Tradtions!

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus:

Tevye (read in a loud voice):
Because of our traditions, we’ve kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka, we have traditions for everything… How to sleep, how to eat… how to work… how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered and always wear a little prayer shawl. This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, “How did this tradition get started?” I’ll tell you…………….I don’t know. But it’s a tradition… and because of our traditions….Every one of us knows who he is and what God expects him to do.

You can hardly mutter the word without hearing Tevye singing it, “TRADITION”. Both the anchor that holds us steadfast and the jail that locks us in place, traditions form an important part of our social fabric. Although more stylized, rituals, like traditions, bind us to our history and focus our intentions. Practices, on the other hand, are designed to help us focus on our good intentions and to move beyond our current capacity to do or understand the task at hand. Tonight’s discussion has us consider all three activities.

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. Every culture and every family has a set of traditions. Consider a tradition (religious, national, or familial) in your life that you hold dearly? Why is it still important to you?

Probe 2. In Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye’s life is repeatedly upset by the challenges to his cultural traditions. Sometimes traditions can turn toxic (We have always done it THIS WAY!). Think about a time when you have been faced with changes that challenged your tradition. Was there strife or stress? Why (or Not)?

Probe 3. Similar to tradition, rituals are more ceremonial or at least follow a well identified pattern. One example is a rite of passage, a ritual that is performed that signifies that someone has moved into a new phase of their life or profession. What rites of passage have you experienced? What was the ritual like?

Probe 4. Most cultures and religions have rituals incorporated into their ceremonies and worship. In addition to rites of passage, rituals include celebrations, commemoration (remembrances), pilgrimage, inversion (suspension of the rules), and sacrifice (alms giving, fasting, etc). What rituals (from your own life or the culture/religion of others) have you experienced or do you believe are interesting. Why? Have any degraded from a status of ritual to that of mere performance?

Probe 5. Different from tradition and ritual, practices are designed to improve our abilities. Recently I read an article “5 practices to improve your day”, which were basically ways to not waste your time (which, I admit I was doing by reading that article!). What are some of the practices in which you engage on a regular basis?

Probe 6. Each religion has its own set of spiritual practices, but most fall into the realm of Prayer, Worship, Study, Service, Generosity, Confession/Repentance/Forgiveness, Non-violence, Mindfulness, Silence, Fasting, Hospitality. You may have heard of a “non-practicing Jew”, someone who is born Jewish but is not observant. Someone can identify as Muslim but not perform their rituals or practices (they are considered “bad-Muslims). Paul (and Luther) said that “Grace Alone” was sufficient while James argued that without works, faith was dead. What do you think? Do you identify with any of these practices? Can someone identify as a Christian without being observant, without practicing?

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.