Did I ever tell you I was Jew-ish? That means I'm kinda Jewish. My husband is, and I'm indifferent to religions in general, so why not this one. I'm a very spiritual person however. It's just that I have trouble with organized religions and I have always resented the concept that a lack of religion would automatically signify a lack of morals.
I like the Jewish faith for the most part, particularly the part where I get to be left alone and think and do whatever i believe is good and right.
I do love the Jewish culture and I am awed by the history of the Jews. Talk about the ultimate underdog story. Talk about odds.
Jews have this peculiar concept they call Tikkun Olam. The concept is that each individual has the possibility, the privilege but also the responsibility to participate in repairing the world.
Tikkun Olam makes sense to me, the idea of personal responsibility, of power, but also of possibilities. The idea, to me, is a very positive one because it encourages each and everyone of us to find our gift, and try our hardest to accomplish what we are on this earth to do.
What repairing the world means at the individual level needs not be any grand thing. It means leaving the world just a little prettier than you found it.
I embrace that concept whole heartedly. Violently so if I have to.
So I try. I try to be creative and live up to my potential. Not doing so would be offending God who put me on this earth to do just that, and you do not mess with god.
I take care of my family's well being, emotional and intellectual growth, (as well as physical growth eat! eat! you're killing me!)
I believe in distributing small kindnesses towards friends and strangers without strings attached. In words, actions or whatever they might need. Sometimes I have to do so against their will, which leads me to the next point:
I get angry. Furious in fact. I am not complacent when in the face of (perceived) injustice or wrong doing. I always take a stand. I am not passive. Nope.
I'm a pain in the derriere, among other good things. I'm a jew in training.
Shana Tovah, a sweet new year to you. This post was inspired by a lovely email I received from Sharon today.
All artwork by my talented friend Lidia Shaddow.
