Last year, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts set aside one summer Saturday as No Tax Day: Whatever you buy for under $2,500 was free of the 5% sales tax.

Some Jews complained because the orthodox can’t touch money on the sabbath.

So, the Commonwealth responded admirably by declaring an entire tax free weekend, today and tomorrow.

Unfortunately, the Commonwealth didn’t consult its religious calendar: Sunday is Tisha B’Av, a fast day remembering the destruction of the Temples. Guess what orthodox Jews can’t do on Tisha B’Av? Yes, they can’t eat, bathe, wear leather, have sex…or touch money. You spend the day in shul studying Torah, so until the mall opens up a Study, Daven ‘n’ Beyond store, there’s not going to be a lot of temptation to shop anyway.

Nice try, Commonwealth! [Tags: massachusetts judaism]

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