You are certainly free to do that Joan. This essay was designed to offer an option for those struggling with faith. But there is no one answer. I welcome everyone to share their perspectives.
I found a lot of comfort and sensibility in your essay today. I also enjoy the way you bring all the events, writings and history together. It makes so much sense and provides abundant, thought-provoking information. Thank you Rabbi Joshua!
I cannot believe in the idea of god. I don’t need to. I get by just fine without that as part of my life. It’s been decades and it just feels irrelevant. It doesn’t mean I have no morals or values. It makes no difference but I was raised catholic and converted to Judaism, and just never could believe in any of it, still can’t.
Logic still stands in the way of belief for me. But it depends upon the good one does in this life for mankind in general. My mother used to say "Good is just God with another o". My spiritual "home" lies between tibetisches Buddhism and Judaism. No wonder so many (American) Jews love the Buddhist teachings. I read "The Life of Pi" 3x, many years ago, not noticing the parallels and teachings you mention, Rabbi Joshua! Thank you for bringing more enlightenment into the story. And thank you for the wonderful videos embedded in your e-mail! - Greetings from Munich
You are certainly free to do that Joan. This essay was designed to offer an option for those struggling with faith. But there is no one answer. I welcome everyone to share their perspectives.
I found a lot of comfort and sensibility in your essay today. I also enjoy the way you bring all the events, writings and history together. It makes so much sense and provides abundant, thought-provoking information. Thank you Rabbi Joshua!
Thank you for your comments, Ruth
The comfort I found from your essay today is significant. As always, your teachings touch my soul. Todah!
Thanks so much, Abbi
Rabbi Hammerman, despite my not being Jewish or religious, I find your essays comforting and hopeful. Thank you.
I appreciate it , Anna
Thank you.
You’re probably familiar with this, but just in case, there is a different version of the song “I Believe”: https://youtu.be/PT-VdH2lwZk?si=mCKqeJky7_gNk_9X
I hadn't heard that version. Lovely! Thanks so much for sharing it, Gwen.https://youtu.be/PT-VdH2lwZk?feature=shared
We used to sing V’Af Al Pi Chen full throated at camp back in the day! Very inspiring!
Thanks Scott. We sang it as well.
I cannot believe in the idea of god. I don’t need to. I get by just fine without that as part of my life. It’s been decades and it just feels irrelevant. It doesn’t mean I have no morals or values. It makes no difference but I was raised catholic and converted to Judaism, and just never could believe in any of it, still can’t.
Logic still stands in the way of belief for me. But it depends upon the good one does in this life for mankind in general. My mother used to say "Good is just God with another o". My spiritual "home" lies between tibetisches Buddhism and Judaism. No wonder so many (American) Jews love the Buddhist teachings. I read "The Life of Pi" 3x, many years ago, not noticing the parallels and teachings you mention, Rabbi Joshua! Thank you for bringing more enlightenment into the story. And thank you for the wonderful videos embedded in your e-mail! - Greetings from Munich
Thanks so much, Kimberly