In the time of the aforementioned Temple, there were lyres and harps and other instruments that I can't even pronounce—there was live music as part of serving G-d. There was spirited dancing as well. After the destruction, that went away and was replaced with lots of Jewish liturgy, well it took several hundred years to … Continue reading Dancing with G-d
Tag: religion
Religion and Judgmentalism
I wanted to make Judgmental noun sound like Fundamentalism. That’s how that title happened. I don’t think religion is always fundamentalist, but it sure can be. As an outsider watching someone else “rebel,” I never thought the “rebel” had compunction. But now that I’m in the “rebel” seat, I know a “rebel” can have compunction. … Continue reading Religion and Judgmentalism
Religion is an Opiate?
Some people find shelter in religion. A place of safety from the big bad world. Comfort from the chaos. But I find it suffocating. To different degrees, at different points in my life. In the beginning, I didn't even realize consciously how difficult it made my life. One could say, I would have struggled with … Continue reading Religion is an Opiate?
Self-Love and Religious Observance: Are They at Odds?
If we have the divine within us, why did I grow up following religious rules at the expense of my own self-love? I'm not saying that I should worship myself. I am not saying that I AM G-d. But I have a piece of G-d within me. The kind of religion I grew up with … Continue reading Self-Love and Religious Observance: Are They at Odds?
Patriarchy is Dead (A Rap)
Patriarchy is dead It’s lying on its head I’m not covering my skin I don’t believe—so what’s the win What rules am I following The one’s that deny That ones that have done nothing But try me Oh no, is that dirt on your shoulder? Let me dust it off And you be staring at … Continue reading Patriarchy is Dead (A Rap)
Reform Judaism
In Jewish history class in my Orthodox high school, we learned that Reform Judaism came about to keep Jews in the fold by convincing them to not convert to Christianity. Reform synagogues were playing organs during the services. Or my dad's childhood story about how awkward he felt when, at his cousin's bar-mitzvah, the rabbi … Continue reading Reform Judaism
Jewish life = Tetris
Fitting in Jewish holidays to a full-time job is hard. We have to save PTO for it, which means fewer days on the beach—unless you're smart and go away to a beach for the holiday! (Preferably one with a nearby synagogue.) Jewish life is fitting together multiple pieces of a puzzle. Sometimes it doesn’t fit. … Continue reading Jewish life = Tetris
Mindful Nuggets 