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soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Jewish Thought (6/12)
Section - Question 12.28: What does the Torah mean by Abomination?

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                                  Answer:
   
   What the Torah calls a "Toevah" (tav vav ayin bet hey. from the root
   "taav"-tav ayin bet) is usually translated as "abomination". The term
   is typically used in the Torah proper (the first five Books of the
   Bible) to refer to extremely serious offenses which completely
   undermine the basis of any conceivably sound religious or moral
   society from G-d's standpoint. Among the offenses are male homosexual
   acts, idolatry, and child sacrifice. Idolatry and child sacrifice are
   particularly identified with the Canaanites, and are cited as grounds
   for their being dispossessed by the People of Israel in the Land of
   Israel after the Exodus from Egypt. In the Prophets, the meaning is
   extended to include moral depavity (such as murder and oppression of
   the poor and weak, and sexual offenses such as infidelity and
   promiscuity) on the part of those meticulous in their ritual
   observance (particularly in terms of bringing Offerings to the
   Temple). It must be stressed that the Prophets are not in the least
   opposed to meticulous ritual observance. They simply feel that those
   who are so careful in these matters should be equally careful in terms
   of interpersonal mitzvot ("commandments"), which are also mandated by
   the Torah.

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Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Jewish Thought (6/12)
Previous Document: Question 12.27: What does Judaism say about the punishments in the Torah?
Next Document: Question 12.29: Why does the Torah talk about Other Gods?

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