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why observe Jewish law?

A friend asked (in a locked post, so I won't link) why I follow Jewish law. What do I get out of it? I want to record my answer here.

I follow the law because it improves my relationship with God and because it elevates mundane tasks.

Consider eating. Animals eat. Humans need to eat, but we have minds and souls and we don't have to be like animals. The simple act of saying a blessing before ("getting permission") and giving thanks afterwards ("grace") elevates the otherwise-coarse act of eating to a holier status. Now consider actually choosing to restrict what I eat (and how I eat it) because I understand that this is what God asks of us. It's such a simple thing to skip the shellfish and, in return, God might reach out a little to me just as I reach out to God. That's a win!

When I was in the process of becoming more religious (that is, moving from being an apatheist to actually paying attention to God), I found that if I sincerely tried, even with baby steps, I saw positive results. Psychologists might well say that that's because I caused those changes through a more positive outlook; if so, so what? Does that matter if God -- or my God-concept -- was the underlying force? We're supposed to take an active role; if by praying to God I get no direct effect from God, but the act itself causes me to improve my own behavior, isn't that still a win? Well, it's not just prayer that can produce that effect. Keeping Shabbat, eating properly, striving to repair the world, studying torah... it's all bundled up in there.

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I'm curious as to how you conceive of your choice to become -Jewishly- religious. You stated in an earlier blog that you don't believe anyone has the monopoly on truth. If so then why not convert to Islam?

I've asked myself this question and my answer centers around the fact that I was born into a Jewish family.

Let's say that everyone has their own functions and G-d sorts souls out to be born into the whole gamut of families on this world. If I was born into an Athiest Family with Islamic roots then maybe there's something I can do within my world, in an Athiestic/Islam-influenced way? Might be a bit of heretical notion. Does everyone need to become religious in their own ways? I don't know. What I do know is that if G-d really hated people from other faiths then they wouldn't be here. Everyone must have their function to play.

Maybe there's some function that you were meant to play in a Jewish context? It is easier for you and I to become Jewishly religious. We don't have to contend with our families disowning us (G-d forbid that should happen to anyone) and our friends thinking that we've gone off to world that they completely don't understand (differentiated by geography and culture).

It's confusing but I guess all you can do is constantly examine your ways and ask yourself if what you're doing is really the right thing?

Religiously,

- Inkhorn

I think you're missing a relevant piece of information: I converted to Judaism, having been raised in a Catholic home.

I think you're missing a relevant piece of information: I converted to Judaism, having been raised in a Catholic home.

That is a very relevant piece of information ! :)

What contributed towards your decision to convert?

I have to run right now, but let me start by pointing you to the FAQ.

What I do know is that if G-d really hated people from other faiths then they wouldn't be here.

If God really hated evil, then it wouldn't be here.

I don't think statements like that work. Free Will opens the door to a large number of things that exist despite God hating them.

Yes. Free will means we can do what we want, including things God doesn't want us to do.

I know it's tangential to your intended topic, but can you honestly say, having lived with your cats, that animals don't have minds? and where it it written that they don't have souls?

I think they do have minds; in fact, I've argued that they are members of my family (not just toys) because they are capable of thought and feelings. Perhaps what I should have said is something closer to "intellect"; my cats, for example, are (so far as I can tell) incapable of, say, choosing not to hunt mice. If I commanded them not to, that wouldn't stop them the next time one gets into the house.

We humans, however, can exercise will over our instincts. That doesn't mean we always do, but we can. That's the difference I was trying to get at.

Souls: I'm not sure where this is written, but I have heard it often enough that I understand it to be part of that nebulous "tradition". Perhaps it's connected to the idea that humans, and humans alone, are created b'tzeit Elohim, in the image of God.

I've only barely scratched the surface but the basic philosophical definition of soul was pretty much 'alive' and this goes all the way back to Aristotle. In that sense, all living things have souls (Aquinas at least, if no one earlier, breaks this into plant, animal, rational, and angelic souls). Humans, of course, have rational souls and you did hit on key distinction (as best I understand it at this time) is that we are capable of abstract thought and so can process ideas and act against our instincts. As someone who has been close to dogs all my life, I can agree that they do certainly seem to have some processing going on in there but there is definitely a difference between them and humans.

