“The Burning Bush Is “The Simple Jew” Who’s Love (Fire) For G-d Is Never Quenched...”

This is a direct quote from a dear friend of mine named Shlomi. We became friends on the internet and he’s been teaching me quite a bit about Judaism. From him I am learning Yiddish culture and language, such as words. “Ein devar” which is Yiddish for “no problem”. Language is a vital part of a people’s continuity, when a group of people lose their language, they also lose a big part of who they are collectively. One thing that has kept the Jewish people together through diaspora, pogroms, genocide, and other threats against our people in general has been our love or fire for G-d that is never quenched.

We demonstrate our love for G-d differently than Christians do. Just as Native Americans who practice their ancient spirit beliefs which are different than religious customs of Jews or Christians. People are different, we have collective mannerisms or customs, then we have individual “things”. I have met Jews that embrace the meditation practices of Buddhism which they utilize as a compliment to their daily practice as observant Jews. I have seen Jews practice their fire or love for G-d through their careers as doctors or teachers. Some serve as directors of Hillel (a place for Jewish college students on campuses) in their college towns, others serve in Sisterhood (an organziation committed to fellowship among Jewish women).

Our lives are living proof of the existence of G-d... our expression or appreciation for being alive is realized through how fully we live. Do we live to help others, to heal the world and humanity or are we just out for ourselves? The fire of loving G-d demands we strive for being a “force” for love on earth. It is so easy to slide into bigotry, homophobia and hatred, especially when those we surround ourselves with look like us. G-d gave each of us minds with wonderful capacity for intellectual growth, he also gave us hearts to enable us to apply understanding to knowledge.

My share with readers this week is simple this week... if the love of G-d is your fire, use if for the greater good. Reach out, don’t let a moment pass you by to do good. That is the goal of this Jewish woman each day I live.