From the Rabbi

Last month, I wrote about the deep meaning I find in working with a candidate for conversion, and the questions it raises for those of us born into this tradition/tribe/religion. (See: How Do You Jew?). 

Apart from those of us whose professional lives are demarcated by the time we devote Jewish learning and teaching, when and how do the rest of our people – those who are already “in” – delve into the big questions?

I have to bear some responsibility here, at least to provide the materials, and invitation, for your considerations of those questions. Hence I hereby declare any day of the week, for any duration, at any time of the year, to be Zeman Bedikat Ruhaniyut - “Spiritual Exploration Time.”

The (non) rules for this practice are simple: The zeman/time can be now. It’s time. Take the time.

Here are some of the questions I provide to those who are just about to join our people, to enable them to compose their Spiritual Autobiographies.

Consider them, and let me know where they may lead you.

Questions to Guide a Spiritual Autobiography:

What were some early experiences with either religion, spirituality, or both?

Describe your commitment to Judaism and being Jewish: What do you believe?

How do you ritualize your beliefs?

How is your Jewish life evolving (observance, learning, celebrating, etc.)?

What have you studied? What is your passion?

Where do you see the next steps on your journey?

What has been easy? What has been challenging?

-Rabbi Liz