Yesterday at the bus stop, I was approached by two English-speaking ladies. They didn't speak any Hebrew, and needed help with directions. It turned out, they were taking a bus from the same stop. after a few-minute conversation on various topics (beer been the first- naturally, I opened a bottle of Israeli shandy- pretty cool mix of beer with lime- and mentioned a few good brands available locally)-one of the ladies looked at me, puzzled. She pointed at my yarmulka, and asked me- "Are you allowed to talk to us?" I was quite surprised, to say the least- it took me a while to understand what she was referring to- Dati (religious) is NOT SUPPOSED TO SPEAK WITH GOYIM! Well, that's what she told me- and when I inquired (politely) who told her that- her friend simply said- "Well, that's what we see all the time here"...
I had a long bus ride to think about this incident- and sure enough, it made me feel very uncomfortable- almost embarrassed...As a matter of fact, religious people in this country are perceived as very xenophobic and looking down at everyone who is not like them.
My only reaction to this is- WHAT'S GOING ON?
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Day before Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is approaching- the most important day in the Hebrew calendar is knocking on the door...Are we ready?
With so many important things to do before the Day of Atonement, I would like to highlight a few things we may forget about-
On Yom Kippur eve, many Jews go to mikvah. It's an important custom brought down in Halacha, as we are reminding ourselves of a need to get purified before G-d. In fact, the whole day of Atonement is been described in the Talmud as "getting cleansed before G-d", and G-d is literally compared to mikvah, in which we are immersing ourselves on that holy day- "Mikvah Israel Hashem"- G-d is embracing us totally, with no rejection and separation, like the waters of the mikvah! How beautiful and magnificent!
Next, we are been told, in as much as it's a mitzvah to fast on Yom Kippur, one HAS TO EAT day before- Talmud even suggests, that this counts as another day of fasting! One can say, this is the only day of the year when one is actually required to eat and fulfills the mitzvah by doing it! It seems, our Rabbis were really concerned with our well- being. That reminds us of necessity not to take our health lightly- should one experience significant health related issues, he MUST terminate his fast. Usually, in light of the seriousness of the day, one is initially (if his health condition permits so) required not to break the Biblical prohibition, and eats shiurim- small amounts of food and drink (usually measured as around 50 gr of solids or around 100 ml of liquids to be consumed every 9 min) , thus violating only Rabbinical prohibition. However, one needs to consult with his Rabbi and/or his doctor, in case of serious medical condition- he may be allowed to eat and drink normally
Finally, in the mincha service before Yom Kippur, we are to say Vidduy- verbal Confession of our sins, which according to Maimonides, constitutes the main part of the most important mitzvah of the day- to do Tshuvah. Very often, in all the rush before the Big Day, we may totally overlook the importance of this Vidduy BEFORE the day starts-so that we enter the day with purity. According to many opinions, this Vidduy is an obligation for men and women alike. As we are saying Vidduy, it's certainly good to think of your individual and specific sins that you want to confess, but also to remember that we are saying it in plural, for all of Israel.
It is an ancient Jewish custom to do kaporos before Yom Kippur- and according to Kabbalists, one needs to do it right before the fast, as close to sunset as possible. Many have a custom of doing kapporos after Mincha. Although some people still insist on using chicken for this purpose, this was strongly critisized by our great Rabbis, and in light of it's being highly problematic from both Halachic and ethical perspective, one should certainly opt for a much better option- Kapporos on money. Generally speaking, in light of a somewhat mysticall spell of a ritual on so many of us, I think we need to remember, that in no way does this formula "this money goes to tsdaka, and I shall be signed for (good) life" substitute genuine Tshuva- real soul searching, that is of course much more challenging than any shortcut.
And here comes Yom Kippur- which so many of us associate with SUFFERING- NO food, NO drinks, NO sex,etc...And yes, Torah calls it suffering- suffering of our nefesh- our lower animalistic soul, our animal, that usually is so demanding and outspoken, that we hardly can hear the Other Voice- that of our angelic Soul...our Higher Self, something in us which is truly G-dlike. Now, my friends, THAT'S THE DAY WHEN THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN- we shut the mouth of our animal, so that an angel in us may emerge and the Voice of Silence can be finally heard...May we all experience this great day to the fullest- so, that this year, we'll be getting a few steps closer to Heaven!
