In V3 #2
RMPTC@aol.com writes Russell Hendel writes:
<< Thus it seems reasonable
that life evolves in the same form on every
planet and the Torah comes after
its "prerequisites"(Abraham, Chesed,
Moshe, Overthrow of Egypt)
>>
This posting continues:
<< Even if the Rand survey
mentioned turns out to be true...there is a big
difference between life and
mankind created in the Divine
image..When the Torah says 'not in the
Heavens'..is it precluding Hashem from
making another planet >>
I invite people to read this delightful Rand study. It does not rule
out
far fetched possibilities but simply takes alot of observed facts
and
infers things which are not immediately obvious.
For example, ALL life has cells, all cells are based on water and water
can
only exist between 32 and 212 farenheight. Therefore it is
suggested
that if life existed on other planets it would be in the 32-100
degree
range. We actually reach a conclusion.
In a similar vein I am claiming that all Judaic theorists believe that
the
soul during life must coexist with a body. The mystics all teach that
G-d
wanted "residence" in the lower worlds and created man for that
purpose.
What is man? Simply an animal who can recognize G-d.
Once we grant this we can start deducing universal mitzvoth. All
bodies
need food, water, shelter ,ownership,procreation and all who recognize
G-d
need "dialog" with Him. Thus any planet that can support life would
invite
a desire by G-d to be present: one species would get a soul, and then
this
animal-soul species would require the same laws we have: Laws
governing
diet, ownership, modesty, learning, prayer, places for
prayer(Temples etc).
Let me ask a specific halachic question: Can a Jew marry a person
on
another planet if that person has a Torah like ours, believes in
prophecy,
etc.
Russell Jay Hendel; Ph.d.;ASA; rhendel @ mcs . drexel . edu