In our world today, there are approximately 18.2 million Jews. 18.2 million people living in every corner of the Earth with a common ancestry, culture, and background. Even though we all identify differently, we all have one important characteristic in common. We're all Jews. No matter what else one may identify as, or other qualities or characteristics that make up who we are, we all have that one significant thing in common.
In Rebecca Klempner's article entitled "Obsessive. Compulsive. And Orthodox.", Klempner reflects on the difficulties she faces living with OCD as an Orthodox Jew. While the article as a whole was fascinating, there was one specific idea she touched on that really stood out to me. While struggling with strange images that came to her while praying because of her OCD, she worried that it made her a "bad Jew." What does it mean to be a "bad Jew"? That idea really interests me. There is no right way to be Jewish (ignoring, of course, denominational differences in interpretation and practice). There are plenty of people in this world who may not be as observant as others, or who don't act righteously 100% of the time like we are supposed to. But all 18.2 million of us are different people, bonded together by just one aspect of who we are. So how can we be expected to all be Jewish in the same way? Well, we can't. And just because somebody thinks about Jesus, or makes a mistake, that doesn't make them a "bad Jew," or even a bad person. It makes them human.
Check out the article here:
http://tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/188464/obsessive-compulsive-orthodox
You raise an excellent point, Gurv. I absolutely agree! It makes me wonder if there is such thing as a bad jew--perhaps there is only such thing as being more religious or less religious jew as you were suggesting. It is absolutely important to recognize that we as humans are flawed, but our flaws don't make us bad people or bad jews. Do you think that making too many mistakes can make someone a bad person? (or even a "bad jew")
ReplyDeleteI want to agree with this blog, but this is a difficult subject to approach. I want to believe that Judiasm is up to interpretation, yet we have a set of rules which we call comandments. Reform jews today pick from these 613 guidances which they want to follow. Does that mean that they are "bad jews"? In the eyes of the orthodox, yes, but to other reform jews, no. Yes, we all make mistakes, but our lifestyle should not be a mistake. In the end, I think that what each person should base their values off personal beliefs in order to create a life of joy rather than a life of being lost.
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