[Ron Jeremy doesn't have an answer to my question. Do you?]
This week, falling between the Jewish high holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, presents a new question for me: should I drop going to all Jewish services altogether?
I attended Rosh Hashanah services at my local Chabad house. I enjoyed the services. I found them relaxing, and I liked the songs, the singing, and the structure of liturgical events.
However, I found the prayers themselves to be bland. Their words never appeared more irrelevant and uninspiring to me. I also felt detached from the service and from the community. This was not a bad feeling, really, but as I have reflected on it I have come to question whether I'm up to observing Yom Kippur at all.
After all, I don't have to fast. I don't have to spend all day at services. Do I want to do these things? I'm not sure.
I'm not sure.
Thus, I have a question to answer and a decision to make: whether to do Yom Kippur or drop it.
Any advice or thoughts?
There is an alternative...Secular Humanistic Judaism. Why not seek out one of our congregations. No hypocrisy, no meaningless words. Just non-theistic, human-based reflection, song and celebration. I like your blog. Check mine out if you want: www.TheAtheistRabbi.blogspot.com. Shana Tova!
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting suggestion. I'll investigate.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Neat blog above..
ReplyDeleteFor me, the part of the holidays I enjoyed was the food. Festive meals are really my only religious connection now.
Sitting in synagogue and fasting, no thanks.