religion – The Tree of Life

New Age Revelry

The Ubiquity of Spirituality without Religion

The sovereignty of the individual is ultimately supported by the Higher Authority of G-d. We are guided by lasting principles that enable us to direct our autonomy toward a worthy goal. We work in tandem with His guidance, recognizing that ultimately, He should be L-rd over our lives.

Yet, today, in the chaotic postmodern world, where spirituality abounds, devoid of a connection to a transcendent G-d, man raises himself up as the highest authority. Indeed, many, who are steeped in New Age spirituality view themselves, and all humankind as part and parcel with the divinity of G-d, irrespective of His transcendent nature. In other words, they view themselves as divine, without recognizing a higher authority.

As shocking as this may sound to anyone who holds a traditional religious worldview, it should be noted that the separation of spirituality from religion is gaining ground in the world. As people move away from traditional concepts of G-d and religion, the yearning for something other than the mundane compels many to fill the void in their lives with anything under the sun, except the idea of a G-d who has moral expectations of us.

The main tenets of monotheistic faith, in particular, are replaced by alternatives that have less of a demand for responsibility to a moral order, and more of a subjective, experience-based spirituality without a particular moral code. Thus, any conception of an absolute authority that can guide our lives is substituted with the individual being the highest form of authority.

Where will this rift between religion and spirituality lead? There seems to be a growing consensus that religion is too binding upon the freedom of an individual; hence, the embracing of a myriad diversions from the revealed truth at Sinai, encompassing subjective experiential pursuits. Worse than worshiping other gods, many within the New Age Movement are worshipping themselves.

Omer: Day 27 – Foundational Truths

Yesod shebbe Netzach: Foundation of Victory

How well am I able to maintain an active participation in the foundational truths of my life? Do I only have an intellectual understanding of those truths? Or, am I able to ground those truths within the framework of my everyday life? Moreover, when faced with challenges, within and without, how well will that foundation prove to support the overall structure of my belief and practice? The stronger my foundation, the greater my ability to endure the storms of life. If my foundation is like a house built upon a rock, then it will be more secure than a foundation built upon sand.

A solid foundation is one that will withstand the changing seasons, because the underlying principles are founded upon timeless truths. Yet, a foundation built upon the shifting sands of societal norms will not last. This should be clear to anyone who reviews the values in American society, from the 1950’s until today.

There has been a substantial shift away from traditional values toward the radical pseudo-values, currently being implemented in all of America’s institutions. And, where will this trajectory of descent lead? The radical Leftist ideology behind the proponents of cancel culture continues to impact society as a whole, by diminishing traditional voices, and persuading those that are “sitting on the fence” in regard to classical Western morality. Those without a firm foundation will sink into this quagmire of confusion.

Without building blocks that will provide a sure foundation, a structure built upon empty truths, ultimately, will not be established. The measure of strength of a foundation may very well be its resistance to change; therefore, only time-tested truths will ultimately prevail. The establishment of any foundation that is not in accord with those truths will ultimately fail to provide the shelter that only can only be provided through what is Heaven sent. May the Shechinah (the Divine presence) be bestowed upon you. Shalom.

Omer: Day 26 – Resilience in Adversity

Hod shebbe Netzach: Splendor (Humility) within Victory (Endurance)

Hod may also be rendered as humility. The quality of humility in regard to endurance may be envisioned as a bamboo tree yielding to a strong wind in a storm, signifying, that endurance in the face of life’s challenges may also require resilience. When we are able to acknowledge our limitations in the face of adversity, then we may be compelled to gather inner strength. In other words, our limitations may compel us to renew our strength through a resilient spirit.

The splendor of hod represents the light of G-d, that shines upon us when we humble ourselves in respect to Him. (We mirror his light). By recognizing our limitations, we may receive His blessing to endure, with a little help from Above. Our resilience in the face of adversity may depend upon an added measure of assistance from outside of our own resources, in order to persist with any worthy endeavor. In G-d’s eyes, when we reach out to Him, we are being dependent in a good way.

note: The counting of the Omer serves as a spiritual journey. We are called upon to leave our own personal limitations behind us, as we travel on the path of freedom, away from the influence of negativity in our lives. This is a forty-nine day journey, a self improvement plan, between Passover and Shavuot. Each of the seven weeks corresponds to one of the seven middos (character traits) that we will have the opportunity to improve upon in our lives.

