Vanessa, that was a magnificent explanation. Thank you. In understanding the difference, for a child, it sounds almost like ‘good cop, bad cop’. A parent needs to balance ‘giving’ with discipline, such that a child can flourish whilst it learns and understands boundaries. Yet the corollary is such that when it comes to being a grandparent, it’s often apparent that there is far more ‘giving’ and less discipline.
Your article was unbelievably astute and from such a deep place. After reading it, I now hold those words even closer to my heart and mind. Thank you for a masterfully articulated writing on the beautiful, Avinu Malkeinu.
"We want warmth without judgment, love without obligation, forgiveness without change, belonging without responsibility."
It is the sentimental tripe known as "Unconditional love," something no god(s) of any religion practiced.
"Malkeinu, Our King. Meaning: Everything is not always fine. Some things are wrong. Some choices have consequences. Some habits need to be broken rather than explained. Some apologies require changes in behavior."
In some other religions, you can be forgiven your sins no matter how heinous if you say you declare you are sorry for your actions. Deathbed repentance doesn't cut it in Judaism. It demands the individual ultimately be responsible for his/her actions..
Wow! We always are taught HaShem puts in front of us what we need. This piece was, yet, another time. Thanks. I could go on as to why, but God knows. I took a chance which didn’t go well, during Elul, no less. Used a bunch of ego self saving to no avail, Malkeinu intervened until finally coming to grips with my part, full stop. Tshuva began and Avinu came to rescue me. BH.
" One begins with desire, the other begins with duty. One asks what the world can give me, the other asks what I owe the world. And perhaps much of maturity is the movement between the two."
Maybe this is what Roman Catholic President John F. Kennedy was thinking about when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Terrific work thank you and we all need it whatever our religious beliefs.
I have a question. Jordan Peterson recently discussed the story of Cain and Able and the Lord stating that Cain needs to end his constant cycle of revenge.
This is clearly the King side talking to the child side.
Are the leaders of Israel listening to the King side?
Wow! Such a wonderful message. I have always loved to sing Avinu Malkhenu and am always reminded of my father when I do and now I will sing it in a different light with depth and clarity. I thank you for your words.
Kol Ha’Kvod. What a powerful and beautiful read. Thank you. Shabbat Shalom.
Vanessa, that was a magnificent explanation. Thank you. In understanding the difference, for a child, it sounds almost like ‘good cop, bad cop’. A parent needs to balance ‘giving’ with discipline, such that a child can flourish whilst it learns and understands boundaries. Yet the corollary is such that when it comes to being a grandparent, it’s often apparent that there is far more ‘giving’ and less discipline.
What a beautiful read ! ... Thank you for sharing this before the Holy Days
Outstanding essay, Vanessa Berg! Wishing you and your family a L’Shana Tova! Forwarding your essay to the Rabbi (hope you don’t mind)
Your article was unbelievably astute and from such a deep place. After reading it, I now hold those words even closer to my heart and mind. Thank you for a masterfully articulated writing on the beautiful, Avinu Malkeinu.
"We want warmth without judgment, love without obligation, forgiveness without change, belonging without responsibility."
It is the sentimental tripe known as "Unconditional love," something no god(s) of any religion practiced.
"Malkeinu, Our King. Meaning: Everything is not always fine. Some things are wrong. Some choices have consequences. Some habits need to be broken rather than explained. Some apologies require changes in behavior."
In some other religions, you can be forgiven your sins no matter how heinous if you say you declare you are sorry for your actions. Deathbed repentance doesn't cut it in Judaism. It demands the individual ultimately be responsible for his/her actions..
Wow! We always are taught HaShem puts in front of us what we need. This piece was, yet, another time. Thanks. I could go on as to why, but God knows. I took a chance which didn’t go well, during Elul, no less. Used a bunch of ego self saving to no avail, Malkeinu intervened until finally coming to grips with my part, full stop. Tshuva began and Avinu came to rescue me. BH.
A beautiful description of a beautiful and enduring truth about Judaism.
Brilliant!
Thank you for the profound insight.
" One begins with desire, the other begins with duty. One asks what the world can give me, the other asks what I owe the world. And perhaps much of maturity is the movement between the two."
Maybe this is what Roman Catholic President John F. Kennedy was thinking about when he said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."
Terrific work thank you and we all need it whatever our religious beliefs.
I have a question. Jordan Peterson recently discussed the story of Cain and Able and the Lord stating that Cain needs to end his constant cycle of revenge.
This is clearly the King side talking to the child side.
Are the leaders of Israel listening to the King side?
Wow! Such a wonderful message. I have always loved to sing Avinu Malkhenu and am always reminded of my father when I do and now I will sing it in a different light with depth and clarity. I thank you for your words.
Thank you. It's beautiful 😍
Excellent explanation going into the high holidays. Thank you.