Welcome to V's Blog

Hello All,

Welcome to the initial post of V's Blog and my official entry in the J-blogging world. I just recently started reading the various Jewish world/religion/Israeli blogs out there and decided that I wanted in on the action. I figure I will give a little background about my views and what I hope to do.

Firstly, I figure I will remain anonymous for now and see how things play out.
I'm a married Orthodox Jewish male with two children living in America (not in the NY area.) I did grow up in the NY area, went to YU, lived in Israel where I served in the army, and my family returned to America not too long ago. I have a Master's degree as well as Orthodox smicha (not from YU.) I consider myself Orthodox and Torah observant. I believe that it is not good to be extreme in any way or any characteristic; this is an important value taught be the Rambam and is ignored by many who take pride on their extreme positions.

I believe that learning Torah is the most important thing in the life of Jew (man and woman alike.) Mostly, this will teach us how to properly perform the mitzvot. Secondly, it will increase our overall knowledge, faith, and connection with Hashem. Additionally, it will teach us so many important values that could make our lives and the lives of our fellow Jews and human beings that much more meaningful.

Here's what I don't like.

I don't like when the method in which we learn and derive Jewish law is changed. This is done (abused) by the right-wing and more left-wing alike. I believe the same laws and methods to determine the law should be used now.

I don't like when halachik decisions are made that do not put faith in individuals to follow other laws (ie Miami Beach is Assur, the Internet is assur, etc.)

I don't like when people use their Torah knowledge to propel them to a position of high stature; people should use their positions to help raise Torah up and help it gain respect.

I don't like when people pick and choose and prioritize the less important things in our wonderful religion, while ignoring many key aspects.

I don't like when people view their religion as a hobby as opposed to their identity.

What I love is when Jews strive to grow, learn, and achieve more for the right reasons.

While some of these ideas may seem quite vague, these ideas will come out over the course of time.

The goal of this blog is to comment on many of the issues facing the Jewish world, the Jewish religion, and the Jewish people of all spectrum and all sects that appear in the news or on other blogs. I will try to not be overly negative or cynical. In addition, I will also try to find things or opinions that I agree with and that I feel we can all take strong pride in.

Well, that is an overview. I hope you come back and see what I have to say. All comments are welcome.