Guy asks whether Jews can carry just anything on Shabbat in side the eruv.
Yes. Sort of.
The short answer is that we can carry anything that we can carry. The longer answer is that there are some things that we just have no business carrying on Shabbat.
There's a category of object called Muktzeh, and these are objects that have no purpose on Shabbat. Remember, you can carry, but you still can't drive. Just because there's an eruv doesn't mean you can push the button to turn the crossing light into the little white walking guy. There are still forbidden activities, and objects whose only purpose is those forbidden activities are still forbidden. So. Since you can't write, you can't carry a pen. Since you can't drive, you can't carry your car keys. You can't cut, so put down those scissors now, young man. Make sense?
Hopefully, Guy now understands a little more. Most you are probably just more confused than ever.
Comments
Joshua,
Thanks for the short lesson in Judaic law. As a Christian, whose beliefs are deeply in Judaism, it's really great to have this information. Thanks again.
Posted by: Guy | November 2, 2006 12:56 PM
That was supposed to say, "whose beliefs are deeply rooted..."
Posted by: Guy | November 5, 2006 2:32 AM