B"H
Celebrating two days of Purim is not that easy. Actually, I wasn't too much celebrating but rather traveling and participating in various events. No alcohol and no leisure. Now I have to catch up with all the writings, especially about the chassidic events in Bnei Brak and Mea Shearim.
Yesterday, I went to Jerusalem including Rabbi Mordechai Machlise's Purim party. It is unbelievable how a few drunk Yeshiva guys from Russia and the States can ruin a party. Maybe other guests didn't feel that way but I did, as I cannot stand a bunch of drunk idiots yelling around like madmen. Yes, of course, it is Purim, but in particular American Yeshiva guys a la Ohr Sameach and AISH exaggerate and it seems like all the pressure is coming out at once. Israelis behave differently but while I was walking through haredi Bnei Brak or Ge'ulah and Mea Shearim in Jerusalem, it just looked like many Haredim finally let out all pressure. Pressure they try to keep inside and invisible throughout the entire year and then on Purim, they explode.
Together with a friend, I left the Machlise's shortly after our arrival and didn't even participate in the Se'udah (festive meal). Eating a Shwarma downtown and then going to Mea Shearim was more enjoyable than sitting with drunk Ohr Sameach in one room.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
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BS"D
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's your use of English or that, you actually believe haredim walk around trying to squeeze all feelings of individualism and "pressure" inside all day long.
Being religious is only about perfecting yourself, so I guess if people have urges from the yaetzer horah then they try to overcome these. However, I think it is a bizarre portrayal (especially from someone who appears to be close to Haredim) to say that the haredi society, are desperately trying to suppress his or her "individual pressure" all year round.
Haredim are just humans who have chosen a life of G-d, it doesn’t mean we don’t sometimes desire what the secular indulge in, it’s just that we know better. A kid likes to play with a sparkler until it burns his hand.
Purim gives us a glimpse into our good side and bad side - thus making our work on ourselves easier for the year to come.
Sure, not everyone attends to Purim in this light, but many do.
The great thing about religious life is the wide variety of people you meet and their differences and individualism. If people do not make you privy to this, as you are an "outsider" maybe it is because, they fear being misconstrued or portrayed incorrectly....
Of course, I am refering to FFB people here and not the great influx of Baal Teshuva or Gairim who of course bring a great (and welcomed) variety of colour to Klal Yisroel.
Again, I am not sure what you said was meant in such a light or if it was your command of English. Either way, just a few thoughts…
B"H
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope that it is not my use of English.:-)
When I said that "Haredim" have to keep some kinds of pressure inside of themselves and may wait for a situation to let it out - I was referring to some Haredim. My intention was NOT to generalize at all.
Anyway, I am also referring to the FFB and not to BTs. Haredim are as human as everyone else and not all of the FFBs are made to fit into society. But if you wish to remain in society you have to behave in a certain way. And if the person has various kinds of pressure, Yetzer HaRah, whatever you want to call it, it is not always possible to live it out. And then Purim comes up and gives great opportunities. Whatever you do, you can claim that you were so drunk and had thus, had no clue what you did.
BS"D
ReplyDeleteThat's clearer and I appreciate your response.
Of course we all battle the yaetzer horah, it's life. And Purim gives us a good indication what we need to work on (our more bizzare less positive drunk actions) and what we need to enhance (our more positive drunken actions).
Wishing you a good and happy Shabbes!