A few months back I had a running online discussion with an Ethiopian Protestant gentlemen about the Torah/Tanakh , its eternal value and meaning and its influences on Orthodox theology. In what was a very one dimensional conversation I repeatedly tried to convey the depth and beauty of The first 5 books, the Writings and the Prophets. His response always came back to the old testament no longer having value or having limited relevance now that we live completely under grace. I rarely have these types of conversations anymore, but when I do they are completely frustrating. They are frustrating because its obvious that whoever teaches and believes so vehemently that the Old Testament is good for nothing more than a few anecdotal lessons has simply lost the plot or understands nothing of which they speak. I reflected on this as I read the Rabbi’s writings below. Heres a little something I found down right well…. you read and decide. Point is, if we looked at the entirety of scriptures and took them in context from the view point of one desiring to know and respect the God they serve on HIS terms and not through the often “Anti-Hebrew” lens, we might learn to have a deeper, multi-dimensional appreciation for the creator of all things and his creation. We may have better understanding of his love, intent and purpose and see the beauty in the teachings and ministry of Yeshua.
“Furthermore, intimacy is encouraged on Shabbat not so much as a means to procreate as it is to create a bond between husband and wife. There are two separate mitzvot in the Torah that involve sexual relations. One is to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis1:28.) The lesser-known mitzvah is for the husband to ensure he sexually satisfies his wife (Exodus 21:10). This second mitzvah is totally independent from the first and so the obligation to make love to one’s wife applies to couples regardless as to whether they wish to, or are capable of conceiving.
The very notion that sexual pleasure can itself — provided it is experienced in the right context — be a mitzvah, underscores the unique Jewish attitude to life. Judaism, on the whole, frowns upon asceticism. It sees the material world not in conflict with sanctity but rather as capable of being sanctified. Nowhere is this more evident than on Shabbat where the sacred is celebrated through the physical. This holy day is observed not just through prayer and song but also through eating, socialising, relaxing and — for married couples — sexual intimacy. Shabbat illustrates the harmony that can be achieved between the spiritual and the physical.
Throughout the week we live fragmented lives lurching between high ideals and practical realities; on Shabbat we attain a sense of wholeness, where the disparate and often opposing forces in our lives meld together in celebration of this special day of rest.”
– Rabbi Naftali Brawer