The problem with trying to find the easy way out religiously, is that even if you can find a heter for almost everything, there will always be something that you can’t honestly get out of. And then what do you do? Who are you? What do you believe in? Because we will always be tested. The path of least resistance is never forever. It always ends at a crossroads. And then what?
Yes! The problem with getting around restrictions is that eventually our limitations catch up to us, and if we had it easy all along, we won't have developed the spiritual skills we need. Exactly. Thanks.
Thanks for sharing that, it sheds light on a difficult question. When do we embrace the difficulty and work harder and when is is appropriate to give ourselves a break. The difference between halacha and minhag could be important there.
I don’t like all the restrictions. It’s not my personality. Within my discretion, outside issues outside of religion, I like easy.
I sincerely do believe that life is inherently challenging and inherently makes you grow if you allow it to. Even if you take the “easy” way out. My honest opinion.
But I think that it is extremely clear that this is what G-d wants from us. To deny ourselves. To a reasonable and functional extent- not toward the point of mental illness.
Not to torture others ostensibly for religious reasons.
But to practice self-denial until we understand that we don’t need these things to be our core selves.
So I think that self-denial is extremely important in Judaism. G-d’s message is extremely clear.
There’s something generational in it, too. I am young Gen X. But I strongly identify as Gen X, older siblings, etc. Even people a little younger see it differently. That’s definitely a component.
The problem with trying to find the easy way out religiously, is that even if you can find a heter for almost everything, there will always be something that you can’t honestly get out of. And then what do you do? Who are you? What do you believe in? Because we will always be tested. The path of least resistance is never forever. It always ends at a crossroads. And then what?
Yes! The problem with getting around restrictions is that eventually our limitations catch up to us, and if we had it easy all along, we won't have developed the spiritual skills we need. Exactly. Thanks.
I had this back and forth shortly before I read your piece.
https://substack.com/profile/20884155-just-plain-rivka/note/c-249491227?r=cfmbf&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Thanks for sharing that, it sheds light on a difficult question. When do we embrace the difficulty and work harder and when is is appropriate to give ourselves a break. The difference between halacha and minhag could be important there.
I don’t like all the restrictions. It’s not my personality. Within my discretion, outside issues outside of religion, I like easy.
I sincerely do believe that life is inherently challenging and inherently makes you grow if you allow it to. Even if you take the “easy” way out. My honest opinion.
But I think that it is extremely clear that this is what G-d wants from us. To deny ourselves. To a reasonable and functional extent- not toward the point of mental illness.
Not to torture others ostensibly for religious reasons.
But to practice self-denial until we understand that we don’t need these things to be our core selves.
So I think that self-denial is extremely important in Judaism. G-d’s message is extremely clear.
Does it speak to me? No.
But that’s clearly what He is saying.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I think we agree. Jewish life directs us towards self denial as a way to grow, not in order to suffer. Consumption and denial both in moderation.
Definitely.
There’s something generational in it, too. I am young Gen X. But I strongly identify as Gen X, older siblings, etc. Even people a little younger see it differently. That’s definitely a component.