I’ve learned that the first rule of religion is simply that there are no rules, but rather, guidelines. No amount of memorization is going to make an immense impact on the spiritual aspect of your life.
Emerging Faith
The Rules of Religion
April 15th, 2010 by Emma J
The Importance and Joy of Passover
March 30th, 2010 by Emma J
Passover is definitely a great opportunity to catch up with loved ones and the unity of coming together to celebrate this festival is parallel to the unity that existed between the Hebrew slaves all those years ago.
Spring Break Revelation
March 15th, 2010 by Emma J
Peace and God can be found anywhere as long as you’re in the right mindset. Naturally, I didn’t spend the entirety of my spring break in solitude. Instead, I was able to take a break from the books and focus on the more spiritual aspect of Judaism.
Purim
February 22nd, 2010 by Emma J
Purim has historical significance because it was the day after the victory of the Jews over all their enemies. Traditionally, true to the customs of Judaism, Purim begins at sundown and this holiday is personalized by a public reading of the Book of Esther.
Cultural and Remembrance
February 21st, 2010 by Emma J
Part of my New Year’s Resolutions was to learn how to cook, so I figured that I could mix in a little bit of Jewish culture with my cooking lessons. A family friend, who lives in Rochester and used to be a sous-chef, has graciously agreed to teach me how to dish up some simple, yet delicious, Jewish recipes.
New Year
January 27th, 2010 by Emma J
After taking a month long hibernation from the routine of weekly blogging on my journey of self-discovery in Judaism, I found myself feeling more than slightly depressed … I was absolutely horrified with myself.
The Question of Heritage
November 17th, 2009 by Emma J
Writing this week was more difficult for me than in previous weeks because I felt rushed whenever I sat down to learn more about the religion and the feeling that there was so little time only added to the frustration. I’ve been reading up on Jewish history and I had the depressing thought that, despite …
Finding faith
November 9th, 2009 by Emma J
Perhaps in my entries I have come across as distant from my personal feelings on the matter of my conversion. I suppose I never realized how difficult it would actually be to talk about a feeling that really is more complex than it sounds: faith. I’ve been thinking a lot since September about how people …
It’s the holiday season… sort of
November 3rd, 2009 by Emma J
Now that Halloween is behind us, the holiday season has arrived and stores have already eagerly put up their holiday displays. As I did homework and recovered from several days of festivities in the comfort of Barnes & Noble, I finally noticed for the first time just how Christmas-oriented the store was. While I didn’t …
Perseverance
October 26th, 2009 by Emma J
Life is full of distractions and scenarios, which leave you wondering if you’re really cut out for obtaining your goals. Perhaps it was the grey clouds that seemed to loom ominously overhead for the better part of this week that left me feeling frustrated with myself and the progress I have been making with Judaism.
I …