People are both pleased and dismayed by the “streamlining” of orthodox conversion since 2006. Some believe it standardizes the process and releases “regular” rabbis from dealing with conversion issues (which your average rabbi is not well-versed in). Others feel that American rabbis capitulated to the Israeli Rabbinate and that the process invites abuse by concentrating […]
Conversion from the Rabbi’s Perspective Read Post »
Sammy Davis, Jr., is one of the most famous American Jewish converts. In true borsht belt/vaudeville style, Mr. Davis has a very famous quote involving Jack Benny, a contemporary American entertainer. On a golf course, Jack Benny once asked Sammy Davis, Jr., what his handicap was. “Handicap?” he asked. “Talk about handicap! I’m a one-eyed
Convert Quote: Handicaps Read Post »
A conversion takes a lot of time. More than you ever expect it will. There is a lot to learn, and the frustrating thing is that there is always more to know. You will be learning Judaism until the day you die, and you will always find something new. It’s frustrating to realize how much
Working Towards Conversion: Set Aside Regular Time to Study Read Post »
This post is going to be a cross-over between my two main “specialties”: conversion issues and law. NOTE: I am not a family lawyer, but I did work in a family law office as a student for half of law school. While I loved working in family law, I don’t plan to practice family law
Conversion Special Cases: Converting with Children from a Prior Relationship Read Post »
Funny how you hear one thing…and then you run into the same thing 40 times in the next week. Here is a story written by an LDS member two weeks ago about Mormons seeking to convert to orthodox Judaism. It’s very well-written and also fairly represents the Jewish reaction. I’m glad to know both sides are
GIANT IMPORTANT POINT: This issue can approach a fine line between protecting the community and bullying. Before you accuse someone (to their face in private or to a rabbi in private) of being an insincere conversion candidate, CAREFULLY consider your motives for doing so, your options for action, and how your actions will affect the
Why Insincere Conversion Candidates Matter Read Post »
If you don’t already know this, you should: You don’t have to be Jewish to merit olam haba, the afterlife. In other words, Hashem loves non-Jews too. And even better, you don’t have to wear anything in particular, or subscribe to a particular religion, or eat kosher! All non-Jews have to do to please Hashem
The Seven Noachide Laws – Sheva Mitzvot B’Nei Noach Read Post »
I’m curious what you think a congregational rabbi’s role should be with the individuals who attend his synagogue. Below is a list of possible roles to jumpstart your thought process: Spiritual Leader Organizer Counselor (but what kind of counseling/how serious?) Role Model Teacher of children Teacher of adults Person who oversees lifecycle events Host Friend?
What Is the Proper Role of a Congregational Rabbi? Read Post »
What if you’re considering converting to Judaism in your teens or early 20s? You face special problems during conversion. Sorry. But on the bright side, there are common problems that you will hopefully never deal with! In other words, all conversions have “problems” and frustrations. Unfortunately, when you’re under 18 (or even under 22), you
Conversion Special Cases: Young Conversion Candidates Read Post »
This post is intended for people living outside easy driving distance of an orthodox community. We’re not talking about “living outside the community” as in “living 5 miles from the eruv and shul.” I’m going to share how I would approach living in an area without any Jewish resources. As always, each situation is different
What If You Live Outside a Jewish Community – Temporary Solutions Read Post »