As a Ba'al Teshuva, it can be hard, sometimes, dealing with secular family members who don't understand your religious beliefs. In regards to my family, it isn't that my parents don't understand the practices of Judaism (they were both raised, somewhat, traditional). They don't understand why I'm not willing to "bend the rules," a little, when it comes to my religious practices!
My father is a wonderful man, but, whenever I say to him that I am not able to do something because it conflicts with my religious beliefs his response is always "This is the 21st Century".
Just in case you ever read my blog, dad, I just want you to know that I Truly Love You with my Whole Heart, but, I'm not the one who moved to the middle of, nowhere, North Carolina. I didn't give my house a name in homage to the TV show Bonanza (The Ponderosa), I didn't buy a tractor and scream hooray because it came with a 'John Deer' hat and, when I'm at home, I have cell phone service!! I do live in the 21st Century dad! I drive a car, I own a computer and use it in my everyday life, My wife (a rabbi's daughter) works in a Neuroscience research lab, I have a cell phone and we have a nice 37" flat screen TV at home that has cable and a PS3 attached to it!!
Just because I stop using all of these items on Shabbos and I have a very restrictive diet doesn't mean I'm not living in the present. Dad, I love you, If I become half the man that you are then I know that I will be a good husband and future father (way in the future, with the father thing!) but, The 21st Century did not disprove gods existence. The 21st Century does not change my obligations as a religious Jew.
It hurts me, dad, that you consider my beliefs backwards and outdated because you're, basically, calling me backwards and outdated.
Crist: "Scott -- You're Amazing!"
1 hour ago
4 comments:
Give ur dad a cigar!
My Dad enjoys a good cigar, and I would trully enjoy sitting and smoking one with him! But, that has nothing to do with this post though!
I congratulate you, admire you and respect you for your devotion to your religious views.
I am also amazed that you are a Jew and a libertarian. You have shattered the stereotypical mold.
Personally, I am a devoted Christian and am politically conservative. My Sabbath observance does not go as far as yours but it includes no TV, sports, etc.
I feel for you regarding your father's view of your positions.
Hang in there. You make me proud to see such a principled man.
It is tough to remain devout religious with most of society feeling the way your dad does.
My family is very religiously liberal (mom was raised Jewish, dad was raised Catholic, neither grandparents or parents are practicing anymore, and I am unsure what I believe...) I often wish I had the convictions you express here, although I am glad to have exposure to so many view points growing up.
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