all chametz on 14th day of Nissan Ex. 12:15
110 Not to eat chametz all seven days of Passover Ex. 13:3
111 Not to eat mixtures containing chametz all seven days of Passover Ex. 12:20
112 Not to see chametz in your domain seven days Ex. 13:7
113 Not to find chametz in your domain seven days Ex. 12:19
114 To eat matzah on the first night of Passover Ex. 12:18
115 To relate the exodus from Egypt on that night Ex. 13:8



Laws of Shofar, Sukkah, Lulav

116 To hear the Shofar on the first day of Tishrei (Rosh Hashana) Num. 29:1
117 To dwell in a Sukkah for the seven days of Sukkot Lev. 23:42
118 To take up a Lulav and Etrog all seven days Lev. 23:40



Laws of Shekalim

119 Each man must give a half shekel annually Ex. 30:13



Laws of Sanctification of Months

120 Courts must calculate to determine when a new month begins Ex. 12:2



Laws of Fasts

121 To afflict and cry out before God in times of catastrophe Num. 10:9



Laws of Megillah and Chanukah (Rabbinical)


BOOK FOUR: THE BOOK OF WOMEN

Laws of Marriage

122 To marry a wife by means of ketubah and kiddushin Deut. 22:13
123 Not to have relations with women not thus married Deut. 23:18
124 Not to withhold food, clothing, and relations from your wife Ex. 21:10
125 To have children with one's wife Gen 1:28



Laws of Divorce

126 To issue a divorce by means of a "get" document Deut. 24:1
127 A man must not remarry his wife after she has married someone else Deut. 24:4



Laws of Yivum and Chalitzah (Levirate Marriage)

128 To do yibum (marry childless brother's widow) Deut. 25:5
129 To do chalitzah (freeing a widow from yibum) Deut. 25:9
130 The widow must not remarry until the ties with her brother-in-law
are removed Deut. 25:5



Laws of Women

131 The court must fine one who seduces a maiden Ex. 22:15-16
132 The rapist must marry the maiden (if she chooses) Deut. 22:29
133 He is not allowed to divorce her Deut. 22:29
134 The slanderer must remain married to his wife Deut. 22:19
135 He must not divorce her Deut. 22:19



Laws of Sotah (Suspect Wife)

136 To fulfill the laws of the Sotah Num. 5:30
137 Not to put oil on her meal offering Num. 5:15
138 Not to put frankincense on her meal offering Num. 5:15



BOOK FIVE: THE BOOK OF HOLINESS

Laws of Forbidden Relations

139 Not to have relations with your mother Lev. 18:7
140 Not to have relations with your father's wife Lev. 18:8
141 Not to have relations with your sister Lev. 18:9
142 Not to have relations with your father's wife's daughter Lev. 18:11
143 Not to have relations with your son's daughter Lev. 18:10
144 Not to have relations with your daughter Lev. 18:10
145 Not to have relations with your daughter's daughter Lev. 18:10
146 Not to have relations with a woman and her daughter Lev. 18:17
147 Not to have relations with a woman and her son's daughter Lev. 18:17
148 Not to have relations with a woman and her daughter's daughter Lev. 18:17
149 Not to have relations with your father's sister Lev. 18:12
150 Not to have relations with your mother's sister Lev. 18:13
151 Not to have relations with your father's brother's wife Lev. 18:14
152 Not to have relations with your son's wife Lev. 18:15
153 Not to have relations with your brother's wife Lev. 18:16
154 Not to have relations with your wife's sister Lev. 18:18
155 A man must not have relations with a beast Lev. 18:23
156 A woman must not have relations with a beast Lev. 18:23
157 Not to have homosexual relations Lev. 18:22
158 Not to have homosexual relations with your father Lev. 18:7
159 Not to have homosexual relations with your father's brother Lev. 18:14
160 Not to have relations with a married woman Lev. 18:20
161 Not to have relations with a menstrually impure woman Lev. 18:19
162 Not to marry non-Jews Deut. 7:3
163 Not to let Moabite and Ammonite males marry into the Jewish people Deut. 23:4
164 Don't keep a third generation Egyptian convert from marrying
into the Jewish people Deut. 23:8-9
165 Not to refrain from marrying a third generation
Edomite convert Deut. 23:8-9
166 Not to let a mamzer marry into the Jewish people Deut. 23:3
167 Not to let a eunuch marry into the Jewish people Deut. 23:2
168 Not to castrate any male (including animals) Lev. 22:24
169 The High Priest must not marry a widow Lev. 21:14
170 The High Priest must not have relations with a widow even outside of marriage Lev. 21:15
171 The High Priest must marry a virgin maiden Lev. 21:13
172 A Kohen must not marry a divorcee Lev. 21:7
173 A Kohen must not marry a zonah (a woman who had forbidden relations) Lev. 21:7
174 A priest must not marry a chalalah (party to or product of 169-172) Lev. 21:7
175 Not to make pleasurable contact with any forbidden woman Lev. 18:6