With so many important things to do before the Day of Atonement, I would like to highlight a few things we may forget about-
On Yom Kippur eve, many Jews go to mikvah. It's an important custom brought down in Halacha, as we are reminding ourselves of a need to get purified before G-d. In fact, the whole day of Atonement is been described in the Talmud as "getting cleansed before G-d", and G-d is literally compared to mikvah, in which we are immersing ourselves on that holy day- "Mikvah Israel Hashem"- G-d is embracing us totally, with no rejection and separation, like the waters of the mikvah! How beautiful and magnificent!
Next, we are been told, in as much as it's a mitzvah to fast on Yom Kippur, one HAS TO EAT day before- Talmud even suggests, that this counts as another day of fasting! One can say, this is the only day of the year when one is actually required to eat and fulfills the mitzvah by doing it! It seems, our Rabbis were really concerned with our well- being. That reminds us of necessity not to take our health lightly- should one experience significant health related issues, he MUST terminate his fast. Usually, in light of the seriousness of the day, one is initially (if his health condition permits so) required not to break the Biblical prohibition, and eats shiurim- small amounts of food and drink (usually measured as around 50 gr of solids or around 100 ml of liquids to be consumed every 9 min) , thus violating only Rabbinical prohibition. However, one needs to consult with his Rabbi and/or his doctor, in case of serious medical condition- he may be allowed to eat and drink normally
Finally, in the mincha service before Yom Kippur, we are to say Vidduy- verbal Confession of our sins, which according to Maimonides, constitutes the main part of the most important mitzvah of the day- to do Tshuvah. Very often, in all the rush before the Big Day, we may totally overlook the importance of this Vidduy BEFORE the day starts-so that we enter the day with purity. According to many opinions, this Vidduy is an obligation for men and women alike. As we are saying Vidduy, it's certainly good to think of your individual and specific sins that you want to confess, but also to remember that we are saying it in plural, for all of Israel.
It is an ancient Jewish custom to do kaporos before Yom Kippur- and according to Kabbalists, one needs to do it right before the fast, as close to sunset as possible. Many have a custom of doing kapporos after Mincha. Although some people still insist on using chicken for this purpose, this was strongly critisized by our great Rabbis, and in light of it's being highly problematic from both Halachic and ethical perspective, one should certainly opt for a much better option- Kapporos on money. Generally speaking, in light of a somewhat mysticall spell of a ritual on so many of us, I think we need to remember, that in no way does this formula "this money goes to tsdaka, and I shall be signed for (good) life" substitute genuine Tshuva- real soul searching, that is of course much more challenging than any shortcut.
And here comes Yom Kippur- which so many of us associate with SUFFERING- NO food, NO drinks, NO sex,etc...And yes, Torah calls it suffering- suffering of our nefesh- our lower animalistic soul, our animal, that usually is so demanding and outspoken, that we hardly can hear the Other Voice- that of our angelic Soul...our Higher Self, something in us which is truly G-dlike. Now, my friends, THAT'S THE DAY WHEN THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN- we shut the mouth of our animal, so that an angel in us may emerge and the Voice of Silence can be finally heard...May we all experience this great day to the fullest- so, that this year, we'll be getting a few steps closer to Heaven!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Evil Eye, Voodoo and Red Strings Judaism
Last week parsha made me think about some aspects of our religion , that may appear "uncomforable" for the civilised folks, living in our rational and sceptical age. Torah speaks about taking census of the Jews, and in no uncertain terms forbids us counting them directly- rather one should count half-shekel donations they are required to bring, TO ATONE FOR THEIR SOULS
What is this atonement for? No sin was commited, but Torah repeats its message twice-
"...every man shall give Hashem an atonement for his soul, when counting them, so that there not be a plague among them when counting them" (Exodus 30:12)
"The wealthy shall not increase and the poor shall not decrease from half a shekel- to give the portion of Hashem, to atone for their souls" (Exodus 30:15).
Rashi explains as follows- an Evil Eye has influence over counted objects, and Or Ha Haim points out, that the phrase "when counting them "is repeated twice, to teach us that head count is forbidden for all times, and in fact, erring in this regard results in a terrible plague, as happenned at the time of King David, when he violated this prohibition and thus committed a sin!
BUT WHAT IS EVIL EYE EXACTLY?
