Tradition

Good Morning!

The setting is a Russian village in 1905. The main character is a milkman named Tevye’. He and his wife, Golde, have five daughters – three of whom are approaching the age where they will marry. The opening song is “Tradition” – a theme that carries through the entire play as Tevye’ struggles with the religious requirements and his young daughters’ wishes.

Tonight, Norma and I, Jim, Angie and the girls, Heather and her friend Stasha will join Grandma Leta in Hayesville to see the Licklog Players production of “Fiddler on the Roof”. Heather had the opportunity to assist in the direction of the play several years ago with her friend who she refers to as “Purple Michael”. For some strange reason, they asked me to play the role of Lazar Wolf – the butcher. In doing so, I learned a lot about the play – and some things about life.

Teyve’ lives life by tradition. In his mind, traditions cement the small society he lives in – and changes to tradition are a threat. Unfortunately, his daughters don’t see life in such strict ways. His oldest daughter, Tzeitel, is matched to the butcher, Lazar Wolf – who is much older than she is. But Tzeitel wants to marry Model, an aspiring tailor. Tradition says the father chooses the daughter’s mate – and Tevye’ has already agreed to the marriage of Lazar and Tzeitel. The dilemma is not just does he go back on his word – but does he also break with tradition and allow Tzeitel to choose her spouse.

His second daughter falls in love with a rebel. Again, Tevye’ faces the problem of allowing his daughter to choose who she wishes to marry – and move away from the tight knit family unit. Again, Tevye’ breaks tradition.

The third test of his reliance on tradition comes when Chava, his third daughter, falls in love with a non-Jew. Tevye’ cannot allow this breach of tradition and, when Chava runs off and marries, he treats her as being dead … until … all the families in the town are required to move because the Russian government elects to expel all Jews … those who don’t meet THEIR tradition. At the very end – as Tevye’ is packing the cart to move, Chava comes to wish her family farewell. At first Tevye’ ignores her presence – but at the very end, he wishes her well – breaking the final tradition.

So what did I learn? Jesus fought the traditions of the Pharisees all of His earthly existence. Many of the traditions were just interpretations of the Law that had been adopted as being “right” – even though God never placed such a restriction on life. People were trapped by these traditions – little things like how many steps one could take on a Sabbath and it not be counted as work. The traditions – not God – became the focal point of “worship”. No wonder God – speaking through Isaiah – said He was tired of the meaningless acts called worship. He desires nothing more than a pure heart and a sincere commitment to Him. That’s all.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, I must guard against making my worship of God become “doing church”. We would never think of our relationship with our spouse as a chore – “doing wife” so to speak. While our lives might have routines, we wouldn’t want our relationship be limited to a couple of hours a week – as required – with time off for vacation in summer. Our love of Christ is not a tradition! It is a part of the fabric of who we are – and it is fresh each day. Like today.

Well, Mr. Jim is headed up to “no computer” land tomorrow – so there won’t be a post until Monday. Have a safe weekend. Know that I love you.

Agape’

Mr. Jim

Shared Praises:
Ellen Brewer has a new blogspot for instruments for the world. Check it out at http://instrumentsfortheworld.blogspot.com/