I seldom put forth my views in reponse to a post and like to remain as my name says a Nobody.
I have, however given though to this post and am adding my 10 cents worth.
Pro Freikeit is a strong statement to make and I think it was made without thinking too deeply what this means and the consequences of it. To be pro freikeit implies being anti-religious. Anti religious is not the same as non religious and non religious is relative to the circumstances and people.
If someone on this site is non religious then surely kind words and not harsh opinions are better served. The mere fact they have logged on to this site and not some other speaks volumes.
This site has people from all walks of life and who are we to judge anyone. It is better to listen and offer warm words of encouragement than to be judemental which ultimately pushes people away.
I come across people from different backgrounds and varying degrees of frumkeit. I have learnt never to voice an opinion but to open my heart and ears and listen to the underlying message.
Someone who has gone off the derech (an expression I don’t like by the way) has not necessarily lost the plot, lost their mind, nor are they necessarily running away from something or someone and we are not to judge their reasons why, as often there is no true logical or analytical explanation. However, we do have to keep our hearts open and to be there when the time comes to pick up the pieces without question.
My heart and soul goes to those who are crying for help in one way or another and don’t even know it. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it better for everyone but I realise that’s not possible. So instead I sit and listen and wait.
I do not think it is rude or insulting for someone to say why they are no longer frum and there is no reason they should not give a reason on this or any other forum. Maybe they need annonymous non judgmental frum people to hear them out and help them and listen to their cry. Nor has anyone the right to say they have only themselves to blame. That is a strong opinioned statement made rashly without thought.
I do not expect everyone to agree with what I have said but I would like to think everyone on this site giving their opinions has some maturity to think carefully into what they put into writing. Don’t write for the sake of it. Think first of what your words mean and how they will be taken and the consequences.
Ultimately we will all need to account to Hashem in the Beis Din Shel Ma’aloh all our words, deeds and actions – just as we’ve just said on Rosh Hashonah and Yom Kippur. How quick some people forget these holy words. How quick we brush aside what we have davened for and how quick we are to slip down the road of not so nice thoughts, words and actions.
End of drosho!