Laws of Forbidden Foods

176 To examine the signs of animals to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher Lev. 11:2
177 To examine the signs of fowl to distinguish between kosher
and non-kosher Deut. 14:11
178 To examine the signs of fish to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher Lev. 11:9
179 To examine the signs of locusts to distinguish between kosher and non-kosher Lev. 11:21
180 Not to eat non-kosher animals Lev. 11:4
181 Not to eat non-kosher fowl Lev. 11:13
182 Not to eat non-kosher fish Lev. 11:11
183 Not to eat non-kosher flying insects Deut. 14:19
184 Not to eat non-kosher creatures that crawl on land Lev. 11:41
185 Not to eat non-kosher maggots Lev. 11:44
186 Not to eat worms found in fruit on the ground Lev. 11:42
187 Not to eat creatures that live in water other than fish Lev. 11:43
188 Not to eat the meat of an animal that died without ritual slaughter Deut. 14:21
189 Not to benefit from an ox condemned to be stoned Ex. 21:28
190 Not to eat meat of an animal that was mortally wounded Ex. 22:30
191 Not to eat a limb torn off a living creature Deut 12:23
192 Not to eat blood Lev. 3:17
193 Not to eat certain fats of clean animals Lev. 3:17
194 Not to eat the sinew of the thigh Gen. 32:33
195 Not to eat meat and milk cooked together Ex. 23:19
196 Not to cook meat and milk together Ex. 34:26
197 Not to eat bread from new grain before the Omer Lev. 23:14
198 Not to eat parched grains from new grain before the Omer Lev. 23:14
199 Not to eat ripened grains from new grain before the Omer Lev. 23:14
200 Not to eat fruit of a tree during its first three years Lev. 19:23
201 Not to eat diverse seeds planted in a vineyard Deut. 22:9
202 Not to eat untithed fruits Lev. 22:15
203 Not to drink wine poured in service to idols Deut. 32:38



Laws of Slaughtering

204 To ritually slaughter an animal before eating it Deut. 12:21
205 Not to slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day Lev. 22:28
206 To cover the blood (of a slaughtered beast or fowl) with earth Lev. 17:13
207 Not to take the mother bird from her children Deut. 22:6
208 To release the mother bird if she was taken from the nest Deut. 22:7



BOOK SIX: THE BOOK OF OATHS

Laws of Oaths

209 Not to swear falsely in God's Name Lev. 19:12
210 Not to take God's Name in vain Ex. 20:7
211 Not to deny possession of something entrusted to you Lev. 19:11
212 Not to swear in denial of a monetary claim Lev. 19:11
213 To swear in God's Name to confirm the truth when deemed necessary by court Deut. 10:20



Laws of Vows

214 To fulfill what was uttered and to do what was avowed Deut. 23:24
215 Not to break oaths or vows Num. 30:3
216 For oaths and vows annulled, there are the laws of
annulling vows explicit in the Torah Num. 30:3



Laws of The Nazir

217 The Nazir must let his hair grow Num. 6:5
218 He must not cut his hair Num. 6:5
219 He must not drink wine, wine mixtures, or wine vinegar Num. 6:3
220 He must not eat fresh grapes Num. 6:3
221 He must not eat raisins Num. 6:3
222 He must not eat grape seeds Num. 6:4
223 He must not eat grape skins Num. 6:4
224 He must not be under the same roof as a corpse Num. 6:6
225 He must not come into contact with the dead Num. 6:7
226 He must shave after bringing sacrifices upon
completion of his Nazirite period Num. 6:9



