Practice Your Religion

On 26 February 2010, Northwest Yeshivam, an Orthodox Jewish high school in Yakima, Washington, chose to forfeit a game in the Washington State high school basketball tournament rather than have its students violate a religious fast (the Fast of Esther) by rehydrating themselves during the game. They could have played the game without rehydrating liquids such as Gatorade but felt that that would be dangerous for their student's health. Good for them on several levels.

1. They put their student's health above winning a game.
2. They didn't ask for special treatment by insisting that the date of the game be changed to fit their agenda.
3. They showed their students, and those at the other schools, that principle overrules personal wishes.
4. They were faithful to their religious beliefs.

It is easy to compromise one's beliefs and principles "just this one time." One time can become many. People of faith should remain faithful to their beliefs. If you are a Roman Catholic, be the best Roman Catholic you can be. If you are a Baptist, be the best Baptist you can be. If you are a Jew, be the best Jew you can be. If you are a Bahai, be the best Bahai you can be. Otherwise, don't waste your time pretending.