For the past year or so I’ve come to think of my blog as a place where I can write whatever I wish. Where I can sit in front of my computer screen and let my thoughts fly through the keyboard with no fear as to what will happen once they were said. But I’ve realized it is not so, once I type something and it enters blog land it is open for the public to read and dispute. There is no such freedom of speech, each word said has consequences.
A little while ago, I got an e-mail from a lawyer asking me to remove a post of mine (on my other blog) since it can harm their client. So I right away removed it. (Although I did save a copy first). I then put up a poll asking you what your reaction would have been when faced with such a request.
15/18 of you said you would “look at their reasons and evaluate the situation”. Two of you said “excuse me it's my post, I put it there, it will remain there, freedom of speech!”
I didn’t mind taking down the post since I meant no harm in it to begin with. The only problem was, my blog went from 100 posts to 99 posts. The blog was supposed to close at 100 posts from one complete year of blog writing. I had already ended the blog with a final post, and I was debating if I should add a new post or not. I figured I would keep it at 99 and let it be a Zecher L’Chorbon.
Well now I’m at 99 posts again, so I figured it fits in that I should dedicate this 99th post to explain why I have 99 posts instead of 100 on my other blog. I’ve also decided to take this time to reflect on my writing, and to try not to write anything negative about anyone again. (It does get hard when I created a blog to vent a bit).
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Two last thoughts before I close:
1- On the topic of Zecher L’Chorbon. I remember learning in elementary school that we should leave over a little food on our plate so that it can be a Zecher. I’m proud to say that is one thing which I’ve been able to keep diligently.
2- When I think of Zecher L’Chorbon, I think of the next thing, which is building the Bais Hamikdash and Moshiach coming. Which reminds me of the first post of mine on this blog.
Up next: Post #100 – Blog Awards!
14 comments:
That's insane how did a lawyer get to your blog? I remember that poll but thought it had to do with posts that contain 'inappropriate' content...
I never heard of leaving over food zecher l'churban, isn't that bal tashchis (then again so is the glass that we smash by weddings)? Anyway I can see how you don't have a problem leaving over food, me on the other hand ;) Although I should try it... Right now my family doesn't listen to music while eating zecher l'churban, also I heard you're not supposed to listen to music while going to bed bec R' Moshe Feinstien says it's king-like behavior when we're supposed to be mourning. Someone correct me on that one though bec I heard it from an obscure source. Oh and in seminary they said not to wear all of your jewelry at once (like necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings all at once)... but then again I just don't like the way it looks so it's not a trial for me (especially when I heard that Coco Chanel gave the same opinion that before you go out you should take one thing off!)
Taking it down sounds quite wise. Especially now that you are looking for a job. Freedom of speech is in the Bill of Rights, yes, but 1) just because you have a right to do something doesn't mean you should do it and 2) seems like it might fall into Shmiras HaLashon?
I find your Zechar L'Churban interesting as I am working on a "History of Zionism" post. Yes, we Jews have been mourning for the Beit HaMikdash for a long time.
Interesting... I never heard about the leaving food over thing either and it would also be difficult for me from a Bal Tashchis standpoint....
I wonder where it originated......
the leaving over food thing, I think is just one of those elementary things morahs say and has no real basis, but I wouldnt know
Never heard of leaving over food either and wouldn't do it cause I don't like throwing out food.
I would only take the post down after consulting with one of my lawyer friends.
i cast my lot with the baal tashchis objectors
which post did you take down because of a lawyer?
I guess they were googling and they found it. I also have something else to tell you, I'll e-mail you.
yea, seems like it would be bal tashchis, I googled and found it says this:
"...and when preparing a celebrative meal, one must leave out one cooked food in remembrance of the Temple's destruction."
Interesting about not listening to music while eating, never heard that one before. I heard that one about not listening to music when going to sleep. Haven't heard about the Jewelry one, interesting. What's the Coco chanel?
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Yea, I suppose it was a smart move. I'm not sure if the post was L"H or not. It was a news story that I saw that troubled me, so I said my opinion on it.
Thanx, I've never really learned about Zionism, so I would be curious when it started and all.
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yea, seems like it would be bal tashchis, I googled and found it says this:
"...and when preparing a celebrative meal, one must leave out one cooked food in remembrance of the Temple's destruction."
could be it didn't mean to always leave over, maybe just by special occasions when it can get very festive.
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:) maybe, I'll have to ask my LOR about it.
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yea, I know, by me I really don't do it on purpose, just happens to be I get full fast so at least I can think of it as going for a good cause- mitzvah. But yea, I'll have to find out more about it.
yea, I remember that's what you said when I tweeted about it.
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yea, seems like everyone thinks its baal tashchis.
I googled and found it says this:
"...and when preparing a celebrative meal, one must leave out one cooked food in remembrance of the Temple's destruction."
could be it didn't mean to always leave over, maybe just by special occasions when it can get very festive.
It was a post about Isaac Hersh
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what could you have written that upset his lawyer?
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I'll e-mail it to you in pdf format.
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