Food for Thought

This guest post at Hirhurim is really something.

In short, the author is looking at the fine line that separates observance from "observance"; where following the rules concerning a thing (in the case of the poster, wearing his kippa) breaks away from the point of following the rules.  That is, the point of wearing a kippa is to instill one with reverence for God, but if one eventually puts it on by rote, then how can the kavanah be sustained?  Strict observance might lead to lack of "observing" the underlying point.

The obvious rejoinder would be to focus harder, make a bigger effort to remember that which is supposed to be remembered, etc.  I recently bought a two-volume set of the Shulkhan Aruch, which has all kinds of rules concerning actions but also "rules" about what one is supposed to think about or focus on when performing the actions.  These suggestions are well taken, but looking at the universe of rules and procedures a diligently observant Jew would have to follow, I just don't see how.  It's too much, and too impersonal.  If the point is to reflect on God's oneness, or to be thankful about life, or whatever the thing is you're supposed to focus on, then isn't the thought that counts, rather than the action?  And what if halacha says do A to remind you of X, but you are reminded of X more by doing B?  Then what?