Laws of Estimated Values and Vows

227 To estimate the value of people as determined by the Torah Lev. 27:2
228 To estimate the value of consecrated animals Lev. 27:12-13
229 To estimate the value of consecrated houses Lev. 27:14
230 To estimate the value of consecrated fields Lev. 27:16
231 Carry out the laws of interdicting possessions (cherem) Lev. 27:28
232 Not to sell the cherem Lev. 27:28
233 Not to redeem the cherem Lev. 27:28



BOOK SEVEN: THE BOOK OF SEEDS

Laws of Mixed Species

234 Not to plant diverse seeds together Lev. 19:19
235 Not to plant grains or greens in a vineyard Deut. 22:9
236 Not to crossbreed animals Lev. 19:19
237 Not to work different animals together Deut. 22:10
238 Not to wear sha'atnez, a cloth woven of wool and linen Deut. 22:11



Laws of Gifts to the Poor

239 To leave a corner of the field uncut for the poor Lev. 19:10
240 Not to reap that corner Lev. 19:9
241 To leave gleanings Lev. 19:9
242 Not to gather the gleanings Lev. 19:9
243 To leave the gleanings of a vineyard Lev. 19:10
244 Not to gather the gleanings of a vineyard Lev. 19:10
245 To leave the unformed clusters of grapes Lev. 19:10
246 Not to pick the unformed clusters of grapes Lev. 19:10
247 To leave the forgotten sheaves in the field Deut. 24:19
248 Not to retrieve them Deut. 24:19
249 To separate the tithe for the poor Deut. 14:28
250 To give charity Deut. 15:8
251 Not to withhold charity from the poor Deut. 15:7
252 To set aside Trumah Gedolah (tithe for the Kohen) Deut. 18:4
253 The Levite must set aside a tenth of his tithe Num. 18:26
254 Not to preface one tithe to the next, but separate them in
their proper order Ex. 22:28
255 A non-Kohen must not eat Trumah Lev. 22:10
256 A hired worker or a Jewish bondsman of a Kohen must
not eat Trumah Lev. 22:10
257 An uncircumcised Kohen must not eat Trumah Ex.12:48
258 An impure Kohen must not eat Trumah Lev. 22:4
259 A chalalah must not eat Trumah Lev. 22:12



Laws of Ma'aser

260 To set aside Ma'aser each planting year and give it to a Levite Num. 18:24



Laws of The Second Tithe and Fourth Year Produce

261 To set aside the second tithe (Ma'aser Sheni) Deut. 14:22
262 Not to spend its redemption money on anything but
food, drink, or ointment Deut. 26:14
263 Not to eat Ma'aser Sheni while impure Deut. 26:14
264 A mourner on the first day after death must not eat Ma'aser Sheni Deut. 26:14
265 Not to eat Ma'aser Sheni grains outside Jerusalem Deut. 12:17
266 Not to eat Ma'aser Sheni wine products outside Jerusalem Deut. 12:17
267 Not to eat Ma'aser Sheni oil outside Jerusalem Deut. 12:17
268 The fourth year crops must be totally for holy
purposes like Ma'aser Sheni Lev. 19:24
269 To read the confession of tithes every fourth and seventh year Deut. 26:13



Laws of First Fruits and other Kohanic Gifts

270 To set aside the first fruits and bring them to the Temple Ex. 23:19
271 The Kohanim must not eat the first fruits outside Jerusalem Deut. 12:17
272 To read the Torah portion pertaining to their presentation Deut. 26:5
273 To set aside a portion of dough for a Kohen Num. 15:20
274 To give the shoulder, two cheeks, and stomach of slaughtered animals
to a Kohen Deut. 18:3
275 To give the first sheering of sheep to a Kohen Deut. 18:4
276 To redeem the firstborn sons and give the money to a Kohen Num. 18:15
277 To redeem the firstborn donkey by giving a lamb to a Kohen Ex. 13:13
278 To break the neck of the donkey if the owner does not intend to redeem it Ex. 13:13



