From the Disproofs of the Oral Law series. Here is another potential proof:
8. What does the Torah mean when it [Ex. 20:10] forbids "work" on the sabbath? What work is forbidden and what is not? [Kuzari, ibid; Rashbatz, ibid., 30b; Rashbash, ibid.] Without an oral explanation of the details of this forbidden work, it is impossible to know what the Torah means.
The Tanakh, in fact, explains which activities are forbidden. For more details see my essay on Shabbat. Briefly, the following activities are all forbidden on Shabbat: business- or work- related activity: anything by which the person earns money or sustains his livelihood; commerce; sowing, pruning, reaping, and gathering; cooking; and lighting a fire.
Posted by Ami at January 13, 2004 11:12 PM | TrackBack