Comments for PunkTorah

Comment on Can You Convert To Judaism Entirely Online? by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Abigail – Johnathan Gisburg who does esynagogue is cool. Not sure about other programs. HOWEVER would love to help you and your boyfriend, so I’m gonna send you an email in a bit

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Comment on Can You Convert To Judaism Entirely Online? by abigail

abigail — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Andy,

Where can i find these online conversion courses? My boyfriend is looking into conversion and because of our odd schedules (we are both chefs), it is very very difficult to find the time to visit a synagogue. It would be of great help to us to look into these online classes.

Toda rabah!
Abigail

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Atlanta Jewish Times + Your Questions About Rabbinical School = PunkTorah Podcast by reappearhere

reappearhere — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Wow, this podcast combines two of my favourite things: PunkTorah and ‘Pet Sounds’! Great job, guys.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Taste & See: A Jewish Conversion Comic Series by Taste & See: Next Installment in the Conversion Comic

Taste & See: Next Installment in the Conversion Comic — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] comic start and follow up, “one year later“. [...]

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Comment on Taste & See Conversion Comic: In College, One Year Later by Taste & See: Next Installment in the Conversion Comic

Taste & See: Next Installment in the Conversion Comic — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] Never read Taste & See? Catch up on Laura Cooper’s Jewish conversion comic start and follow up, “one year later“. [...]

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Parsha Shemot: Gift from a foreign G~d (Ex. 1:1 – 6:1) by reappearhere

reappearhere — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

This Torah portion contains my very favourite passages. It is where Hashem reveals himself to Moses. Two bits stick out more than any other for me: first, when Moses throws the staff down before Hashem and it turns into a serpent. Moses jumps back in fear, but Hashem tells him to pick it up by the tail. He does, and the serpent turns back into a staff which will become the tool with which Moses will fulfil his destiny.

Life throws you many serpents (challenges, trials, frightening prospects), and to surmount them, you must grab them fearlessly by the tail, master them, and they too will become tools that will aid you in fulfilling your own destiny.

Second, there is the part where Moses reminds Hashem that he is not a great orator and that he is slow of speech. He is giving G-d yet another excuse why he is not good enough to complete this great task. Hashem reminds him, in turn, that He is the one who gives men mouths, and He is the one who can make them mute or deaf, blind or seeing.

Moses again begs Hashem to choose someone else, but Hashem makes him understand that he isn’t being given the choice.

Had Moses been further obstinate in the face of Hashem, he would surely have died, as we all do when we allow life’s great challenges to overcome us. If we let ourselves be consumed by fear and succumb to despair, we too shall perish. That’s why this story inspires us to be courageous and to keep hope.

That is what I love about the Jewish faith: it is the religion of Hope in the face of the greatest suffering.

I cannot say if Hashem really exists or even if anything resembling this story ever took place, but I can certainly *hope* so.

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Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by beth hamon

beth hamon — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Patrick — Mazal Tov on your Next Big Thing!
I wish you nothing but adventure, growth and insight along the way.
Kol Tuv — Beth, still doing Jewish music in PDX

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Volunteer and Donate by Tweeting the Code of Jewish Law: Shulachan Aruch In 140 Characters

Tweeting the Code of Jewish Law: Shulachan Aruch In 140 Characters — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] you want to support @JewishLaw? Please give a donation of $5.99 to support one month of our tweeting! Share this: Filed Under: Featured, [...]

