mentalblog.com comments:
When someone is looking for excuses not to go to shul, there are millions of them. How can you notice the light when you are immersed in REAL prayer?
Yes, candle light is nicer and more nostalgic. But, the issue with light or decor or appearance etc. is nothing but a symptom of lack of spiritualism. Where can I find the shul that will yield a true spiritual uplifting to all (or at least to most) of the participants?
The light is not only a metaphor, on occasion it is a real light..
Lovely...very evocative and true. Light is one of the most universal metaphors for the soul, and a point of natural connection.
Zvi, you said: "the issue with light or decor or appearance etc. is nothing but a symptom of lack of spiritualism". Is that an absolute statement? Do you mean any external beauty is lacking? Do you believe this is “enlightened” by the Jewish religion or you just made it up?
this is a very true point.
please write it up in an article.
the main stream jewish press will print it.
we must inspire real feelings in our religien.
thanks for leting your heart speak!
Clarification on previous comment:
Beauty is a great thing. Beauty can inspire us to higher levels. That's what art is all about. In Beit Hamikdash beauty was of utmost importance. I wish, just like Tzemach says, that all Shuls were as beautiful.
The problem, however, is when we look at beauty as a substitute to spiritualism. If the heart is full, the surroundings help, but don't matter that much. If the heart is empty, we start complaining about the surroundings. Such complaints are a display of dispair. Something like "I want spiritualism and enlightment. I can't find it. I hope I can find it in Shul. I don't. It must be because the Shul isn't nice enough." So, some congregation with a lot of money build magnificent shuls that stand half empty most of the year; their children don't come to shul; and 80% of them intermarry with goyim.
The point I want to make is that the real problem is the lack of spiritual uplifting in today's shuls. The kind of uplifting that makes a lasting impression on one's personality.
A person should be selective about the food he takes and sensitive about his physical environment. Subjecting a person to constant fluorescent rays from kindergarten to school, etc. affects that person's soul. This has nothing to do with denomination, it has also little to do with a question if there is any spirituality in a magnificently lit gothic cathedrals for example.
Hey, what do you expect in golus?
If God had meant for us to be exposed to the full solar spectrum, He would have commanded us to live near the Mediterranean!
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