Why are so many Israeli young people attracted to India? It is easy to see why Americans, seeking spirituality would go there. But you would assume that a Jewish state would satisfy the longing in the Jewish soul. In what way does Buddhism differ in its approach to improving the world and human relations? Why are disaffected Jews so drawn to Buddhism?
This is a great question, that I address in some detail in my book, The Art of Amazement: Judaism’s Forgotten Spirituality.
I speak from experience. I was one of those Jews. Buddhism is attractive because it can be practiced without theology – it is by definition atheistic, so a Jew-Bu is not worshiping another God as he would in Christianity nor giving up his Judaism as he woudl in Islam.
Moreover, Buddhism is tangible – it is experiential spirituality, unlike the social-club that many of our synagogues have become. That is why I wrote the book – to show Jews that the spirituality that they are looking for can be find right here in Judaism.
Buddhism the way most people practice it, to the best of my knowledge, approximates one small wavelength of what is Judaism. There are so many aspects of Judaism that it does not include, including Shabbat and holidays, kashrut, and many other mitzvot. It does teach mindfulness and compassion, which are important things to learn.
Hope that begins to answer your question!
Sincerely,
Rabbi Seinfeld
please visit my blog at http://rabbiseinfeld.blogspot.com