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Comment on Is Messianic Judaism Really That Bad? by Summer Darnell

Summer Darnell — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I was raised in Christianity and when I came of a certain age I started to recognize the different aspects of the religion that were obviously false. There were so many contradictions. I was baffled that this religion that I was a member of, celebrated holidays that came from pagan holidays. Holidays that were lies. Jesus was not born in December, the Sabbath was not on Sunday ext. I started to exam this and realized how false what I had been taught was. I turned away from Christianity but not from Yeshua.
I continued to read the bible, Old and New testaments. And I started to delve into the history of Yahweh’s chosen people. This is how I came to Messianic Judaism. I believe with my whole being that Yashua is the Savior. But not because that’s what I grew up believing, as I question everything I was told and turned to the scriptures for truth. Whether or not you believe that Yashua is the Savior is irrelevant. You are saying that we should call ourselves Messianic Christians, when we are father from that then anything. The only belief I hold that Christians also hold is that Yashua was the Savior. But Christians are ignorant and they do not understand that they are living in pagan ways. I however am not. I oppose all Christian practices, and only practice Jewish ones. Christians get their belief that Yashua is Savior, from Jews not the other way around. Yashua was a Jew as well as his followers. The Catholic Church, and Constantine are the people who created such a monster as Christianity.
I have no Christian beliefs. I put my faith in Yahweh and his son Yashua who was born into Judaism and practiced Judaism. I am not a Messianic Christian, I am a Messianic Jew and I am proud to be one. I have not let a sheath of lies fall upon my eyes and obscure my sight. I see my Savior and I see the path of his life and know how to live a life as he lived his, the life of a Jew.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Parsha Vayigash: Brother of Mercy (Gen 44:18 – 47:27) by Keeva

Keeva — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I am not commenting on this particular patens mow… I sm just happy to find this site!!

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Comment on Parsha Vayechi: Bought the single for the A-side but ended up loving the B-side more. (Gen 47:28 – 50:26) by Jason M

Jason M — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Enjoyed reading about your efforts to keep the portion fresh. Seeing things in the ‘present’, the ‘now’ of the moment is a big deal. This year was the first time that I identified with Joseph as a person in an interfaith marriage, embedded in a society that vastly different to that of his own on both physical and spiritual levels. His tenacity in many ways must have been extraordinary. The Egyptian elite are very respectful of his views and religious needs. It makes me think of occasions when we are visited by strong faith leaders. They elevate us even if they espouse a system of understanding that uses a different ‘vocabulary’. Their example and fire, lift us up and heighten our craving and awareness for what is holy. Joseph is spoken of as a Tzadik. Not perfect but a man of faith in a situation many would find more bearable by conforming to the status quo. It’s got me thinking and I like that.

Stay Groovy!

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by Rivkah

Rivkah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Free Jewish eBooks by Back to business « Crystal Decadenz

Back to business « Crystal Decadenz — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] [from the anthology] [...]

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Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks John!

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Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Yep PunkTorah (and all our projects) will still run full time. I’m not going anywhere. More details on that to come… Thank you for your kind words!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Sorry about that! I have several tattoos…the last one was the first line of the Amidah (technically not the Amidah itself, rather, the introductory sentence): Lord, open up my lips, so my mouth may declare your glory.

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Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by John Richards

John Richards — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Mazel Tov! Patrick, on making the decision to become a Rabbi :0) I am very much looking forward to reading your blog about the process.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by Bei Mir Guillen

Bei Mir Guillen — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think that I would follow you more than before I’ve tattos as well so I don’t feel any difference how you transcript your life over your own skin, …. You never reply to me what it means what you got tattoed

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by James McDonald

James McDonald — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Awesome. That is great news. Best of luck and I hope you’ll still have time to contribute to PT, Baruch Hasehm!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on The Tattooed Rabbi: Patrick Aleph Goes To Rabbi School by Dena

Dena — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Okay, I admit I am not a huge fan of Jews getting tattoos but I think it’s great you’ve decided to go to Rabbinical School. I look forward to hearing more about your decision.

