Faith

In the “modern” Jewish Shul a rabbi is given a contract to work for a certain amount of years for a particular shul and then must have their contract be renewed if they are to continue working at that Shul. This contract basis makes it difficult for the Rabbi to bring up significant points that might be controversial especially if it affects or offends those in leadership position at this Shul.  I believe if we truly want to understand the faith this practice should be stopped.

A rabbi should build a Shul around their core values and those that support those values should join his/her Shul. If a rabbi violates certain moral principals (stealing, drug abuse, sexual abuse) they should be dismissed from office but only those specific issues.  Once that Rabbi moves on then the next Rabbi serves with respect to the core values but could add or enhance those values as well. If members of the congregation don’t like the direction the new Rabbi is taking the Shul they can leave to form their own Shul and adopt a new rabbi.

On Monday December 16th my Shul “Shaarey Israel” held a meeting of two of the major faiths Islam & Judaism to see not only how we can co-exist but strive together. Rabbi Stengel mentioned that G-D loves all his people and that they all have a special place on this earth and the afterlife.   Imam Syed Ali said that if one is take one life it is like they have killed the world and said that we must seek common ground and build on it.   Many might consider me naïve but I believe that if we could build on relationships like this we would not only find peace together but happiness and success. This I believe is G-D’s calling upon all his children.

Please note a member of the Christian community was also invited but due to sickness wasn’t able to attend. G-D willing they’ll be present at future events.

The Imam is the man with the largest skull cap.

This country has been founded on the concept of freedom of religion. Where every citizen could find their own path to G-D without the state imposing there faith upon them. Yet there are cracks being found  in that basic principal. These cracks are due to the religion of the state is imposing  their faith on others that don’t share their faith or deny the practice of faith as a whole.  It is important that all citizens whether they practice one or another faith or don’t practice any faith at all, fight to insure that even those they may disagree without have the right to the faith they believe in. Here are just a few examples (below) of how the cracks are occurring.

1. Click to find how religious groups must provide a product that is against their faith

2. Click to find how a person of faith was forced to provide a service against their faith

3. Click to see how politics was used to stop those of faith

Many of my friends believe that my faith places too many restrictions on me but I see it as true freedom.  My faith doesn’t permit me to eat certain foods, makes me observe certain customs and take off certain days of work but that is far less restrictive then those who don’t have faith.  Here are just a few ways faith gives you freedom.

(1) Others feel they are judged by many people and feel restricted because of their judgment while those of faith only have to worry about being judged by G-D

(2) Those without faith worry about keeping up with their neighbors while those of faith only worry about following the truth.

(3) People without faith are enslaved with feelings of guilt and being unsure of their role in life but people with faith know that G-D has a special role for them and that forgiveness is easily obtained.

(4) People with faith feel free even in the end because they believe that this is only one step while those without worry every step because they never know when those steps will end.