Do Jews feel like they are in Bondage by all the laws they have to follow?

Question

I truly admire the devout sincerity and strictness that Orthodox Jews uphold in regards to laws such as eating, dress, appearance and the Sabath. Do Jews feel as if they are in bondage by following those. I would guess not but why not?? I would love to hear from Rabbis or a life long Jew. Please help Shalom!

Answer 1

In bondage? Not at all. The laws are not binding or constricting- but liberating in a way. Yeah- it sounds contradictory but think of it like this. When there are no laws- but we only do as we wish- or if there are only a minimal set of laws leaving most things up to the individual to decide, you are either going to behave in one of two ways:
1) Be completely unconstrained and do as you wish with no boundaries. There ar eno boundaries but what you construct- and those can be as wide as you like. This is the anarchic lifestyle of the true libertarian.
2) Be completely constrained- be so tightly bound by indecision that you end up doing nothing- having no signposts, you do not know which way to go- and end up going nowhere.

Teh reality is that no one has no laws or constraints. Be they from civil law or other religions, everyone has a set of laws providing constraints to their behaviour, forcing people int o a middle road between the two extremes. The width of that middle road is determined by the laws the people live by- but it is always there. For us, the law prescribes a middle road that forces us away form individualism into thinking about others- into obligations to family and community- and in this way ot frees us to concentrate on what is important. Within the constraints we live in- we have the freedom to exercise our judgement and will in a manner that is helpful and meaningful beyond ourselves. Perhaps tp some people this comes across as too narrow a path and a constricting one- but tot hose of us who have accepted that this path is for the best- it provides meaning and a freedom for personal and spiritual growth not found outside the boundaries of those laws.

Perhaps one of the best ways I have heard it said was by a Rabbi: "When we choose to follow the halachah (Jewish law) we choose a life of service to God and community instead of a life of service to ourselves." Yes- the modern world calls on us to make idols of ourselves, to concentrate on our "rights". Judaism calls on us to not go that way- to turn around and to concentrate on our obligations- because if we all adhere to our obligations, then everyone elses rights happen automatically!

Answer 2

I'm a Reform Jew-by-choice, but I attended a lecture by an Orthodox Rabbi's wife who explained just what you're asking.

She was devoted to her husband and marriage and felt like they were working as a team in God's work. Obeying the commandments is called mitzvot (pl) and all Jews will tell you that it is not a burder or a "yoke," but it is a joy and a privilege. There's more to Judaism than peace of mind and "warm fuzzies."

I have only recently begun to follow the commandments, and I agree with her wholeheartedly. You cannot understand the feeling until you understand the philosophy and have actually tried it for yourself. This is something you can't learn from reading. You must try it for yourself.
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Answer 3

That is like asking an Olympic athlete if they feel enslaved because of all the training they must do in order to be a world class competitor. It is only through effort and discipline that one gains the "freedom" to achieve their full potential.

To an observant Jew, the main purpose of life is to serve G-d through Torah study and mitzvot. Yes, this requires effort, sacrifice and discipline --- but the rewards, both in this world and the next world, are certainly worth the effort. There is no greater freedom than fulfilling your purpose in life and reaching your spiritual potential.

You likely see all around you people who seek only to serve only their own desires. This is true enslavement, and often leads to destructive behaviors.

The only way for a Jew to know they are on the right path is when they are striving in Torah and Mitzvot. You can't do this yourself, you need a good teacher. The fact that you are asking this question means that you have a healthy curiousity about your own spiritual potential. You owe it to yourself to find a learning partner, contact any Orthodox rabbi in your area, do it today!

Answer 4

Life long Jew here (21 years and counting). I'm not an Orthodox Jew by any means (I'm technically reformed I think)...I go to Synagogue on high holidays (all of the Synagogues near me charge really high membership fees), pray three times a day, etc. I think keeping completely Kosher for some people (such as myself) is near impossible, for me it's because I'm half Italian, so meat and cheese in combination is practically inevitable. I have much respect for more conservative Jews though.

Answer 5

It might be difficult to understand but maybe this analogy would help.

Take a violin string and you see it can bend and move in any direction, but it dose not produce anything.

Take this same string and tie it to the violin. You have now restricted its movement, but you have allowed it to sing.

The same is true for an Orthodox Jew. Yes his actions are restricted, but the result is that it allows his soul to sing and do its work.

Answer 6

Orthodox Jew here--

Not at all. The mitzvot are a way to honor G-d and please G-d, which is our greatest pleasure. Look at it this way--your significant other LOVES food prepared in a VERY particular way. It's hard to make this favorite food of theirs, but you love them so much you go through the trouble gladly to bring them joy. So is the same with G-d and the mitzvot--He likes life lived a certain way.

Peace

Answer 7

Those raised Orthodox or who have been Orthodox for a while usually do not find it difficult since it has become part of there life.

Answer 8

Sometimes it's hard, but I recognize that it's necessary.

It's like having to take a lot of medicines every day (something I do, too). It can be annoying, but if I don't take them I won't feel well. The benefits outweigh the inconvenience.

Answer 9

Not at all (although I'm Reform I keep most of the kashrut laws and am trying to be shomer Shabos). It's llike having to keep all of the state and Federal laws--it's just what we do.

Answer 10

no, the biggest feeling is one of gratefulness and awe, that G-d was loved us enough to give the commandments to us. most jews regard the commandments as they key to peace and tranquility, and believe that the person who lives their life by them will will find joy and happiness.