The concept of blogging is fascinating. It has opened up the sphere of literature to the common man. Whereas previously, publishing was limited to the rich or famous, the internet allows every person to make their views known to the world.
However there are disadvantages to this new reality. The average reader has to trawl through many more pages of irrelevant material before finding something worth reading. The decision to filter out bad material has moved from the domain of the publisher to that of the reader.
It is with this in mind that I embark on the challenge of setting up a new blog. In one sense, I am merely adding my voice to that of millions and jumping on a dynamic global bandwagon. Yet I believe that I have something to add to the bandwagon. I believe that rather than just sharing my views on issues, which may or may not interest the average reader, I have a contribution to make, both to the Jewish world as well as the world at large. I would like this blog to discuss new goals, visions and perspectives for the Jewish people as relevant to the year 2009.
However one could ask a valid question on this rather grand idea: Who am I to suggest that I have the answer? What gives me the right to assume that my views could affect the Jewish world, let alone humanity?
The answer can be found in the Amidah (silent prayer) said on every Shabbat and festival in the Jewish calendar. 'Ve'tein chelkeinu b'toratecha (And give us our portion in Your Torah)'. In this phrase, we ask G-d to give us the ability to realise our potential as expressed in the Torah, which is the blueprint for the world. Every single person has their own portion in the Torah, and it is up to them to reveal it.
Moreover, that portion is not only reserved for contributions in the discipline of learning per se, but rather it can refer to any contribution to life if done within a Torah context. Torah is more than just a book to be learnt, it is a life to be lived.
Based on this principle, I am confident to express my own views on the Jewish world. They may not be the only answers to the problems of this world, nor may they be free of the natural trap of making mistakes. Yet this blog is my individual contribution.
There are many views within Judaism and I do not claim to have absolute truth, given that I am not G-d, who is objective in every way. Yet I am still excited to put forward ideas and suggestions that try to be as objective as possible, as I realise my portion in Torah.
Here is my contribution. Let's join the bandwagon...