I Suppose an Explanation is In Order at This Point in the Series: Why Should Those Who Are Not Jewish Care So Much About Antisemitism? Here's My Story of How I Got Here.
A story for the ages. What a trip. What I like most is that when you lost your mentors, beyond the hurt you took it upon yourself to continue their work. That is the only true tribute.
That certainly is a mouthful. I imagine you trying to catch your breath between well-ordered tirades. You learned many life lessons—the hard way. But, you learned, many people never do.
I’ve read so many stories of people who moved from cult to cult, from alcohol abuse to drug abuse and back again to pop-religion. Our drive for truth and self-realization is both a blessing and a curse.
I ask myself if I could have followed a similar path. At nineteen, that was my parents’ biggest fear for me as I embraced my Jewish legacy with both hands, that heritage that in my parents’ generation was watered down to simply marrying within the religion. Not more, not less, and the more scared them as much as the less.
With me it didn’t begin with the religion, but with Zionism. I heard Rabbi Meir Kahane give a talk at my university and in a split second became, an enthusiast Zionist. He made no claims over me or anyone else I knew. He wasn’t a head hunter, but rather an inspirer of people to fulfill their obligations and to be in the game of history rather than sit in the bleachers. I moved to Israel (after graduating) and realizing it would be hypocritical to live a secular life, I had to redefine myself, and took upon myself to fulfill all my Jewish obligations.
David, it seems your odyssey is complete and you can define yourself properly. Thank you for sharing this. God’s speed.
Wow. That was an incredible journey to where you are today. Thank you for sharing this. I now have a better understanding of your FPM days. I was hoping as I read the piece, Horowitz was one of your champions, especially regarding Judaism. Sad to read that doesn't seem to be the case.
Thank you for remembering our teacher Barry Rubin. Given the trajectory of his extraordinary life journey, I think he would recognise you as a kindred spirit! Hazak ve-ematz be strong and courageous!
A story for the ages. What a trip. What I like most is that when you lost your mentors, beyond the hurt you took it upon yourself to continue their work. That is the only true tribute.
David,
That certainly is a mouthful. I imagine you trying to catch your breath between well-ordered tirades. You learned many life lessons—the hard way. But, you learned, many people never do.
I’ve read so many stories of people who moved from cult to cult, from alcohol abuse to drug abuse and back again to pop-religion. Our drive for truth and self-realization is both a blessing and a curse.
I ask myself if I could have followed a similar path. At nineteen, that was my parents’ biggest fear for me as I embraced my Jewish legacy with both hands, that heritage that in my parents’ generation was watered down to simply marrying within the religion. Not more, not less, and the more scared them as much as the less.
With me it didn’t begin with the religion, but with Zionism. I heard Rabbi Meir Kahane give a talk at my university and in a split second became, an enthusiast Zionist. He made no claims over me or anyone else I knew. He wasn’t a head hunter, but rather an inspirer of people to fulfill their obligations and to be in the game of history rather than sit in the bleachers. I moved to Israel (after graduating) and realizing it would be hypocritical to live a secular life, I had to redefine myself, and took upon myself to fulfill all my Jewish obligations.
David, it seems your odyssey is complete and you can define yourself properly. Thank you for sharing this. God’s speed.
Glenn Perlman
Wow. That was an incredible journey to where you are today. Thank you for sharing this. I now have a better understanding of your FPM days. I was hoping as I read the piece, Horowitz was one of your champions, especially regarding Judaism. Sad to read that doesn't seem to be the case.
Keep pressing on!
Noachide is a belief system that says that non jews need only follow seven rules to please g-d
Thank you for remembering our teacher Barry Rubin. Given the trajectory of his extraordinary life journey, I think he would recognise you as a kindred spirit! Hazak ve-ematz be strong and courageous!