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Adventures in Semantics: Observant v. Religious

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, […]

Jewish News: Mike Tyson in Talks to Open Chain of High-End Kosher Restaurants

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, […]

Convert Confessions: I Don’t Like Cholent

I was born a bad Southerner. I didn’t like pinto beans or fried chicken or the 4 million other kinds of Southern foods. Now I’m a bad Jew. I don’t like cholent. From what I can tell, its purpose isn’t to be good. Its purpose is to be hot food on days we can’t prepare […]

Rule #42 of Orthodox Conversion: There ARE Double Standards. Get Used to It.

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 […]

Dog versus Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov: Who Will Survive??

Clearly, my dog doesn’t appreciate good chassidus. However, the book put up an impressive fight. Most of it is still bound together! Of course, I was only 1/4 of the way through the book. Reading a demolished book is absolutely frustrating!

A Good Piece of Advice for All Converts

A rabbi gave me a great piece of advice about how to respond when someone inevitably gets upset about something (which usually has nothing to do with you anyway) and says something like, “I was born Jewish, what do you know?” or “Who is a convert to tell me how to be Jewish?” The answer? […]

The Disasters Known as My First 3 Day Holidays

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 […]

ShabShal, Ya’ll! The Early Shabbat Edition

Shabbat Shalom, all! This is the first week of short winter Shabbats here in the US, thanks to the fall time change. I really hate when Shabbat comes in early. Not because I run out of time to prepare (heaven knows I don’t have much to prepare!), but because I really feel the Shabbat spirit […]

Rule #1 of Conversions: You Can’t Hide that You’re a Convert

You cannot hide that you are a convert. Whatever their reasons may be, I’ve known many converts/conversion candidates who adamantly felt that it was no one’s business if they are converts and that no one has the right to ask them if they are a convert. That’s all well and good, but they’re still going […]

The Most-Thought Yet Least-Asked Question: Are You Shomer Negiah?

Disclaimer: While I’ve only been “frum” since June, I’ve been primarily shomer negiah for several years. I haven’t always given it the attention it deserved, and being a bit of an idiot, I was shomer negiah except where it mattered: in my romantic relationships. That’s no longer the case, even though there is no risk […]