Why do Jews no longer adhere to many of the laws from the OT?

Question

As Christians, we consider such Old Testament laws as stoning sinners and animal sacrifices obsolete under the New Covenant because of Christ's sacrifice. But I am curious to know the reason why followers of Judaism who are still awaiting a Messiah have considered such laws no longer applicable (while others are still maintained such as circumcision for instance). Thanks...

Answer 1

For one thing, in order to do animal sacrifices in the State of Israel, you need to have a temple....there is no temple for slaughter. Stoning is not prohibited because there were laws that have been changed according to the Israel Government and people.

There are Laws that Jews consider that are applicable and are valid still today with the Jewish people who are practicing Jews. They still keep the Holy Feasts that are mentioned in the OT and NT, even until this day and they still do circumcision as well. There are lots of unpracticed Jews who live in the land of Israel, just like here in the U.S.

The Jews still await their Messiah whom they didn't recognized Him when He was here on earth. Instead, God has allowed the Jewish people to be veiled. Many Jews as well, are coming to know their Messiah Yeshua today. Jews today, say their daily prayers 3 times a day, morning, noon, and night and one of their prayers include their await for Salvation, which Jesus (Yeshua) Yeshua means Salvation. Pretty interesting huh? Another one of their prayers is also the rebuilding of the Temple. And just think, Jews are the Apple of God's Eye....that is biblical. They are the light of this world, Salvation to the Jew first, then to the Gentile.

But once the Temple is rebuilt again, which they now have a Sanhedrin which you can read about in the OT, well talks are being made about building the Temple today in Israel. So don't be surprize when that comes about and don't speak against it either. And yes, the OT (Torah) is still valid today by many Jews and by many Christians as well. To know more....do visit www.ffoz.org or www.arutzsheva.com

Other than that, do "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem....." (Psalms 122:6)

Answer 2

I am not a Jew, but it is common sense that followers of Judaism today would be in big trouble if they continued to stone people they considered to be sinners, and would probably be violating laws prohibiting cruelty to animals at very least if they slaughtered animals with the same frequency and quantity as the Jews before Christ. Whether they still believe in them or not, they can't practice them without being put in prison for it. It may also be noted that circumcision is not only practiced by Jews. It was, and may still be, considered to be a health issue for both men and the women they copulate with. It is also a matter of convenience...all religions have followers who do not adhere to all that the creed of their forefathers dictates because it is not popular or interferes with their preferred lifestyle. It's not so much a matter of believing as doing/or not doing what you believe.

Answer 3

Judaism is as widely diverse as Christianity (more so, some would say), and older by far. It has a huge tradition of questioning and exploring not only the meaning of their holy texts, but also their value, questioned quite fearlessly where many other religions often treat such questioning as heresy or worse. Oh, they've had periods of great "orthodoxy", but today Jews of all types live together and still consider all the diverse groups "true Jews".

That can't be said of Christianity, and certainly can't be said of Islam!

The answers to your question are as various as the many "types" of Jew. I'll leave that to someone of that faith, but I hope my answer comes as a good "preface" to their answer.

Answer 4

Many commandments can no longer be adhered to today due to a lack of access to the Temple mount, for obvious reasons.

They are not considered obsolete as much as they are suspended.


As for criminal punishments that is due to often by choice and obstructions to civil law. Clearly in the United States for example no religious group can execute its own members for violating their own laws, this was sometimes permitted in the Middle Ages but not in modern society.

Though to fully explain these points would go beyond the scope of this question.

Answer 5

There is no one in the entire world who could adhere to the Laws from the Old Testament. One reason being is that they do not have a Temple, built as ordained by God, and they have no Levitical priests with which to make the atoneing sacrifice for the people.

Answer 6

With the destruction of the Temple in approximately 73 c.e. and the scattering of the Jews into the Diaspora, Jews and Judaism had to adapt. The laws of Hashem are applicable, but we follow the laws of our local communities. We do strive to follow the commandments Hashem gave us. However, no-one can follow ALL commandments, as some are for men, some for women, some for priests, etc.

Answer 7

i'm a Reform Jew-by technique of-decision, yet I attended a lecture by technique of an Orthodox Rabbi's spouse who defined only what you're asking. She became dedicated to her husband and marriage and felt like they were operating as a team in God's artwork. Obeying the commandments is termed mitzvot (pl) and all Jews will inform you that it is not a burder or a "yoke," besides the undeniable fact that it truly is a exhilaration and a privilege. there is more suitable to Judaism than peace of ideas and "warmth fuzzies." I particularly have only at the moment began to persist with the commandments, and that i believe her wholeheartedly. you won't be able to understand the feeling until eventually you recognize the philosophy and characteristic particularly tried it for your self. that is something you won't be able to study from examining. you are able to attempt it for your self. .

Answer 8

Many of the 613 commandments are not followed because it's simply not possible to do so.. the temple is not in place, the tribes have been scattered, and Israel is a secular nation.
Jews do their very best to follow what they can follow now. It in no way means that the Torah is invalidated to them.

Answer 9

Many of those laws were laid down to be able to live a reasonably healthy life in the desert environment.

Many of them just aren't needed because the cliamate/circumstances have changed.

Answer 10

Livestock is too expensive nowadays to simply hack up and burn, Hon.