Quote Originally Posted by Bluetree View Post
Years ago, I attended Temple during the High Holy Days with my then-BF. It was a progressive/reformist rabbi (a woman) and one of the topics for discussion was whether to continue services (it was at the Beverly Hills Hotel ballroom) when hotel workers may stage a strike outside for better wages.

She told this story:
A rabbi was on his way to Temple one day, and heard a baby crying. Looking into a window, he saw an unattend babe. He went in, and held the baby until it stopped crying and went to sleep. Meanwhile, all the townspeople were at the synagogue waiting for him. He never showed. After a while, they became upset and went frantically in search of him, wondering what happened. When they finally found him, sitting with a sleeping baby, they became angry at him for causing them to miss their services over such an insignificant event. He looked at them and said, "This child was in need and I came to help. Have you learned nothing from me? The acts of God and more important than the Words of God."

After the rabbi told the story, she explained that regardless of where one stood on the proposed strike, it was important to acknowledge the struggles of people fighting for a better life for themselvs and their families. And as Jews, they should all recognize that.
With that, she announced that should the strike happen, she would not cross the picket lines. She said, "If we have to, we'll pray on the beach in front of the ocean. It doesn't matter what building is above our heads, God can hear us. But always, Acts of Godliness are paramount."
I still remember that after all these years.
BTW, The strike was settled, and averted.
I love that, and it is so true.

I never went to church, but was always taught the correct way to treat other people, and to see the spirituality in the world around us. However, my hometown is extremely religious (14 square miles, over 20 churches in that area, maybe more than 30). If you didn't go to the correct church, many parent's wouldn't allow their kids to have anything to do with you. Their whole lives revolved around church and church functions. This made it very difficult growing up, going to parties, going shopping or to the movies, dating, and even discussions at lunch. This still puts a negative light on organized religion for me. I know it's not like that in other areas, but it, and my always questioning nature, makes it hard for me to have any desire to participate in church activities. I know it is a huge part of life for many people, and I'll always respect it, as long as they respect me for who I am and what I believe.

(eh, I hope this all came out right, and makes some element of sense)