I am not a particularly religious person, in fact I am essentially what most people refer to as a "secular" Jew. The older I get, and the more experience I acquire, the more I have come to appreciate the complexities, doubts and day-to-day contradictions that engulf a person’s life. I now appreciate just how limited my knowledge actually is.

As most of you know, I have been having a very difficult time of it medically. I received numerous cards, letters and phone calls expressing concern about my condition. Among these many contacts were friends and Megillah family members offering prayers for my complete recovery. A few of those kind people who offered prayers commented to me, that they hope I am not offended by their expression of religious faith in their good wishes. Of course, not only was offence not taken, but I was deeply touched by their outpouring of love. Their prayers came from a place in their hearts that harkens from their deep and sincere belief and purity of their unquestioning faith. Whether I personally share their deep devotion is entirely moot. What is important to me is that they do. Having turned sixty-three on July eleventh, I am at the stage of my life where the certainty of my beliefs are not quite as steadfast and immovable as they once were.

Who am I to question any individuals’ faith? As I told those kind and warm-hearted well-wishers, the very fact that they consider me important enough in their lives to ask G-d to grant me healing and restored health is the greatest compliment and honour they could bestow on me.

Please know that the good wishes of my secular friends are not any less important to me. After all, their sentiments also come from a deep personal place. Whether it be G-d, Yeshuah, mother earth or simply an inner feeling of a force stronger than ourselves; each and every sincere and pure good thought is equally welcome by me.

All too frequently, personal or religious certainties are the cause of great hardship in the world. Whereas the concept of most religions is based on brother and sisterhood, and a desire to bring peace and understanding to humankind, it becomes bastardized into negative expression, acts of hatred based on misunderstandings, and the firm conviction that there is only one true belief system, and that all others are false.

For example in modern day Israel ultra-Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews are at odds with each other. The government has acquiesced to the demands of the ultra-Orthodox and Fundamentalists by limiting where women can pray at the Wailing Wall. It is also the Orthodox who determine whether a potential immigrant is Jewish enough to be welcome as a citizen of Eretz Yisroel, among many other edicts. The majority of the Israeli population resents such interference by one Jewish sect, and slowly but surely the Orthodox influence is beginning to wane.

Of course, Jews are certainly not unique when it comes to these issues. There is a constant battle between Fundamentalist Muslims and those of a more modern or secular point-of-view. We are all too familiar with the consequences of that rivalry. These are but two current and visible examples of how religion can be misused and go against the original precepts. Throughout the history of humankind this problem has existed. No period was ever more cruel than the Christian Crusades, and yet Jesus, in whose name this religion was created, is known as a totally benevolent, kind and loving person. This in itself is a prime example of how humans have manipulated religion to suit themselves and to control others.

Be all that as it may, there are a majority of good people who really do strive to live the life their religion instructs them to; regardless of what the name of the belief system is. What is of true consequence is the goodness people find within it, and the positive lessons and behaviours that drew them to their faith.

To me, every good wish and sincerely kind gesture is a great present from my friends and readers. I love you all very much. In closing, I am happy to report that all of your prayers and good wishes seem to be having the intended effect. I am feeling much better, and I continue to improve every day. Please keep sending your prayers and positive thoughts.

Much love to all of you,
Michael