Religious Life
Spiritual Matters
“I’m spiritual but not religious.”
“I’m Jewish but I don’t go to services.”
“I’m Jewish – what does that have to do with God?”
Where is God in our lives? I talk to people who have strong Jewish identities, who say, “Well, we Jews don’t believe in God!” And others who say, “My spirituality is in the mountains. What do I need religion for?” And yet others who say, “Why does it matter?”
What is the spiritual dimension and why does it matter? “Spiritual” is defined as “of or pertaining to the dimension of the soul or spirit – not of the material dimension.” Spirituality matters because humans exist in four dimensions: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. When we neglect any of those four dimensions, sooner or later we suffer. All four must be nourished for someone to be well-rounded and to truly thrive.
The problem with the word “spiritual” is that for many people it drags along connotations of flakiness – either a self-absorbed attitude or a lack of intellectual integrity. But spiritual practices lack integrity only when they are disembodied from the whole. Cultivating a spiritual life can break us out of the illusion that we are separate entities from one another, or our delusions of, “If only [fill in the blank], I would be truly happy.” True spirituality is being present with what is, which, at its best, can lead to a higher consciousness and a deeper commitment to one another in society.
Where does religion fit in?
Nature deeply nourishes my soul; yet I often find myself hiking through a beautiful mountain setting making mental to-do lists, or problem-solving with a friend. While I know that that is time well-spent, my heart also longs for more intentionality about my partnership with God.
Joining with other people who share an interest can deepen our work in any endeavor, by providing a network of support and accountability. Participating in groups in no way diminishes a very real need for private or personal practices, but rather adds this layer of depth and support.
On the material level, we have access to all sorts of classes, recipes, and activities to take care of our bodies and our minds. But it’s not so obvious how to get support in taking care of our souls. That is the role of religion. A religious community – again, at its best – provides the support network for nourishment of the soul.
Jewish Spirituality
Jewish tradition offers three profound pillars for communal spiritual practices. Simeon the Tzaddik taught that the entire world rests on three pillars: Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Hasadim – study, service, and acts of loving kindness.
Torah in this context refers to study – learning and teaching. The interaction between two human beings who are fully present with a sacred text and one another becomes a profound spiritual practice. Inspiration comes out of the text and one’s havruta (study partner.)
Avodah refers to prayer. In Judaism’s early days, the word referred to animal sacrifices. In the transmutation of the word to mean prayer, it retains the nuance of truly giving of oneself.
Gemilut Hesedim refers to acts of loving kindness – being there to help one another. If you’ve had the opportunity to simply show up for another person during a time of need, you will know why we consider this a spiritual practice – it feels good to do good.
What do all the spiritual practices I’ve mentioned have in common?
Showing up – for ourselves, each other, and what matters in life.
