Not By Choice
 |
We are not Jews by choice. We are not circumcised by choice—they do it to us before we can be asked. Neither did anyone ask us if we would like to be obligated in all these mitzvahs—not since Mount Sinai. Even the one who joins us does so because something propels him from inside.
If we were Jews because our minds and hearts told us so, then our Judaism would take us only as far as our minds and hearts can know. But we are not. And so, our journey is on eagle’s wings and our destiny beyond the stars.
| |
|
Latest Comments:
Thank you for sharing. If it helps you, when I finally confirmed my Jewish roots and attend the synagogue now, I discovered something else new -- this is not like changing from one religion to another. What I discovered is adding, not removing myself from, ut having the ability to expand and grow and share and "be". Do not be lonely for there are many synagogues and there is much sharing to be yours. This web site proves it! We are all part of the same family and therefore, you are not an outsider. Welcome and Shalom!
|
Thank you for this timely piece. for two years Ihave been researching Judaism and I have felt that it is nearing time to make a decision. To leave the faith of my parents and friends (I am 62-years of age) and convert to Juddaism, or to remain and share my found love of the mitzvah and commandments. You have added another dimension to my decision. Do I forsake those that I have worshipped with for years, who know not the glories and rewards of the mitzvah and the loving-kiondesses and caring tendernesses of the law, or to join myself with a new (to me)nation,people and faith. Perhaps the decision was never really mine and I should follow my desires. Perhaps I am not selfish if I should be for myself for if I am not for myself, how could I be worthwhile to any other. Perhaps that is the meaning of the wisdom piece attributed to Hillel. It is a l one ly place I am in now. I do not fit in where I have been all my life and I am an outsider, albeitwelcome, at "my" synagogue.
|
right. However those of us who still are jews are such also by choice and by conviction as much by heart as by reason.
|
Beautiful inspiration.
Many times have wondered, what were the odds i was born a Jew ? After reading your words, the odds are a mystery, incalculable and an unnecessary exercise. Same goes for the question why was i born a Jew ?
Thanks for getting those two nagging questions out of the way.
Better and simpler to latch on to our heritage and ride the wave with joy.
|
If we were Jews because our minds and hearts told us so, then our Judaism would take us only as far as our minds and hearts can know. But we are not. And so, our journey is on eagle’s wings and our destiny beyond the stars.
Rabbi - Can you please clarify this statement? It really is confusing.
|
Very poetic. Poems don't get us there; they're great for starters, though. Transportation by Wings of Eagles will never get us to the stars. Very poetic.
|
Can a bird choose to be a fish and swim in the sea? Can a horse fly through the air?
Of course not!
Then how can a Jew who chosen by Hashem to be part of a holy nation, crawl in the mud, eating insects?. Our nature and destiny is to be holy. We can fight against it, and drown like the bird who tries to swim, or fall like the horse who tries to fly. It is far better for a Jew to be what they are supposed to be, and not try to live a life of confusion and folly!
|
I am a Jew by Choice.
So, in the first moment I thought, this is not
ment for me, what you wrote. But the most beautiful sentence was the last one and I belonged to all the others anyway.
Our destiniy is on eagles wings and behind the stars!!! That is true for me also.
And there are times I really "feel it".
|
Before I had confirmation that I am a Jew and before I knew that I should not have a tattoo, I had a challenge in my life that could be a book (and perhaps it should be). Odd circumstances and a gift certificate for a tattoo from a well meaning friend was the catalyst for my one and only tattoo: it is On Eagle's Wings and it is wings with a large circle in the center saying "On Eagle's Wings". Following the dream I had that if I was going to have a tattoo, what should it be? I chose and designed this tattoo so that with every step I take, I would send a prayer to G_d (in case I should forget to pray). I then learned that Native Americans believe that the eagle delivers prayers to G_d on its' wings. So, my thought is that when we think we don't know part of our journey, some part of us does know. Even if, like myself, not knowing I was a Jew, but I always thought I was and I am; a Jew by choice, I believe, is also following due to a knowing and thus, coming home. Thank you.
|
|
|  |
|
LOGIN
ASK THE RABBI
30 Comments
