More frustrations in halacha class.... We are learning the halachos of sharp foods, and I preface this entry by emphasising that this is a Intermediate/Advanced Level class.

The question was a classic : "What happens if I cut an onion with a fleishig (meat) knife and cook it in a milchig (milk) pot ?"

I squinted my eyes with suspicion. Was she kidding ? Too little sleep maybe ? Why would you cut anything with a fleishig knife and cook it in a milchig pot, let alone an onion !? Have you been listening to what Rabbi Hanoka (of the "OK" Hechsher fame) has been telling us in the last few weeks???

Don't get me wrong, I think no question is a silly question, I just feel that as mature young ladies, we need to be able to draw distinctions between : -

(a) learning the Halachas (laws)
(b) asking a shiloh (a question arising in Halacha, which should be asked of your Local Orthodox Rabbi)
(c) showing off knowledge (very annoying)
(d) asking abstract, theoratical questions which in all probability will never even arise and in the unlikely event that they do, they are meant for your Rabbi. That's what he is there for.
(e) harassing the teacher

In my humble opinion (ok maybe sometimes not so humble), its really not fair to the rest of the class who actually want to hear what the Rabbi has to say. Currently, we spend about 10-15 minutes learning the halachos and the remaning half an hour entertaining questions. Its ridiculous and I feel very strongly about it. I didn't come to school to waste my time listening to other people's shilohs.

BUUUUUUT that being said I realise I have to be more patient. Yes, yes I am not utterly devoid of feeling you know. Hmph. There are also some lighter moments in class, like when the Rabbi gave this response to a comment that was made in class :

"We don't need to be *frummer than the **Shulchan Aruch."

*more religious or observant
*Code of Jewish Law

Talk about nipping that baal teshuva zeal right in the bud. I could not stop laughing.....

and now, lehavdil, the quote of the day, which I decided to take from the Hayom Yom of 15 Cheshvan :

"The soul above awaits the time it will be privileged to descend into a body. For the soul senses how much it can accomplish here below - it can attain the level of "delighting with G-d". So what is everyone waiting for?"

Have a good one, folks. Remember, it could be your one more mitzvah that's going to bring Moshiach now!