You may have previously read When Is It OK to Say “I’m Jewish,” Even If You Really Aren’t. But what about the other side? When MUST you disclose your in-flux status, even if you really don’t want to? I make no promises that this list is exhaustive, but I will update it if other important […]
When You NEED to Reveal Your Conversion Candidate Status Read Post »
There’s a common argument that I’ve always found interesting: that the Torah names ten species of kosher land animals, and that no other animals have ever been discovered to display the two signs of a kosher species. (The signs are that the animal chews its cud and has a split hoof.) Also impressive is that
Halachic Discussion: Kosher Animals Read Post »
The OU (Orthodox Union) is the largest kosher certification agency in America. I think I’ve trained my parents well enough now that they can spot the OU from 20ft away in the grocery store! The search function is incredible! Finding the kosher ingredient you want just got a lot easier! OUKosher.org First order of business?
Kashrut Update: The OU Has Launched Their Kosher Food Website! Read Post »
As someone new to full Jewish observance, I can tell you that the #1 practical lesson you learn from observance is discipline. This is also probably the hardest for people to learn, especially for us spoiled Americans! We take pride in not being “tied down” by rules, people, whatever. (Leaving aside the argument that we
Orthodoxy and Eating Disorders: Kosher Discipline to the Extreme Read Post »
So…Apparently Mike Tyson is in talks to open a chain of high-end kosher restaurants. I promise that isn’t a story from The Onion, but will likely end up in News of the Weird. The Original Story The “Are human ears kosher?” jokes have begun! I’m excited about anyone wanting to open up a kosher restaurant,
Jewish News: Mike Tyson in Talks to Open Chain of High-End Kosher Restaurants Read Post »
These are the things I’ve found most useful in transitioning to an observant life. Timers. Environmentally friendly and useful for kicking out Shabbat dinner guests who won’t leave at a decent hour! I usually set mine to go off at 1am, but most people seem to prefer midnight. They’re cheap: about $10 for a timer
The Best Inventions Every Convert Should Own Read Post »
Reason #97 You Know You’re Crazy: I don’t know why this is, but most of the converts I know eat very little meat, if at all. Yet, by becoming orthodox, orthodoxy at least triples your meat consumption. That’s how it was with me. I only ate meat in restaurants before I became kosher-observant. (My conservative
Reason #97 You Know You’re Crazy: Orthodoxy Has Tripled Your Meat Consumption Read Post »
Reason #643 You Know You’re Crazy: If you live in an area without kosher restaurants, you develop a heinous Starbucks habit. Starbucks is the only “kosher” place I can go in town. Sure, the food isn’t kosher, but many of the drinks are! (Please check with your LOR and rabbinic websites to find out which.
Reason #643 You Know You’re Crazy: Developing the Starbucks Habit 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 »
Reason #254 You Know You’re American: You’ve memorized the before-eating food brachot, but you don’t even know which one to use because you have no idea where your food comes from. (Since two of the brachot require knowing whether the fruit/vegetable came from a tree or a bush.)
Reason #254 You Know You’re American: Food Brachot Read Post »