Elul 12, 5768

"He will shelter me in His pavilion
on an evil day,
grant me the protection of His tent,
raise me high upon a rock."
Psalm 27:5

Judaism is a religion that allows for a wide range of personal interpretations of Torah and G-d. Indeed alternative interpretations are enshrined in the Jewish tradition through the Talmud and Mishnah, which record and pass down the debates of Rabbi's and scholars through the ages. Every issues is discussed and argued, and all the points of view are recorded for Jewish posterity. In Judaism "orthodoxy" is not orthodox belief but orthodox practice.

In my personal view, G-d initiated a universe designed to evolve and give rise ultimately to creatures of self-awareness, self-consciousness and free will (we humans being the only example of which we are currently aware, but that does not preclude others else where in G-d's universe). Such a G-d in such a universe does not intervene in the unfolding of events that result from the choices of free-will. But for those willing to open their hearts and minds, willing to reach out to the divine power of the universe, G-d provides shelter in which we can rest from the storm, gaining strength and courage. The divine power of the universe is found in the principles of nature, including basic principles that underlie human interactions, seeking that power and those principles, is seeking the rock or foundation on which the world stands.

In my personal view there is more than one path to achieve this shelter and find this rock. For me the path is through the Jewish scriptures and traditional practices and prayers. But I see my husband finding the same thing in a different way through the Buddhist scriptures and the practice of Buddhist meditation. He also finds the sheltering tent and the rock on which all is built.