The Relevance of Judaism.

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Valke2

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Within the tradition, there is an obligation to make judaism relevant every 50 years or so for each generation (a good example might be the Steinsaltz English translation of Talmud). I view Judaism as an open ended discussion. A mythic structure through which to access God.

It is not an answer to ultimate questions but rather a method of dwelling on ultimate questions.

The mitzvot (commandments) are like religious speed bumps. They cause the Jew to pause throughout the day and remember that time is sacred. That even while doing the mundande – driving the kids to school, working, etc., ever moment is, as A.J. Heschel describes, “a small mosaic of infinity.” Each mitzvah is an opportunity to appreciate the fact that you stand for something greater than yourself and to recognize the ineffable mystery of existence.
 
Valke2 said:
Within the tradition, there is an obligation to make judaism relevant every 50 years or so for each generation (a good example might be the Steinsaltz English translation of Talmud). I view Judaism as an open ended discussion. A mythic structure through which to access God.

It is not an answer to ultimate questions but rather a method of dwelling on ultimate questions.
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I think you are right about this, at least for modern Judaism. I’m not sure the Orthodox Jew or perhaps even the Conservative Jew would agree with you, though. Would they? :confused:
The mitzvot (commandments) are like religious speed bumps. They cause the Jew to pause throughout the day and remember that time is sacred. That even while doing the mundande – driving the kids to school, working, etc., ever moment is, as A.J. Heschel describes, “a small mosaic of infinity.” Each mitzvah is an opportunity to appreciate the fact that you stand for something greater than yourself and to recognize the ineffable mystery of existence.
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This is just what St. Therese of Lisieux taught in her “Little Way”–that everything we do, if we do it for love of God and neighbor has spiritual value. And it’s so true! 🙂
 
Della said:
I think you are right about this, at least for modern Judaism. I’m not sure the Orthodox Jew or perhaps even the Conservative Jew would agree with you, though. Would they? :confused:
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I think many would. IT certainly is not contrary to either orthodox or conservative thinking. And I believe it is a Talmudic directive.
 
Valke2 said:
I think many would. IT certainly is not contrary to either orthodox or conservative thinking. And I believe it is a Talmudic directive.
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Do the Orthodox really think of their faith as a “mythic structure through which to access God?” Wouldn’t they say that their beliefs are not myth, in the strict sense of the word, but history? After all, the Ten Commandments came out of a real people with a real relationship with God, did they not? I guess I’m not understanding what you are saying. :o
 
Della said:
Do the Orthodox really think of their faith as a “mythic structure through which to access God?” Wouldn’t they say that their beliefs are not myth, in the strict sense of the word, but history? After all, the Ten Commandments came out of a real people with a real relationship with God, did they not? I guess I’m not understanding what you are saying. :o
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Sorry. I misunderstood the part of my post we were discussing. I agree that many Jews – otrhodox or not, would not agree with Judaism being a mythic structure. ANd plenty would agree that it is history.
I was only referring to the fact that Judaism imposes upon itself an obligation to make sure it remains relevant for every generation, when I said that many orthodox would agree.
 
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