Thanks for this comment on an already beautiful essay. I would not have wanted to miss the essay OR your comment which distiiled an essence for me. since the writer speaks of two spiritual paths, I’ll add a 3rd. Buddhist nun Pema Chodron says trying to avoid change is like being in a broken boat trying to hold onto the water ( we can’t, change is constant). Places and people change and go, but a spirit can continue with us.
Oxford Historian Professor Cecil Roth (1899-1970) concludes his "A History of the Jews," with the following sobering observation:
"Our survey of three and a half millennia of Jewish history is closed. But the story which we have set ourselves to tell is unending. Today, the Jewish people has in it still those elements of strength and endurance which enabled it to surmount all the crises of its past, surviving thus the most powerful empires of antiquity.
Throughout our history there have been weaker elements who have shirked the sacrifices which Judaism entailed. They have been swallowed, long since, in the great majority; only the more stalwart have carried on the traditions of their ancestors and can now look back with pride upon their superb heritage. Are we to be numbered with the weak majority, or with the stalwart minority? It is for ourselves to decide."
This reminded me of the film "A real pain" about two cousins who go to Poland to discover their roots in the Holocaust; they are secular and coddled by American comforts and a tension at the heart of the movie is whether they have any connection at all to the shtetl and their generational traumas; but the connection haunts the whole atmosphere of the film, and its realness but intangibility was my main takeaway. Anyways, I think I feel this re Jewishness, and it came across really well in your lovely essay.
It’s not too late to de-convert. (I converted to Judaism, having been raised a serious, liberal Presbyterian. I don’t get the fashion for Catholicism.)
This is like another convert to Christianity, David Brooks, waxing poetic about his Judaism. But it's abdicated valor. You don't get to convert to Roman Catholicism then talk about how Jewish you are. You gave it up, for Christsakes! (literally)
I think I do get to talk about it — everyone of a Jewish origin at some point needs to think through how this inheritance plays a part in their life. Some find not at all. Some find something surprising.
I converted to Catholicism when I was 12 because I had a spiritual experience. I have learned a lot since then.
This is so so beautifully written Anna, oof what a delight to read as I'm up late thinking about home, belonging, and the ambitious quest for more in and from life <3
This made me laugh and wonder and cry. Home, beyond a place or a people, is a spirit.
Thanks for this comment on an already beautiful essay. I would not have wanted to miss the essay OR your comment which distiiled an essence for me. since the writer speaks of two spiritual paths, I’ll add a 3rd. Buddhist nun Pema Chodron says trying to avoid change is like being in a broken boat trying to hold onto the water ( we can’t, change is constant). Places and people change and go, but a spirit can continue with us.
Yes!!
https://substack.com/@thinktorah/note/c-97714323
Oxford Historian Professor Cecil Roth (1899-1970) concludes his "A History of the Jews," with the following sobering observation:
"Our survey of three and a half millennia of Jewish history is closed. But the story which we have set ourselves to tell is unending. Today, the Jewish people has in it still those elements of strength and endurance which enabled it to surmount all the crises of its past, surviving thus the most powerful empires of antiquity.
Throughout our history there have been weaker elements who have shirked the sacrifices which Judaism entailed. They have been swallowed, long since, in the great majority; only the more stalwart have carried on the traditions of their ancestors and can now look back with pride upon their superb heritage. Are we to be numbered with the weak majority, or with the stalwart minority? It is for ourselves to decide."
(Oxford University: Shocken Books, 1961) page 423
This is one of the most provocative pieces I have read in a long time.
Good!
Brilliant, Anna. Where are you writing from, that is 'high desert'?
Travelling in Montana and Wyoming 😊
Bozeman right now!
This was useful and good.
This is so beautiful!
This reminded me of the film "A real pain" about two cousins who go to Poland to discover their roots in the Holocaust; they are secular and coddled by American comforts and a tension at the heart of the movie is whether they have any connection at all to the shtetl and their generational traumas; but the connection haunts the whole atmosphere of the film, and its realness but intangibility was my main takeaway. Anyways, I think I feel this re Jewishness, and it came across really well in your lovely essay.
I haven’t seen that one! Should 🙏🏻
The pintel yid lives inside you! Nice piece.
I loved reading this.
😍
This is the most beautiful read I’ve met in the past year. So personal and so accurate in the description of what is lived Jewish culture. Wow.
It’s not too late to de-convert. (I converted to Judaism, having been raised a serious, liberal Presbyterian. I don’t get the fashion for Catholicism.)
This is like another convert to Christianity, David Brooks, waxing poetic about his Judaism. But it's abdicated valor. You don't get to convert to Roman Catholicism then talk about how Jewish you are. You gave it up, for Christsakes! (literally)
I think I do get to talk about it — everyone of a Jewish origin at some point needs to think through how this inheritance plays a part in their life. Some find not at all. Some find something surprising.
I converted to Catholicism when I was 12 because I had a spiritual experience. I have learned a lot since then.
Weird gatekeeping here. Why wouldn't she get to talk about it? The human experience is nuanced and complicated
It’s okay, all part of the Tradition 😁
Great piece Anna!
🥰
So what's with the Roman Catholicism then?
Beautiful. I had no idea you were a Catholic convert! Thank you for putting this flight of the mind and heart into words.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
This is so so beautifully written Anna, oof what a delight to read as I'm up late thinking about home, belonging, and the ambitious quest for more in and from life <3
♥️♥️♥️