My personal reflections on each day’s combination of middot are not meant to be comprehensive; they are not based upon any one particular system. Nor, may my insights be characterized as authoritative, because I am a student, not a teacher. I simply hope to inspire others to delve into an exploration of their own personality, for the sake of tikkun hanefesh (rectification of the soul).

Omer: Day 24 – Balancing Challenges

Tiferes shebbe Netzach: Beauty within Endurance

Tiferes represents the ability to blend or harmonize opposites; thus, the strong-willed efforts to endure challenges in life, may require tenacity; yet, a measure of compassion for ourselves and others also plays a role. Endurance in regard to forbearance of others, is supported by compassion, mercy, and leniency towards others. Also, we would benefit from some show of compassion to ourselves, especially when our best efforts do not immediately amount to success. By acknowledging our mis-tries as stepping-stones, we can learn how to do better next time; this requires a certain amount of self-compassion, lest we judge ourselves too harshly for our failures.

The tenacity to endure the nisyanos (challenges) of our lives, especially when we are running low on reserves, may benefit from acknowledging that we are not superhumans; rather, we are beings built to be dependent on the earth, our fellow human beings, and G-d Himself. When we reach the point of exasperation, when we find ourselves barely able to cope, then we may note a sense of powerlessness. This is exactly when we should turn towards others for help; and, primarily, to accept that the only One who may be able to effect a situation from Above for the good, is the One who created the situation in the first place.

While it is true that we may often create the circumstances for our own negative situations; at times, we may find ourselves being tried by G-d. This was the case for Joseph, who was refined in the fires fire in Egypt, before he ascended to a place of sovereign rule. The trials that he endured shaped his character; so, he proved himself to be capable of being placed in a position of leadership, within the overall framework of G-d’s design. G-d has a divine plan for every individual; when we begin to see the challenges in our lives as tests that will bring us to the next level of spiritual improvement, then we may be in harmony with our circumstances, others, and G-d’s blueprint for our lives.

Omer: Day 23 – Soul Care

Gevurah shebbe Netzach: Power within Endurance:

The motivating factor for endurance is discipline; in any endeavor, a regimen that is followed with discipline, will lead to endurance in that endeavor. The path to success, may be said to be paved with sweat, especially in regard to an exercise routine. Yet, to neglect the soul, while placing undue emphasis on the body, will lead towards spiritual undernourishment. Both body and soul are important aspects of human beings. While disciplining the body is an endeavor undertaken by many, who are concerned with well-being; the discipline of the soul is also necessary, and should be kept in mind, when dividing one’s time.

The two may complement each other; I am not advocating neglect of the body in favor of the soul. However, I imagine that in contemporary society, neglect of the soul may be all too common, and not necessarily due to an overemphasis on the body. Rather, any focus on the soul, is often diminished in favor of other preoccupations, such as entertainment, socialization, and internet use. May all, including myself, who might fall into the category of an undernourished soul, think twice about what is important in life. For the soul is eternal, and, therefore, significantly more important to nourish; whereas, the body will be subject to entropy over time, and return to the dust.

With that in mind, the discipline of the soul might entail the same type of regimen, planned out on a regular basis, akin to a jogging or exercise routine. Spending a few moments of quiet time at the beginning of the day, will lead towards a lasting benefit – a spiritual charge – if you will, that will continue throughout the day. Also, connecting to the soul in a meaningful way, before retiring in the evening, may help to settle the mind, and calm the nerves. Therefore, in this manner, it can be clearly seen that there are practical advantages to soul care.

Omer: Day 22- Kindness Shall Prevail

chesed shebbe netzach: Kindness within Victory

Being kind to ourselves in respect to the aspect of netzach (also rendered as endurance), is tantamount to an everlasting kindness, that we can only approach as an ideal. Yet, H’Shem, through His attribute of chesed shows kindness toward us, not only when we might deserve; rather, also, when we do not necessarily deserve to be treated with kindness from G-d, He will still show His kindnesses to us, in order to win us over through His love toward us. If he loves us, then we may also show love in return towards Him through our obedience.

