This might be a new tradition on Yom Kippur. Journaling my thoughts about life, what I can do better, and anything else. I always have a hard time figuring out what to do on this holiday. I’ve struggled with my religious identity for a while. I’m a Jew. With a name like Seth Goldstein, it’s assumed.
But every year around this time, Jewish New Years and Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, I struggle.
I never understood fasting. It’s been explained to me by much more religious Jews, at all levels, but reflecting never worked for me on an empty stomach.
I wasn’t raised very religious. More culturally Jewish. On the High Holidays I always get together with my or my wife’s family. Pesach is the same way.
I’m not big on organized religion. Am I an atheist? No. I’m more Agnostic, than anything else.
I want to think there is something beyond this life, but I don’t think I can claim to be certain what it is. Ironically the only people who know are dead and can’t tell us.
As I get older, I sound more like my father, who is very much a scientist and an atheist. (Not saying they’re one and the same.) But, I agree with him that nothing good seems to come from ORGANIZED religion.
Antisemtism, war, genocide. Seriously tell me one thing that’s good that has come directly from religion? I’d love to know. Everything positive, in my opinion, comes from family and friends… and CULTURE.
I guess where this whole rambling reflection is going is to say I don’t know.
What I do know is that I hope those who are fasting and going to temple have a good fast. I hope those who are doing this holiday their own way get something from it as well.
L’Shana Tova and Yom Tov.