Laws of The Sabbatical and Jubilee Years

279 To rest the land during the seventh year by not doing any
work which enhances growth Ex. 34:21
280 Not to work the land during the seventh year Lev. 25:4
281 Not to work with trees to produce fruit during that year Lev. 25:4
282 Not to reap crops that grow wild that year in the normal manner Lev. 25:5
283 Not to gather grapes which grow wild that year in the normal way Lev. 25:5
284 To leave free all produce which grew in that year Ex. 23:11
285 To release all loans during the seventh year Deut. 15:2
286 Not to pressure or claim from the borrower Deut. 15:2
287 Not to refrain from lending immediately before the release of
the loans for fear of monetary loss Deut. 15:9
288 The Sanhedrin must count seven groups of seven years Lev. 25:8
289 The Sanhedrin must sanctify the fiftieth year Lev. 25:10
290 To blow the Shofar on the tenth of Tishrei to free the slaves Lev. 25:9
291 Not to work the soil during the fiftieth year Lev. 25:11
292 Not to reap in the normal manner that which grows
wild in the fiftieth year Lev. 25:11
293 Not to pick grapes which grew wild in the normal
manner in the fiftieth year Lev. 25:11
294 Carry out the laws of sold family properties Lev. 25:24
295 Not to sell the land in Israel indefinitely Lev. 25:23
296 Carry out the laws of houses in walled cities Lev. 25:29
297 The Tribe of Levi must not be given a portion of the land in Israel,
rather they are given cities to dwell in Deut. 18:1
298 The Levites must not take a share in the spoils of war Deut. 18:1
299 To give the Levites cities to inhabit and their surrounding fields Num. 35:2
300 Not to sell the fields but they shall remain the Levites' before and
after the Jubilee year Lev. 25:34



BOOK EIGHT: THE BOOK OF SERVICE

Laws of The Temple

301 To build a Sanctuary Ex. 25:8
302 Not to build the altar with stones hewn by metal Ex. 20:22
303 Not to climb steps to the altar Ex. 20:23
304 To show reverence to the Temple Lev. 1930
305 To guard the Temple area Num. 18:2
306 Not to leave the Temple unguarded Num. 18:5



Laws of Temple Vessels and Employees

307 To prepare the anointing oil Ex. 30:31
308 Not to reproduce the anointing oil Ex. 30:32
309 Not to anoint with anointing oil Ex. 30:32
310 Not to reproduce the incense formula Ex. 30:37
311 Not to burn anything on the Golden Altar besides incense Ex. 30:9
312 The Levites must transport the ark on their shoulders Num. 7:9
313 Not to remove the staves from the ark Ex. 25:15
314 The Levites must work in the Temple Num. 18:23
315 No Levite must do another's work of either a Kohen or a Levite Num. 18:3
316 To dedicate the Kohen for service Lev. 21:8
317 The kohanic work shifts must be equal during holidays Deut. 18:6-8
318 The Kohanim must wear their priestly garments during service Ex. 28:2
319 Not to tear the priestly garments Ex. 28:32
320 The breastplate must not be loosened from the Efode Ex. 28:28



Laws of Entering the Temple

321 A Kohen must not enter the Temple intoxicated Lev. 10:9
322 A Kohen must not enter the Temple with long hair Lev. 10:6
323 A Kohen must not enter the Temple with torn clothes Lev. 10:6
324 A Kohen must not enter the Temple indiscriminately Lev. 16:2
325 A Kohen must not leave the Temple during service Lev. 10:7
326 To send the impure from the Temple Num. 5:2
327 Impure people must not enter the Temple Num. 5:3
328 Impure people must not enter the Temple Mount area Deut. 23:11
329 Impure Kohanim must not do service in the temple Lev. 22:2
330 An impure Kohen, following immersion, must wait until after sundown before returning to service Lev. 22:7
331 A Kohen must wash his hands and feet before service Ex. 30:19
332 A Kohen with a physical blemish must not enter the sanctuary or approach the altar Lev. 21:23
333 A Kohen with a physical blemish must not serve Lev.21:17
334 A Kohen with a temporary blemish must not serve Lev. 21:17
335 One who is not a Kohen must not serve Num. 18:4