Why are we so much concerned with some "witchcraft", or other forms of magic- it always bothered me, that Judaism for many people equals wearing red strings (against Evil Eye, we are been told), various "Hamsa" and other magical amulets- that in my eyes is more Voodoo, than it is Judaism!
Forget rationalism, even from purely Torah-true perspective this seems very puzzling- all forms of witchcraft and magic are strictly forbidden, and are considered outgrowths of idolatrous worldview, to which Torah and Judaism sternly opposes throughout its whole history- and RAMBA"M in his Guide makes his famous claim, that in fact this is the purpose and intention OF ALL THE MITZVOT- TO COMBAT IDOLATRY IN ALL ITS FORMS!
Here we MUST present an explanation, that will not only show the " Divine mechanism" behind this concept, but also will TEACH US how to IMPROVE OURSELVES- cause if that doesn't happen, than we are dealing with Voodoo! Pagans are afraid of some random evil forces, that can strike them for no good reason, and feel absolutely helpless and vulnerable in this world of injustice and disorder, their only hope being protection of their idols, which is not guaranteed at all- and no amount of good deeds can ever grant personal freedom in this cruel world of an idol worshipper!
But Laws of Torah are all coming from Divine Love and Justice- certainly, we are NOT supposed to be affected by Evil for no good reason- as EVERYTHING in this world happens for a reason- and is certainly coming from G-d! Human being, as we all know, is not just a toy in the cruel game of the forces of nature, but a Prince of G-d, created in his image!
First, let us consider the following- Evil Eye from non-magical, rational and psychological perspective, is simple jealousy- and jealousy may affect people in a bad way. Person who gets jealous goes against the Torah, and yet that negative vibe that he created, affects his friend...Why?
It seems, nothing happens randomly, and if we are to understand what can be learnt by a victim of an Evil Eye- we must conclude that something went wrong- and this wrongdoing needs to be adjusted!
Jealousy most often doesn't appear out of a blue moon- it grows on a fertile soil of arrogance, showing off and looking down at people, all of which provoke others to become jealous!
And here comes
LESSON NO. 1
Do not provoke others by being arrogant and showing off- if you were given many blessings, be grateful to G-d and do not consider yourself any better than others- thus, Torah tells us to bring EQUAL AMOUNT of half a shekel, no matter how wealthy we are- both rich and poor deserve the same respect and honour!
Unfortunately, we are all liable of violating this principle- in every society and culture, wealthy are given honour and privileges, and respect is being paid to people for their "big bucks"- in the old days, Prophets were constantly fighting this social malady, but in our age of conformism noone wishes to confront it.
But what about the unfortunate loosers in the rally of life- those who complain and are constantly jealous of their more well to do neighbours?
Here comes
LESSON NO. 2
Be a giver! Torah tells us to bring half a shekel as TRUMAH- contribution- a reminder of what our attitude should be. If you will become a giver, your whole perspective to life will shift from consumerism to altruism-
and you will NATURALLY seek more opportunites to contribute, and to be a true blessing to others- and again, we can certainly see how much we are in need of this timely lesson! Our post-modernist Western society is totally stuck in consumerism, which not only breeds jealousy, but also produces self-hatred and alienation, as a result of this stupid and mad rat race-who gets more things wins!
How do we break the chains of this claustrafobic world of hatred, jealosy and agression?
Only be becoming GIVERS in all possible ways- and giving brings forth Love!
Finally,
LESSON NO. 3
Everything counts! In a most revolutionary way, Torah proclaims absolute sovereignty of Man, his freedom, and responsibility-for himself and the world around him. There is NO INSIGNIFICANT PERSON- we are taught- everyone is needed for this huge campaign to build the Temple- every half a shekel counts! Symbolically- everyone is a Temple! Think about your unique talents and become excited- there is noone like you in the whole world!
Not only every person counts- everything does- every moment of your life, every little episode has its meaning and is another thread of this huge fabric of our destiny- and even if we fail to see its greatness and meaning behind it, we need to stay focused and remember- ALL THERE IS- IS JUST THIS LITTLE MOMENT! Lets give it all the energy, love and courage of our souls- that's our half a shekel contribution, that is going to build the Temple!
What is this atonement for? No sin was commited, but Torah repeats its message twice-
"...every man shall give Hashem an atonement for his soul, when counting them, so that there not be a plague among them when counting them" (Exodus 30:12)
"The wealthy shall not increase and the poor shall not decrease from half a shekel- to give the portion of Hashem, to atone for their souls" (Exodus 30:15).
