I've been thinking of starting this thread for quite a long time.
We see many labels thrown around. Orthodox, frum, BT, FFB, Yeshivish, Chassidish, Lubavitch, Belz, Satmar, etc etc.
I personally detest labels, and try to avoid using them whenever practical, and prefer to use an actual description where possible, or at least a thought provoking statement.
I think it is terrible when we label other people, but anyone can label themselves. But when doing that, what does it mean? I think one of the tests is to ask how one would like to see their kids grow up. Are Levushim, Minhagim, etc. part of your definition?
Please share YOUR OWN label, what it means in your own eyes, and how you would cast that on your kids (assuming you would want to see the same, or what you would actually like to see).
Please try to use ONLY positive language, wherever possible.
And please no disparaging remarks about others, or dispute the validity of their definitions. There are no right or wrong answers, it's purely about what one's OWN label is and what it means to THEMSELVES.I will begin with how I label myself when pushed hard enough for one:
"I strive to be a Lubavitcher." (That entire sentence is my own label for myself, and I hope it will always be).
The shortest way to say what it means to me, is that I see only
this as the kitzur shulchan aruch of what it takes to be a Lubavitcher. I also think that considering every word of the Rebbe an integral true part of Torah is a requirement.
Lastly, when it comes to how I would like to see my kids grow up, I would want my kids to choose their own path, and not do anything just because I do it. I want them to live their lives by conscious choice (and while I hope they make the same choices I made, or even better ones, it is most important to me that it will all be conscious choices).