Next week I will go for a walk in the woods. We missed our annual hike this spring so I have been longing for it. It won’t be the same. Not just because Andrew, Taylor or Tim won’t be there – it won’t be spring:
Nothing like the mist in the morning as you hike in the woods during spring time.
So I think I’ll go for a few days and try and work it out to finish the last 35 miles of Georgia’s section.
Got me thinking tonight at Synagogue. First the Rabbi started the service with an observation or reminder that being in Synagogue was a time for us to feel comfortable in who we are. To be Jews and not have to tip-toe around that fact that we do believe in God, one God and that we have a soul and customs and laws. Later, the Rabbi talked about what the world would be like if there were no Jews and what that means. It was the second Sabbath of the month so it was Q/A time. Initially the discussion turned to things missing like the contributions from famous Jews like Einstein and Salk or even two other major religions (Christianity and Islam) since the basis is Torah. (Stephanie pointed out that there would be no movie industry!) But then we talked about what Judaism has to contribute to the world going forward. My mind turned to a topic I have discussed here already – Tzedaka and how helping others and mankind is simply the right thing to do in our world. I thought of my feelings about the golden rule and how I tell the kids to look for good.
So it reminded me of the AT again. We talk a lot when walking (some more then others, myself included) and I had a discussion with one of my friends who was raised Catholic and now is a Baptist through marriage. He asked what it meant to me and why I was Jewish.
So back to the point earlier – most of the time these days my non-Jewish friends are curious and I’m ok with that, better then a hundred years ago when many were just plain ignorant and mean. So I explained a little bit about my background and choices. But then I realized why he asked, he was not sure if he believed all the Baptist customs and faith; or the Catholic for that matter. A very clear message came to me.
I told him that Judaism became so much more important to me after I became a father. Its back to mythology, stories, morals and laws. You can make up reasons, force your kids to listen, beg them to be good, etc. Or you can live a good, Jewish life and guess what – its all in there. The stories in Torah teach and do it in an interesting way. The laws on how to live together, be healthy, be happy are in there too. So why fight it? My kids are good kids, they enjoy the songs, the customs and they understand the reasons. They have faith and they have hope for the future.
I could go on about how so many of today’s religions were rooted in power struggles and control. So that is why the Jews are so stiff-necked about sticking to it and together. I’m sure a long time ago the Torah was used to control as well. Perhaps to bring order, perhaps to consolidate power. But today it is not, at least for me and there is a comfort to that.
So look for the good in others, that is Love.
That which is hurtful to you, don’t do to
others.
Be Nice.