Laws of Restrictions Concerning Sacrifices

336 To offer only unblemished animals Lev. 22:21
337 Not to dedicate a blemished animal for the altar Lev. 22:20
338 Not to slaughter it Lev. 22:22
339 Not to sprinkle its blood Lev. 22:24
340 Not to burn its fat Lev. 22:22
341 Not to offer a temporarily blemished animal Deut. 17:1
342 Not to sacrifice blemished animals even if offered by non-Jews Lev. 22:25
343 Not to inflict wounds upon dedicated animals Lev. 22:21
344 To redeem dedicated animals which have become disqualified Deut. 12:15
345 To offer only animals which are at least eight days old Lev. 22:27
346 Not to offer animals bought with the wages of a harlot or the
animal exchanged for a dog Deut. 23:19
347 Not to burn honey or yeast on the altar Lev. 2:11
348 To salt all sacrifices Lev. 2:13
349 Not to omit the salt from sacrifices Lev. 2:13



Laws of Sacrificial Procedure

350 Carry out the procedure of the burnt offering as prescribed in the Torah Lev. 1:3
351 Not to eat its meat Deut. 12:17
352 Carry out the procedure of the sin offering Lev. 6:18
353 Not to eat the meat of the inner sin offering Lev. 6:23
354 Not to decapitate a fowl brought as a sin offering Lev. 5:8
355 Carry out the procedure of the guilt offering Lev. 7:1
356 The Kohanim must eat the sacrificial meat in the Temple Ex. 29:33
357 The Kohanim must not eat the meat outside the Temple courtyard Deut. 12:17
358 A non-Kohen must not eat sacrificial meat Ex. 29:33
359 To follow the procedure of the peace offering Lev. 7:11
360 Not to eat the meat of minor sacrifices before sprinkling the blood Deut. 12:17
361 To bring meal offerings as prescribed in the Torah Lev. 2:1
362 Not to put oil on the meal offerings of wrongdoers Lev. 5:11
363 Not to put frankincense on the meal offerings of wrongdoers Lev. 3:11
364 Not to eat the meal offering of the High Priest Lev. 6:16
365 Not to bake a meal offering as leavened bread Lev. 6:10
366 The Kohanim must eat the remains of the meal offerings Lev. 6:9
367 To bring all avowed and freewill offerings to the Temple on the first subsequent festival Deut. 12:5-6
368 Not to withhold payment incurred by any vow Deut. 23:22
369 To offer all sacrifices in the Temple Deut. 12:11
370 To bring all sacrifices from outside Israel to the Temple Deut. 12:26
371 Not to slaughter sacrifices outside the courtyard Lev. 17:4
372 Not to offer any sacrifices outside the courtyard Deut. 12:13



Laws of Constant and Additional Offerings

373 To offer two lambs every day Num. 28:3
374 To light a fire on the altar every day Lev. 6:6
375 Not to extinguish this fire Lev. 6:6
376 To remove the ashes from the altar every day Lev. 6:3
377 To burn incense every day Ex 30:7
378 To light the Menorah every day Ex. 27:21
379 The Kohen Gadol must bring a meal offering every day Lev. 6:13
380 To bring two additional lambs as burnt offerings on Shabbat Num 28:9
381 To make the show bread Ex. 25:30
382 To bring additional offerings on the New Month Num. 28:11
383 To bring additional offerings on Passover Num. 28:19
384 To offer the wave offering from the meal of the new wheat Lev. 23:10
385 Each man must count the Omer - seven weeks from the day the new
wheat offering was brought Lev. 23:15
386 To bring additional offerings on Shavuot Num. 28:26
387 To bring two leaves to accompany the above sacrifice Lev. 23:17
388 To bring additional offerings on Rosh Hashana Num. 29:2
389 To bring additional offerings on Yom Kippur Num. 29:8
390 To bring additional offerings on Sukkot Num. 29:13
391 To bring additional offerings on Shmini Atzeret Num. 29:35



