An important read from the other convert blogger named Chavi: The Real Danger? Other Converts. From the post: “I don’t know if it’s new, but all of the conversion crises talk has exacerbated this self preservation to the point that converts, in some communities, have become bullies. It is the classic case where the bullied […]
Bullying Within the Conversion Community: The Enemy Within Read Post »
Halacha in a Nutshell is a series that does not aim to actually teach you halacha. The goal is to acquaint you with the general ideas of a halachic issue so that you can follow conversations without looking like a total n00b. Now here’s a fun topic full of vague euphemisms. This will not be
Halacha in a Nutshell: The Laws of Family Purity Read Post »
Yesterday and today are two “Jewish” holidays. I only put Jewish in quotes because the existence of the state of Israel is a hotly debated topic within Jewish groups. So yesterday was Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. Someone in particular was on my mind: Elad ben Kochava. I went on a Birthright trip to Israel
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut Read Post »
As you know, I’m driving cross-country at the moment. Driving all day, every day since Sunday morning is totally awesome. Not. Well, it mostly is, but after four days, I’m tired of it. I want to be in my new home already! But tonight, Wednesday night, I’m only 2 hours away from New York City,
Word of the Day: Nebbish Read Post »
You may be asked to memorize the months of the Hebrew calendar. I’ll admit I don’t have them memorized, at least not in order. But here’s a handy list! Keep in mind that there are four new years in the Hebrew calendar, so you can begin counting the months at multiple places. For the purpose
Months of the Hebrew Calendar Read Post »
Masseuse: [Some question about church attendance] Me: Oh. I’m Jewish. Masseuse: Oh… Like Christian Jewish? Me: Nope. Just Jewish Jewish. Masseuse: …Oh. On the bright side, the awkwardness ended there, and the rest of the time went pleasantly. But that was a conversation-stopper.
Awkward Conversation of the Week Read Post »
Some of you may be considering orthodox conversion, but you don’t live in an orthodox community. You know that you will be required to move if you want to pursue this. (See Convert Issues: the Community Requirement.) However, because of school, a lease, saving money, owning a home, or a million other reasons, you’re stuck
Social Strategies for the Isolated Conversion Candidate Read Post »
This blog is shomer Shabbat and yom tov. Therefore, no posts on Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26.
No Posts for the Last Two Days of Pesach Read Post »
Word of the day: bitachon. Most basically, it means trust. Trust in Hashem. Being a Type A, practical-to-a-fault person, I often say that bitachon and emunah (faith) are very difficult for me. I’m beginning to rethink that statement. As you should all know by now, I’m moving cross-country in a week. Only today did I
Shabbat Shalom! The Bitachon Edition Read Post »
Well, the first days are over. Three days without chametz, and I haven’t killed anyone yet! However, I was dismayed to realize that we’re not even halfway through Pesach yet… My only good joke so far for the yontif: Person 1: “The bread of affliction just afflicts you with constipation.” Me: “Maybe this is to
Reflections on the first days of Pesach Read Post »