black hats, pt.2: what's in it for me?

when it comes to rules, I’m torn.
I see the benefit: by creating a box to play in we allow ourselves new freedoms. example, we can drive 55 mph on a two lane highway with other cars speeding at us only feet away. because of the line in the road its a completely comfortable experience. on the other hand, I quite enjoy breaking rules; crossing over the line into someone else’s safe-zone to pass at 100+ mph.

rules help define community. they set expectations. they shape our reality. orthodox jews live in an alternate reality. they will never go hungry, be lonely, or lose direction. the community is always there. need a job? someone knows someone. need a couch? there’s a basement where people drop furniture they don’t need so others can use it. having trouble making ends meet? anonymous free grocery service.

and then there’s shabbat. everyone walks to synagogue so everyone lives around each other. this makes for a pleasant saturday afternoon. families are out moseying to and from the park en mass. it’s quite a nice sight. everyone knows each other, says hello. you get invited in for lemonade. kids chase each other. parents catch up on the weeks gossip. just how you’d imagine a real neighborhood being.