When you’re dressing tznius, the public laundromat can make you a nervous wreck. But if you’re at the public laundromat, you don’t have a more private alternative for washing your “unmentionables.” So how can you make the best of a less-than-ideal situation? Sure, you could handwash everything “private” at home and save the outerwear for […]
Maintaining Tznius at a Public Laundromat Read Post »
Gemachs usually enter the average convert’s mind when they have an upcoming marriage. Whether bride or groom, you will get an earful about gemachs. The word gemach is an acronym for “gemilut chasadim,” acts of kindness. The traditional gemach fund is a free-loan organization. But we don’t refer to those as “gemachs” anymore (or at least
Word of the Day: Gemach Read Post »
There is a lot that can be said on this topic, but we’re going to touch on the major causes superficially. This is basically a warning to make sure you realize what you’re getting into. After the steep cost of the initial set-up, living Jewishly doesn’t seem that much more expensive to the average single
Why Being an Orthodox Jew Is Expensive Read Post »
Due to sickness, I’m taking a week hiatus. I appreciate all refuah sheleimahs 🙂
Week Hiatus – Check Back Jan. 23 Read Post »
A very wise rabbi once told me that a common problem with converts is that they fail to realize “there’s no there there.” The day of your conversion isn’t really a destination. I’ve spent well over a year thinking about that phrase, trying to decide how I interpret it. I think I like the journey
After Conversion, What Do You Do Now? Read Post »
I find it interesting that Hebrew names is the #1 topic that brings people to this blog through search engines. I wonder where all this interest in names comes from! Based on the search terms themselves, it appears to be adults choosing a name for themselves, rather than parents naming a baby. Well, this week’s
Should You Change or Add to Your Hebrew Name When You Have a Second Conversion? Read Post »
Let’s be honest. For the new-to-Hebrew person, bentching takes a really long time, even in English or transliterated Hebrew. It feels like everyone else at the table is finished in 45 seconds flat (and yes, some of them did do it that fast, but it’s debatable whether it was words or one big slurred sound).
Word of the Day: Bentchophobia Read Post »
The “tea question” seems to be a common one, according to the grapevine and my own experience. Thankfully, it’s a question that all the authorities seem to agree on. It encapsulates a key principle of the laws of Shabbat (and that’s probably why it’s such a common question): What makes something not cooking on Shabbat? The set-up:
How to Make Tea on Shabbat Read Post »
I guess the title says it all. I’ve updated that little list of what I think are the most “relevant” blog posts I’ve written. It’s on the sidebar on the right. I’m not sure why I tell you these things, but I do. Happy Tuesday!
Management Update: Conversion Candidate Toolbox Updated Read Post »
You know when you have a brilliant realization and then realize that it’s so self-evident that there is no way you’re the first person to think of that? I had one of those moments. “Sometimes it takes a chillul Hashem to finally motivate people to make a kiddush Hashem.” That’s been rattling around in my
Chilul Hashem and Kiddush Hashem Read Post »