My youngest brother always had a spacial place in my heart. I watched him grow through years of yeshiva and then, little by little, as his relationship with Orthodox Judaism shifted and morphed into something that belongs to only him and G-d.
There was something different about us, those whose parents came to halachic Judaism later in life -- and I wondered if it was just me who noticed it.
"Two Jews, three opinions," the saying describes...but how is the strong-willed Jew to express his/her gripes about fellow Jews while remaining loyal to the framework of our national oneness?
I'm sick of hearing people I agree with ask why. You know why. You know why Sweden, and England, and France, and "the academy", and the whole universe wants us to die.
Impermanence, no self, non-attachment: no, thanks.
In the star-strewn field where we meet... Before the gates close... Hold me in a slow-dance ecstatic embrace.
The sacred excavation of helixed antiquity and brand-newness.
From Rabbis to community leaders to philanthropists, it seems we are enamored with outreach and the unaffiliated Jew. Yet, I ask myself: What about those that are already on the 'inside,' practicing Judaism? Are they getting the same care and opportunity? And whose responsibility are they?
Restore I/Me/Us/We to our natural state.
Remind I/Me/Us/We that all we actually do is vibrate.