Like or Dislike: 2 1

Comment on Hanukkah: Festival of Lights by Tim

Tim — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Go for it! We did simple blue lights in the front window of our house last year.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Slaughtered An Assimilated Jew Lately? A D’var Torah For Hanukkah by Na'amah Bat-Sarah B'Hadar

Na'amah Bat-Sarah B'Hadar — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

What is or isn’t celebrated as a Jewish holiday has never been inextricably tied to a day’s mention in Torah, or even in Tanakh for that matter.
We, as Jews (not ancient Israelites who had not yet codified the application of the mitzvot) follow TALMUD for observance of Festivals (and Shabbat and Kashrut, etc.).
“It is with the above words that the Talmudic tractate Shabbat (Masechet Shabbat) introduces the historical background and the basis for the observance of the eight-day Festival of Chanukah. See: http://www.ou.org/chagim/chanukah/whatischanukah.htm
If we went only by holidays celebrated in Torah, there would be not only no Khanike, but also no Purim, no Tisha B’av, no Tashlikh on/before Rosh Hashana. (In fact, the term “Rosh Hashanah” does not appear in the Torah. Leviticus 23:24 refers to the festival of the first day of the seventh month as “Zikhron Teru’ah” (“a memorial with the blowing of horns”), it is also referred to in the same part of Leviticus as ‘שַׁבַּת שַׁבָּתוֹן’ or penultimate Sabbath or meditative rest day, and a “holy day to G-D”).
We would have a very boring Jewish yearly cycle w/o Talmud.
Plus-who in their right mind wants to “sit out” on a festive holiday? Just eat the latkes, light the candles and enjoy it!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Can You Convert To Judaism Entirely Online? by Aaron Ace Abraham

Aaron Ace Abraham — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think it is a good thing and i am thinking of converting to judiasiam online and relocate to DC to sixth and I synagouge and when i get their hopefully i can go to Rabbi school and do this online like this also.
All read well go for it and this is a electronic world. We might as well use it.
Sincerely
Aaron Ace Abraham

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Let Us Bow Our Heads and Give Thanks… by EdibleTorah

EdibleTorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Glad you enjoyed it. It was pretty funny seeing how it all played out at the table, too.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on If a Jew Prays in the Airport… by EdibleTorah

EdibleTorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for the advice. It’s still something I am very reluctant to do. I was at my synagogue the other day, but “out of sync” – I had a meeting there, but arrived beforehand so I could get my afternoon (mincha) prayers done. But when push came to shove, I found myself looking for a private corner.

As if praying, out in the open, in a SYNAGOGUE no less, would have caused people to stop and wonder.

Definitely something to work on.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Is Jewish Life Getting Better Or Worse? (Parshat Va’etchanan) by Emberlynn

Emberlynn — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

It\’s much easier to unedrstnad when you put it that way!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on The Issue of Community by Ducky

Ducky — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I appreciate you taking to time to contribute That’s very hefplul.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Matisyahu Shaves Beard; Thousands of Children Still Dying Every Year by Tzip

Tzip — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Geez! Who knew shaving his beard would bring him more fame than his music?!

This shows that we as people are too wrapped up in the idea of celebrities being some sort of role models. He’s a real-life person, not simply a convenient role model. He has needs and a journey all his own. We have no more say on what he does than we do on anyone else.

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on A Crisis of Faith by Raquel

Raquel — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Jean,

Even though we come from different faiths, I really connected with what you are saying here.

My particular branch of Christianity has long had a reputation of putting works above spirituality. Strangely enough, the mystical connection with God started becoming more apparent in my life when my some of my fellow Seventh Day Adventists decided to explore their Jewish spiritual roots and hold a synagogue type service. Sadly, few years later we were shut down, but it was the spiritual kick in the pants I needed.

Good luck!

Raquel

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Matisyahu Shaves Beard; Thousands of Children Still Dying Every Year by Yonah Gefen (Jeffrey Collis)

Yonah Gefen (Jeffrey Collis) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for reminding us to act accordingly, especially with what is important. I can’t swing chai for every hair, but I did just contribute double chai to mazon.org. Am Yisrael Chai!

