I know it's been a while. Sorry
This is a wee message to my young friends (they know who they are)
As you know my brother passed away last month. Within all the hustle and bustle of the funeral, Shiva, travel and work, I managed to take a minute to stop and appreciate our customs and faith.
When it comes to our life events, there is usually a Methodist to the madness, and to me, consistency is a comforting must. Because I have recently been through all of this when my mum passed in the summer, I would like to think I am a bit of a pro in regards to Shiva. So when I see that 'things' are being done a certain way, or not done at all, I get thrown off a bit (and I'm NOT good with change).
Whether a person is observant, a little observant, or not at all, we are to help where and when we can and remember it's not my house - like seeing smoked ham, prosciutto and sausage being served at the Shiva. I know that you are taught from your parents, teachers and Rabbis how and what to do in regards to our faith, but you don't realise how grateful you are to know these things until you NEED to know them - kinda like first aid. There is a 'template' to how things are done for a funeral and Shiva, or even preparing a hose for Pesach; and it's these templates that we use to help us get through the holidays, shivas, or any other event and complete what we need to do.
My friend Mort reminded us during our walk-out that even though some things may be tradition and not halacha, we still appreciate the merit behind the action itself. Like the walk-out itself. By removing the mourners from the Shiva house, you are doing them a mitzvah by letting them end their time of mourning. Eating certain foods during certain holidays can also be tradition, but we can learn to appreciate these things over time.
So what is my point? Good question. My point is that that as it is Purim, we should not only celebrate the fact that the Jews survived impending annihilation and we are still here, but we should celebrate the fact that we ARE Jews and how we live our lives according to halacha, Torah and good ole Jewish traditions.
And that, is my glockenspiel.
...baby steps
