I know we've talked about this. I know we have. Legality and ethics don't always align. What American law requires you to do is sometimes very different than what Jewish ethics would ask of you.
American law is okay with bystanders, Jewish ethics is not.
We are obligated, not by our countries, but by our very existences, to do what is right, to not stand idly by while bad things happen. We should save those in immediate danger, we should testify for the innocent when we have additional information, and we should offer our seats to people who are older than we are (which does not make them elderly) (dad would appreciate that comment).
Day 342: When You Learn Torah, Use It
It was strangely meta for me to read this passage.
In the past, I had a conversation with a friend who was moving quickly but steadily on his path to becoming more observant. He told me that, once he learned Torah, there was no way he could not incorporate what he'd learned into his life. That was how he'd begun keeping kosher, after all. I understood what he meant, but I felt at the time that I wasn't at the right place in my Judaism to feel that what he'd said applied to me.
Now, however, I've been slightly more immersed in independent study of Judaism. It's informal now, I learn from my rabbi and rebbetzin, both home and at school, and I read. I read a lot.
For example, I've been reading this book for 342 days now. Wow. And my mission for this year has been to incorporate what I read in this book into my every day life. To find relevance in the ethics and morals of my religion. And I fully believe I have.
"When you rise from study, ponder carefully what you have learned; see what there is in that which you learned which you can put into practice." -Letter of Nachmanides
Day 343: Shabbat
This is my last week of classes. This week is affectionately known at my school as "Dead Week" because it's supposed to be quiet and full of preparation for finals. That's not the case. In reality, "Dead Week" makes you so tired you could collapse. All of your major assignments are due and some of your finals are already taking place. But no worries, because next week is finals week and then I'll be home for a bit.
This semester seems like it started so long ago, yet it went by so quickly. I can honestly say that I am not the person I was when I first came here. I am not haunted by guilt, I am increasingly honest with myself and others, and I am increasingly realistic in my expectations and increasingly pessimistic in my philosophies about love.
It's a strange balance it seems, but I feel I've accomplished a lot this semester: I've completed 20 hours working in a 2nd grade classroom; I've studied law pertaining to teachers, students and education; I've handled emotional stress and heartbreak; I've been truly affected by the amazing cohort of professors I've had the pleasure of studying with; I've completed my formal study of Jewish history in college; I've presented at a conference for students going into the field of education; and I've contributed to the communities I'm a part of in many different ways.
On that note, it's time to reflect on a smaller facet of this semester: last week.
- When Is It Permitted to Pass On Negative Information About Another?: N/A
- Passing On Negative Information When a Couple Are Dating: The Four Guidelines of the Chaffetz-Chayim: I talked more to my friend and I think she mentioned it would be more relevant to her and she'd be more willing to accept the information from others if they would give her details. She has discussed her issues with the boy she is seeing and she doesn't seem to be nervous anymore, so I'm not sure how relevant this information could be under the Chaffetz-Chayim's guidelines.
- Telling Your Children "I'm Sorry": N/A
- Make Time for Your Children: N/A
- "You Must Not Remain Indifferent": N/A
- When You Learn Torah, Use It: N/A
No comments:
Post a Comment