PAYAK: The Mojo of Piety

Payak is a collection of narratives and reflections by a pious Christian that evolved from attending an ultra-Orthodox marriage ceremony in Chareidi Country, the invitation for which was under the aegis of a beautiful friendship with an American-Jewish family. Mystical insights accrued which led to the development of the thesis that durable peace in one’s self, in one’s locality, and in the world is achievable through vital piety, the mojo of which is humility. If every person, place, object, and event, no matter how unfamiliar or diverse, is encountered in a stance of openness and innocence, violence in all its permutations can be averted. Holding our differences in reverence can antecede religious literalism. Communication will be fluent even without words, appreciation of the dignity of fellow human beings in their local contexts will make cognizant similar needs and longings, good deeds will become the currency of piety, and every healthy goal will be possible with the audacity of faith.