Torah Reading: Balak

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613 Obstacles to Individuality

by Rabbi Mordechai Becher

Doesn't adherence to Jewish Law make us all clones?

Published: August 2, 2008

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Visitor Comments: 8

(8) Rosen, August 11, 2008 5:40 AM

the Jewish soul

The Jewish soul, aka neshema, is always there for a Jew. It boils down to virtually everything he/she feel and everything he/she is. I often feel different from others, both Jews and non-Jews, and I feel that it is important that all Jews are responsible for one another. It would be ideal if that responsibility was unconditional, given everyone's individuality.

(7) Chavah, August 6, 2008 10:26 PM

Bravo!

I've had the pleasure of hearing Rabbi Becher speak on more than one occasion in person and am so pleased the wider world gets to hear his thought provoking, entertaining, and inspirational lectures on Aish. This was a wonderful presentation and look forward to hearing more from the wonderful Rabbi

(6) Dvirah, August 5, 2008 8:50 AM

Are Civil-Law Abiding Citizens Also Clones?

With respect, this question really seems to me to be ridiculous. Every community/state/country has laws. Does this mean that all the members of the community or citizens of the state/country are clones if they all comply with that community's/state's/country's laws?

(5) Ruth Housman, August 5, 2008 5:46 AM

in STRUM ments

Well said! On the deepest level one could say we are all of us instruments of the divine, playing in a divine symphony and that this is the creation. This symphony has a conductor. We are each different and yet, the same, meaning we all belong to the family of man. To perceive what you are saying is to understand that within what might appear to be uniformity is creativity and that it is our very stories, our very beings, that creates the differences that are beautiful, that arre sensitive, that bring our instruments, our voices, this play, forward.

Life is metaphoric and these connects are universal and universally, beautiful.

With thanks!

(4) Catherine, August 4, 2008 2:49 PM

Very well said just beautiful!!

THese are the kind of talks just beautiful uplifting that make us want to convert to Judaism more quickly!!
I could listen for hours to you Rabbi Mordechai Becher!!
Just perfectly said!!

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About the Author

Rabbi Mordechai Becher

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Rabbi Mordechai Becher, originally from Australia, is a Senior Lecturer for the Gateways Organization. He was a Senior Lecturer at Ohr Somayach, Neve Yerushalayim and Darchei Binah in Jerusalem for 15 years, was a chaplain in the Israel Defence Forces and taught in a number of Rabbinic training programs. Rabbi Becher is the co-author of After the Return, and has answered thousands of questions on the Ask-the-Rabbi website. His latest book, Gateway to Judaism, was recently published by Shaar Press. Rabbi Becher received his ordination from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He has lectured for the UJA, Jewish Federations, the Zionist Organization of America, Hillel and is on the speakers bureau of the Israeli Consulate in New York. He has taught in Canada, the United States, England, Israel, South Africa, Australia and Russia. He resides with his wife and 6 children in Passaic, NJ.