Freedom The Ruth Analysis

When Rabbi Kushner says “the freedom the Torah offers us is the freedom to say no to appetite,” he implies that what the Torah says gives the Jewish people the ability to strengthen their religious experience and their connection with God. Some people say that the Torah is too specific and limits the rights of Jewish people. After all, there are 613 oddly specific commandments. Many people don’t know that following the commandments actually make one’s life better. By paying more attention to the food you eat you are allowing yourself to appreciate food more. Judaism has many laws regarding food such as separating meat and dairy and eating meat that comes from an animal that chews its cud and has split hooves. A clear example of Judaism’s emphasis on …show more content…
Fasting also helps Jews develop a sense of empathy. We often forget that other people in the world are starving. Not eating for a day helps remind Jews of this and helps them empathize with those people who are not as fortunate as we are. By taking this effort to observe Yom Kippur, Jews are making what could be a normal, food-filled day into something special and reflective that gives you the opportunity and freedom to grow as a person. Jews also “make the ordinary extraordinary” by giving tzedakah. Tzedakah is different from charity in the idea that is required. Jews are expected to give money to those in need even when they don’t want to. When you give charity you often do it to experience your own benefits. Tzedakah on the other hand isn’t for you but rather for God. According to Kusher, you act as an intermediary between God and the poor people. The person who participates in Tzedaka is the religious equivalent of a mailman. Tzedakah is a good way of fulfilling God’s covenant with the people of Israel. God expects you to “earn you keep and to do something in exchange for all I do for you.” If people do this then God will continue to keep the world