Question: I’ve lost track of my faith, and I havent been to a synagogue since I was a little girl. I was wondering if there is any possible way to get back on track?

Answer: Faith, at least in the context you’re employing it, isn’t really a Jewish concept. According to Webster’s Dictionary, Faith = “unquestioning belief that does not require proof or evidence.” That really doesn’t sound so attractive, at least not to a thinking person like yourself. A concept we, as Jews, are more comfortable striving for is Knowledge, which Webster defines as “an acquaintance with truth, facts or principles through study or investigation.”

This is a principal path to finding G-d. Torah study is our greatest Mitzvah (commandment) because we recognize that knowledge comes through study and rigorous investigation. You have to read and ask questions and not be satisfied until it makes sense to you – not just because someone else said it (even a very wise person), but because YOU understand it. This is not a short term project – it is a life long journey.

I would recommend that you start with one Jewish book that looks interesting to you and covers topics that are important to you. I’d be happy to speak with you to make some more specific suggestions. Also, you could look at good Jewish websites, like Aish.com , Torah.org , or Chabad.org, and read some articles to get more ideas what topics are most moving to you (the key is to begin with something that really interests you).

The other avenue to explore, ideally at the same time, is what you can do to help others in your community – and the greater world community. Volunteering and being a giver connects you with others in a very positive way. It allows you to see beyond yourself, to appreciate better the Torah’s dictum that a human being is created in G-d’s Image.

An important and unique concept in Jewish tradition is that elevating our character is also a critical path for elevating our intellect.

Wishing you the best of success in everything – and keep asking questions!

All the Best,
Shlomo Shulman