With purpose

One of the **buzz words** in the religious community is “relevant.” And a lot of money is being spent on discovering new ways to make Judaism, in particular, relevant to Gen X and the Millennials.

But here is the problem: what happens when Judaism (or certain aspects of it) simply aren’t deemed relevant? And who decides what is and what is not relevant.

By nature, it seems, we humans take the path of least resistance. Being Jewish? Well, it’s often the other path. The one requiring discipline. Disappointment, sometimes. Confusion. And irrelevance.

That’s right. I mean seriously…what relevance is there in observing shatnes? Certainly a case can be made that taking care not to mix linen and wool in a single garment might make one more aware of the clothing on one’s back. Or that in Biblical times, only pagens wore mixed fabrics. Or….or….or. Let’s face it — we don’t know why God commanded this. All we know is that He did.

So which is better? To infuse the mitzvah with some contemporary meaning in order to make it relevant? To disregard it as an orientalism? To observe it simply because it was commanded some strange night in the desert?

Leah Jones, of Accidentally Jewish,writes of “intentional Judaism” and that sits better with me. It completely sidesteps the issue of relevancy and focuses, instead, on intent. Do what it is you are going to do with intent. Be deliberate. Be serious.

Just. Be.

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And that’s my Torah for today. The Ima is only just back from the Homeland a few hours so her Tuesday Torah banner didn’t get up today but feel free to link with her here.