In this episode of It's My Turn, Don Wildmon delves into the intriguing story of Jenny Grossinger, a name synonymous with Grossinger's Resort, a world-famous getaway in the Catskills. Jenny Grossinger faced a unique challenge in the 1940s when her resort began attracting a diverse clientele, including many non-Jewish guests. The Jewish Sabbath laws prohibited entertainment on Friday nights, which posed a significant dilemma for her business.

To navigate this, Jenny consulted a Talmudic scholar who advised that the Sabbath Eve entertainment would be permissible if the resort was not owned by a Jewish person during that time. Ingeniously, every Friday, Jenny would transfer the ownership of the resort, worth around $20 million, to Hans Brehens, a trusted non-Jewish employee, for a mere $1. Come Saturday night, she would buy it back, ensuring compliance with religious laws while keeping her business thriving.

This story serves as a springboard for Don Wildmon to explore the broader theme of legalism in religion. He draws a parallel to Herod the Great, the ruler of Palestine during the birth of Christ. Herod, despite adopting the Jewish religion for political gain, adhered strictly to Jewish laws, such as abstaining from pork, yet had no qualms about committing heinous acts, including the murder of his own family members. This hypocrisy led Caesar Augustus to famously remark that he would rather be Herod's pig than his son.

Don uses these historical anecdotes to underscore a critical point: the danger of reducing religion to a set of legalistic practices while missing its true spirit. He reflects on the Christian faith, emphasizing that it should not be about rigid adherence to rules but about embracing the spiritual essence of the teachings. This sentiment is beautifully encapsulated in the parable of the prodigal son, particularly the often-overlooked story of the elder son who, despite his outward obedience, missed the joy and spirit of his father's teachings.

The episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own religious practices. Are they merely going through the motions, adhering to rules without understanding the deeper spiritual significance? Bro. Don's thought-provoking discussion invites us to move beyond legalism and embrace the true joy and spirit of our faith.

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