Saturday, April 20, 2013

Ridiculous Rules of Religion

                                                                      


Recently our sons took us to see The Book Of  Mormon for our anniversary. It's from the creators of the delightfully raunchy South Park; the cartoon that never tires of belittling all beliefs. Though some of the song titles were too filthy to mention, it was all done in the spirit of fun. The audience even gave a standing ovation.

Although the play was a devilish parody on the Mormon religion, I was shocked that the Mormon Organization actually placed three ads in the Playbill. My favorite caption was, "YOU'VE SEEN THE PLAY..NOW READ THE BOOK." It was great that they were able to laugh at themselves.

This made me think about how many religions follow ridiculous rules. For example, my friend just told me some traditions within the more observant sector of our religion that I wasn't familiar with. According to a Jewish Orthodox community on the East Coast, when a young bride and groom marry the groom's family is responsible for a list of items called FLOPS. This stands for Flowers, Liquor, Orchestra, Photographer, and Sheytl (wig(s) for the bride).

 All Jewish Orthodox married women are required to cover their heads with scarves, hats or wigs. As explained in The New Joys of Yiddish, "The rabbis decreed that once married, a woman's hair, her well-known crowning beauty, should not be visible lest it distract men from prayer or study." 

Wigs can be very costly, and it doesn't make sense why the groom's parents should have to pay for them. These rules are so impractical, because in most cases the marriages are arranged at a young age. Thus, these kids could use the FLOPS funds for food, and a place to raise their six to twelve children.

To add to the absurdity, another popular tradition in this community is to buy your future daughter-in-law a diamond tennis bracelet, and a fine watch for your son-in-law. You may not see the bling under her long sleeved blouse, but at least the groom will know when it's time to put his book down and procreate. Sounds like all the makings of the next Broadway hit.


40 comments:

  1. I'd never heard about sheytls until I found a youtube channel called jewinthecity. She made some really great videos about being Jewish.

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  2. Hi Julie .. I had no idea about shetls either .. but I've never delved into many cultures - but diamond tennis bracelets - surely is a bridge too far ... do I mean bangle too far ..

    Crazy - but glad you enjoyed the musical .. I gather it is good - and they're advertising on the buses here too ... and laughing at themselves ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  3. Yes I have seen the adverts here also. I think personally religion is a private matter as with politics is it because no one is perfect even within religion and certainly politics.
    Enjoy your week-end.

    Yvonne.

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  4. Religion is such a hairy subject. I've heard some traditions that I consider absolutely ridiculous but I respect each person's wish to believe in what they deem appropriate.

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  5. Plus, I really don't get the whole circumcision thing, either.
    From the Book of Penwasser, Chapter 10, Verses 1-24
    "Abraham!"
    "Yes, Lord?"
    "Abraham, to demonstrate your covenant with me, you must..."
    "Share with you my sheep, oh Lord?"
    "No, no. I'm allergic to wool."
    "Um....then shall I make a burning sacrifice of a lamb?"
    "Hmmm, ya know, that sounds like a pretty good idea. Put that to the side. No, I'm thinking of something else."
    "How 'bout I thrust a dagger into the chest of a Persian?"
    "Absolutely not! Those people are wicked cranky and will give you plenty of grief in about 3,000 years. No sense hacking them off just yet."
    'Well, how 'bout I give my flocks to the poor?"
    "Are frikkin' SHEEP all you got!?"
    "Hey, it's not my fault!! You haven't invented television or porn yet."
    "I gave you sheep."
    "Oh. Yeah."
    "Well, you got anything else?"
    "Well...here's a consideration. It might be a stretch, but how about I lop off a bit of my penis?"
    "Hmmm....you know...that might make sense. But, you might want to only do it to infants. They're so young they won't know it and...."
    "AAAAAARRRRRGGHGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
    "Abraham??? What the frik?????"
    "What was that part-UGHHHH!!!-about infants, oh Lord?"
    "Crap, never mind!!! Just go fetch me a sheep. And your son, Isaac."

    Can I get an 'Amen'?

