Dear creators of resources that teach people to pray in Hebrew: I have some problems with your products, and I would like to discuss them. Let’s begin at the beginning. If I am coming to your CD/book or website to get help learning to pray in Hebrew, it’s very likely that I either a) Do […]
How NOT to teach a convert or BT to pray in Hebrew Read Post »
My biggest hurdle in becoming orthodox has been going back to the basics. Most converts who’ve already gone through one conversion feel like we know stuff. We’re not newbies, so why are we back at the beginning?? It can be incredibly frustrating and ego-busting. Even new converts can be incredibly frustrated by suddenly feeling like
Convert Issues: Going Back to the Basics Read Post »
I’d like to write today about this article: “Green” Hanukkah Sparks Criticism. You don’t really need to read the article, but the link is there for your convenience. The (very short and poorly edited) article is talking about a proposal in Israel to encourage people to have a more environmentally-friendly Chanukah by burning one less
Who Doesn’t Want to Celebrate Chanukah in a More Environmentally-Friendly Way? Read Post »
I apologize if you read this yesterday, but the management had a finals-induced FAIL. I have a weird minhag that no one else around me has: I don’t place religious books where people sit. I hear this isn’t an uncommon minhag in chareidi circles. However, modern orthodox Jews generally seem to think I’m crazy with
Reason #301 You Know You’re Crazy: You’ve Got a Crazy Minhag Read Post »
It seems that most orthodox converts you meet are also liberal Jewish converts. When we liberal converts begin an orthodox conversion, we all seem to think we’re crazy to be going from a liberal movement to orthodoxy. But no, you’re certainly not alone. I had the great pleasure to meet with an amazing rabbi who
Liberal Conversion: The Gateway Drug Read Post »
A package of Hanukah gifts arrived in the mail from my parents today! So I decided it was time to get ready for Wednesday night!
I’m ready for Hanukah, are you?? Read Post »
One of the more awkward “unwritten rules” for converts to learn is shomer negiah. People just tell you not to touch men or women, but with little to no details. Or worse, they only tell women not to offer their hand to the rabbi for a handshake! Few people take the time to explain it.
Awkward Moments: When You’re Not Sure Who’s Shomer Negiah Read Post »
I’m really beginning to hate Hebrew language jewelry. I received a “chai” (Hebrew for “life”) necklace for Conversion 1.0, which is really nice and I enjoy it. However, my necklaces share a chain, and I inevitably forget how to put the chai charm on the chain so that it will face the correct direction. I
Reason #834 You Know You’re Crazy: Hebrew Jewelry Read Post »
Reason #92 You Know You’re Crazy: I live in a very small Jewish community. As far as I’m aware, I’m the only observant Jew on my campus. And the only people who haven’t batted an eyelash at my lifestyle changes have been my Mormon classmates! In fact, they’ve been the most curious and supportive! I
Here’s a really wonderful article by Rucheli: The Back of the Bus. For those of you who don’t know, there are some buses in Israel (and a couple in America) that segregate men and women. I knew that it had to do with tznius, but thought it had more to do with avoiding accidental touching
Just wanted to share an article… Read Post »