Sarah Ritter Personal Topic #1

            Although by birth I am a Jew and my heritage is a large portion of my identity and who I am, I only really see myself culturally as a Jew but from a religious standpoint I find it hard to connect to God and I have formed my own separate ideas and beliefs about God and the spiritual aspect of my life.  Since I was born I have gone to temple on a semi-regular basis and observe many of the Jewish holidays and practice many of the rituals. But over the years I have found that although I do enjoy practicing these rituals and observing these holidays because it provides me a sense of comfort, I find it very difficult to feel close to God this way and I have realized that my spirituality lies elsewhere.  I personally find it hard to connect with God while I am forced to sit dressed up on uncomfortable benches inside a man made building while reciting prayers in a language that I don’t even understand and have realized that I truly feel closest to God out in nature where I can enjoy His creation.  I think that having a personal relationship with God is important and I believe that it is often easier to have one without the formalities of a church or a synagogue getting in the way.