Yiddishkeit is beautiful, a journey rather than strict a set of rules. Every Jew is important with a unique mission in life. Yiddishkeit is a safeguard against complete assimilation and loss of the Jewish people.
The subject I like to address is difficult, complicated and painful. Today many Jewish youth are drifting away from their source and identity. They don't choose this life because of antagonism. Many simply don't know what Yiddishkeit means, what it means to be a Jew.
Why are there so many Jews unaware of their identity?
All of us were standing 3.300 years ago to enter a covenant HaShem was making with us on that day. HaShem comfirmed to us that on this day to be His people, and that He will be our G-d as He promised to us and our fathers, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. To all of us and those who were not yet born. The very basis of Jewish destiny, sealed with an eternal covenant.
From that day forward this will bind all future generations. When we said : " Na'aseh v' Nishma, " there was no consent needed, Jews do not become Jews, they are Jews by birth. It is both a blessing and demanding at the same time, all Jews are bound by 613 mitzvos. These restrictions and obligations we would not have when not being Jewish.
The souls of all future generations Jews were present at Har Sinai. They heard the voice of HaShem.
Some might say that they want to be like the nations, like all other people, or did they lose something, the knowlegde of what it is to be a Jew? Jewish history that began with Avraham, was never straightforward, our journey never is. Along the way in our ongoing journey we will learn what it is to be a Jew.
You might say that you are a Jew because your parents are, you just did what was expected, there was no reason to rebel. Being Jewish is not simply a truth or a set of truth we could accept or reject.
When you are born into klal Yisroel, it is the responsibility that connected you and me to all other Jews. We are all part of a people I do belong to, just like you do.
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai stated that the Jewish people are a single body with a single soul: " When one of them is injured, they all feel the pain. "
The Sefer Torah, still written today as it was thousands of years ago, it symbolizes Judaism's deepest beliefs, that HaShem is been found in words, the basis of the covenant - with words of love - between Him and us. To be a Jew is to love the Torah, as no people has ever loved a book.
Yiddishkeit centers on the home and community. We share a heritage, customs, and a deep connection across generations. Shabbos; the seudah, the beautiful rituals, the kedusha, the family and our connection with HaShem when we enter the holy 25 hours. L'dor V'dor; Passing traditions, values and memories in our shared heritage.
Yiddishkeit is about Torah learning and Talmudical studies, about loving your fellow Jew. A family, a community and observance of halacha in unity. Yiddishkeit is our way of life, we teach our children Torah, read it to them from birth. Every single child is unique and precious, with their own personality, strength and weaknesses.
Raising our children means to us, that their is a clear understanding that life is about making a difference. Living a life that will inspire others, a feeling that they are needed.
I strongly believe, boruch HaShem, that patience, and perseverance together with emunah are the key to overcoming the most challenging times in life. Happiness is found in living a life of purpose and meaning.
Why do Young People drift away from Yiddishkeit, and how to Reverse the Trend.
Yiddishkeit: You, Me, HaShem: One Family