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| Endless Reflection Port Burwell, ON September 2020 This photo originally shared on Instagram |
But here's the thing: It's never been about the dogma to me. As much as I love being part of thousands of years of culture, tradition, language, and community, I don't believe that knowing how to recite certain prayers in a certain order will make me a better person.
Because I've crossed paths with entirely too many folks who are expert in the mechanical delivery of religion, yet wouldn't hesitate to look down at the rest of us for failing to meet their lofty ideals. The hypocrisy hurts my soul, because last I checked, unkindness wasn't part of the Jew code. Or, frankly, any code.
So here we are, on the cusp of a new year, in the midst of a global event that keeps most of us home and apart. Which, the more I ponder the reality of a pandemic-colored holiday, the more I realize just how much of a blessing this can be if we choose to see it as such.
Because we aren't engaged in the usual dog and pony show of crossing paths with folks on the way into services, we have a bit more time to think about how we'd like to change the script over the next year. How will we do better? Act more kindly to others?
Because reading words in a book won't make me a better Jew or a better person.
I realize the mere act of expressing this may make me seem like some sort of heathen, but I'll risk the judgment of others if it means I go into the new year feeling just a bit more comfortable in my own skin.
Whatever you celebrate, make it a good one.
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