This post will be short and sweet. You’ll hear people frequently refer to “the Diaspora.” In short, that’s everywhere but Israel. Being in the Diaspora or not can affect holiday observances. Some holidays that are two days in the Diaspora are only one day in Israel because that’s how it’s supposed to be observed. This […]
What Is the Diaspora? Read Post »
Here’s a news story for you: Margi Calls for Law Against Non-Orthodox Movements. Just to be clear, no bill exists at this time. To give you the general idea, “To strengthen its status, Margi called for legislation making the Chief Rabbinate the supreme rabbinical institution in Israel and the world, and wants to move the rabbinate
If you don’t already have plans for your Pesach/Passover seder, you should get on that! As an introverted person (I promise, but no one believes me) with social anxiety, I know how difficult it can be to ask people to invite you to their seder. Of course, things are much easier if you have family
How to Find a Seder for Passover Read Post »
The first weekend in my new community was a success! Much less stressful than I was afraid of, and I had a really good time! I’m lucky to know good people already and through Ilan, and they’ve been introducing me to some really amazing people. And even better, I got to check out two shuls
The Weekend in Review Read Post »
It’s Spring Break! Yay! And what did I do with it? I worked my day job and now I’m apartment hunting in NYC. Not the most exciting Last Spring Break on record. Now, I’m about to have my first Shabbos in my new community. It’s pretty nerve-racking, especially because it’s also the old community of my friend
The Country Mouse Visits the City Mice Read Post »
Piercings were covered here. Tattoos are a huge concern for converts and baalei teshuva. Before becoming observant, they may have gotten tattoos, and now Jews have filled them with all kinds of unfounded fears. You will not be denied burial in a Jewish cemetery. You may use the mikvah. You might not have to get
Convert Questions: What Is the Deal with Tattoos? Read Post »
Let’s talk a little about Moshiach (the Messiah). I’ll admit, I’m not as well versed on Moshiach as I should be because since there is no world peace, I know that Moshiach hasn’t arrived yet. The lion has not laid down with the lamb, we haven’t made our swords into plowshares, and there is not
What All Branches of Judaism Can Agree On: Jesus Is Not Moshiach Read Post »
I had an interesting thought recently: What do you call someone who always judges favorably? …Gullible. Of course, the halacha is more complicated. However, there is an undeniable trend in the stories that the tzaddikim judged favorably even when the Torah did not require them to. There is a story of the Chofetz Chaim advising
Judging Others Favorably Read Post »
Now that Purim is over, you can begin really thinking about your Pesach preparations! I know, right? We all love Pesach (Passover) preparations! …Not. If you haven’t prepared for Pesach before, I suggest taking it slow. Last year, I didn’t kasher my kitchen because I had just decided to be orthodox and didn’t know what
Purim Is Over, Now Pesach Is Coming: Start Your Cleaning! Read Post »
How do you cope with going back to normal life when you’re not “normal” anymore? I don’t remember who originally asked me that question, but it’s the perfect way to describe things. My answer? Everyone copes, whether they want to or not. Some do it better than others. And some circumstances are more conducive to
Dealing with Coping Read Post »