To endure in right relationship towards Him, is no easy task; rather, G-d recognizes that we need to keep being drawn back to Him by some reminder, effort, or kindness on His part. We also need to make our own efforts: for as long as He sees us trying, he will meet us halfway in our walk towards Him.

Chesed (kindness) may also be applied in our relationship to self and others. If we are kind to ourselves, we are more likely to treat others in the same manner; as is mentioned in Torah, to love your fellow human being as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). To extend love outwards beyond family and friends may seem like an impossibility; yet, the idea can at least be kept in mind, the next time, a challenging situation might occur.

Instead of responding to others, whether family friends, or acquaintances in annoyance when something is less than perfect in our lives, remember that any relationship’s endurance is dependent on kindnesses. I.e., the concrete expression of kindness in accordance with what is able to be expressed towards others. A smile, a kind act, or overlooking the other person’s faults. All of these and more will contribute to the endurance of the relationship.

The Purim Code

Truth and Lies

Wokism Exposed: Part 1 – the dialectic

Wokism is a misguided “social justice movement,” that upholds a pseudo-morality opposed to godly values. Irrespective of pointing out its ideological roots, it can clearly be explained as “cultural Marxism,” based on its overarching intent to divide groups of people into the oppressed and the oppressor – a basic Marxist strategy. Wokism’s roots go back to Hegel and Marx, whereof Hegel, perhaps, the first progressive, introduced the concept of the dialectic, wherein the thesis (status quo of society) is critiqued by the antithesis, thus forming a new society, called the synthesis; yet, this process continues to repeat itself, until theoretically, a utopia, brought about by the Spirit of Man results somewhere down the road of history. Marx rejected any idea of the spirt, and founded what he referred to as “dialectical materialism,” proffering the viewpoint that through a complete upheaval of society, a utopia can come into fruition out of society’s ashes. Neither dialectical approach to history and revolution is in accord with recognizing G-d’s hand in all human affairs; so, its end result can only be antithetical to the divine plan on earth.

G-d save us from the new totalitarianism.

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Rosh Chodesh Av 5782

This evening begins the month of Av, as well as the last nine (intensive) days of the three-week period of mourning for the destruction of the Temples, leading up to the ninth of Av – the day when both Temples were destroyed about six hundred years apart from each other in history.

After the breach of the walls of Jerusalem on Tammuz 17 by the Romans, the second Temple was destroyed, about 1,950 years ago. As a result, even though the state of Israel has been reborn (see Isaiah 66:8), we are still in exile until the time that the third Temple is built. May that day arrive soon. Amein.

Prayer & Sincerity

A Few Thoughts on Prayer and Sincerity: Elokai Neshama

“My G-d, the soul you placed within me is pure.”

– from the morning prayers

Too often, I am unable to say the beginning of this prayer “as is.” Was the original soul that G-d placed within me pure when I was born? Yes, as far as I know, I can receive this as a truth.

Is my soul renewed every morning, having spent some time in the upper realms to get a recharge, before being placed back within me before I wake up? No doubt, that my soul is renewed each and every morning, as implied elsewhere, “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23).

Yet, I know myself too well; my conscience is not necessarily renewed to its pristine quality every morning. And, if yesterday’s taint upon the soul is still present in my mind, my soul does not “feel” pure when I awake to the “rise and shine” of the day.

For some time, I have been disconcerted by the apparent incongruity of how I feel, as compared to the literal text; so, I explored various ways to understand this concept of the soul’s purity being restored. One finding is that, only a certain part of the soul is referred to in the prayer; that part is “pure.”

I also seem to recall learning of tzaddikim, who were unable to say certain prayers in sincerity. As far as I can recall, they modified those particular prayers a little bit, for themselves, in the moment, in order to be heartfelt and true to their words. Yet, this is not to be understood as a pretext to actually changing the prayers of chazal (the sages).

Yet, there does appear to be a pretext to solving my own troublesome dilemma, by altering a prayer somewhat, at least, in the moment, to be faithful and true to one’s own words. As such, I usually say, “My G-d, may the soul you placed within me be pure.” I have turned a statement into a request.

Additionally, the prayers may be personalized, to some extent, while reciting them: that is the nature of personal kavannos, best explained as thoughts about the prayers while reciting them. (There are also specially designed kavannos to recall while reciting certain prayers).