Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Can You Be a Torah Observant Jew Without Change?

Can one consider themselves an Orthodox or Torah Observant Jew If one is unwilling to change. If we look at our ancient tradition, one of the things that separates a Jew from a gentile is our constant need for self improvement and repentance. In Christian tradition, one can go to Church have a confession and be over with whatever they confessed about. On the other hand, Judaism does not have a confession but rather we should recognize ourselves what we did and what needs to be changed.
With that in mind I want to discuss Mitzvos (Commandments) and living and creating a Jewish household and how change is necessary. While trying to keep all the mitzvos it is always important to see which mitzvos you can improve on. Its also important to try and do everything necessary to improve on the relationships you have with the people around you which also is a mitzvah. With that said, if someone does not follow this approach and says that they are happy the way they are and don't need to change or improvement, are they orthodox? Are they a Torah observant Jew? Are they following the Jewish way. I think the answer to these questions is no but I am not an expert on Jewish behavior and observance.

3 comments:

socialworker/frustrated mom said...

I agree, I don't think that a person who does not change is a torah observing jew. Life is about change.

Yoel.Ben-Avraham said...

Just read "Miktav M'Eliyahu" by Rav Dessler. The ultimate goal of this life is to change, improve, to turn our baser instincts into powers for kedusha. There is an good argument to describe all of Chassidut as exactly this!

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