Don’t tell me to pray.

Don’t tell me not to pray

Don’t tell me when or how to pray.

Stay out of my relationship (and if I have one) with Hashem entirely.

Don’t tell me what to do, when it comes to private conversation between me and my presumed maker. That’s for us. Not public consumption.

Media frenzy names like “Shabbat 250” are gross. Never mind exhorting Jews “come together in gratitude for our great Nation.” Is this about Jews? Or vanity? No one has authority to decree what someone else’s prayers should be. “This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty.” Um. K. Well it’s also about other things, like freedom from Egyptian slavery, and community – but not as good talking points politically.

Moreover. Shabbat is private. I won’t be commanded. It’s neither wise nor safe. Today we’re commanded, tomorrow we might easily be commanded not to pray how we choose. We have separation of Church (or synagogue) and State. People come to this country for many reasons, one of which is – irony – freedom of religion. Which means… freedom to observe or not- as we please. Troublingly, new edict comes from the same man who has repeatedly weighed in on whom he deems the right kind of Jew, the good Jew (unshockingly… the one who votes for him) and questioned Jewish loyalty to our shared country. Now he wants us........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)