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Matisyahu Shaves Beard; Thousands of Children Still Dying Every Year by Micah Lapidus

Micah Lapidus — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The Davis Academy undertook a significant service learning project that focused on water treatment in Africa and beyond this year. In addition to raising thousands of dollars our kids really got a much deeper understanding of the gross inequities and injustices surrounding access to and treatment of water. A particular highlight was the activity that involved carrying heavy buckets of water long distances, as is the case for many women around the world. Thank you for making the point as pop culture tends to appeal to our need for spectacle.

Well-loved. Like or Dislike: 4 0

Comment on The G-d Project at Limmud Boston, December 4, 2011 by Barbara Miller

Barbara Miller — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Patrick–
Great to see you in the halls of our
neighborhood-for-a-day–LimmudBoston
Thanks for attending, presenting, filming
and enhancing our abundant Jewish experience.

Barbara

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on If a Jew Prays in the Airport… by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Ha, yeah, I know that self-consciousness feeling. I like to daven outside in a little garden on campus (although it’s getting too cold now…). I choose a fairly secluded spot in the garden to avoid being stared at, but it’s not completely blocked off or anything, just not smack-dab in the middle either. I’m definitely *much* less self-conscious about it now than I was before. Recently, though, before there was snow on the ground, I decided to sit in a more open spot. There was this gingko tree, surrounded at the base by this pool of gold that was its fallen leaves, and it was so beautiful that I wanted to sit underneath it. So I did. But it was a campus visit day (D’oh!) and so people in tour groups were gawking at me as they walked by, staring at my tallit. I couldn’t get to my “other place” too well. For the most part, though, I’d say you can overcome the self-consciousness by davening out in public more often.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Let Us Bow Our Heads and Give Thanks… by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

ROFLMAO!! This is hysterical!! XD

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Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

You aren’t a moron! And most people don’t unless of course they ask. Thank you for your valuable thoughts.

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Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by Dena

Dena — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Oh and I feel like a real moron because I actually had no idea Patrick converted to Judaism. I’m not sure how I missed that one.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by Dena

Dena — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t feel like a second class citizen per se but I do get tired of the Jewish geography game. “Are you from [insert current city” = Who are you? Who are your parents? Where do they go to shul? Did you grow up in a shul around here? What Jewish people do you know?

I generally tell people I grew up about an hour away, attended the University out there and they drop it. But not always and then what? There is often no way of getting around the fact that I am a convert. Then comes all sorts of personal questions that one should not ask a convert because it’s rude unless they are your good friend.

I don’t mind talking about it. I’ve discussed it with friends, acquaintances and a room full of Rabbinical students. I run a forum for Jewish converts. But I don’t want it to become the focus of who I am as a Jew. I am not Dena the Convert, I am Dena the Jew.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Taste & See: A Jewish Conversion Comic Series by Laura

Laura — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Yeah, I know your site. It’s pretty cool (and on my blogroll!)

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Taste & See: A Jewish Conversion Comic Series by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The next one will post next week here at PunkTorah.org .. thanks for the follow and you have a cool blogspot!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Taste & See: A Jewish Conversion Comic Series by Steven M. Bergson

Steven M. Bergson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

When / where will we get to see the rest of this comic narrative?

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by Amy

Amy — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

What is the context in which you are being asked these questions? In the interview you described with the reporter, I didn’t (based on the snippet you provided) sense any disparaging intent, just interest to know more about your experience. While it’s forbidden to remind someone that they are a convert–I took a friend to task once for genuinely violating this–I enjoy the opportunity to answer the questions I know are on people’s minds to help them understand who we are. People want to know: What’s it like to convert? Why would someone want to? Some people seem to have their knowledge of this prohibition too heavily on their minds, to the point that when they ask about my background–in a conversation among friends where we were all sharing that–and I say I’m a convert, they feel embarrassed and don’t ask any follow-up questions, when I’d want them too!

I view it as my responsibility (NOT someone else’s) to supply the “imenu” when giving my Hebrew name for an aliyah for the same reason Hanukkah candles are placed in the window: to publicize the miracle. That I was able to convert is a miracle; I wouldn’t want to cover up this gift–and I think it strengthens other Jews to know that people convert. I actually corrected someone (privately, afterward) who “edited” out the avinu and imenu when calling me to the Torah even though I hadn’t (I told him other converts might prefer that, but I don’t).

