basic judaism

On behalf of Adam and Eve let me say we are all really, really…… (you get the point) SORRY.  Yes, we don’t know what they were thinking for just one silly Apple but if you could give us a 2nd chance we promise this time we’ll leave the tree alone.  If we see some snake slithering along we will definetly walk another way. I guess the “we” is a bit over stated but I’m sure most would love to walk in their birthday suits especially if this time they fit them.  G-D its been at least about 5,779 or so and we would appreciate a 2nd chance for their mistake.  Maybe we don’t deserve eternal life now but if you could add a couple hundred years that would be just great!  I think most would even give up Apples as a whole after the first 200. Anyway thanks for listening and again please accept my apology on behalf of all living creatures.

Today is Simchat Torah but I’ve celebrated it yesterday as a true Israeli does. Yes, I know I’m not Israeli but today I am as I try to balance family, faith and business in this life with various beams.  Just as today we know when a day in Israel begins and ends then I believe I know when it’s okay for me to work it out as well. I do not believe that those who are taking the day off are wrong I just belief my day in is right for the beams I’m balancing.  I will walk in a different path today then tomorrow just in case my path isn’t perfect today but I still will be walking there.  For those that take the day off to celebrate Simchat Torah I wish them a joyous happy day and ask them to say an extra prayer for me just in case G-D wanted me to join them as well.

Many might say that they are “too religious” but I believe that there is more in those two words then what is written.  Here is a deeper take (below) of what others just might be thinking and believing themselves.

LACK EMPATHY-  These individuals can’t understand what and where I’m going. Yet between their robes is a person who has felt much of the pain even if the clothes cover it.

LOOK DOWN AT   – Remember a truly religious person seeks to improve themselves first and foremost.  If these individuals appear to be looking down at you maybe you should show them a mirror instead.

NO FUN-   People who appear to religious may have all types of restrictions on themselves yet get to know them as a human being not a symbol and you’ll see fun in a whole different way then before.

PREACHY – Know one likes to be lectured too but words of wisdom are hard to come by these days so have an open heart and listen. You might find a better way to walk on your own path.

G-D    People of faith will try to connect G-D to everything and that might make you feel uncomfortable. Yet sometimes discomfort allows you to feel a fabric you never knew you were wearing.

According to the teahing of Mussar I’m supposed to welcome “criticism”.  Of course this is the type that is done in a constructive way to help build someone up not tear them down.  Yet often when too many bricks come your way without any mortar it starts to leave scratch’s that open up wounds at least in my case. I guess I should be more “welcoming” to such remarks for without them my steps would be the same as when I was only two.  It’s going to be a challenge though with my hand not fully receptive to all the words said but maybe a smile….sorta, instead.

There are some prayers said by those in desperation and some that are said out of respect for tradition.  Elderly people who pray for peace and young people who pray for play with other children.  Whatever your mode or reason prayer is the answer we need more of. It brings us back and sets us a forward as we release those inner thoughts and ask, plead,challenge,wonder and live with words we hardly say anywhere else. Sometimes an answer can appear out of know where and sometimes it might appear as if our own voice is the only one listening. Yet rest assured G-D is listening and just as we never know the impact of our words on others who knows if we were the voice that truly changed it all.

I’m “learning” how to be a really good person through my study of “Mussar” and I wonder if I have to exchange parts if not my whole “real person”.  For some of the conditions appear to be written in a different book then the one I hold in my own brain and bones. Yes, I can become more patient but it will never fully be a virtue in my life.  It’s important to respect those with greater experience and knowledge yet I can’t close the rebel chapter that has me sometimes playing to a different Harmonica.  One might have to accept the difficulties in life with a smile but that doesn’t mean it won’t be for the fight against it.  G-D willing trying is what is truly sought and being a good person really entails the book that is written in you rather then one that has chapters I can barely read.

G-D promised that the Jewish people would be as stars in heaven and just as you can’t see those stars unless you look  in the dark I hope to illuminate how this has occurred today.  For just as stars are far part so are those of the many different faiths that exist today but most burn brightly in the one believe of only one G-D.  How we get to those destination might be quite different but it is much closer then when there was a world of polythesistic beliefs. As one looks to the sky and see’s one star brighter then another so does one see their faith appear closer to our reality. It may not appear to be exactly as it is written in the good book but if you look deeper in the dark you will see stars you never saw before and one be far the brighest of them all.