Last month I talked with a visitor to B’nai Moshe about the prospects for Conservative Judaism. It’s a subject that, as an officer of the congregation, is often on my mind.

But, then my companion changed the subject.

He asked about my personal “Jewish Journey.”

How was it that I got to where I am in Jewishly? And, probably more importantly, where is it that I am headed?

Looking back at my life (and what more opportune time to do this then around the time you’re celebrating a “special birthday”), I can try to sort out what part of my journey so far has been of my own doing – independent choices made on my own – and what part came from choices made for me by my parents when I was a child or from events and circumstances over which I had no control.

Every choice that was made became the path to where I am now. But, unlike the turn by turn directions you get from Mapquest or an AAA Triptik, it definitely was not the most direct or fastest route to take. It certainly included a lot of detours, construction areas, and even several wrong turns.

But, here I am.

Probably like you, the main influence on my journey were how my family practiced Judaism as I was growing up; things learned from my parents and relatives; expectations for elementary Jewish education; lessons from teachers. These, in turn, inform how one reacts in making his own decisions – some good and some, of course, not so good. That is what life is all about.

But that’s the past. And, while it is interesting to look back to see where we have been, it is probably a lot more important, and definitely much more intimidating, to consider the rest of the journey.

What lies ahead? And what should we do to prepare for it?

One choice would be just to drift though life like a raft caught up in the current of a stream. That is easy the easy way, but we most likely won’t wind up at our desired destination. The better, but difficult alternative, is for us to carefully plan and decide what we hope to accomplish while on the rest of our journey. Then, we can do the things that will - we hope - lead us in the right direction toward our destination.

What you would like to do on your Jewish journey may very well coincide with things we are currently doing at Congregation B’nai Moshe – or, with your help, things we could be doing. For example, they might include study and learning. Or acquiring specific Jewish skills. Or being of service to the community. Or using what you already know to help others.

B’nai Moshe is here to assist in your Jewish journey. You need only ask us.