Question: How can I deal with my dwindling interest in Judaism?
Dear Rabbi,
My enthusiam for practicing Judaism and living a Jewish life have been dwindling. I became Orthodox over ten years ago, got married, had several kids, joined a shul and moved to an Orthodox neighborhood. Lately, however, I have become less interested in Judaism, mitzvahs, Torah. I would really like to regain my passion for Judaism. Do you have any suggestions?
Thank you, Sam
Answer: I want you to first know that this is not an "uncommon" problem. Many people struggle, some more and some less, with trying to find their spiritual equilibrium.
It is important to select a few paragraphs from the prayer, study the translation and deeper meaning, and concentrate on those paragraphs for a while. With a deeper understanding, you will appreciate the prayers more, and it will have meaning for you.
It is also important to realize that even if we do not see immediate results to our prayers, we can never know how many problems were avoided through serious prayer - (source: "Chaya Olam" by R' Y. Kanevsky, 28).
Furthermore, you should choose a few Mitzvot that you do enjoy doing, learn more about them, and fulfill these Mitzvot really really well.
As you progress, you should add more prayer study and select more Mitzvot to be done properly and with enthusiasm.
We hope and pray that the above will help you overcome the obstacles and phase that many go through.
With blessings from Jerusalem,
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Aish.com
It is important to select a few paragraphs from the prayer, study the translation and deeper meaning, and concentrate on those paragraphs for a while. With a deeper understanding, you will appreciate the prayers more, and it will have meaning for you.
It is also important to realize that even if we do not see immediate results to our prayers, we can never know how many problems were avoided through serious prayer - (source: "Chaya Olam" by R' Y. Kanevsky, 28).
Furthermore, you should choose a few Mitzvot that you do enjoy doing, learn more about them, and fulfill these Mitzvot really really well.
As you progress, you should add more prayer study and select more Mitzvot to be done properly and with enthusiasm.
We hope and pray that the above will help you overcome the obstacles and phase that many go through.
With blessings from Jerusalem,
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
Aish.com
