W hen a newly appointed head of a major Jewish organization chooses the promotion of spiritual growth and serious strides in Torah learning and mitzvah observance as major organizational priorities that’s a cause for celebration. And that’s precisely what Moishe Bane has done as the new president of the Orthodox Union (OU).
In his President’s Message in the latest issue of the OU’s Jewish Action quarterly magazine Mr. Bane asks some very honest searching questions of himself his constituents and all of us. After describing the frenetic nature of contemporary life which between work and other responsibilities leaves precious little time for those people and things that are most precious to us he asks:
With these and many other unavoidable responsibilities and demands I often wonder how there can possibly be time for one to focus on religious growth. And when making choices for our children are we preparing them for lifelong spiritual growth — or just casual observance? Is spirituality even on my radar screen or do I satisfy my time allocation to Judaism by davening even if it is often way too fast and with far too little focus? Can I buy my way into religious adequacy by writing a bigger check to the local day school or chessed organization? And what about learning Torah? Can I check that box even if I so often merely scan the words and watch the time waiting for the shiur to conclude or the page of Talmud to be completed?
…I know life is all about my soul its nurturing and growth. I know Judaism is all about developing a relationship with G-d. But where is the time? And even when I find some time how do I make the time meaningful and actually develop this relationship? If I have difficulties getting into the groove of religious growth is it any wonder that when teaching Judaism to my children I am not placing lifelong spiritual growth on their radar screens?
