Thank you, Zohar, for writing this piece. It articulates what I have had explained to me and what, in part, I observe, certainly through athletic endeavors, and minimally through my observance of the main Jewish holidays (and occasional Shabbat). Yes, just do it, to keep myself on a good, physical track. Yes, just keep hosting the Seders and lighting the Hanukkah candles because it helps pass the tradition down to my children. And, for me, if I don’t do it, there is no one else to keep this tradition alive in my family. So thank you again for your thoughtful, intelligent writing. You provide a rare mix of excellent writing, erudite references, and clear, deep commitment to and understanding of your faith. You help me be a better writer and thinker and Jew.
Great essay. Sometimes when I feel like a total imposter going through my daily davening and want to toss the whole thing, I think about all the time I’ve invested in even getting this far and I continue.
Taiji masters continually exhort students to “Just Practice”. Such practice seems to be the only path to deeper skills and understanding. Interestingly, students who are very athletic and make superficial progress very rapidly commonly stop practicing after a few years.
Thank you, Zohar, for writing this piece. It articulates what I have had explained to me and what, in part, I observe, certainly through athletic endeavors, and minimally through my observance of the main Jewish holidays (and occasional Shabbat). Yes, just do it, to keep myself on a good, physical track. Yes, just keep hosting the Seders and lighting the Hanukkah candles because it helps pass the tradition down to my children. And, for me, if I don’t do it, there is no one else to keep this tradition alive in my family. So thank you again for your thoughtful, intelligent writing. You provide a rare mix of excellent writing, erudite references, and clear, deep commitment to and understanding of your faith. You help me be a better writer and thinker and Jew.
Great essay. Sometimes when I feel like a total imposter going through my daily davening and want to toss the whole thing, I think about all the time I’ve invested in even getting this far and I continue.
Taiji masters continually exhort students to “Just Practice”. Such practice seems to be the only path to deeper skills and understanding. Interestingly, students who are very athletic and make superficial progress very rapidly commonly stop practicing after a few years.