Rashi explains as follows- an Evil Eye has influence over counted objects, and Or Ha Haim points out, that the phrase "when counting them "is repeated twice, to teach us that head count is forbidden for all times, and in fact, erring in this regard results in a terrible plague, as happenned at the time of King David, when he violated this prohibition and thus committed a sin!
BUT WHAT IS EVIL EYE EXACTLY?
Why are we so much concerned with some "witchcraft", or other forms of magic- it always bothered me, that Judaism for many people equals wearing red strings (against Evil Eye, we are been told), various "Hamsa" and other magical amulets- that in my eyes is more Voodoo, than it is Judaism!
Forget rationalism, even from purely Torah-true perspective this seems very puzzling- all forms of witchcraft and magic are strictly forbidden, and are considered outgrowths of idolatrous worldview, to which Torah and Judaism sternly opposes throughout its whole history- and RAMBA"M in his Guide makes his famous claim, that in fact this is the purpose and intention OF ALL THE MITZVOT- TO COMBAT IDOLATRY IN ALL ITS FORMS!
Here we MUST present an explanation, that will not only show the " Divine mechanism" behind this concept, but also will TEACH US how to IMPROVE OURSELVES- cause if that doesn't happen, than we are dealing with Voodoo! Pagans are afraid of some random evil forces, that can strike them for no good reason, and feel absolutely helpless and vulnerable in this world of injustice and disorder, their only hope being protection of their idols, which is not guaranteed at all- and no amount of good deeds can ever grant personal freedom in this cruel world of an idol worshipper!
But Laws of Torah are all coming from Divine Love and Justice- certainly, we are NOT supposed to be affected by Evil for no good reason- as EVERYTHING in this world happens for a reason- and is certainly coming from G-d! Human being, as we all know, is not just a toy in the cruel game of the forces of nature, but a Prince of G-d, created in his image!
First, let us consider the following- Evil Eye from non-magical, rational and psychological perspective, is simple jealousy- and jealousy may affect people in a bad way. Person who gets jealous goes against the Torah, and yet that negative vibe that he created, affects his friend...Why?
It seems, nothing happens randomly, and if we are to understand what can be learnt by a victim of an Evil Eye- we must conclude that something went wrong- and this wrongdoing needs to be adjusted!
Jealousy most often doesn't appear out of a blue moon- it grows on a fertile soil of arrogance, showing off and looking down at people, all of which provoke others to become jealous!
And here comes
LESSON NO. 1
Do not provoke others by being arrogant and showing off- if you were given many blessings, be grateful to G-d and do not consider yourself any better than others- thus, Torah tells us to bring EQUAL AMOUNT of half a shekel, no matter how wealthy we are- both rich and poor deserve the same respect and honour!
Unfortunately, we are all liable of violating this principle- in every society and culture, wealthy are given honour and privileges, and respect is being paid to people for their "big bucks"- in the old days, Prophets were constantly fighting this social malady, but in our age of conformism noone wishes to confront it.
But what about the unfortunate loosers in the rally of life- those who complain and are constantly jealous of their more well to do neighbours?
Here comes
LESSON NO. 2
Be a giver! Torah tells us to bring half a shekel as TRUMAH- contribution- a reminder of what our attitude should be. If you will become a giver, your whole perspective to life will shift from consumerism to altruism-
and you will NATURALLY seek more opportunites to contribute, and to be a true blessing to others- and again, we can certainly see how much we are in need of this timely lesson! Our post-modernist Western society is totally stuck in consumerism, which not only breeds jealousy, but also produces self-hatred and alienation, as a result of this stupid and mad rat race-who gets more things wins!
How do we break the chains of this claustrafobic world of hatred, jealosy and agression?
Only be becoming GIVERS in all possible ways- and giving brings forth Love!
Finally,
LESSON NO. 3
Everything counts! In a most revolutionary way, Torah proclaims absolute sovereignty of Man, his freedom, and responsibility-for himself and the world around him. There is NO INSIGNIFICANT PERSON- we are taught- everyone is needed for this huge campaign to build the Temple- every half a shekel counts! Symbolically- everyone is a Temple! Think about your unique talents and become excited- there is noone like you in the whole world!