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    1. Al - How long were you waiting for the right opportunity to write about this? Is this a re-post on C is for Circumcision, or fodder for a future post? Wait a minute, is this a sneak peek from your new book? In any event, it's hysterical and now I know why I made my boys do it!

      Julie

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    2. Actually (as I commented on my comment back over at my place), I think I may devote a post to this next month. So, yes, it is fodder.
      Which is much better than a mudder.
      Cleaner, too.
      At the risk of TMI, may I unveil a new slogan:
      "Circumcision! Not Just For Jews Anymore!"

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    3. That's a great idea Al! I'd tip my hat off to you if I could!

      Julie

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  6. Kelly - I'll have to look for it on youtube.

    Hilary - "Bangle too far" is a good one!

    Yvonne - I agree that it is a private preference, but the play just brought out how we all need to laugh at ourselves.

    Very eloquently put Al Diaz!

    Julie

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  7. That's great that you could laugh at it and the Mormon Organization had ads in it. Some people and religions are just too sensitive. If I took every slam against born-again Christians to heart, I'd be offended all the time. Not worth it.
    No rules - we just follow the Bible. Simpler that way.

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  8. Religions are a funny thing aren't they? A bunch of rules and regulations, pomp and circumstance. I think I'll just go stand in a forest and commune with my maker. So far I haven't been asked to lop anything off or wear a wig and sheep are quite safe from me. I wouldn't mind a nice sparkly tennis bracelet though.

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  9. Alex - I agree that "some people and religions are just too sensitive." I'm sure that we could find things to laugh about in all religions. Thanks Alex!

    Delores - I'm glad the sheep are safe from you, and you certainly deserve a little bling! Very cute Delores!

    Julie

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  10. Oh, religions have some real odd things to do and not to do. I've been confused for years about many things. For example, I can understand Jewish women having to cover their heads with a scarf but why shave your natural hair and wear a wig then cover that wig. Wouldn't it make more sense just to cover your natural hair. And the fact that you are showing your wig throughout the day to everyone, isn't that almost the same as showing your own hair, if you know what I mean. Hair whether in wig form or natural can be distracting, in a good and/or bad way.
    So many rules..... don't get me started, I came out of a cult.

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  11. Rum Punch Drunk - You don't have to shave your real hair. I read about how some women even braid their own hair underneath their wigs.There are so many types of wigs to choose from, and you're right that some of the more expensive ones look even better than their own hair. My hair has never distracted my husband, even in the worst humidity when it frizzes up like the Bride of Frankenstein! Have you written anything about your cult experience?

    Julie

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    1. There is a sect of orthodox Jews but I don't know what they are called, and the women definitely shave their heads and wear wigs. If I come across them in London, I'm going to be cheeky and ask what they call themselves.

      I have written a post that I want to publish on my blog at some point but I haven't done so yet. This church left a big mental scar but at least I am super alert to cultish organisations now.

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    2. Rum Punch Drunk - You're right that there are extreme instances where they do shave their heads, but it is difficult to distinguish between the different sects.

      I'm sorry that you had to go through such a devastating experience. Though I'm sure it took lots of strength and courage, it sounds like you're stronger than ever now. You're wise to wait until it feels right to share your story,

      Julie

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  12. I think every religion has a few outdated rules. I'm so happy the Mormon church decided to place an ad in the program and make light of the situation. That is much better than making a huge deal out of it.

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  13. Oh dear this is quite a subject and we have certain rules too in my church too, but that doesn't mean everyone doesn't go around doing what they want to anyway. LOL

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  14. I've heard the play is great. Every religion I know of has at least a few absurdities. Just goes to show God really does have a sense of humor. And a lot of patience for all of us.

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  15. I'm darned sure god didn't think up these rules. And as for absurd rules, the Mormons have some hum dingers.

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  16. Mary - Whoever was in charge of placing those ads did an excellent job.

    The Desert Rocks - It's true that many of us adhere to some, but not all of the rules. Others just make up the rules as they go along too!

    Carol - We really enjoyed it, but it's not for everyone. As long as you don't mind vulgarity, than you would also find it very entertaining. I know an 85 year old woman who understood that it was part of the story, so it depends on the person. Yes, patience is essential especially in his line of work!

