3 Elul 5780 - August 23, 2020
I AM JEWISH: ART ZEMON
I am Jewish because my parents were Jewish, I
was raised Jewish, and, every day, I decide to stay Jewish. I stay because…
Judaism gives me a framework for exploring the
big questions that I don’t know how to answer. It gives me the freedom to
doubt, to argue, and to wrestle with contradictions.
I am Jewish because I like the notion that my
soul was at Sinai. I like believing that my soul is here in this physical body
for awhile and that, even after I die, my soul will still exist. I like the
idea that God created me; I want to be more than just random chemical reactions
which tumbled together to animate clusters of molecules. Judaism explains my
existence with a thousand and one stories ranging from the Torah through modern
midrash. Some stories tug at my heart. Some are quaint. Some make me laugh.
Judaism assures me that I have a purpose, a
role in tikkun olam, a mission.
Judaism offers me one lens to suss this out. It reminds me that I am not alone,
either in place or in time. I am part of widening circles of humanity: my
family, my congregation, my town, my country, our world. I am part of a
never-ending lineage of Jews, from Abraham to my children. Because I am
descended from Adam and Eve, from Abraham and Sarah; I am your distant cousin.
You and I, we are not strangers.
Since I am in our world and we are not
strangers, I have a part in fashioning our world and our global family. God
gave me this task, gave it to all Jews. I could refuse to do my part. But if
not me, then who? If I do not do this now, then when? Just because I cannot
finish the task, how can I not at least start?
Of all the ways that I could behave, Judaism
helps me figure out which ethical actions are the best ethical actions. For
instance, as a Jew I explore the subtle differences between “Do unto others
that which you would have done unto you” and “Do not do to your neighbor that
which is hateful to you.” Were I to live by the first, I would give chocolate
to everyone. By instead choosing to live by the second, I try to be sensitive
to my neighbor’s preferences, perhaps for chocolate but perhaps for vanilla.
Judaism teaches me that there are several
levels of tzedakah, of charity. I
aspire to the highest level and I know that any tzedakah is a blessing, even if not perfect.
Judaism reminds me that other people have
other ways of approaching God (or not), and that their ways are just as right
as my own.
Judaism reminds me that no matter what answers
I find today, no matter how clever my learning, tomorrow will bring more
questions and, perhaps, a few more answers.
Judaism reminds me to smell the roses, to
watch the sun set, to savor my chocolate, to giggle along with my grandson.
Judaism reminds me that we all belong here.
Judaism reminds me that it is OK to make
mistakes, that I can apologize without shame and try again.
Judaism reminds me that I make a difference
and that tomorrow will be better than today.
Judaism reminds me to take time, every Shabbat, to slow down, to relax, to
unplug.
Judaism reminds me to find balance in my life:
to love deeply, to work hard, to play joyfully, and to rest.
I am Jewish because I can be nothing else.
It is tradition to read Psalm 27 every day during Elul.
PSALM 27
God is my light and my refuge secure - whom shall I fear?
God is the stronghold of my life - of whom should I be afraid?
When those who act with malice would devour me with words,
it is they who stumble, they who fall.
If an army were to take up arms against me, my heart would not fear.
If war were waged against me, still I would trust.
Just one thing I have asked of God; only this do I seek:
to dwell in God’s house all the days of my life,
to behold divine sweetness and beauty, and to gaze in delight at God’s Temple.
God shelters me in times of hardship, shields me in a tent of divine protection,
raises me high on a rock - so that now my head rises above enemies around me.
Let me make offerings in that tent - the offerings of a joyful cry.
Let me sing hymns, and celebrate the One who is eternal - Adonai.
Hear my voice when I call; God, answer me with grace.
My heart spoke for you - it said, “Seek My face.” Your face, Adonai, I will seek.
Do not hide your face from me, nor angrily turn away Your faithful one -
the one You have sustained. My God-of-rescue, do not desert me!
When my father and mother have gone, God will gather me in.
Teach me your way, Adonai; and guide me on a straight path,
because of those who lie in wait for me.
Do not hand me over to the will of foes who rose against me -
lying witnesses and those whose very breath is violence.
If only I could believe that I will see God’s goodness
in the land of the living. . .
Wait for Adonai
Be strong of heart, and be bold -- but wait for Adonai.
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