In retrospect, I’m sorry I missed the opportunity to have a public community celebration at the time of my conversion. At the time, I was living in a city where I didn’t have many friends, and most people weren’t aware I wasn’t raised Jewish. Where I am now, I’m part of a big supportive community, and I’ve been open to the extent that most people know I’m a convert–although they sometimes forget, just like I do! There are pluses and minuses to the two approaches, but overall, I’m happier being open about my life experience. That’s not to say I announce that I’m a convert at every opportunity–but if the subject comes up, I don’t hide. As a leader for one of the communities I’m part of, I can speak about my experience as a convert to help us make decisions that will have the effect of welcoming converts.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by Yosef M Freiburger

Yosef M Freiburger — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hi,
I am a Ger. I first converted Conservative and have just finished an Orthodox conversion. I attend an Orthodox shul which has among its members chareidim, mainstream Orthodox, a few Modern Orthodox people.
Do I feel myself as 2nd class ? Certainly not. However, I do see myself as a “naturalized” Jew, someone who has got the “Jewish citizenship” by request, and not by birth. That´s it for me.
There is a difference between Jews from birth and Jews by choice; it has to do with childhood memories, family stories which we Gerim don´t have but which we can strive to appropriate for ourselves while mantaining our own identities and memories. This is a hard balance but one that I believe everyone on the same boat should consider trying.
Yosef

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by Sandra Lawson

Sandra Lawson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I wish this were not true but sadly it is. I’ve been writing about this on my facebook wall. Although my post lately have been on race it speaks to this concept of what it means to be welcoming and to be a welcoming Jewish community and how we treat people that we perceive as outsiders.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Converts Are Second Class Citizens (Someone Had To Say It) by Neil

Neil — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I totally agree. I’ve seen “progressive” rabbis insisting that a particular convert be called “ben Avraham avinu.” Heaven forbid that anyone would think that their “real” father was named Abraham. In many other cases, particularly when converts have alternative approaches to Judaism, many born-Jews seem to discard them as being less authentic. It is time to realize that today we are all Jews by choice. It is us who choose our identity. Being born Jewish doesn’t mean a thing if one doesn’t acknowledge and embrace this identity.

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Two Jews Visit An Evangelical Christian “Hell House” by Emma

Emma — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

‘This leads me to two points about Jewish life. First, these Christian evangelists have a very clear, black and white message. We don’t. And I think that is a problem.’

I know I’m pretty new to Judaism, but I have to say I disagree with this statement. I was raised a Christian, and I can say with some certainty that this lot have completely lost the plot! Christianity is meant to be about love, forgiveness, and the sacrifice that Jesus made for his followers. Christians are meant to accept Jesus because they love guy and what he did for them, not because they’re scared of going to Hell.

Personally, I was relieved to learn that I was from a Jewish background! I’ve found Judaism and it’s distinct lack of extreme messages to be refreshing and liberating – leaves more room for G_d! I guess what I’m trying to say is that any message, no matter how simple, can become corrupted and nasty. I’d avoid them, as they can scare some people away!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Dwayne! Really awesome to have you in the community. Welcome!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Cheshvan: A month to explore something new by Ribono Shel Olam | Peeling a Pomegranate

Ribono Shel Olam | Peeling a Pomegranate — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] turns out the practice I’ve decided to take on during Cheshvan isn’t the red string at all, but rather a more disciplined meditation practice. I’ve [...]

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by dwayne

dwayne — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I thank Hashem for punktorah! I am a convert and am sick to death of people trying to say they KNOW what Hashem has in mind for humanity! It pains me that orthodox Jews act no better than evangelical Christians.

