I don't think masturbation has anything to do with it.
It's still practiced today because people are still Jews today and it's one of the rules of Judaism. As such it doesn't need to be justified on practical grounds.
"Barbarous" is rhetorical language, I'd be careful of it.
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Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Fri 13 Jul 2012, 22:39,
Reply)
"Barbarous" used deliberately.
I think "emotive" is the word you're looking for.
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Varmint, Fri 13 Jul 2012, 22:50,
Reply)
That's another one,
as is "loaded".
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Moon Girl Technologies horrendous beanbag, Fri 13 Jul 2012, 22:54,
Reply)