B"H
In the course of time, I got to know many Jews who seriously intended to become religious. They were looking for something in their lives and signed up for different Yeshivot. Slowly they started dressing in a religious way. Many times haredi.
It is not unusual meeting people you make friends with. However, after a while you start seeing a person less and less. People change and I was always surprised when meeting someone formerly religious who eventually gave up and went back to his old secular ways. I have heard different explanations. The most popular one seems to be that newly religious were stuck in a crisis.
Having a crisis is not always the fault of a Yeshiva. Many times, the newcomer tends to put too much pressure upon himself. Becoming religious too fast almost never works out. You cannot eat a cheeseburger today and wear a black hat tomorrow. Taking everything step by step is much more productive. You shouldn't go over your limit even though if others tell you.
G - d doesn't want you to be super human but only using your own individual potential.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
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I agree. In many communities there seems to be a "pressure to conform" which can become stifling after awhile for the newbie. I think if people could "gradually" become more immersed in religion they would become more knowledgeable, less fearful and more likely to remain. Good Stuff!
ReplyDeleteB"H
ReplyDeleteI can tell you about the experience I had:
Suddenly a newcomer is so excited about religion and everything around that he wants to be perfect. Then he rushes. The body does but the soul cannot follow the change so quickly.
Unfortunately, in many Yeshivot newcomers are told after a few weeks that they now have to behave in a religious manner. And then, as you mentioned, fear starts.
Dealing with newly religious definitely demands great rabbis who know how to deal with difficulties and student crises.