This is a part of philosophy that I find to be very interesting but I have to admit that my grasp of it is incomplete. I know he's not of your religious tradition but even in a strictly philosophical sense (which is how the course I'm taking approaches it), Aquinas has some interesting thoughts on this stuff.

Okay, I'll stop rambling now. :)

I encourage you to ramble whenever you're minded to do so. This is interesting stuff. (I haven't read Aquinas.)

This is dangerous ground to enter, and I'm choosing my words to make my strong disagreement clear while being respectful of you as a person.

The difficulty is that one accepts religious authority as a standard for one's life, nothing guarantees that the demands of the authority will be only "simple things." The act of accepting someone's authority that God wants certain things is itself not a simple thing; it means that the judgment of another stands above your own judgment of what is right.

For instance, as you put it, the act of saying a blessing before eating implies that one must have permission from authority even to eat. This permission may have conditions on it. The conditions may be actions which you would otherwise know were wrong. The choice is then to defy the authority or to close off your mind.

In the Book of Joshua, God allegedly told the Israelites to massacre the entire population of Jericho, right down to the babies and the livestock. They committed mass murder it simply because that was what God asked of them, and because they expected that God would do something for them in return.

Israel has advanced beyond that barbaric standard, but the Book of Joshua hasn't been expunged from the list of holy books, even though it glorifies genocide. And there are other people (mostly Muslims of a certain flavor) who still commit mass murder because they believe it is what God asks of them and because God will reach out to them in return.

If "God wants it" is a sufficient justification for action, we haven't risen above the level of savagery.

I regret that I have given such a mistaken impression of my beliefs. Here, let me try again.

If I thought "God said so" was sufficient argument for any action, I'd be in a very different place theologically. I believe that God asks us to do certain things and it is up to us to respond. (I left "just do it" behind in my childhood religious experiences.) Part of being in covenant is that both parties have input. I can choose to ignore God's commands, and I believe the result of that would be a distancing of myself from God -- not a lightning bolt from on high. (I can disobey; God can withdraw.) If I honestly thought that God had commanded me to do something I find reprehensible, like killing someone (or a bunch of someones) outside of any legitimate judicial process, I would disobey. Joshua records the destruction of Jericho, but the torah itself rebukes Shimon and Levi for slaughtering the men of Shechem. We are told to blot out Amalek, but we are also given rules for war and, particularly, for noncombattants. It's not a single, universal picture.

Maybe this will sound fluffy to some of my traditional friends, but I believe I have a relationship with God that requires dialogue, give-and-take, and free will. If I believe that following a commandment will strengthen my relationship with God -- which includes factoring in ethics as I understand them, because service through unethical behavior weakens the relationship -- then I'll probably do it. If not, not. I try to at least consider it, but sometimes the answer is going to be "no", or "not yet".

Fair enough; but that implies that there is a higher standard than God's will, to which even God is (or should be) bound.

Do you know the talmudic story of the oven of Aknai? (Bava Metzia 59, for anyone who wants to follow this up.)

The rabbis were disputing whether an oven constructed a certain way could be kosher. The majority said no, and one rabbi (R. Eliezer) said yes. Eliezer said (several times) "if I am right let such-and-such prove it", and each time an unnatural event occurred. (There's an aside where R. Joshua rebukes the walls that are in the process of falling, saying "what right do you have to interfere?") In the end, even a voice from heaven says he's right. And the rabbis respond: the torah is not in heaven; it has been given to men to interpret. The halacha follows the rabbis, not Eliezer.

Does Eliezer know better than God? No, of course not -- but part of God's covenant with the people involved God giving up some authority. So I think it's ok to argue with God, to interpret, and to hesitate. If God really wanted it otherwise he could have wired us differently, but so long as he gave us free will and reason we have the right and responsibility to apply them to our relationship with him. A person who does something reprehensible because he thinks God said so is bringing scorn on not only himself but God.

I certainly do not claim to know as much as, or more than, God does about the world at large. But I know a fair bit about me (as does God), and I have to factor that knowledge, along with my understanding of what God wants, into my decisions.

