Confessions of a Lazy Jew
I've been a Jew for nearly four years, almost to the day. It was May 21, 2001, when my husband and I (and, by extension, our two young sons) officially converted to Judaism. Our simple conversion ceremony represented the conclusion of several months of diligent study and eager anticipation. In addition to our conversion classes, hubby and I had attended weekly Hebrew and Torah study group sessions. We were excited about becoming official participants in the customs and rituals of Reform Judaism. Becoming Jewish was, in fact, one of the most thrilling experiences of our lives.
And now here we are, four years later, and I feel as if I am barely a Jew anymore. Certainly not a very good Jew. Reform Jew? Ha. More like Lazy Jew. Hey, now, here's an idea. Perhaps I could start my own movement within Judaism. So much for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or even Progressive Judaism. Here comes MY new version of the Jewish experience: Lazy Judaism. Not exactly a form of Judaism to be proud of, but for me, a realistic reflection of just how lackadaisical my spiritual efforts have become.
Yes, if I even dare to call myself a Jew at all, the best I can say about my Jewishness is that I'm damn lazy about it. And I'm not even counting the fact that I don't follow the traditional Jewish dietary laws, because let's face it, very few of the people in our particular Reform synagogue keep kosher. It really wouldn't be so much of an issue if I ONLY violated the kosher food regulations. But, alas, I'm much lazier about my Jewish practices than that. My dereliction of Jewish duty extends to my attendance (or should I say NON-attendance) at synagogue services of virtually every sort.
Not only have I been skipping the regular Friday night Shabbat services, I've played hooky from the Passover celebrations and even the High Holy Day services. It has been at least two years since I last attended a seder at the synagogue, and I cannot even remember the last time I was present for the ritual blowing of the shofar. Yes, I did light Chanukah candles with my sons last December, and hubby and I lavished eight days' worth of gifts upon the boys, but those festive Chanukah moments were the extent of our Jewish holiday observances.
So you see, I am most definitely a Lazy Jew. Frankly, it scarcely seems fair to refer to myself as a Jew--I don't even feel deserving of inclusion in the Jewish community--but I can quite accurately label myself a Lazy Jew. Then again, is a Lazy Jew truly a Jew at all? Now THERE'S a question to ponder. Let's save that pondering for another time, though...I'm feeling too lazy to do it right now.
And now here we are, four years later, and I feel as if I am barely a Jew anymore. Certainly not a very good Jew. Reform Jew? Ha. More like Lazy Jew. Hey, now, here's an idea. Perhaps I could start my own movement within Judaism. So much for Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or even Progressive Judaism. Here comes MY new version of the Jewish experience: Lazy Judaism. Not exactly a form of Judaism to be proud of, but for me, a realistic reflection of just how lackadaisical my spiritual efforts have become.
Yes, if I even dare to call myself a Jew at all, the best I can say about my Jewishness is that I'm damn lazy about it. And I'm not even counting the fact that I don't follow the traditional Jewish dietary laws, because let's face it, very few of the people in our particular Reform synagogue keep kosher. It really wouldn't be so much of an issue if I ONLY violated the kosher food regulations. But, alas, I'm much lazier about my Jewish practices than that. My dereliction of Jewish duty extends to my attendance (or should I say NON-attendance) at synagogue services of virtually every sort.
Not only have I been skipping the regular Friday night Shabbat services, I've played hooky from the Passover celebrations and even the High Holy Day services. It has been at least two years since I last attended a seder at the synagogue, and I cannot even remember the last time I was present for the ritual blowing of the shofar. Yes, I did light Chanukah candles with my sons last December, and hubby and I lavished eight days' worth of gifts upon the boys, but those festive Chanukah moments were the extent of our Jewish holiday observances.
So you see, I am most definitely a Lazy Jew. Frankly, it scarcely seems fair to refer to myself as a Jew--I don't even feel deserving of inclusion in the Jewish community--but I can quite accurately label myself a Lazy Jew. Then again, is a Lazy Jew truly a Jew at all? Now THERE'S a question to ponder. Let's save that pondering for another time, though...I'm feeling too lazy to do it right now.
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