https://hesedyahu.wordpress.com/2019/10/08/meaning-nothing/I was told that “yom kippur is tomorrow, and it means this and that.” And it invites me to do my regular “ritual.” I actually think about and express its practical meaning to me when someone reminds me of the day.
I wonder to myself if the term is a proper noun for Jews, “yom kippur.” I ain’t got a clue. Like the words “ger,” “halakhah” and “mitsvah,” too many treat it like it’s untranslatable, like it’s only meant to be said in Hebrew. To each his own. To me, it just remains a foreign term, something “other.”
Some may sarcastically retort, OK, OK, it’s atonement day; happy now??? But I’d still give the same vacant stare back. What’s it got to do with me? There’s nothing commanded for the Gentile, nothing morally compelling, for me to pay any special attention to that day.
But, David, according to Jewish tradition, it’s the day when this and that happens. It’s really important.
Really? I’m glad the Torah observant Jews know it. They were told, in conjunction with that Jewish observance information about that day. Nice. So the Jews in their Jewish observance of that day, an observance divinely enjoined upon them, can focus on that teaching. Great. Still got nothing to do with me. According to what I’m commanded or morally compelled to do, I do wrong to God or man, I ask forgiveness from the relevant party and try to be better. And that’s any day of the year, not a special one whatsoever.
I’m sure there’s a reason, a sincere reason, why the news of the day is shared amongst those Gentiles more closely affiliated with certain religious Jews. I don’t exactly know what it is, and I’m not asking about it. People can do whatever they like.
But, in all seriousness, I realise it means absolutely nothing to me.
If it means something more to you, go ahead; have at it! That’s the “freedom” of being a Gentile. As for me, I can truly say, I’ve got better things to do with my time.
Topic: Meaning nothing (Read 1563 times)