Sad Judaism vs. Happy Jewishness

There is some sadness in my study of Judaism, especially practice of Judaism without a Jewish soul. What could one see more demoralizing? Maybe, I can flip the situation around, and use Torah to bring Light.

The story of finding individuality is a lesson Abraham taught.

It is as if there is a special mitzvah, a Torah mitzvah, to be a unique individual, and/or another mitzvah to be a part of a greater group, such as a clan or a nation, such as the Jews.

I identify with many things Jewish in Torah, and perhaps, this is why Gd, "loves me."  I identify with Abraham’s individuality, possibly because I have opted to keep Judaism in my life. Torah study of Abraham, is that of a Jew who took the courage to choose a different side, monotheism. If I visited Abraham’s tent, he would have welcomed me because he welcomed everyone

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DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) and Faith

In study of “Dialectical Behavioral Therapy,” I find that DBT is relevant to faithfulness.  DBT understands that our mind is a product of reason and emotions.  Where reason and emotions overlap, there is wisdom to be found.

Faith that comes from the gut, loving-kindness, causes our hearts to ache for those without faith, as victory comes to those with faith.

Faith may also be rational, connecting to the Mind.  Faith helps explain why some live blessed and why some don’t.  Undersized, malnourished children, with bellies full of worms, AIDS, and malaria; such persons are charged with having to respect their ancestors, even though their ancestors are to blame.  Torah explains this horror.

Yet, my reality is such that when I experience something good, I give thanks.  I thank Gd for not making me like the other man.  Time, reason, tells me my reality will unfold according to Hashem’s blessings, because as though I am puffed up, the righteous will live by my kind of faith (Habakkuk 2:4), both Jew and gentile.