I`m orthodox in practice, though for unorthodox reasons, I suppose. I find that the rituals of orthodox observance (prayer, diet, clothing, etc) help to nurture a consciousness of G-d that sustains me through the day, every day. They also connect me to the generations that have gone before, also conscious of G-d`s daily presence in their lives.
But the Tanakh is the word of G-d only in an indirect way: G-d speaking through the lives of the people of Israel, who expressed their understanding in poetry, in song, in prophecy, and in story. Were there really people who lived 900+ years? If so, no paleontologist has found evidence of that. And there are archaeologists right here in Israel who say that there is no evidence Israel was ever in Egypt. But to say something is a `story` doesn`t mean it`s false. One can learn quite a bit about G-d that`s true and real by reading Les Miserables. And the Tanakh. And the writings of our sages.
And that`s why I`m observant. |
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