This post will be short and sweet. You’ll hear people frequently refer to “the Diaspora.” In short, that’s everywhere but Israel. Being in the Diaspora or not can affect holiday observances. Some holidays that are two days in the Diaspora are only one day in Israel because that’s how it’s supposed to be observed. This […]
What Is the Diaspora? Read Post »
In my trial advocacy class, our fake state/jurisdiction is “Nita.” This is because our materials are created by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. Humorously enough, “Nita” is pronounced “niddah” thanks to the American accent that pronounces middle Ts like Ds. We are in the state of niddah. Facepalm.
Adventures in Semantics: Class Terminology that Sounds like Jewish Things Read Post »
Let’s start with a funny quote since the rest of this post isn’t very funny! “I think G-d is a goy. A mix of a girl and a boy.” – a 3rd grader And a quick definition to get us all on the same page! A connotation is “a subjective cultural and/or emotional coloration” of
Adventures in Semantics: Goy v. Non-Jew 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 »
I’ve noticed that people in the orthodox community tend to call themselves “religious Jews.” I really don’t like this phrase. I’m not happy with the phrase “observant Jews” either, but I haven’t found a better replacement. (I’m open to suggestions if you have any!) And if you’re thinking of using the term “orthodox Jews” instead,
Adventures in Semantics: Observant v. Religious Read Post »
One common problem for the newly-observant conversion candidate is when another “orthodox Jew” doesn’t do what you’ve been taught “the law” is. Or worse, the first time you see an “orthodox Jew” drive to synagogue on Shabbat. We get so upset – “How come that person can still call himself orthodox? And why am I
Rule #42 of Orthodox Conversion: There ARE Double Standards. Get Used to It. Read Post »
Am I the only one who thinks “Jews-by-Choice” is an unnecessary term? What’s so wrong with being a “convert”? For some reason, I like it, despite not really having another religion to convert “from.” At a minimum, I don’t see what’s wrong with the term convert or why some people are so opposed to it,
Adventures in Semantics: Jew-by-Choice v. Convert Read Post »
Reason #827 You Know You’re Crazy: You’re drowning in Jewish acronyms, but eventually they begin to make sense. Some of the acronyms I’ve found to be the most common include… B”H: Baruch HaShem. Thank G-d. B”H: B’Ezrat/Ezer HaShem. Means “With G-d’s help.” Some people write this at the top of letters/emails. BS”D: B’si’ata d’shmaya. Means
Reason #827 You Know You’re Crazy: Drowning in Acronyms Read Post »