It's that simple. Not only that, but the guidelines, which allow for interpretation and questioning, aren't as strict as they seem. As I looked around the table, it was hard to argue with Adlerstein's logic. His family is loving, his children sweet, patient and intelligent. His life, at least from the outside, seems complete.
Studies show that religious people, on the whole, tend to be happier.
Their marriages are more durable, their sense of community stronger. But that's not me, I told him. Judaism is important to me, but I wasn't raised Orthodox and I have other priorities right now. Marriage just isn't something I'm rushing to do. And I didn't tell the rabbi this, but the only guy who I've ever seen myself with for life saw himself with a tall blonde named Carolyn.