| Every time I read a parsha like Parshat Ki Teitze (and | | | | 2. On the other hand, there is (for the most part) no |
| many others) that have a section dealing with lashes, I | | | | concept of prison in the Torah. The bulk of penalties |
| flash back to my youth and an unforgettable news | | | | mentioned are the death penalty (rarely enforced), |
| story that was the talk of the entire United States. | | | | monetary compensation, and our subject: Lashes. If I |
| Do you remember Michael Fay? This was a young | | | | believe, as I do, that God is perfect and His Torah is |
| man who was caught vandalizing in Singapore, and | | | | perfect, how can I doubt that this is not one of the |
| was sentenced to six lashes with a Singapore caning | | | | most effective means of dealing with criminal behavior, |
| rod. People wouldn't stop talking about. "How could | | | | even if I don't fully understand the logic behind it? To do |
| they hurt an American citizen?" one would say. "It's | | | | so would be a demonstration on my part of a lack of |
| their country and they have the right to enforce their | | | | faith in the efficacy of Divine Law. Surely the Torah |
| laws however they choose," another would say. "I'll go | | | | speaks only truth. |
| there and endure the lashes for him," one | | | | Nevertheless, I refuse to let my logic shut off, even for |
| well-intentioned gym teacher offered. | | | | a moment. And I believe that this is what the Jewish |
| These are three thoughts that always cross my mind | | | | religion wishes of me. |
| when the subject comes up: | | | | 3. Perhaps my most unshakable thought: Neither the |
| 1. A punishment like caning seems inherently wrong. | | | | death penalty, nor the modern prison system have |
| How can a modern society consciously perpetuate a | | | | demonstrated in any way shape or form their ability to |
| system which advocates a violent reaction to | | | | deter crime, and the prisons are certainly not reforming |
| non-violent crime? And imagine the effect on the | | | | their inmates into quality, law-abiding citizens. And I can't |
| human being who administers these lashes! Look at all | | | | help but wonder: Has any American even considered |
| the examples of soldiers who are disturbed after a | | | | doing the most mild act of vandalism in Singapore |
| war because of some of the things they had to do. By | | | | since Michael Fay's incident, while vandalism continues |
| using such techniques we inevitably create a society | | | | to fill our every nook and cranny? |
| that revels in violence... | | | | From what I hear, the streets of Singapore are quite |
| Perhaps... | | | | clean... |