But it is a tradition, and because of our traditions, everyone of us knows who he is, and what G-d expects him to do." ~Tevye, Fiddler on the Roof. I know that I am a child and servant of God, a unigue human being infinitely valuable in the eyes of God and Christ, a thinking being charged with free will with an immortal soul, a soul not because I was taught that but by distinguishing between my awareness, consciousness and mind.
No tradition tells me this, no church, no book, no religion. I came upon it through inner searches of my heart, observation of people and the vast interactive system of the world and acknowledging what makes me joyful and depressed, what gives me satisfaction and what gives me strength in times of trial. The only thing tradition tells me is that I am an American living in a culture that sprang from the history of my ancestors.
Whoever wrote "Fiddler on the Roof" is full of fresh fecal matter. Because a novel is entertaining and thoughtful does not means the philosophy therein is correct.
Philosophy is buyer's market, it either rings a bell with you or not.... I happen to like traditions that reconnect us with our history or each other, share a moment of fellowship or for a moment make us feel closer to God and others who I share something in common.
Traditions and rituals are just that. Things in common that connect us to something larger than ourselves... Many enjoy and find comfort and strength and affirmation in them.
There is a big difference between that and claiming that failing to uphold them will condemn you to hell, or that failing to uphold them means you must show disdain for them. I find the small rituals of societies to be interesting and valuable for seeing into the hearts of a people.
All I know about you is that you don't seem to find very many of the ideas I find interesting valuable, and that you have a tradition of posting little blue apples. Others might find your apples silly, I think it is interesting.