In an article I recently read entitled "Obsessive, Compulsive, and Orthodox", Rebecca Klempner, a jewish orthodox woman, confronts her OCD and how it affects her faith. While praying, she imagined visions of "renaissance era Jesus" and other religious figures. These images concerned her and made her feel like a traitor to her religion. Klempner "wanted to be a good jew", but she felt that her OCD prevented her from being one. This article made me question my own faith as a reform jew. What makes a "good prayer"? Should it be original and from the heart, or rather something more structured as directed in the Tanakh? I was raised in an environment which emphasized a "you do you" kind of environment. Of course the Rabbi directed the prayers, but the congregation was welcome to be silent or say the prayers in different ways. In orthodox temples, however, strict rules must be followed at all time. The congregation must dress modestly, pray in unity, and follow the rules stated in the Tanakh. Although there is no doubt that there are different interpretations of the Tanakh, should everyone follow all of it's commandments even if some are out dated? What should be modernized and what should remain untouched in this cherished book? In Israel, only the orthodox are considered religious, yet I still consider myself a jew. I am lost in my own mind trying to find the correct answer of what is right and what is wrong.
http://tabletmag.com/jewish-life-and-religion/188464/obsessive-compulsive-orthodox
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