Laws of Disqualified Offerings

392 Not to eat sacrifices which have become unfit or blemished Deut. 14.3
393 Not to eat from sacrifices offered with improper intentions Lev. 7:18
394 Not to leave sacrifices past the time allowed for eating them Lev. 22:30
395 Not to eat from that which was left over Lev. 19:8
396 Not to eat from sacrifices which became impure Lev. 7:19
397 An impure person must not eat from sacrifices Lev. 7:20
398 To burn the leftover sacrifices Lev. 7:17
399 To burn all impure sacrifices Lev. 7:19



Laws of Yom Kippur Service

400 To follow the procedure of Yom Kippur in the sequence
prescribed in Parshat Acharei Mot Lev. 16:3



Laws of Misusing Sanctified Property

401 One who profaned property must repay what he
profaned plus a fifth and bring a sacrifice Lev. 5:16
402 Not to work consecrated animals Deut. 15:19
403 Not to shear the fleece of consecrated animals Deut. 15:19



BOOK NINE: THE BOOK OF SACRIFICES

Laws of Pascal Sacrifice

404 To slaughter the paschal sacrifice at the specified time Ex. 12:6
405 Not to slaughter it while in possession of leaven Ex. 23:18
406 Not to leave the fat overnight Ex. 23:18
407 To slaughter the second paschal lamb Num. 9:11
408 To eat the paschal lamb with matzah and Marror on the night of the
15th of Nissan Ex. 12:8
409 To eat the second paschal lamb on the night of the 15th of Iyar Num.9:11
410 Not to eat the paschal meat raw or boiled Ex. 12:9
411 Not to take the paschal meat from the confines of the group Ex. 12:46
412 An apostate must not eat from it Ex.12:43
413 A permanent or temporary hired worker must not eat from it Ex. 12:45
414 An uncircumcised male must not eat from it Ex. 12:48
415 Not to break any bones from the paschal offering Ex. 12:46
416 Not to break any bones from the second paschal offering Num. 9:12
417 Not to leave any meat from the paschal offering over until morning Ex. 12:10
418 Not to leave the second paschal meat over until morning Num. 9:12
419 Not to leave the meat of the holiday offering of the 14th until the 16th Deut. 16:4



Laws of Pilgrim Offerings

420 To be seen at the Temple on Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot Deut. 16:16
421 To celebrate on these three Festivals (bring a peace offering) Ex. 23:14
422 To rejoice on these three Festivals (bring a peace offering) Deut. 16:14
423 Not to appear at the Temple without offerings Deut. 16:16
424 Not to refrain from rejoicing with, and giving gifts to, the Levites Deut. 12:19
425 To assemble all the people on the Sukkot following the seventh year Deut. 31:12



Laws of First Born Animals

426 To set aside the firstborn animals Ex. 13:12
427 The Kohanim must not eat unblemished firstborn animals
outside Jerusalem Deut. 12:17
428 Not to redeem the firstborn Num. 18:17
429 Separate the tithe from animals Lev. 27:32
430 Not to redeem the tithe Lev. 27:33



Laws of Offerings for Unintentional Transgressions

431 Every person must bring a sin offering for his transgression Lev. 4:27
432 Bring an asham talui when uncertain of guilt Lev. 5:17-18
433 Bring an asham vadai when guilt is ascertained Lev. 5:25
434 Bring an oleh v'yored offering (if the person is wealthy, an animal; if poor, a bird or meal offering) Lev. 5:7-11
435 The Sanhedrin must bring an offering when it rules in error Lev. 4:13



Laws of Lacking Atonement

436 A woman who had a running issue must bring an offering
after she goes to the Mikveh Lev. 15:28-29
437 A woman who gave birth must bring an offering after she goes
to the Mikveh Lev. 12:6
438 A man who had a running issue must bring an offering after he goes
to the Mikveh Lev. 15:13-14
439 A metzora must bring an offering after going to the Mikveh Lev. 14:10



Laws of Substitution of Sacrifices

440 Not to substitute another beast for one set apart for sacrifice Lev. 27:10
441 The new animal, in addition to the substituted one, retains consecration Lev. 27:10
442 Not to change consecrated animals from one type of offering to another Lev. 27:26



