So you’ve heard of the mikvah because a conversion requires it. But did you realize there are different kinds of mikvahs?? The women’s mikvah, of course. That’s where most conversions happen, female or male. It’s the nicest and usually also the cleanest. It’s made for single-person use and is primarily used for taharat hamishpacha reasons. […]
Maybe you’re considering getting another conversion. But what about the mezuzahs you already have on your doors? In your new community (even if it’s within the same geographic area), you are not (or “might not” be) halachically a Jew. Mezuzot on your doors could confuse people, and technically, you aren’t obligated in the mitzvah. Of
You’re Getting a Second Conversion! What About the Mezuzot? Read Post »
Today’s question comes straight from a Google search term that lead to my site. Someone wanted to know if orthodox Jews are required to only wear black, navy blue, and white (and presumably cream, based on personal observations). This is not true. You can wear other colors and not be in violation of tznius. Of
Is It Forbidden to Wear Colors Other than Black, White, and Navy Blue? Read Post »
In short: Just pick one. Your options: A full 6 hours 5 hours and one minute 3 hours 1 hour (Almost no one does this, and you better be able to say you’re Dutch or in a Dutch community. I have a Dutch name, I really should have considered this option.) I believe there is
How to Choose a Waiting Time Between Meat and Milk Read Post »
Gemachs usually enter the average convert’s mind when they have an upcoming marriage. Whether bride or groom, you will get an earful about gemachs. The word gemach is an acronym for “gemilut chasadim,” acts of kindness. The traditional gemach fund is a free-loan organization. But we don’t refer to those as “gemachs” anymore (or at least
Word of the Day: Gemach Read Post »
There is a lot that can be said on this topic, but we’re going to touch on the major causes superficially. This is basically a warning to make sure you realize what you’re getting into. After the steep cost of the initial set-up, living Jewishly doesn’t seem that much more expensive to the average single
Why Being an Orthodox Jew Is Expensive Read Post »
Let’s be honest. For the new-to-Hebrew person, bentching takes a really long time, even in English or transliterated Hebrew. It feels like everyone else at the table is finished in 45 seconds flat (and yes, some of them did do it that fast, but it’s debatable whether it was words or one big slurred sound).
Word of the Day: Bentchophobia Read Post »
The “tea question” seems to be a common one, according to the grapevine and my own experience. Thankfully, it’s a question that all the authorities seem to agree on. It encapsulates a key principle of the laws of Shabbat (and that’s probably why it’s such a common question): What makes something not cooking on Shabbat? The set-up:
How to Make Tea on Shabbat Read Post »
You will eventually need to know the short-hand names for the eating-related brachot, so here is a handy list to help you out! Even better, you’ll hear these phrases thrown around quickly in conversations, so now you’ll understand what these people are talking about, and you can even use these phrases in your conversations! What
The “Nicknames” of Brachot Read Post »
Remember to light your candle tonight. Place your candle on the far right side of the menorah (from your perspective, facing it). Recite the blessings after you have lit the shamash (helper) candle but before you light the Hanukkah candle. If you’re a visual learner, check out this video from the learning site Jewish Pathways.
Tonight Is the First Night of Chanukah! Read Post »