So often in religious circles there is a tendency to take sides. As in, I believe or don't believe. As in, I am one branch and certainly not in that "other branch". As in, I practice or I don't practice. This splitting of sides may be helpful in identifying one's own belief system but not very good at bringing people together and fostering
communication.
Therein is the challenge for every human, for every lover of Torah and Judaism. To find the shared beliefs and values to connect you spiritually to all people, especially your brethren.
One way we can help the process is by seeing all people as souls not bodies. A soul commands respect in ways
just another body doesn't. Respecting another person's soul goes a long way towards understanding and acceptance.
Self-care is also part of the equation of getting along better with others and building connection. If we have a positive hopeful approach to life, we are easier to get along with. When we show self-discipline in taking care of our bodies with good food, exercise and enough sleep, we feel better for it and that sense of well-being will permeate in our day to day life. It will make us less prone to defensiveness and negativity.
Taking care of our own soul by engaging in Torah and acts of kindness also helps the process. When we nurture our soul by learning God's ways we will be inspired to do charitable thoughts and deeds.
This, in turn, fosters feeling of connectedness and belonging and encourages people to treat each other fairly and with more tolerance.
Another way to foster togetherness rather than the separateness is to recognize that there are ranges of faith and worship and religious observance. It is all relative to where a person starts. If someone grew up with a lot of ritual and learning, they will need a different level of observance to achieve the same feeling of spiritual growth and satisfaction as someone who has no experience in observance and begins. Let this
range of observance be a reminder that everyone is on their own spiritual journey and must go at their spiritual pace. Be someone who leads by example rather than takes sides.
Division is easy in religious math but multiplication is more meaningful. We multiply our joys and sense of connection when we respect each other as souls and take care of our own spiritual and physical health. When we desire unity and pursue it, we are on a reliable positive path towards harmony and peace.
communication.
Therein is the challenge for every human, for every lover of Torah and Judaism. To find the shared beliefs and values to connect you spiritually to all people, especially your brethren.
One way we can help the process is by seeing all people as souls not bodies. A soul commands respect in ways
just another body doesn't. Respecting another person's soul goes a long way towards understanding and acceptance.
Self-care is also part of the equation of getting along better with others and building connection. If we have a positive hopeful approach to life, we are easier to get along with. When we show self-discipline in taking care of our bodies with good food, exercise and enough sleep, we feel better for it and that sense of well-being will permeate in our day to day life. It will make us less prone to defensiveness and negativity.
Taking care of our own soul by engaging in Torah and acts of kindness also helps the process. When we nurture our soul by learning God's ways we will be inspired to do charitable thoughts and deeds.
This, in turn, fosters feeling of connectedness and belonging and encourages people to treat each other fairly and with more tolerance.
Another way to foster togetherness rather than the separateness is to recognize that there are ranges of faith and worship and religious observance. It is all relative to where a person starts. If someone grew up with a lot of ritual and learning, they will need a different level of observance to achieve the same feeling of spiritual growth and satisfaction as someone who has no experience in observance and begins. Let this
range of observance be a reminder that everyone is on their own spiritual journey and must go at their spiritual pace. Be someone who leads by example rather than takes sides.
Division is easy in religious math but multiplication is more meaningful. We multiply our joys and sense of connection when we respect each other as souls and take care of our own spiritual and physical health. When we desire unity and pursue it, we are on a reliable positive path towards harmony and peace.
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