BOOK TEN: THE BOOK OF PURITY

Laws of Impurity of Human Dead

443 Carry out the laws of impurity of the dead Num. 19:14



Laws of The Red Heifer

444 Carry out the procedure of the Red Heifer Num. 19:2
445 Carry out the laws of the sprinkling water Num. 19:21



Laws of Impurity through Tzara'at

446 Rule the laws of human tzara'at as prescribed in the Torah Lev. 13:12
447 The metzora must not remove his signs of impurity Deut. 24:8
448 The metzora must not shave signs of impurity in his hair Lev. 13:33
449 The metzora must publicize his condition by tearing his garments,
allowing his hair to grow and covering his lips Lev. 13:45
450 Carry out the prescribed rules for purifying the metzora Lev. 14:2
451 The metzora must shave off all his hair prior to purification Lev. 14:9
452 Carry out the laws of tzara'at of clothing Lev. 13:47
453 Carry out the laws of tzara'at of houses Lev. 13:34



Laws of Impurity of Reclining and Sitting

454 Observe the laws of menstrual impurity Lev. 15:19
455 Observe the laws of impurity caused by childbirth Lev. 12:2
456 Observe the laws of impurity caused by a woman's running issue Lev. 15:25
457 Observe the laws of impurity caused by a man's running issue Lev. 15:3



Laws of Other Sources of Impurity

458 Observe the laws of impurity caused by a dead beast Lev. 11:39
459 Observe the laws of impurity caused by the eight shratzim Lev. 11:29
460 Observe the laws of impurity of a seminal emission Lev. 15:16



Laws of Impurity of Food

461 Observe the laws of impurity concerning liquid and solid foods Lev. 11:34



Laws of Vessels (Rabbinical)


Laws of Mikveh

462 Every impure person must immerse himself in a Mikveh to become pure Lev. 15:16



BOOK ELEVEN: THE BOOK OF DAMAGES

Laws of Property Damage

463 The court must judge the damages incurred by a goring ox Ex. 21:28
464 The court must judge the damages incurred by an animal eating Ex. 22:4
465 The court must judge the damages incurred by a pit Ex. 21:33
466 The court must judge the damages incurred by fire Ex. 22:5



Laws of Theft

467 Not to steal money stealthily Lev. 19:11
468 The court must implement punitive measures against the thief Ex. 21:37
469 Each individual must ensure that his scales and weights are accurate Lev. 19:36
470 Not to commit injustice with scales and weights Lev. 19:35
471 Not to possess inaccurate scales and weights even if they are not for use Deut. 25:13
472 Not to move a boundary marker to steal someone's property Deut. 19:14
473 Not to kidnap Ex. 20:13



Laws of Robbery and Lost Objects

474 Not to rob openly Lev. 19:13
475 Not to withhold wages or fail to repay a debt Lev. 19:13
476 Not to covet and scheme to acquire another's possession Ex. 20:14
477 Not to desire another's possession Deut. 5:18
478 Return the robbed object or its value Lev. 5:23
479 Not to ignore a lost object Deut. 22:3
480 Return the lost object Deut. 22:1
481 The court must implement laws against the one who assaults
another or damages another's property Ex. 21:18



Laws of Murder and Preservation of Life

482 Not to murder Ex. 20:13
483 Not to accept monetary restitution to atone for the murderer Num. 35:31
484 The court must send the accidental murderer to a city of refuge Num. 35:25
485 Not to accept monetary restitution instead of being
sent to a city of refuge Num. 35:32
486 Not to kill the murderer before he stands trial Num. 35:12
487 Save someone being pursued even by taking the life of the pursuer Deut. 25112
488 Not to pity the pursuer Num. 35:12
489 Not to stand idly by if someone's life is in danger Lev. 19:16
490 Designate cities of refuge and prepare routes of access Deut. 19:3
491 Break the neck of a calf by the river valley following an unsolved murder Deut. 21:4
492 Not to work nor plant that river valley Deut. 21:4
493 Not to allow pitfalls and obstacles to remain on your property Deut. 22:8
494 Make a guard rail around flat roofs Deut. 22:8
495 Not to put a stumbling block before a blind man (nor give harmful advice) Lev. 19:14
496 Help another remove the load from a beast which can
no longer carry it Ex. 23:5
497 Help others load their beast Deut. 22:4
498 Not to leave ot