GIANT IMPORTANT POINT: This issue can approach a fine line between protecting the community and bullying. Before you accuse someone (to their face in private or to a rabbi in private) of being an insincere conversion candidate, CAREFULLY consider your motives for doing so, your options for action, and how your actions will affect the […]
Why Insincere Conversion Candidates Matter Read Post »
I originally thought about naming this post “how to defeat the yetzer hara,” but defeat is the wrong word. As you now know from yesterday’s post, I don’t view the yetzer hara as “the enemy.” But even if the yetzer hara isn’t the enemy, what do we do with its bad suggestions? Merely one gem
How to Deal with the Yetzer Hara Read Post »
Technically, if we’re going to talk about the yetzer hara, we’ll also discuss the yetzer hatov. The yetzer hara is the “evil inclination.” Yetzer (inclination) ha (the) ra (evil). The yetzer hatov is the “good inclination.” The yetzer hara gets a bad reputation, but it is a necessary part of each of us. The yetzer
Phrase of the Day: Yetzer Hara Read Post »
I need to issue a correction. I apologize, but I copied and pasted some information from my Tisha B’Av post and then edited it for Yom Kippur. Being me, I missed deleting that we sit on stools until midday like a mourner. That only applies on Tisha B’Av. On Yom Kippur, you will be sitting
Update: Yom Kippur in a Nutshell Read Post »
This year, Yom Kippur is from sunset of Friday, October 7, 2011, until sunset of October 8. This is the only fast that overrides Shabbat’s mitzvah to make a festive meal. Normally, fasting is prohibited on Shabbat, and the fast is moved to Sunday. However, Yom Kippur is the “Shabbat of Shabbats,” so its fasting
Yom Kippur in a Nutshell: Why We Fast & Reflect Read Post »
There are three essential elements to repenting. This is true at at any time, but this discussion should help you prepare for Yom Kippur. Note: At other times of the year, there is a fourth step of repentance according to the Rambam. Before taking these other steps below, you must recognize what you’re doing is
How to Do Teshuvah the Jewish Way: Yom Kippur Repentance Tips Read Post »
Apparently I’ve got some chutzpah! My first YouTube attack. I guess I should feel honored. Also, you should know that my “gentile blood” qualifies me as a mudblood. Don’t tell Delores! I don’t get what my status has to do with anything, but I never understood trolling and personal attacks in the first place. Feel
Too Funny Not to Post Read Post »
For those of you who weren’t here in the early days of the blog (last year), go check out the heinousness of my first 3 day yontif observance last year. Needless to say, I wasn’t looking forward to another season of 3 day chags. Minus a date with a minor back injury on some wet
Dr. Strangesmell (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the 3 Day Chag) Read Post »
This blog is shomer Shabbat and Yom Tov. Therefore, there are no posts on Thursday, September 29, and Friday, September 30. Shanah tova!
Tonight Begins Rosh Hashanah Read Post »
Aish Connections has asked me to pass along information about their No Membership Required campaign: it’s “a complimentary database of synagogues across the country that offer social, engaging and unique services for non-members. It lists Synagogue details (and prices where relevant) and indicates what range of services are offered including additional programs such for youth, teen, and explanatory
Last Minute Thoughts before Rosh Hashanah Read Post »