Halacha is a divinely mandatory lifestyle equally applied within the family, community, and the world that is both exclusive and takes precedence to all of other laws. Halacha is rabbinic interpretative application of the commandments in the Torah. So, when the Torah states, “Thou shall not light a fire on Shabbat,” Halacha provide the contexts for its modern application.
I find halacha annoying and restrictive and it undermines my desire to actively participate in my faith. But today, I learn that halachic tension – between the self and the community and the self and God – is part of the Jewish experience. The understanding, codification, and application of God’s laws are a part of fundamental Jewish framework and to struggle with that is to struggle with faith. And to wrestle with one’s faith is to actively participating in one’s spiritual development.
My struggle with my faith has been one of obstinate rebellion. I have been looking at halacha too narrowly for I have been viewing the struggle as an end rather than a means.
Now, that I have permission to be conflicted and annoyed, I feel better and I feel energized to tackle these issues.
It is ON Halacha!!!
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2 comments:
i love that, 'permission to be conflicted' Mr Racer, you are the politest person I know. And that accusation takes into account your demonstration of yamaka-aided masturbation for my in-laws.
that demonstration is on the top ten list of "Brandon Racer's Greatest Moments."
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