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Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2000 17:59:14 -0500 (EST)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Apologies/Clarification On Some Recent Postings

Several halachic topics were recently discussed on Torah Forum that have a
wide range of latitude among the acharonim---these include (a) medicine on
shabbos, (b) singing/dancing on shabboth, (c) fixing shoe laces on Shabbos.

In responding to these inquiries I attempted to trace the prohibitions to
original Torah law. In so doing I might have inadvertently showed lack of
sensitivity to the rich variety of opinions among the acharonim. I
therefore am writing this posting to clarify my intent to make sure that no
one was incorrectly offended.

My goal was not to say that any particular acharon was right or wrong. My
goal was to show the common Biblical issues that all Posayks (deciders of
law) had to address. Because most of my own personal studies have been in
halachic midrash and derivation of laws I am ignorant of the rich
literature on acharonim's views. However I do think it important in any
area to be aware of the primary Biblical laws under which laws are
classified. Futhermore a total understanding of rabbinic law must include
its relations to primary Biblical law.

I hope this clarifies my postings on the above subjects.

Russell Jay Hendel; Math Towson;
Moderator Rashi Is Simple; http://www.shamash.org/rashi/