You know, I find you a real inspiration. Your views, although quite different in terms of theology to mine, are refreshing and thoughtful and directional. I wish I could motivate myself in the same way and direction that you have, but along the orthodox path that I see to align with.

My parents think that I'm mad, at this age and stage of my life wanting to keep a kosher home and send my little boy to a jewish school. They never did. They justify their actions in reaction to the experiences they had as children in a world that persecuted difference and intelligence, thought, culture and enlightenment (from every walk of life). They cannot understand why I even admit to being a jew. It's really weird.

But even wanting as much as I do, I just wish I could get off my proverbial and do it. I have to find that motivator. Mind you. Interacting with a particularly dogmatic rabbisten is no incentive ...I can hear her voice "so why do we do that Rachael - because God said to". My brain powers down like something out of a cartoon.

Anyway, I need to find some guidance and a group that is quite interesting to go along and participate with I think. Do you think that is the key?

Thank you. I'm flattered.

It can be hard for people (like your parents) who live through a transition from "must appear to assimilate" to "ok to be different". It happened here too -- typically the immigrants stayed traditional, their kids chucked it all so they could succeed, and their kids (or sometimes grandkids) started to reclaim their tradition -- sometimes by a return to orthodoxy, sometimes by taking a different approach. Your parents have spent so much of their lives in the closeted mindset that they're not going to make big changes now. They might make small ones, gradually, if they didn't completely rebel.

Interacting with a particularly dogmatic rabbisten is no incentive ...

Yeah. Dogma and seeking don't go together.

Anyway, I need to find some guidance and a group that is quite interesting to go along and participate with I think. Do you think that is the key?

I imagine it's different for different people. A local community that you participate with regularly (e.g. going to weekly services) is certainly one way to do it, especially if it's a smaller group where you can get to know people. In my experience the regulars are all too happy to help out a newcomer (and even a not-so-newcomer). A group of friends (local or not) who you can discuss things with in detail can be helpful, particularly if you're trying to tease out how you feel about theology or its implications. When I was going through this I had half a dozen or so people -- mostly in different cities -- with whom I corresponded regularly; one in particular was really, really helpful in both supplying information and asking challenging questions. And sometimes a personal relationship with a rabbi can do it.

But I do think you have to engage personally in some way if you're going to try to change your path. Reading books and journals only gets you so far. I was initially terrified to go to a synagogue and talk to a rabbi, but there came a point where it was obviously the next thing to do. And that showed me things that the books I'd read up to that point could only hint at.

What is your local community like?

The local community is orthodox, funny that, and in the locale where I grew up and still live. It's within walking distance from hom. We've been attached there for almost 30 years. How scarey is that.

The congregation up until quite recently has been ageing and really Hungarian, which isn't a problem culturally for me, my father is Hungarian (but not a jew - although he participates and is really quite amazing in every respect. I'll tell you about his mother some time. I'd love to get your reaction...anyway). But the Rabbi and his wife although amazingly cultured and travelled are really quite 'israeli' in their outlook, and as I explained before quite dogmatic. The social demographic has become quite South African of late, especially with the large migration from South Africa to Australia in recent times. Certainly leaning in the habad direction. Not my thing. I still want to be me. I dont think that I need necessarily to wear a skirt, headscarf or wig every waking minute to proclaim my beliefs. But that's a different thing. They're OK. But I think I need something more. Someone who can have a discussion and isn't going to respond "just because" if I ask a question. Perhaps also I'm looking to get away from my ex before NKJ. Peter. Peter peter peter. Peter who turns up in the supermarket and follows me around, Peter who rides past my parent's place on his pushbike, Peter who stops me in teh street on the pretext that he is going somewhere and doing something. I think I have a stalker.

I think I've just managed to put my finger on it. I need a change of scene. Also the first set of books that Rivka suggested I read is the 3 part Book of our Heritage. You probably have already dived into it. Not the right place to start to transition your life. Plunging headlong is just not the right way for me to tackle this, although that is the way I would ordinarily tackle something. I have to disengage and untangle many prejudices and ideas that my parents and my childhood expereiences exposed me to. Including the 3 months of Aish in Israel with no formal structure.

