Sunday, January 08, 2012

Stumbling blocks



A few friends posted this to their Facebook and I refrained from commenting on their space, so I will in mine.

While I certainly don't agree with certain fanatics trying to erase women from the public, and I firmly believe that every man should be responsible for his own Shmirat Einayim (guarding your eyes), the above 'protest' is a perfect example of the prohibition of Lifnei Iver Lo Titen Michshol (do not put a stumbling block before a blind person).

I personally think flash mobs for a cause are silly and are usually not well done with regard to promoting the cause. And in this case, the vehicle of their protest.. well, I don't think they could have picked a worse way. I'm sure it was intentional.

What's next? Having them stand across the street from a shul during Mincha and sing?

8 comments:

Hadassa said...

Shalom!
I agree, and I've commented in several places.

Dena Gottlieb said...

I agree. What exactly are they trying to achieve? Go figure.

Sharonah said...

I also thought the same thing.

Hadassa said...

Shalom!
It's somehow retaliation. I read that straight from a friend in Beit Shemesh. Wouldn't opening a women's facility for higher learning in Beit Shemesh be a better idea?

josh said...

I liked Hadasah Morgolese's speech at the rally except for one sentence that could have been a mistake or the actual base of the whole protest. She said something about publicizing tenders for a new Haredi neighbourhoods 'without asking the open minded people'.

The people of Beit Shemesh have had to deal with many tough things but FAILED on a few things like running to the secular media about the issue (after they had already won the school case at the beginning of the year) and this mob as well.

The effort in Beit Shemesh apparently does not have yirat shamayim in it and has gone full political to create the foundation of the new party about to arise run by Rav Amsalem (from Shas) and Rav Lipman from BS.

josh said...

I can here the defense - the dancing was in the secular part of the city.

Pesky Settler said...

But Josh, Shmirat Einayim is not something only for Charedim. Granted they make take it to a higher level, but every Jew should be guarding what they see.

And as such, every Jew should be aware of placing a stumbling block before another Jew.

Some Guy said...

I thought it was cute. Great song. Love that Brian May guitar...