Not only every person counts- everything does- every moment of your life, every little episode has its meaning and is another thread of this huge fabric of our destiny- and even if we fail to see its greatness and meaning behind it, we need to stay focused and remember- ALL THERE IS- IS JUST THIS LITTLE MOMENT! Lets give it all the energy, love and courage of our souls- that's our half a shekel contribution, that is going to build the Temple!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Levels of Pleasure, Love and Fear
In his famous presentation "5 Levels of Pleasure", Rav Noach Weinberg (of blessed memory), puts into perspective all the pleasures of the world, clearly showing us how to travel the journey of our lives in the 1st class. We take a road from the most basic, physical pleasures, to the more subtle and sophisticated ones- Love, being Good, Creativity and finally, Closeness to G-d! (In case you'd like to read the whole article, here's the link-http://www.aish.com/sp/f/48965946.html )
It certainly makes alot of sense in our narcissistic age to address this pleasure-seeking world with this powerful message of the REAL pleasure that is here for us.
BUT HERE'S MY PROBLEM-
As we present this well-written and beautifully explained idea to the world as "Jewish approach" (in fact, this is the classical Aish presentation, part of their Discovery seminar), we are making the following statement- Judaism agrees with pleasure-seeking as the way of life. Which it does not, imho!
The choices we make in this paradigm are based on resolving the following conflict- Pleasure versus Comfort. Some would put it as follows- all choices that we make in life are based on either our desire for pleasure or an attempt to avoid pain. (This is how I overheard it presented today by one of the lecturers not related to Aish) . In my opinion, BOTH PLEASURE AND COMFORT ARE SECONDARY IN THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE.
In fact, pleasure-seeking ideology of the past- Epicureanism- was seen by the Sages as the main opposition to the Torah approach. Pleasure-seeking is materialistic, egotistic, and it DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF with the most fundamental question of MEANING. Pleasure as the meaning of Life is a very shallow answer, indeed! (And in fact, that's why in 5 Levels you can't get higher than 4th without hitting meaning- to transcend Love one needs to have an IDEAL HE IS WILLING TO DIE FOR! You're welcome to look inside!)
SO, WHAT'S THE REAL CHOICE WE MAKE, FROM JEWISH PERSPECTIVE?
Torah tells us- it's CHOOSING TOV (Good) or RA (Evil). [And again, it's very difficult to associate Good with Pleasure and Evil with Pain- this effectively means becoming an Epicurean!]
Now, we need to be able to DISTINGUISH between Good and Evil. How do we know which is which? Let's try to establish a clear way to do it!
Classical definition of Good- that which makes you close to G-d, as G-d is the ONLY source of Good. Evil therefore, is the opposite- that, which makes you further away from G-d.
First distinction- as you are about to make a choice, ask yourself-
Is this going to bring me closer to G-d?
PROBLEM- well, we all know, how easily we are DECEITED by our own rationalisations- they can take us all the way from Good to Evil- with our best intentions, of course!
As the Prophet portrays to us this most common picture of human self-righteousness-
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah, 5:20-21)
We are commanded to follow the Path of G-d,and this mitzvah is interpreted as doing Hesed. Hesed, or LOVE, thus, is seen as the main attribute of G-d and Good. On the mystical Tree of Life it corresponds to sefirah of Hesed and represents the Right Side of the Tree. The Left Side is represented by the opposite energy of Gevurah. Gevurah is the strict Judgement of G-d, and if it is separated , cut off from the Tree, it represents Evil. If Good is seen and experienced as Love, Evil is the opposite energy- that of Fear.
And indeed, we find in contemporary Trans-Personal psychology vast information on Fear as the main source of self-imposed suffering and our unwillingness to grow spiritually. As we can see, both Love and Fear are experienced on emotional and physical level- positive/negative emotions, and bodily sensations [For example- take a note of the different breathing people have when they are calm or anxious respectively. Emotional state of Tranquility is accompanied by deep, calm and rythmic breathing, and Anxiety is associated with shallow, fast and arythmic one.] Thus, we are ready to formulate another approach-
Good/Evil distinction based on Love/Fear as emotional and physiological experience.
As opposed to logical questioning, which implies our objectivity and fails ("Man is close to himself"- and therefore not objective, by definition)- this time we propose very subjective feeling criteria- if mind tricks us into rationalising, our body cannot be tricked! It will accurately reveal to us what this particular choice means- Fear or Love!
