1
The writer next attacks scruples concerning foods, Shabbat, circumcision, fasting, and the new moon.
2
He argues that distinguishing creatures of Elohim as though some were inherently unfit for use misunderstands the goodness of the Creator.
3
He mocks the idea that one particular day alone must be guarded as though the ordering of the other days belonged to another power.
4
He treats circumcision as bodily boasting when it is made into a claim of superiority.
5
He likewise attacks fasting and new-moon observance when they become outward displays rather than truth in conduct.
6
He concludes that the Christians keep themselves apart both from Hellenic idolatry and from what he calls the excessive observance of the Yehudim.
7
But he insists that the inner mystery of their own way cannot simply be learned as one more human custom.
8
HaSefarim retains this chapter exactly as a polemical source layer while separating it from Torah's own covenantal meanings. Layer note. The anti-Shabbat, anti-circumcision, and anti-calendar polemic belongs to the Christian apologetic …