The next closest orthodox congregation is in the city, at the Great - the oldest congregation in Sydney and they follow the British traditions. I've recently been to a couple of things there. It's like going to an Anglican mass! Highly theatrical. Choir. Ceremonial outfits for the president all sorts of stuff. It is really different from the homely atmosphere of my local Synagogue. A little impersonal, but quite awe inspiring. The Rabbi is truly excellent. I'm not sure whether or not he takes the classes. Getting there is a problem. I work in the burbs and by the I'm home from the hellhole, friday night service is usually over.

Anyway, that's probably way too much info! Thanks for responding.

So only one shul within walking distance? That really limits your options, yes. (I'm used to a bigger community. I can walk to a dozen shuls from my house.)

Finding a community is partly about theological alignment, yes, but at least as important is getting along with people. It's possible that you would find people in non-orthodox movements locally to be less dogmatic while still supportive of your observance level. Or not; I don't live there and can't say. But if you've got, say, a local Conservative congregation, you might want to check them out. There's quite a bit of variation within all movements; as you've seen, not all Orthodox communities are the same, and that's just as true in the other movements.

Someone who can have a discussion and isn't going to respond "just because" if I ask a question.

I have found people like that in most communities, including ones far enough to the right that it surprised me. Ok, your rabbi and rebbetzin are not to your taste; there might be others in the community who are more your style.

Perhaps also I'm looking to get away from my ex before NKJ. Peter.

NKJ? (You've used that abbreviation in your journal a few times but I haven't figured it out.) I take it Peter is the ex?

I think I've just managed to put my finger on it. I need a change of scene.

It sounds like, yes. Do you have the option to get away temporarily, perhaps taking a short-term job out of town, to see how it goes?

3 part Book of our Heritage

I don't know that one, actually.

Plunging headlong is just not the right way for me to tackle this, although that is the way I would ordinarily tackle something.

Where would you like to start? Something theological? Something more practical (observance-oriented)? There are books for baalei t'shuva (people returning to observance) that might help. Heck, some of the books for would-be converts might help; you're not a convert, of course, but they tend to provide a perspective "from the outside looking in", and maybe that would help you.

Thanks for responding.

Happy to (try to) help.

Anything on the reading front would be a great thing to start with (ie Ba'al t'shuva or conversion.) I think I am looking for practical to start with rather than theological. I have to dedicate the time and go to a shiur regularly to get into the text and the interpretation stuff I think.

NKJ is the father of my son (Nicholas Kent Johnston) and the person who I had a relationship with for almost 7 years.

Peter was the 'boy' prior to Nicholas. He is my shadow. We met at my local Shule while I was back from Law School and then were together for a while as I was doing postgrad law my first time in Canberra. he seems to be seriously twisted these days. The first time he saw me in the supermarket he ran away! At speed! I haven't really spent time with him since 1996.

Teshuva: A Guide for the Newly Observant Jew by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is quite good. It's got a lot of practical stuff and also some spiritual, and it's easy to jump around in it if that's what you want.

A book I didn't like, but others might, is After the Return by Rabbis Becher and Newman. I thought it was a little too, err, harsh? It didn't seem to focus as much on transition states for, say, dealing with relatives. But it's been several years since I read it, so I mention it in passing.

Pathways: Jews Who Return by Richard Greenberg is a collection of personal stories. Some will resonate and some won't; which ones fit which group varies by reader.

Becoming a Jew by Rabbi Maurice Lamm is for would-be converts and is written from an Orthodox perspective. I remember it being pretty informative and having a fair bit about practice, though I haven't reread it recently.

How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household by Blu Greenberg comes highly recommended, though I've only skimmed bits of it. Again, Orthodox perspective.

I hope some of these help. (I also hope you can borrow some rather than shelling out based only on my recommendation. I haven't checked which have excerpts posted at Amazon.)

I'll have a look around and see what I can borrow. Thanks for the starting suggestions!

I've seen an interesting analysis that religions that ask their followers to do more tend to have more faithful adherents, because you don't value what you get for free.

An interesting idea. I imagine there's a sweet spot -- ask too much and you risk driving people away, but ask too little and they don't value it.

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