Fear-based choices are coming from Ego- it's primier interest being survival and egocentrism, these are our main obstacles on the way to spiritual growth!
Love motivates us to step out of our self-imposed limitations, grow and learn, using every challenge as an opportunity!
Next time when you're facing dilemma, try to approach it as a Love/Fear question- and look at your emotions and bodily sensations, as you are checking the options.
Ask yourself- Does this choice come from Love? Does it come from Fear?
Be aware of your feelings and physical sensations- which of them are Love-based and which are Fear-based?
It certainly makes alot of sense in our narcissistic age to address this pleasure-seeking world with this powerful message of the REAL pleasure that is here for us.
BUT HERE'S MY PROBLEM-
As we present this well-written and beautifully explained idea to the world as "Jewish approach" (in fact, this is the classical Aish presentation, part of their Discovery seminar), we are making the following statement- Judaism agrees with pleasure-seeking as the way of life. Which it does not, imho!
The choices we make in this paradigm are based on resolving the following conflict- Pleasure versus Comfort. Some would put it as follows- all choices that we make in life are based on either our desire for pleasure or an attempt to avoid pain. (This is how I overheard it presented today by one of the lecturers not related to Aish) . In my opinion, BOTH PLEASURE AND COMFORT ARE SECONDARY IN THE JEWISH PERSPECTIVE.
In fact, pleasure-seeking ideology of the past- Epicureanism- was seen by the Sages as the main opposition to the Torah approach. Pleasure-seeking is materialistic, egotistic, and it DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF with the most fundamental question of MEANING. Pleasure as the meaning of Life is a very shallow answer, indeed! (And in fact, that's why in 5 Levels you can't get higher than 4th without hitting meaning- to transcend Love one needs to have an IDEAL HE IS WILLING TO DIE FOR! You're welcome to look inside!)
SO, WHAT'S THE REAL CHOICE WE MAKE, FROM JEWISH PERSPECTIVE?
Torah tells us- it's CHOOSING TOV (Good) or RA (Evil). [And again, it's very difficult to associate Good with Pleasure and Evil with Pain- this effectively means becoming an Epicurean!]
Now, we need to be able to DISTINGUISH between Good and Evil. How do we know which is which? Let's try to establish a clear way to do it!
Classical definition of Good- that which makes you close to G-d, as G-d is the ONLY source of Good. Evil therefore, is the opposite- that, which makes you further away from G-d.
First distinction- as you are about to make a choice, ask yourself-
Is this going to bring me closer to G-d?
PROBLEM- well, we all know, how easily we are DECEITED by our own rationalisations- they can take us all the way from Good to Evil- with our best intentions, of course!
As the Prophet portrays to us this most common picture of human self-righteousness-
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! (Isaiah, 5:20-21)
We are commanded to follow the Path of G-d,and this mitzvah is interpreted as doing Hesed. Hesed, or LOVE, thus, is seen as the main attribute of G-d and Good. On the mystical Tree of Life it corresponds to sefirah of Hesed and represents the Right Side of the Tree. The Left Side is represented by the opposite energy of Gevurah. Gevurah is the strict Judgement of G-d, and if it is separated , cut off from the Tree, it represents Evil. If Good is seen and experienced as Love, Evil is the opposite energy- that of Fear.
And indeed, we find in contemporary Trans-Personal psychology vast information on Fear as the main source of self-imposed suffering and our unwillingness to grow spiritually. As we can see, both Love and Fear are experienced on emotional and physical level- positive/negative emotions, and bodily sensations [For example- take a note of the different breathing people have when they are calm or anxious respectively. Emotional state of Tranquility is accompanied by deep, calm and rythmic breathing, and Anxiety is associated with shallow, fast and arythmic one.] Thus, we are ready to formulate another approach-
Good/Evil distinction based on Love/Fear as emotional and physiological experience.
As opposed to logical questioning, which implies our objectivity and fails ("Man is close to himself"- and therefore not objective, by definition)- this time we propose very subjective feeling criteria- if mind tricks us into rationalising, our body cannot be tricked! It will accurately reveal to us what this particular choice means- Fear or Love!
Fear-based choices are coming from Ego- it's primier interest being survival and egocentrism, these are our main obstacles on the way to spiritual growth!
Love motivates us to step out of our self-imposed limitations, grow and learn, using every challenge as an opportunity!
