Thank you all for your comments. The religious landscape right now is fascinating - so many blends. No one is “pure” anything. This opens up enormous opportunities for dialogue. What Pew surveys call “Nones” (no religion) is more accurately described as “Alls.” Everyone is searching. Fewer have landed on a single faith, or single denomination of that faith. This online environment, with fewer physical boundaries than a brick-and-mortar house of worship, is the perfect place for us all to meet.
Well Rabbi, thanks to Meidas Touch I recently started reading your Substack. I attended Catholic School through High School. I claim no specific religion now. My neighborhood was in the poor end of town. I didn't know that at the time. lol Within a 12 block radius anything we needed was available. There were 3 Jewish businesses, a pharmacy, a pawn shop and an appliance store. There was the Chinese fresh chicken store and vege store. There were two Italian grocery stores, one of which had a fresh meat counter, i.e., no packages of frozen meat. There was a dry cleaners and Chinese laundry. A YMCA where boxing was promoted and sometimes men could stay there. My mother had a used clothing store and across the street there was another one. My friends were the children of the Mrs. and one son was with her Jewish husband. Although religion was never a topic they were the kindest people that I knew. I almost forgot, there was also a theater. It changed ownership many times, one time it was only Mexican movies, then it was porno movies and finally a strip show. Called homeless now there were many "bums". who begged quarters so they could buy a bottle of cheap wine. Then there was the "crazy" lady who stood on one corner most of the day talking -- mostly to herself.
I'm not really sure why I posted all of this. I grew up in such a mixed neighborhood and obviously people would have different religions, cultures, etc., but, none of that mattered. We were all people working to make a living and getting along.
I look forward to reading more of what you have to say and like your clarification of different sayings and words. After 37 years you have probably seen it all and am glad that you have decided to keep giving. :-).
Rabbi, I just came across your substack, so nice to meet you.! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. Congrats on your long career in the pulpit, and kol hakavod on launching a new venture!
I started my life as a Roman Catholic- went to Catholic school until 8th grade. As an adult I fofound the Unitarian faith- they believe there is no "right" religion- that some basic truths are found in all religions. I learned a lot about Judaism both from the Unitarians as well as friends of mine and my daughter-in-law. I'm not affiliated with any religion now but feel in my heart that being a good person, loving others as well as yourself is truly the way to live a good life and be happy.
Thank you for your reflections. I read it all. I started as a Roman-Catholic, turned Jehovah Witness, turned away from the WatchTower, then turned to Gnosis and now I am being just myself. The relation to God is personal, or must I say, to the Divine ? We all carry the Spirit-Spark-Atom in our hearts and yes, it can go wide open: that's the mystical union. Shalom.
Thank you for participating on Substack, and yes I’m soon to be 73, born into a Reformed family, however I am blessed that I am able to participate in Orthodox and Sephardic congregations. I appreciate your writing on this platform, your knowledge of Judaism, and knowledge of history.
Thank you for writing this Substack, Rabbi. I am a member of the tribe. Although my practices follow an Eastern path (I consider myself a HinJew), I’m grateful for my inescapable Jewishness. It’s nice to be here and read what you write.
Not that it matters, but I grew up in a Jewish community - I am not - had wonderful and close Jewish friends, went to many Bar Mitzvahs (I'm 'old' and the girls were not having their religious ceremonies then), dated a great Jewish guy for years and have learned a lot from these relationships. I stumbled across your blog on Substack and am looking forward to reading it in the weeks ahead.
Wow! I am not Jewish grew up with friends who are. Why I am saying wow. I have been digging deep into my faith. I actually emailed a pastor of mine when I was 5 years old. Him and his family were called into the Misson work. I grew up in a non domination church. My dad was baptized at age 28. My life has seen a lot of challenges and changes. My dad passed when I was 25 I am 50 and my mom just passed. I emailed him last night how this unrest in the world I need trying to deep dive into my faith. My views of course have changed. Finding a church especially now is a struggle. Since the election i am trying to understand everything and all the wars/conflicts. My ex pastor was a missionary in Ukraine for many years He has been back since the invasion of Russia. What you wrote touched my heart bc as I struggle to find my home church. I really needed to hear your take as well. I know this is a lot, but something I have been dealing with is Faith. Thanks for what you wrote,bc the timing was so spot in!
Thank you all for your comments. The religious landscape right now is fascinating - so many blends. No one is “pure” anything. This opens up enormous opportunities for dialogue. What Pew surveys call “Nones” (no religion) is more accurately described as “Alls.” Everyone is searching. Fewer have landed on a single faith, or single denomination of that faith. This online environment, with fewer physical boundaries than a brick-and-mortar house of worship, is the perfect place for us all to meet.
