A book has just been released that you should consider buying or checking out from the library. (Since it literally has just been published, you may have to request that your library get a copy of the book. It’s a simple procedure.) Disclosures: I did not receive this book to review it. However, I did […]
A Convenient Hatred: The History of Antisemitism Read Post »
Today, I want to share a particularly poignant thought from the Pirkei Avot Treasury. As background, Pirkei Avot is a collection of ethical teachings from the rabbis of the Mishnah. Its uniqueness is that it is the only tractate of the Misnah that does not discuss halacha (at least not overtly); it focuses purely upon
The Power of Pirkei Avot Read Post »
After posting a picture of my Jewish library two weeks ago, I got many questions about the books on those shelves! So I decided to share the books that are MY “essential Jewish library.” I posted a list of recommended books for your own essential Jewish library in the tabs above. Your library will probably
Kochava’s Essential Jewish Library Read Post »
I am most definitely a person of the book. Judaism and law school only made this natural tendency worse by justifying being a book hoarder. This week, my missing seven boxes of books from California finally arrived! I mailed nine boxes when I moved from California to New York, for a total weight of approximately
Shabbat Shalom! The Smell of New Books Edition Read Post »
It seems that many conversion candidates discover Judaism while in school, whether high school, college, grad school, professional school, whatever. When you already feel overwhelmed (hopefully) by your studies, how on earth could you become shomer Shabbat? In my case, I fell victim to that kind of thought process in college. Just like I thought I couldn’t
UPDATED: Schoolwork v. Shabbat Read Post »
I don’t think I’m alone in the convert world as being someone obsessed with books. Jews are the People of the Book, after all! However, I think I’m taking this a little too literally. My late Chanukah present to myself arrived! In my defense, I got an amazing deal! Of course, it’s only 5 months
Converts and Books: An Obsession Read Post »
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 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 »
Clearly, my dog doesn’t appreciate good chassidus. However, the book put up an impressive fight. Most of it is still bound together! Of course, I was only 1/4 of the way through the book. Reading a demolished book is absolutely frustrating!
Dog versus Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov: Who Will Survive?? Read Post »