The Beginner's Guide: 3 Things to Remember as You Embark on the Journey of Religious Observance

1. Don't forget who woke up at 2:00 AM when you were little. Often individuals who become more observant while living with their parents suddenly become suspicious of their mother's chreime dish or the kosher standards of the Bulgarian salad she lovingly prepared. Some parents accept the children's 'quirks,' while others less so — each parent's level of patience varies. As a newly observant person living at home, one must respect and manage interpersonal relationships with parents while maintaining halachic principles. This can often be challenging and require effort, especially in areas like the kitchen and Shabbat observance. It is crucial to respect and honor the dear parents to whom we owe so much.

2. Don't forget yourself. A newly observant person, especially early on may harm themselves out of a sense of righteousness and pure intent. This can happen by ignoring emotional needs. "Hobbies? Leisure? Humor? Who has time for that? It's not what will get you to Gan Eden," they tell themselves. The aspiration to be as good as possible can lead to a mistaken belief that emotional needs must be sacrificed, assuming that they detract from spirituality. When one's soul doesn't receive its needs, the natural vitality and joy diminish, leading to less patience and less vibrancy and the impact is both emotional and spiritual. When the soul is strained and worn out, the spiritual potential within a person cannot be fulfilled. Lacking joy, vitality, and energy also affects one's ability to engage in serving Hashem. Being attentive to one's soul isn't materialistic; it's about ensuring you can truly be yourself.

Read also:

How Can I Be Sad If I've Become Observant and Keep Mitzvot?

Newly Observant, What Do You Do When You're Nostalgic for Your Past?

3. Don't forget your siblings. You've discovered a new life, a spiritual connection that's hard to describe in words. There are those who aren't there yet — friends, family, and other brothers and sisters of the Jewish people. One advantage for a newly observant person compared to someone raised observant, is their direct access to people distant from Torah and mitzvot and their ability to influence them. The idea isn't that the newly observant become sudden Torah representatives or start sermonizing like long-established rabbis. But if there's a listening ear, small, simple actions can have a significant impact, such as convincing a friend to join a Torah class, sending an inspiring video, or discussing life's purpose in a down-to-earth and calm manner. If you have open-minded family or friends, organize a Torah study session at your home or synagogue and invite a suitable rabbi for them. A loving heart cannot remain indifferent and passive towards the spiritual state of those around it. Sometimes a bit of courage and initiative can change the lives of others.

Read also:

"Enough with the Coercion!" – Why Do Religiously Observant People Try to Bring Secular People to Observance?

The Weekly Challenge

Are you going to a Torah class this week? Bring along a friend!