As we just discussed the potential that a convert may need to move to a new community in order to finish his or her conversion (Convert Issues: the Community Requirement), the next step is choosing the RIGHT community for you. And I mean literally “you,” specifically. No community will be the right fit for all […]
The Importance of Finding the “Right” Community Read Post »
If there is any “cultural” aspect of the Jewish People that you should know, it’s Jewish Standard Time (JST). I swear I hear this phrase at least twice a week, and I live in a very small community. I can only imagine its effects in the larger communities! In my Jewish encounters, I’ve found that
Ever Wondered Why Jewish Events Start Late? Jewish Standard Time Explained Read Post »
As an unmarried woman who had a terrible first mikvah experience (for conversion 1.0), I would very much like all of you to read this post by fellow Chavi about the mikvah! Please comment, anonymously or not! Just Call Me Chaviva: The Mikvah Is Lost on Me.
Something You Should Read and Comment on! Read Post »
Since we’ve been discussing converting specifically for marriage this last week (See Why on Earth Would Someone Convert to Judaism and Taking a Shyne to Judaism), it reminded me of a funny story. (I’m not sure if it’s funny weird or funny haha!) But it’s the kind of story that could only happen to me.
Memory Lane: The Converting for Marriage Stereotype Read Post »
This is the kind of question that could only come up after hours upon hours of undisturbed solo driving. When a female convert goes to the mikvah to complete her conversion, does she become “not niddah” after the mikvah? Assuming the timing is right, of course. Not that it matters, but it was an interesting
Halachic Discussion: Are Female Converts “Not Niddah” After the Mikvah? Read Post »
As I’ve mentioned several times here, a potential convert may have to move in order to complete his or her conversion. It may be an easy move or a very difficult one, depending on the convert and the community. Some may have to move across town, and some may have to move to a different
Convert Issues: The Community Requirement Read Post »
I love Shabbat candles. I do. And I even like Chanukah candles. However, the wax is driving me insane. I have half a mind to switch to oil candles, but (a) I just don’t think they’re as pretty and (b) better the devil I know than the devil I don’t. Who knows what problems oil
Convert Confessions: Candles Are Lovely, But Do They Have to Be So Messy?? Read Post »
Let’s start with a funny quote since the rest of this post isn’t very funny! “I think G-d is a goy. A mix of a girl and a boy.” – a 3rd grader And a quick definition to get us all on the same page! A connotation is “a subjective cultural and/or emotional coloration” of
Adventures in Semantics: Goy v. Non-Jew Read Post »
Mandatory Disclaimers: (1) I am not a rabbi. I am certainly no halachic source. I’m not even in a formal learning program right now, so my resources are my congregational rabbi, great friends (including an informal tutor and a couple of orthodox rabbis), and my own research, usually online. (2) I talk a lot about
Management Update: Expanded the Mandatory Disclosures Read Post »
I had the great pleasure to spend Shabbat this week in Venice, CA. I know nothing about the area, except that I’m pretty sure it was the Venice Boardwalk in the move Son in Law. (Pauly Shore movie from 1993…pure comedic gold!) I attended the Shul on the Beach (officially known as the Pacific Jewish
Crashing Venice, CA, for Shabbat! Read Post »