“Judaism understands that there is an element of risk in this type
of program. It is repetitious. Sometimes, by dint of repetition, religious
rituals may become mechanical. Again,
let me refer to a metaphor. What does it
take to play glorious music? Great art
can be appreciated only because the artist had the patience and the willingness
to discipline himself. Inspiration comes
after constant practice. Paderewski is
reputed to have remarked: “If I stop playing the piano one day, I feel the
difference. If I stop playing two days,
the critics know the difference. If I
stop practicing three days, my audience knows the difference.” There is no substitute for repetition. Only by accepting constant self-discipline
can we enjoy the glories of the symphony of Jewish life.”
“Between 1305 and the early 1800’s. the House of Taxis ran a form of pony express service all over Europe…. Its couriers clad in blue and silver uniforms, crisscrossed the continent carrying messages between princes and generals, merchants and money lenders.” –Alvin Toffler, The Third Wave We may think we are the first generation consumed by rapid communication but we are not. Throughout our history it has been a priority. Of course, now in the 21 st century we must ask: are we better or worse for it?
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