>>>But of course, not in synagogue on the Sabbath, since carrying money is prohibited then. Which is not to say that synagogues don't ask their members for money--they're very good at it. But there's no collection plate.
>>>
>>>Tamar
>>
>>Oh Tamar, don't get me started on some of the silly things about Judaism now :-)
>>
>>Terry
>
>Actually, while I'm not Sabbath-observant (or, as we say, shomer Shabbas), I am sometimes envious of those who are. The idea of having one day a week when you not only don't, but _may_ not do the usual thing, when you are supposed to slow down and spend time with your family, is pretty appealing. Not handling money, and thus, not shopping is part of that.
>
>And of course, it was the Sabbath that introduced the whole idea that you didn't have to work every day.
>
>Tamar

But when it comes down to spending millions of dollars to set up emergency electronic systems in hospitals, to take over certain human tasks, so the staff can't be seen as working (can't be sure of the details but I saw it on a docu. re. Israel years ago), at the risk of patients, it gets a bit "unnecessary". :-)

Terry