Jewish with Feeling

1. Reconnect with the Divine: Exploring God in Modern Judaism

"God language" can be of great help to us in relating to the infinite, but we should not confuse it with the real thing.

Redefining God. In today's world, many struggle with traditional concepts of God. Instead of abandoning faith, we can reimagine our relationship with the divine. Consider God as a verb rather than a noun, as a process of "be-ing" or "is-ing" rather than a static entity. This shift in perspective allows for a more dynamic and personal connection to the infinite.

Embracing complexity. Judaism acknowledges the difficulty in comprehending God, especially in light of historical tragedies. Rather than seeking simple answers, we can embrace the paradoxes and contradictions inherent in our relationship with the divine. This approach allows for a more nuanced and mature spirituality that can coexist with rational thought and scientific understanding.

Ways to reconnect with the divine:

• Practice mindfulness and meditation
• Engage in deep contemplation of nature
• Study sacred texts with an open mind
• Participate in communal worship and rituals
• Perform acts of kindness and social justice

2. Embrace Shabbat: A Sanctuary in Time for Spiritual Renewal

"Shabbos gives a rhythm to our entire week."

Reclaiming sacred time. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, Shabbat offers a crucial opportunity to step back and reconnect with what truly matters. By setting aside one day a week for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal, we create a powerful antidote to the stresses and distractions of modern life.

Creating meaningful rituals. Shabbat observance can be tailored to individual needs and preferences while still maintaining its core purpose. Whether through traditional practices or personalized rituals, the key is to create a space that allows for genuine relaxation, connection with loved ones, and spiritual growth.

Ideas for meaningful Shabbat observance:

• Light candles to mark the transition into sacred time
• Share a festive meal with family and friends
• Unplug from technology and focus on face-to-face interactions
• Engage in prayer, meditation, or spiritual reading
• Take a leisurely walk in nature
• Reflect on the past week and set intentions for the coming one

3. Prayer as Conversation: Deepening Your Spiritual Connection

"Prayer is talking to God."

Authentic expression. Prayer in Judaism is not about reciting prescribed words perfectly, but about engaging in a genuine conversation with the divine. Start by expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in your own words. This approach allows for a more personal and meaningful spiritual experience.

Exploring traditional prayers. While personal expression is important, traditional Jewish prayers offer a rich vocabulary and structure for connecting with the divine. Approach these prayers with an open mind, seeking to understand their deeper meanings and how they might resonate with your own experiences.

Techniques for deepening prayer:

• Begin with gratitude, acknowledging the blessings in your life
• Use visualization to imagine yourself in God's presence
• Incorporate movement or song to engage your whole being
• Practice active listening, allowing for moments of silence
• Journal your prayers to track your spiritual journey
• Join a prayer community for support and shared experience

4. Mitzvot: Sacred Actions for a Meaningful Life

"Mitzvot mark out spiritual territory in both time and space."

Intentional living. Mitzvot, often translated as "commandments," are better understood as sacred actions that infuse everyday life with meaning and purpose. By approaching mitzvot as opportunities for spiritual growth rather than burdensome obligations, we can transform routine activities into moments of connection with the divine.

Expanding the concept. While traditional mitzvot remain important, we can also create new "mitzvot" that address contemporary ethical and spiritual challenges. This might include acts of environmental stewardship, social justice, or personal growth that align with Jewish values.

Categories of mitzvot and examples:

1. Ethical (mishpatim):
   • Treating workers fairly
   • Caring for the vulnerable in society
2. Ritual/symbolic (edot):
   • Observing Shabbat
   • Wearing tzitzit (ritual fringes)
3. Spiritual/mystical (chukim):
   • Dietary laws
   • Rituals of purification

5. Eco-Kosher: Expanding Jewish Ethics to Environmental Stewardship

"Eco-kashrut is concerned not only with the origin of the things consumed—what animal the meat came from, say, or what dishes it was cooked in—but also with the results of our consumption, such as the environmental and human toll of our actions."

Ethical consumption. The concept of eco-kashrut extends traditional Jewish dietary laws to encompass broader environmental and ethical considerations. This approach encourages us to be mindful of the impact our consumption has on the planet and on other people.

Stewardship as a spiritual practice. Caring for the environment can be seen as a form of serving God and fulfilling our role as caretakers of creation. By integrating environmental awareness into our daily lives and religious practices, we elevate our relationship with the natural world to a spiritual level.

Principles of eco-kashrut:

• Consider the environmental impact of food production
• Support fair labor practices in the food industry
• Reduce waste and promote sustainable packaging
• Choose locally sourced and seasonal foods when possible
• Minimize consumption of animal products
• Advocate for policies that protect the environment

6. Interfaith Dialogue: Enriching Jewish Identity in a Global Context

"We need to start taking counsel with one another. We need to turn our spiritual software—the technologies of transformation that we have developed over the centuries—into shareware."

Mutual enrichment. Engaging in interfaith dialogue doesn't diminish Jewish identity; rather, it can deepen our understanding of our own tradition while fostering respect and appreciation for others. By sharing insights and practices across religious boundaries, we can address global challenges more effectively.

Balancing uniqueness and universality. While recognizing common ground with other faiths, it's important to maintain the distinctive elements of Jewish tradition. This balance allows Judaism to contribute its unique wisdom to the world while remaining open to growth and evolution.

Guidelines for meaningful interfaith dialogue:

• Approach conversations with genuine curiosity and respect
• Focus on shared values and common goals
• Be willing to learn from other traditions
• Share personal experiences rather than debating theology
• Collaborate on social justice and community service projects
• Celebrate diversity while affirming one's own identity

7. Messianic Hope: Nurturing Optimism for a Better World

"Today's messianic hope rests not on a passive hope for a better world, but on the active urge to create that world."

Active optimism. Rather than waiting for a miraculous intervention, modern Jewish thought encourages us to actively work towards creating a better world. This approach combines traditional messianic hope with a commitment to social justice and personal growth.

Embracing paradox. The concept of Mashiach (Messiah) in Judaism contains many contradictions and tensions. Instead of trying to resolve these, we can use them as tools for spiritual growth, allowing us to hold multiple truths simultaneously and push beyond our usual ways of thinking.

Ways to nurture messianic hope:

• Engage in tikkun olam (repairing the world) through social action
• Cultivate personal virtues that contribute to a more just society
• Study and reinterpret traditional messianic texts for modern times
• Practice visualizing and working towards an ideal world
• Celebrate small victories and positive changes
• Maintain hope and resilience in the face of setbacks

Last updated: September 12, 2024