Our son Evan graduated this past weekend from Colombia
College of Chicago. It seems like just
yesterday (maybe longer) he stood on the Bema for his Bar Mitzvah, was part of
our youth group, spent a Gap year working and attended a NOLS program, and then
headed off to College. I tell you this because it has been interesting, in a
good way, to watch his Jewish identity develop through these stages. It has been scary and exciting to be part of
his growing up.
Today he seems very clear about his Jewish beliefs and
identity. As we move through our years
in life, our perspective and beliefs are challenged and either become stronger
and change. I am sure that Evan’s Jewish identity will continue to evolve.
From my perspective, the most important part of his Jewish
journey is that it continues to be a journey, that he continues to question and
challenge himself in his beliefs. I will
be happy whatever path his religious journey takes him, as long as he is committed
and actively involved in his choices. We want our children to adopt our
religious and moral beliefs, but it is important to support them in whatever
path they take as long as it doesn’t hurt themselves or others.
In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson “Life is a journey, not
a destination.”
In the words of Tim Cope "Celebrate the stages of the
journey and the destination will take care of itself"
