Oh yeah. Xmas. This week has mostly been a reminder of how much I’ve forgotten Xmas. Case in point: I’m spending my winter vacation mostly with my parents, who celebrate Xmas. I was shocked when my stepmom asked, “So what are you going to fix for Xmas dinner?” (Since I’m cooking kosher in their house.) […]
Did Something Important Happen Yesterday? Read Post »
I love Shabbat candles. I do. And I even like Chanukah candles. However, the wax is driving me insane. I have half a mind to switch to oil candles, but (a) I just don’t think they’re as pretty and (b) better the devil I know than the devil I don’t. Who knows what problems oil
Convert Confessions: Candles Are Lovely, But Do They Have to Be So Messy?? Read Post »
A very interesting question came up on Twitter: When is a convert’s “Jewish birthday”? The actual Hebrew date of his/her birth or the date of going to the mikvah and reemerging as a new Jewish soul? I’d never thought about that before, but that’s a very deep question! As converts, when is our “birth”? My
When Do You Celebrate Your Hebrew Birthday? 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 »
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 »
Dear non-Jewish friends and family, I know that Chanukah is that time of year when you’re so proud of yourself for knowing that Chanukah is coming up. Really, I’m proud of you too! But Chanukah is like the speedbump of Jewish holidays. I don’t even take off work. And you all very much noticed that
Chanukah: That Time of Year When Everyone Knows Something About Judaism Read Post »
This was my first year being Shabbat observant. My luck being what it is, this was also the year of the 3 Day Yontif. Rosh HaShanah and both Shabbats around Sukkot had 3 days of Shabbat and Yom Tov prohibitions. This means Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of each of those three weeks (within 1 month!) could
Jewish Holiday Fails: My First 3-Day Chag Experience Read Post »
My parents have no idea what I’ve gotten them into. My dad reads this blog, so he knows that I’ve told him this phrase so many times over the last few years. They just have no idea. But to their credit, they’re willing to go with the flow and deal with the problems when they
My Parents Have No Idea What I’ve Gotten Them Into by Converting to Orthodox Judaism Read Post »