I am a convert all on my own (not because I want to marry a Jew or any other machination). I CHOSE to be a Jew and I choose to wander with my fringes and funny hat and have people give me crap in North Carolina
because I feel I was born to this. I don’t do this because I feel I’m conservative or anything its just who I feel I was born to be. It also helps that I’m 6’5″ 275 lbs and I dare anybody to give me crap about it!

All I can say is THANK YOU PunkTorah for all you represent and if you ever need some muscle I’m there my brothers and sisters!

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Help Write The OneShul Torah Commentary by ronda

ronda — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

thanks so much for your answer
i was referring to the words under PUNKTORAH at the top of the page – G-d is spelled lower case there.
this is quite a project – there is a tremendous volume of energy here!

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Help Write The OneShul Torah Commentary by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hey Ronda, thanks for the feedback…

Most people speak English. And most people read English. So, it makes sense to put the Torah in English. Why should someone who doesn’t read or speak Hebrew be prevented from study? It’s ONLY in English for several reasons: it’s less expensive to print, easier to format, and frankly, there are TONS of books of Hebrew and English Torah commentary. So why print another of the exact same thing?

And I’m not sure what you mean about G-d being spelled in a lower case. Could be a spelling error. Looks like G-d is spelled in a capital in every place I’m seeing. But that’s why the deadline is Nov 14th…so that we have plenty of time to fix errors where they are

Like or Dislike: 2 0

Comment on Parsha Lech-Lecha: All is Fair in Love, War, and Faith (Gen 12:1 – 17:27) by Jeremiah

Jeremiah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Miriam for me Abraham and David are the most divisive on one hand I’m really inspired by them on the other I’m like Wow! I don’t feel so bad about the wrong decisions I’ve made in the past.

Like or Dislike: 0 0

Comment on Help Write The OneShul Torah Commentary by ronda

ronda — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Torah is Hebrew, How do you have a discussion and commentary on Torah only in English? The translation never gets everything right. Leaving the Hebrew out of Torah is a disservice.
Why is G-d written with lower case – to imply little to no significance – just a cultural thought and nothing more?

Like or Dislike: 2 1

Comment on Parsha Lech-Lecha: All is Fair in Love, War, and Faith (Gen 12:1 – 17:27) by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Abraham actually does a whole lot of things that bug me. Why doesn’t he challenge God when God tells him to kill his eldest son, yet, when God threatens to destroy two whole CITIES’ worth of people, he haggles (in true Jewish fashion!), and bargains God down to a deal of 10 righteous men preventing the destruction of the cities? What’s up with that? Why is Abraham willing to sacrifice Sarah’s honor for his own safety? I mean, I’m not saying Sarah’s honor=Abraham’s life, but….couldn’t he have found a better way to deal with the situation? I may have to write my own d’var about the next section…Thanks for the food for thought, Jeremiah. I’m totally with you on the questionable nature of some of Abraham’s actions.

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Two Jews Visit An Evangelical Christian “Hell House” by Laura

Laura — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Why should Jewish people continue with Jewish life? Continuity? The Holocaust? Tradition?… As someone who spent years in marketing, I can tell you that a clear, focused mission statement and brand are crucial. I worry that we, the Jewish people, don’t have that.

I agree. I became a religion major just to answer that question.. I feel like the answer changes depending on the generation. Before, it was all about the Holocaust, then it was all about uniting around Israel. I think we’re still stuck on the continuity argument now, which I don’t like because there’s no room for creativity in that one, but anyhow I’m really unsure what the mission statement is or ought to be these days.

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Modeh Ani (Prayer Upon Awakening) by Cheshvan: A month to explore something new

Cheshvan: A month to explore something new — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] morning prayers. Pick just one to start, and consider the prayer for gratitude — Modah Ani/Modeh Ani. If you’re comfy in Hebrew, rock it! If you aren’t, then pray in English. What [...]