Well Rabbi, thanks to Meidas Touch I recently started reading your Substack. I attended Catholic School through High School. I claim no specific religion now. My neighborhood was in the poor end of town. I didn't know that at the time. lol Within a 12 block radius anything we needed was available. There were 3 Jewish businesses, a pharmacy, a pawn shop and an appliance store. There was the Chinese fresh chicken store and vege store. There were two Italian grocery stores, one of which had a fresh meat counter, i.e., no packages of frozen meat. There was a dry cleaners and Chinese laundry. A YMCA where boxing was promoted and sometimes men could stay there. My mother had a used clothing store and across the street there was another one. My friends were the children of the Mrs. and one son was with her Jewish husband. Although religion was never a topic they were the kindest people that I knew. I almost forgot, there was also a theater. It changed ownership many times, one time it was only Mexican movies, then it was porno movies and finally a strip show. Called homeless now there were many "bums". who begged quarters so they could buy a bottle of cheap wine. Then there was the "crazy" lady who stood on one corner most of the day talking -- mostly to herself.
I'm not really sure why I posted all of this. I grew up in such a mixed neighborhood and obviously people would have different religions, cultures, etc., but, none of that mattered. We were all people working to make a living and getting along.
I look forward to reading more of what you have to say and like your clarification of different sayings and words. After 37 years you have probably seen it all and am glad that you have decided to keep giving. :-).
Thanks so much, Susan!
Rabbi, I just came across your substack, so nice to meet you.! I look forward to reading more of your thoughts. Congrats on your long career in the pulpit, and kol hakavod on launching a new venture!
Thanks!
I find your words inspiring.
I started my life as a Roman Catholic- went to Catholic school until 8th grade. As an adult I fofound the Unitarian faith- they believe there is no "right" religion- that some basic truths are found in all religions. I learned a lot about Judaism both from the Unitarians as well as friends of mine and my daughter-in-law. I'm not affiliated with any religion now but feel in my heart that being a good person, loving others as well as yourself is truly the way to live a good life and be happy.
Thank you for your reflections. I read it all. I started as a Roman-Catholic, turned Jehovah Witness, turned away from the WatchTower, then turned to Gnosis and now I am being just myself. The relation to God is personal, or must I say, to the Divine ? We all carry the Spirit-Spark-Atom in our hearts and yes, it can go wide open: that's the mystical union. Shalom.
Thank you Rabbi. The Light of God in me salutes the Light of God in you. I'm looking forward to the journey.
Thank you for participating on Substack, and yes I’m soon to be 73, born into a Reformed family, however I am blessed that I am able to participate in Orthodox and Sephardic congregations. I appreciate your writing on this platform, your knowledge of Judaism, and knowledge of history.
Thank you for writing this Substack, Rabbi. I am a member of the tribe. Although my practices follow an Eastern path (I consider myself a HinJew), I’m grateful for my inescapable Jewishness. It’s nice to be here and read what you write.
What a pleasure to meet you. I'm looking forward to reading more of your thoughts, insights and wisdom.
Not that it matters, but I grew up in a Jewish community - I am not - had wonderful and close Jewish friends, went to many Bar Mitzvahs (I'm 'old' and the girls were not having their religious ceremonies then), dated a great Jewish guy for years and have learned a lot from these relationships. I stumbled across your blog on Substack and am looking forward to reading it in the weeks ahead.
Wow! I am not Jewish grew up with friends who are. Why I am saying wow. I have been digging deep into my faith. I actually emailed a pastor of mine when I was 5 years old. Him and his family were called into the Misson work. I grew up in a non domination church. My dad was baptized at age 28. My life has seen a lot of challenges and changes. My dad passed when I was 25 I am 50 and my mom just passed. I emailed him last night how this unrest in the world I need trying to deep dive into my faith. My views of course have changed. Finding a church especially now is a struggle. Since the election i am trying to understand everything and all the wars/conflicts. My ex pastor was a missionary in Ukraine for many years He has been back since the invasion of Russia. What you wrote touched my heart bc as I struggle to find my home church. I really needed to hear your take as well. I know this is a lot, but something I have been dealing with is Faith. Thanks for what you wrote,bc the timing was so spot in!
Hi Betsy, and thanks for your comments. I hope we'll have much to learn from each other as we continue on our spiritual journeys
Thank you and I look forward to it as well!