Next time when you're facing dilemma, try to approach it as a Love/Fear question- and look at your emotions and bodily sensations, as you are checking the options.
Ask yourself- Does this choice come from Love? Does it come from Fear?
Be aware of your feelings and physical sensations- which of them are Love-based and which are Fear-based?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Big Picture of Judaism- the beginning
In my previous post, the issue was just posited and formulated. WE NEED TO REDISCOVER THE BIG PICTURE OF JUDAISM.
Here is my first attempt to point out a few very important sources, and hopefully to develop a sense of contemporary understanding, which will be AUTHENTIC at the same time-in the spirit of the Torah and our Oral tradition.
Sources
1). Mitzvot as a SYSTEM
a) We have an amazing attempt in the Talmud (Makkot 24a) to view all the huge body of the mitzvot as a UNIFIED SYSTEM, with an UNDELYING PRINCIPLE, stated in the Prophets- "Righteous shall live by his Faith". Of course, this needs to be understood- WHAT IS FAITH (EMUNAH)?
But as we say, "She'elat Khakham Khetzi Tshuva"- good (wise) question is already half-an-answer- and beginning of a research!
b) Famous statement of Rabbi Akiva- "love your neighbour as yourself is a GREAT PRINCIPLE of the Torah"-seems to point in a similar direction- since we are presented with a Mitzva, and not just an "idea"-
Love is presented as an underlying principle of the Law
2). Core principals as META-Ideas of the Torah
Maybe less famous but certainly not less important- statement of Ben Azzai, who apparently is arguing with the previously-mentioned R. Akiva, suggesting even more important CORE PRINCIPLE- based on a quotation from the Torah- "This is the Book of the Geneology of Adam- on the day that G-d created Man, he made him in the likeness of G-d"
Here we encounter a totaly new idea- ALL of the Torah is seen as the Book of Geneology of Man- i.e-
Torah (as the Law, the system of mitzvot) is there to SERVE this Man, where mitzvot are TOOLS and INSTRUMENTS for Adam to FULFILL HIS POTENTIAL, based on his G-dliness- in other words (contrary to the opinion of many)- Mitzvot are Means to accomplish the End- REALISATION of G-DLIKE NATURE OF MAN AND HUMANITY!
And here we approach another very important point- Judaism as the WORLD RELIGION
has to be more than system of Mitzvot given specifically to the Jews- it has to have it's UNIVERSAL MISSION STATEMENT
And if I'm not mistaken, following the reading of this Ben Azzai, it clearly gives us one-
REALISE YOUR G-dlike Potential as Adam- person, nation and humanity!
To be continued
Here is my first attempt to point out a few very important sources, and hopefully to develop a sense of contemporary understanding, which will be AUTHENTIC at the same time-in the spirit of the Torah and our Oral tradition.
Sources
1). Mitzvot as a SYSTEM
a) We have an amazing attempt in the Talmud (Makkot 24a) to view all the huge body of the mitzvot as a UNIFIED SYSTEM, with an UNDELYING PRINCIPLE, stated in the Prophets- "Righteous shall live by his Faith". Of course, this needs to be understood- WHAT IS FAITH (EMUNAH)?
But as we say, "She'elat Khakham Khetzi Tshuva"- good (wise) question is already half-an-answer- and beginning of a research!
b) Famous statement of Rabbi Akiva- "love your neighbour as yourself is a GREAT PRINCIPLE of the Torah"-seems to point in a similar direction- since we are presented with a Mitzva, and not just an "idea"-
Love is presented as an underlying principle of the Law
2). Core principals as META-Ideas of the Torah
Maybe less famous but certainly not less important- statement of Ben Azzai, who apparently is arguing with the previously-mentioned R. Akiva, suggesting even more important CORE PRINCIPLE- based on a quotation from the Torah- "This is the Book of the Geneology of Adam- on the day that G-d created Man, he made him in the likeness of G-d"
Here we encounter a totaly new idea- ALL of the Torah is seen as the Book of Geneology of Man- i.e-
Torah (as the Law, the system of mitzvot) is there to SERVE this Man, where mitzvot are TOOLS and INSTRUMENTS for Adam to FULFILL HIS POTENTIAL, based on his G-dliness- in other words (contrary to the opinion of many)- Mitzvot are Means to accomplish the End- REALISATION of G-DLIKE NATURE OF MAN AND HUMANITY!
