I’m one of those people who thinks best when I’m talking or writing out my thoughts, “talking it out.” Every now and then, I do it in an inappropriate setting and I live to regret it.
I withdrew a post just now because I said too much in it, and obscured the meaning for which I was reaching. I posted it last night, instead of letting it “cook” for a day, my usual practice, and I think I have upset some readers. For that, I am very sorry. I will let such posts “cook” longer in future.
And now I think I’ve probably upset some others who are wondering what the heck Rabbi Adar put up on her blog. Don’t worry, you didn’t miss anything but the messy inside of my head!
When we sin, when we “miss the mark,” the only thing to do is make teshuvah: feel the regret, own the behavior, apologize, and do what we can to make sure it never happens again. I am sorry for putting up a poorly thought through post, and I will think longer and harder in future.
No apology necessary!
Thank you, Sheila!
Rabbi Ruth, Thanks for your frankness and honesty, but please don’t censor yourself. Thank you!
Fabio, words have tremendous power, and while I appreciate your reassurance, I try to make it a habit to censor myself. The rabbis encourage us to value silence over too much speech, and when I look around me in the world, I see the wisdom of that!
Rabbi, it was a good post! but sadly we make controversy a matter of disunity rather than an opportunity for compromise and unity 🙁
Thank you Meredith – I felt that there was too much “me” and not enough Torah in that post.
For the record, I loved that post! What was controversial about it, if you don’t mind my asking.
Too much “me” and not enough Torah, Jubusu. I have put it aside, will let it cook longer, and maybe I will have something more nourishing to post!
There are many reasons why I think of you as my rabbi. And here, yet another. Always learning from you.
Dear Rabbi,
I missed the post you took down, but do want to thank you for the lesson on Teshuvah….I had to apologize for something yesterday and it was hard…feel the regret, gather strength for the apology, try to ensure it doesn’t happen again…Then I read your post and felt supported. Thank you. Mahela
Mahela, I am glad that you were able to apologize, and glad you feel supported!
Rabbi,
I wish you did not take down that post. It is worth discussing what it means to convert, and what some of the experiences converts have are.Evidently, there is some room for improvement with some in our community regarding converts, but to do that, it is important to state the problem, even if it is painful to do so, and messy.
As for Torah, every day we start and end with “v’ahavta.” So, this would preclude unloving words about converts. My teacher Garry made the point: change is not only desirable, but essential.
I was taken aback by your experience with the senior rabbi at your shul, and his unfavorable comparison of your J credentials vs your new assistant. That was hardly necessary.Where does he get the authority to be so dismissive? it is hard to cross the river Jordan. As the folk song says, that river is wide, and deep. Having made the mighty effort to do so, converts deserve support and encouragement, instead of suspicion.
We really should get to the bottom of this problem. This forum is a good place to start.
Come on, we’re people of the book. Let’s use our words in this safe place.
Please, Rabbi, you know what you are talking about. Reopen your post, and let us struggle together.
Anne Ireland
Anne, thank you. I took it down because I felt it wasn’t ready; I promise you that you will see it again. Thank you for your kind words.