    Lee - I also don't think that the FLOPS list made it on the tablets! There's plenty of "hum dingers" for every religion!

    Julie

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  17. My cousin is an Orthodox Jew. Interesting, but the only time I remember to call her is Friday after sundown...but she can't answer the phone.

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  18. This is a very culturally insightful post. I just learned about FLOPS for the first time today.

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  19. I think this post is fabulous. I wish everyone could take their faith and inject a bit of humor into it and for heavens sake's. Stop worrying about all those rules. But heck I'm Catholic I'm keeping my big mouth shut....excommunication ;0

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  20. Amy - It is hard to get used to, but you should just get in the habit of calling her during the week or on Sundays.

    Cynthia - I just found out about it recently too. Thanks Cynthia!

    Julie

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  21. Great post. You are so good at putting your thoughts down--and responding to comments!
    tm

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  22. Jen - Thanks so much, and it never hurts to "inject a little humor" now and then!

    Ornery - I really appreciate your kind words! Responding to people like you who are nice enough to comment, is what makes blogging fun.

    Julie

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  23. Great post Julie!
    I've never heard of FLOPS before!
    I always say that God has a sense of humor... I believe that 100%!
    And it's great to be able to laugh at yourself, instead of being so uptight about things...
    I also believe that, over a long period of time, MAN has altered/bent/twisted/changed "religious facts" and "historical accounts" to suit his personal agenda... for that is the nature of man.
    But GOD'S word is truth!

    Writer In Transit

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  24. I never heard any of those Jewish traditions before. They seem quite out of place in modern society. Glad you enjoyed the theatre.

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    1. Michelle - I agree that in the long run we all have to do what works for us. Thanks Michelle!

      Rhonda - They are out of place, and I don't know how tennis bracelets got thrown into the mix.

      Julie

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  26. Ruth posted about religion too. I like it, and I've learned about wigs from you. When I visited the Chabad here, the rabbi's wife mentioned to me once that she was wearing a wig. I didn't know they always wear wigs (at least when in the presence of men). Thanks for the explanation on that. I'm thinking, though, a wig can be more attractive than one's real hair. It is an odd practice.

    xoRobyn

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  27. I agree that a lot of religious practises can sound strange and unfamiliar but I always think that being a member of such a religious group is a secure and comforting place to live. You know what you're doing and where you're going. It's not for everybody but it works for those who choose it.

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  28. I'd never heard of FLOPS before either. I was raised Catholic so I know all about strange and ridiculous rules. There's a book called "Growing Up Catholic" that totally cracked my family up, can't remember the author's name but he really nailed the Catholic school experience. To me it's fun to be able to laugh at yourself!

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  29. Robyn - There is such a diverse wig selection that you could look like a movie star, or a bag lady depending on what you choose. I'll have to head over to Ruth's later.

    Rosalind - There is a strong sense of community which does have its benefits.

    Julie - There really are silly and outdated rules in all religions. That sounds like a fun book, and I agree that we all have to be able to laugh at ourselves.

    Julie

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  30. I think it's silly how people will have no problem poking fun at one religion, yet be terrified to even call another out for obvious wrongdoings....

    I won't mention any names....

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  31. I'm not a ceremoniously religious guy. I look at religions as compilations of traditions, most of which provide comfort and direction for many.

    I love this post because I dislike political correctness so much. If we all laughed more at our traditions, religions, ethnicities, etc., we would enjoy a lot more peace and happiness in our lives. I agree. Many rules are silly, but they don't necessarily nullify our beliefs either.

    I do have a question. I am a vegetarian. If my religion required me to eat meat on Friday, would I be in trouble for all eternity?

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  32. I have heard a lot of good things about this musical. If God didn't want us to laugh, he wouldn't have given us the ability.

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  33. Mark - It's the old "people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" mentality that really holds true.

    JJ - I agree that we're better off not taking these things too seriously. As for your question, my answer is no. Sadly, I think more religious people would disagree. The only exception being for health reasons. How did I do professor?

    Ruth - I wholeheartedly agree!

    Julie

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