Judaism, How Much Individuality is Halachikly Permitted? Matisyahu's Very Public Journey

None of us are perfect, and none of us are truly great tzaddikim, holy people.  That's the truth, at least my reading of it. 

Just like our weights fluctuate, some more and some less, our spiritual and Torah observance levels go up and down, too.  Usually we can be discreet and it all stays where it belongs, between us and G-d.  Sometimes close friends, family and rabbis, teachers or our chosen spiritual advisors know what's happening.  I feel sorry for those whose spiritual barometers are on public display, like that of Matisyahu, the young singer who became a commercial and artistic sensation when he was a new BT (Ba'al Teshuva) Chabadnik, dressed in its uniform of big hat, kippah, big coat, full beard and long payot, those curls where Elvis had his sideburns, lihavdil (there's a difference.)

Even though, that uniform isn't required according to the Torah, I must admit that I felt good seeing such an obviously Torah observant Jew becoming a popular recording and performing artist. 

When Matisyahu decided to shave off the beard, he didn't look any happier than many of his Jewish audience felt about the act.  Fully bearded, he looked almost double his age, but without it he looked like a frightened kid. 

For most Jews, these sorts of changes only affects the immediate family, but for a very public Jew like Matisyahu, it's public and people wonder and people talk and the people aren't just neighbors, they're the media and more.

Aish.com has posted an exclusive interview with Matisyahu about his feelings concerning G-d, Torah and Judaism.  Aish posted a "warning" that not everything he says about Judaism is what they believe is correct.  I suggest you read the interview to judge for yourself. 

I'm just more worried by how thin Matisyahu seems to have gotten.  He may be doing well professionally, but he looks neither healthy, nor happy.  Like many of us, he probably needs to be part of a community, a community with the same religious values and life style.  G-d willing, he will find a good Jewish community that will help him spiritually, personally and also professionally.