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Comment on Perspective and Respect by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Usually when I pray for one who is sick or suffering, I just sort of lump the whole family together and pray for them all at once, because I know what it’s like to have someone in the family be ill: the whole family suffers, just as you said. So…yeah, I get what you’re saying and I do it the same way. It only makes sense. May all those in need of healing receive r’fuah sh’leimah, healing of body and of spirit, swiftly and soon.

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Comment on Parsha Noah: The Remix (Gen 6:9 – 11:32) by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Pomegranate or date, those are the two fruits that I think are most possible.

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Comment on Parsha Noah: The Remix (Gen 6:9 – 11:32) by Robert Hagedorn

Robert Hagedorn — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Saint Augustine couldn’t do it, but can someone else explain what kind of fruit Adam and Eve ate in the story? This may sound silly, but after 6000+ years we deserve an intelligent explanation. No guesses, opinions, or beliefs, please–just the facts that we know from the story. Treat the whole thing as a challenge. But first, do a quick Internet search: First Scandal.

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Comment on Brandeis Collegiate Institute by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Laura, they’ve just started accepting applications! Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions. I know I’m repeating myself, but it truly is the experience of a lifetime. =)

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by Michael Doyle

Michael Doyle — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I hate it when people pile on Orthodoxy just as much as I hate it when people pile on Reform and Conservative Judaism. It isn’t fair in either direction. No one’s liturgical poop doesn’t stink. Ok? Ok.

That said, regarding the Talmudic cautions against accepting converts–not to mention the still-ongoing reticence for us to proselytize Judaism 2,000 after the Romans told us not to–how many times in our history have we been told, usually under pain of death, not to seek new Jews? That, more than anything, maybe the reason for the cautions against fostering conversion in the Oral Law.

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Comment on Brandeis Collegiate Institute by Laura

Laura — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I totally want to go. My childhood is quite flagrantly missing a summer camp experience.

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Comment on Circumcisions For Men, Women and Everyone In Between (Parshat Ekev) by James

James — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Fair enough. Still, being circumcised is such a symbol of male Yiddishkeit; one of those tribal customs that is more or less obligatory. Multitudes of non-Jewish males are also circumcised (a majority of American men and boys along with most Muslim men), but somehow in Western culture, Jews and Gentiles still associate the practice with Jewishness. It remains the parents’ choice ultimately, but I don’t see the tables turning in mainstream Jewry anytime soon.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with the practice on one condition: the child should be under local anaesthesia. It is extremely painful otherwise, I don’t care what anyone says to the contrary.

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by James

James — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I didn’t want to point any movement out, but it seems that the elephants in the room are the various Orthodox movements. These movements have a right to exist as any other, but they are the only ones who claim to be the only true way to practice Judaism. The vast majority of Jews know better than to listen to them, but they send a powerful message to the potential convert. The seeker is someone with the best of intentions and he or she wants to do things ‘the right way’. All of a sudden, someone comes along who appears to be very Jewish and says ‘the only right way is this way’. Wrong!

The Orthodox movements can and will believe whatever they wish, but the liberal movements have to stop being so spineless before them. Orthodoxy rests on an entirely false and disproved belief : that the Torah was written by Moses as dictated to him by Hashem on Mount Sinai. We know this to be a legend only. We know the Torah was written after the destruction of the First Temple. We can’t even prove there was an Exodus! Orthodox Judaism is not strong enough to accept this and they, just as the fundamentalist Christians, have resorted to building cultural brick walls around themselves and coming up with the most unbelievable arguments to suggest the contrary.

Say it with me if you will : Orthodoxy has NO more legitimacy, perhaps even less, than the liberal movements. Ostensibly keeping all the mitzvot and dressing like you live in the Stetl and doing so only because “Hashem says so” doesn’t make you any more Jewish than someone who walks around wearing street clothes and listening to his iPod and driving to shul on Shabbat. If you listen to the Chabadniks’ try to explain the logic behind, let’s say keeping kosher, they’ll give you a slew of reasons (some of which are just lies) before finally getting down to brass tacks and saying “basically, kosher doesn’t have to make sense, it’s in the Torah and Hashem says so!” Anyone willing to look objectively at jewish history knows that Hashem has said nothing of the sort, that the Torah was written by people up to 1000 years after the unproven Exodus was supposed to have taken place and that traditions such as kashrut are cultural constructs elaborated by man to preserve Jewish continuity.

