Pre-conversion, it is very frustrating to feel that your actions (your mitzvot) don’t matter. After all, you’re not Jewish. You’re not required to do anything. You have no mitvot other than the sheva mitzvot B’nei Noach. And in some areas, it can actually be problematic for you to be doing these things, like fully observing […]
Why We’re Probably Crazy After All Read Post »
I originally thought about naming this post “how to defeat the yetzer hara,” but defeat is the wrong word. As you now know from yesterday’s post, I don’t view the yetzer hara as “the enemy.” But even if the yetzer hara isn’t the enemy, what do we do with its bad suggestions? Merely one gem
How to Deal with the Yetzer Hara Read Post »
There are three essential elements to repenting. This is true at at any time, but this discussion should help you prepare for Yom Kippur. Note: At other times of the year, there is a fourth step of repentance according to the Rambam. Before taking these other steps below, you must recognize what you’re doing is
How to Do Teshuvah the Jewish Way: Yom Kippur Repentance Tips Read Post »
Apparently I’ve got some chutzpah! My first YouTube attack. I guess I should feel honored. Also, you should know that my “gentile blood” qualifies me as a mudblood. Don’t tell Delores! I don’t get what my status has to do with anything, but I never understood trolling and personal attacks in the first place. Feel
Too Funny Not to Post Read Post »
Sometimes it feels as though every shailah ends in a machlokes. A shailah is a question requesting a religious ruling. You are usually asking your own LOR (local orthodox rabbi). Here are some examples: Do I need to kasher a can opener? And if so, how? Can I scoop cat litter on Shabbat? Probably not, so
Adventures in Semantics: Shailah and Machlokes Read Post »
Masseuse: [Some question about church attendance] Me: Oh. I’m Jewish. Masseuse: Oh… Like Christian Jewish? Me: Nope. Just Jewish Jewish. Masseuse: …Oh. On the bright side, the awkwardness ended there, and the rest of the time went pleasantly. But that was a conversation-stopper.
Awkward Conversation of the Week Read Post »
Shavua tov. I hope you all had a peaceful Shabbos full of wonderful discussions about Ilan. I’ve heard from a lot of you, and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. I hope you’re all coping as best as possible. The funeral is going to be held in NJ (I have no
There is no post today. There may not be posts for a few days. Baruch dayan haemet. How difficult that is to say right now.
Baruch dayan haemet Read Post »
Haveil Havalim is a weekly round-up of blog posts from many members of the Jewish blogosphere. If you’re interested in seeing what’s on Jewish minds this week, check out To Kiss a Mezuzah, this week’s host!
Check out this week’s Haveil Havalim! Read Post »
I was driving again (See Halachic Discussion: Are Female Converts “Not Niddah” After the Mikvah? ), and had more “what if?” kinds of thoughts, but this time about Moshiach. I was thinking about the phrase “Moshiach ben David.” As most of you know, Moshiach will be the descendant of King David (and the first convert,
Halachic Discussion: Moshiach Read Post »