And here we approach another very important point- Judaism as the WORLD RELIGION
has to be more than system of Mitzvot given specifically to the Jews- it has to have it's UNIVERSAL MISSION STATEMENT
And if I'm not mistaken, following the reading of this Ben Azzai, it clearly gives us one-
REALISE YOUR G-dlike Potential as Adam- person, nation and humanity!
To be continued
The Big Picture of Judaism
As I said before, I'm truly convinced that we're living at the most interesting time in history. As things around us are changing with accelerting speed (well, think about internet- noone knew what it is just in mid 90-es! )-It's first time in human history that we have free access to almost unlimited resourses of knowledge! And we are yet to see this huge quantity of new information to translate into quality!
New tendency of globalisation and networking on all levels finally brings home the great vision of all the esoteric teachings of the ancients- World as One big Organism, where everything is interconnected, interrelated and interdependant! On Kabbalistic terms, this superstructure of the world is called Adam Kadmon.
And HERE COMES THE CHALLENGE- as modern science helps us to develop stronger understanding of the physical structure of the world, Modern religion has to give us clear and contemporary understanding of it's metaphysical structure!
In case of Judaism, that gave the world monotheism and through it's affiliates (I mean Christianity and Islam) introduced some very important concepts that shaped our society (such as Hesed-Loving Kindness, Justice, Equality in front of the Law, etc)- it seems, today we are in desperate need to address the challenge of post-Modernity and to rediscover the Big Picture of Judaism.
If you require some examples, there's a couple of them
1). Web yeshiva launched a new online discussion on "the Mission of the Orthodoxy". Although the topic clearly suggests the parameters of discussion- it's specifically addressing Torah-observant Jews that call themselves Orthodox- it already stirred some heated discussion- "what is it that makes us who we are"
If you're interested, you can follow this discussion here-
http://blog.webyeshiva.org/orthodoxy/the-mission-opf-orthodoxy-special-message/
2). More general question, addressing the issue from a broader perspective- something like "What is the Big Picture of Judaism" is posted on Machanaim website (Russian) in a new article written by Pinchas Polonsky
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcjbfrwk_193d3hk3fgv
I think, it shows very important understanding of a REAL NEED- after hundreds of years of nitpicking and "specialisation", we are finally lost in this huge amount of data on the number of the trees, their details and various characteristics... BUT WHERE IS THE FOREST? What is the Big Picture of Judaism?
Here in this post, i just wanted to give you some "food for thought"...
This topic will be continued in my next posts
New tendency of globalisation and networking on all levels finally brings home the great vision of all the esoteric teachings of the ancients- World as One big Organism, where everything is interconnected, interrelated and interdependant! On Kabbalistic terms, this superstructure of the world is called Adam Kadmon.
And HERE COMES THE CHALLENGE- as modern science helps us to develop stronger understanding of the physical structure of the world, Modern religion has to give us clear and contemporary understanding of it's metaphysical structure!
In case of Judaism, that gave the world monotheism and through it's affiliates (I mean Christianity and Islam) introduced some very important concepts that shaped our society (such as Hesed-Loving Kindness, Justice, Equality in front of the Law, etc)- it seems, today we are in desperate need to address the challenge of post-Modernity and to rediscover the Big Picture of Judaism.
If you require some examples, there's a couple of them
1). Web yeshiva launched a new online discussion on "the Mission of the Orthodoxy". Although the topic clearly suggests the parameters of discussion- it's specifically addressing Torah-observant Jews that call themselves Orthodox- it already stirred some heated discussion- "what is it that makes us who we are"
If you're interested, you can follow this discussion here-
http://blog.webyeshiva.org/orthodoxy/the-mission-opf-orthodoxy-special-message/
2). More general question, addressing the issue from a broader perspective- something like "What is the Big Picture of Judaism" is posted on Machanaim website (Russian) in a new article written by Pinchas Polonsky
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dcjbfrwk_193d3hk3fgv
I think, it shows very important understanding of a REAL NEED- after hundreds of years of nitpicking and "specialisation", we are finally lost in this huge amount of data on the number of the trees, their details and various characteristics... BUT WHERE IS THE FOREST? What is the Big Picture of Judaism?
Here in this post, i just wanted to give you some "food for thought"...
This topic will be continued in my next posts
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