Within everything lies a message to be grasped. The Jewish people, otherwise known as the Children of Israel, have lessons to behold even in the naming of our people. Yisrael means struggle with G-d and struggle encapsulates the Jewish experience throughout history.

Physically, we have overcome armies much larger and more powerful than our own. Our people have survived horrendous moments that history tells us should have wiped us out. The miracle we recall at Chanukah reminds us how Judah Maccabee and his small army overcame the much larger Greek army. Hitler’s intention during the time of the Holocaust was to annihilate the Jewish people and, yet, we remain.

Spiritually, we have also grappled – both individually and as a people. We have lost our faith – when building the golden calf, for example. Moses was atop Mount Sinai while the rest of the Jewish people anxiously awaited his return. When the people began to feel too much time had passed, they began to second-guess their commitment and their faith. They gathered together and built the golden calf, a substitute for their worship.

We, the Jews, have wrestled with our beliefs, our faith, and our commitment time and time again. And, that is exactly what we are supposed to do.

Today, the various sects within Judaism are, perhaps, an expression of our “struggle with G-d” – representing our own conclusions about what G-d wants and what being Jewish is – or are they?

I’d like to suggest that, quite often, we find ourselves in places where we feel comfortable. We pick our synagogue or denomination based on what we want to do and where it is easy for us – where we “fit”. But, is it really a fit that we are seeking or a place where we are at ease?

What is it that drives our decision to join a reform or a humanistic or an orthodox synagogue? Is it due to the history we have with that particular branch of Judaism? Does our decision and “comfort level” have anything to do with the values and beliefs of the particular sect we choose? Do we even know what those beliefs and values are and do we actually adhere to them as well?

How is it possible to determine where you fit within Judaism if you do not possess the information to make a knowledgeable decision? We cannot choose our religion (or position within our religion) without understanding the philosophy behind the religion.

So, whether you currently belong to a reform, conservative, orthodox or other synagogue – or whether you are Jewish but not practicing, agnostic, atheist or something else all together – I encourage you to join me in the eternal gathering of information. Life long learning, reassessment, and assurance that you are where you belong is part of the “struggle with G-d” we were meant to undertake.

Here are some ideas on how to begin you lifelong path of learning and growing:

1. Attend classes at a variety of synagogues – synagogues that express and adhere to the various beliefs found within Judaism.
2. Read. If you are in a small town without a great deal of resources available, go to the library or order books online. Again, find books written by authors (Rabbis or otherwise) from a variety of Jewish expressions.
3. There are Torah learning options you can connect with online or over the phone. The anonymity of learning online or on the phone with someone you’ve never met is very appealing to many people and a great option for those in small towns with few resources.
4. Sign up for classes through the Jewish Bureau of Jewish Education or other pluralistic Jewish organizations.
5. Start a chevruta – a group of friends dedicated to studying together. You can select a book and form a book group or pick a topic and study information on that particular topic.

There are many ways to expand and increase our knowledge. We do it for our jobs everyday with continuing education requirements to keep our certifications up to date, with conferences and other workshops to keep us abreast of what is happening in our fields and by actively participating in our professional disciplines. We should apply the same fervor to our spiritual development and the definition of our personal religion.

Only when we have thoroughly gathered information are we able to make a solid decision about what “kind of Jew we are”. Let us each continue to study and learn throughout our lives, constantly reevaluating where we are within Judaism and ensuring that we continue to “struggle with G-d” no matter where we find ourselves.