You’ve heard it before (and maybe you’ve even said it), “Shabbat is so restrictive. All you can do is go to synagogue.” And reenforcing that perception, a Google search looking for activities allowed on Shabbat only returns pages and pages of things you can’t do on Shabbat. For someone new to Shabbat, you’re left wading […]
What CAN I do on Shabbat? Shabbos-Friendly Activities Read Post »
Yes, I’m a dork. A dork who loves statistics. The blog just crossed 100,000 views. And yes, I did watch the stats page this evening to make sure I’d see it happen! I predicted that it would cross this milestone tomorrow, and I wasn’t sure whether the blog or my car would cross 100,000 first. (I
Management Update: The blog just hit 100,000 views! Read Post »
The Lubavitcher Rebbe used to tell a story: A nobleman who enjoyed the aesthetics of life hired a farmer to stand inside his castle and move back and forth with a hand pick, just as he would do in the field. The nobleman took great pleasure in the simple elegance of the farmer’s sway, and
The Value of Productivity Read Post »
For your post-Tu B’Av pleasure… Doesn’t every man want to be a Talmid chacham? I know every woman wants to marry one. Even more than they want to marry the Old Spice Guy. (Old Old Spice Guy Isaiah, not New Old Spice Guy Fabio.) Talmid chacham just means Torah scholar. An illustration of such a
Phrase of the Day: Talmid Chacham Read Post »
I’ve edited and updated the conversion candidate’s toolbox on the right side of your screen.
Management Update: Updated Conversion Candidate Toolbox Read Post »
Today is Tu B’Av, the 15th of Av. Tu B’Av is not the most well-known holiday, putting it lightly. The Shulchan Aruch doesn’t even mention its history or customs except for the adjustments to the daily prayers for a holiday. On the other hand, the Talmud considers this the most important festival of the year,
Tu B’Av in a Nutshell: The Jewish Valentine’s Day Read Post »
Today, I’d like to take a minute to discuss something that I believe is important to clarify. From a comment: “There is a lot of pain involved with conversion for many people, but I’ve noticed time and again that you don’t seem to see this. Human feelings and embarrassment and dignity are a PART of halacha… I’ve read a
My Narrow, Unsympathetic Point of View Read Post »
There is a lot to be said about being “black and Jewish.” I’m not sure I’m the right person to say it, but I certainly have my thoughts on the subject and knowledge of the experiences of others. I still haven’t found the right words, so the discussion will have to wait for another day.
Sometimes it feels as though every shailah ends in a machlokes. A shailah is a question requesting a religious ruling. You are usually asking your own LOR (local orthodox rabbi). Here are some examples: Do I need to kasher a can opener? And if so, how? Can I scoop cat litter on Shabbat? Probably not, so
Adventures in Semantics: Shailah and Machlokes Read Post »
No official post today, as it is a holiday. Call your mom. Love your neighbor. Love your enemy.
Today is Tisha B’Av Read Post »