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Is the lack of motivation to change a problem?
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TOPIC: Is the lack of motivation to change a problem? 483 Views

Is the lack of motivation to change a problem? 09 Feb 2014 09:28 #227517

  • R76
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Very frequently someone understands that what he is doing is very wrong, but has little will to change. Most of those who break secular laws do not want to change their behavior until there is a threat of penalty.


Earlier I wrote about the fact that very many Jews including myself believe in G-d yet do not observe the Law completely:


Many Jews know that G-d had commanded the Law but find observance very difficult and thus find excuses not to be observant. Unfortunately, I am also partially observant.

In the past Sadducees believed that there is no afterlife and did not observe Torah. Then early Christians claimed to be free from the Law. Now Reform and Conservative Jews understand that G-d gave the Law but do not follow it. Even many people such as myself who understand that Orthodox Judaism is right do not follow all the laws.

According to Pew report, 84% of Jews in USA believe in G-d. Moreover, 41% are absolutely certain G-d exists. Unfortunately that is less than 50 years ago.
31% of Jews consider G-d and Judaism very important in their lives. Yet only 16% are Shomer Shabbes and 25% keep kosher. Only 4% of Jews who grew up in nonobservant households are completely observant.

Re: Is the lack of motivation to change a problem? 09 Feb 2014 23:52 #227543

  • Watson
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I don't know much about these statistics. All I know is that 100% of me keeps shabbos and kasrus. Call me selfish but that's all I'm interested in.

Re: Is the lack of motivation to change a problem? 10 Feb 2014 03:51 #227548

  • R76
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Great -- you are an observant Jew. I am partially observant.

I use only kosher food but I do not have kosher dishes and I can not afford an additional conflict with my family. I do not use electricity or Internet or hot water on Shabbos. But given that embarrassing subjects are discussed here, I have an urge to pick my nose and scratch my ears even then. I say two Shema and 1-2 Amidas a day. I rarely eat bread as a long prayer is hard for me. I no longer wear woolen clothes.

I do not have an irresistible urge, but as abstinence is difficult I hope I can keep my motivation to stay off m. Just today I thought many sexual thoughts.

Re: Is the lack of motivation to change a problem? 10 Feb 2014 14:07 #227564

  • Watson
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All I meant is that I don't care what 16% or 25% of American Jews are doing, I only care what I'm doing. You should also only care about yourself.

As to your situation, you seem upset about the lack of kosher dishes, but you have a good reason for it. I can't possibly paskun, but the right thing is the right thing. You say shema, you daven, that's great, you should be very happy to do that. As the gemoroh says "one who does a little is the same as one who does a lot as long as his heart is directed towards heaven"

I'm not sure what your question is.
Last Edit: 10 Feb 2014 14:18 by Watson.
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