Monday, December 24, 2007

All rightie then

I decided to blog now, even though I recently posted, because I'm not sure when I'll next have access to the internet. Seeing as tonight is Nittel, I've been surfing instead of learning. One of the things I've discovered is that some people really hate Judaism. And my question is, why don't I? After all, I've had many of the same experiences as them. I guess you could say that this is similar to Survivors of the Holocaust-some came out believing, and some were non-believers. And just like we don't judge Survivors, I believe we shouldn't judge people who left the Judaism of their youth. Is it presumptuous to say that I think we should try to help them back? After all, what gives me the right to tell someone else what to do? Our devoted Dean said something today to a Bochur that kind of answers this. Incidentally, this really shows the power of everything a person says. He wasn't even talking to me, and I casually overheard. Imagine, though, if I'm able to use this Mashal for the rest of my life, and it helps some people.
Anyway, the Bochur was saying, "Why should I listen to you?" So the Dean answered, "Because I'm an adult, and you're still a teenager." The Bochur returned with a withering, "So what?" Our dependable Dean answered, "Do you listen to a Doctor? Yes, because he's a Doctor, and you're not. Once you become a Doctor, you can stop listening to other Doctors." Firstly, I felt like saying that a doctor who treats himself has a fool for a patient and an idiot for a Physician, but I restrained myself. Secondly, I realized the power of what the Rabbi had said-you are a teenager. You do not know what you are doing. I can guide you. Obviously only some people are responsible enough for this important job. Obviously our beloved Dean fits the bill. Going back to our brethren who have strayed from the path, it appears to me that they haven't seen the whole picture. If they did, if they knew everything that was going on, then they'd probably return. And if they do know, and still leave? Man has free choice, and without this life would be impossible. Ok, merely very improbable. We're not here to discuss numbers though. They, like everything else in this universe, are finite. Even ideas are finite. But you knew that already. Point is, do good. What other universal message of love and peace can I relay? Oh, yes, one caveat: Do good according to the will of G-d, not your own. There, that seems like it should fit the bill nicely.

12 comments:

Mimi said...

[How did I come across this blog? Hmm...]

Who's to say who has seen or not seen this "whole picture" you refer to?

People who have "strayed" would not appreciate reading that. It sounds judgmental, with nothing to back it up.

There must be a better response.

Anonymous said...

Apparently, RealShliach isn't genuinely comfortable defending himself after what he perceives as an attack on his musings.

But here's the simple answer: Real Shliach was simply saying that teenagers have not seen the big picture. We, all thinking adults, agree to that fact (yes, fact). And he was saying that we, adults, have much to offer a wayward youth. We have seen more of the world, of life, of maturity, and although we haven't seen the entire world, or all of life, we have what to share and with what to inspire. And we should try.
That's all.

e said...

Teenager should defer to their wise elders and betters like TRS. What Hilltop mimi rightfully points out is that friyeh people, who know a lot more about the world than our little חנ"נ would rather not defer to him.

Just like a guy said...

Will Keneche Udeze please take the stand? Anyway, after a long discussion with eliezer, he basically admitted I was right. Kind of.

e said...

who's keneche udeze? and I said you're right? I better check my gchat records.

Just like a guy said...

1. Google, my son.

2. Better check 'em.

Altie said...

trs- have u become a dr. yourself? according to the nalagy, you have no right to 'show them the truth' either.

Just like a guy said...

I'm a שליח מכ"ק אדמור

Altie said...

thats not saying much.

Just like a guy said...

Yes it is.

Unknown said...

yes i agree with this post

Just like a guy said...

I'm glad to hear that.