Liberal Jews, please don’t be afraid to affirm when necessary that the Orthodox have it wrong.

If I’ve offended anyone, then remember that nothing I have said was intended to hurt anyone.

Shalom.

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

As I was reading this, I was waiting for the mention of Ruth being the ancestress of David. That’s a really interesting point for discussion…Don’t we always say, in prayer, that one day “God’s name will be one” (“ush’mo echad”)? Isn’t that one of the dearest desires of the Jewish heart, that one day, in the Messianic age, all peoples will call God by the same name and great peace will reign over the earth? Well, how do we expect to get there if we don’t even accept converts (or accept them grudgingly and treat them unfairly afterwards)? I’m not saying, of course, that *everyone* has to convert in order to have peace! But it’s one avenue, it’s one thing that can help us get there. The second important avenue, I think, is interfaith work and really getting to understand and love our Christian and Muslim sisters and brothers, and developing more than just tolerance, but love for our whole human family. (OK, sorry, I’m waxing a bit poetic and quixotic.) The point is, it is absolutely absurd to hate on converts, and that kind of activity is not conducive to creating a great peace, or even a small peace within our own community. Just because it’s in the Talmud, and the Talmud says many wise things, doesn’t mean that that particular thing is wise or that we have to accept it. If we really delve into the idea that Moschiach ben David will be the descendent of a convert, we will understand that accepting and truly treating our converts equally is a crucial first step to bringing about the Messianic age of peace.

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Comment on Interview Season by Carly Lesser

Carly Lesser — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I don’t know that you can have one without the other. Before applying for a new job, it’s a really good idea to determine what you’ve done well — and what you haven’t at your current one.

I totally agree though, about the looking forward part. A major part of the service for Rosh Hashanah that I developed, and lead for about 8 years, was naming the year to come. I pulled the idea from the fourth way we can “change our fate” that the Rabbis discarded many years ago, which is to change your name. In the service people named their year to come, as a commitment to who they were trying to be in the new year.

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Comment on What It Takes To Be a Jew by Matti Holst

Matti Holst — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

This article really hit home as i have felt much of what you describe on my long road to Judaism. As a convert life can be difficult especially if you wear Tzitzit and a Kipah daily as I do. It seems some Jews take that as offensive as if I am trying to show them up somehow and don’t stop to realize that I do this only because I feel that Hashem commanded me to (well except the part of the Kipah).

I am in no way making a statement that Jews should wear their Tallit Katan and Kipah and that I am so pious etc……..these things keep me connected to Hashem all day in a way that I cant explain and it has nothing to do with anybody else. I think these ‘articles’ are also very useful as other Jews trying to form a Minyan can easily identify me at airports for instance (I travel a lot) and ask me to join if I have not done the particular prayers they are going to do.

All I can say is if people are uncomfortable with you and what you represent then THEY are the ones with a problem and THEY should look at themselves to answer why. Meanwhile I will continue my life happily even if I do get strange looks from all sides.

Kol Tuv

Matti

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by Dena

Dena — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

If people would like to waste their energy hating me (convert) that is their prerogative I suppose. I would just prefer they keep their mouth shut about it. Though more love and less hate should always be the goal.

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by Jeremiah

Jeremiah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Conversion is people coming to you or to an authority/tradition etc. . ., The Talmudic verses above were written at a time when that authority/tradition was “cast out” physically and to another extent spiritually, fostering feelings of racial and ethnic identities over faith and tradition. When those feelings come to the forefront while in a time of exile the idea of conversion or “others” coming to you are incomprehensiable.

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Great observation bro. What do you think the deal is with that?

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Comment on How To Justify Hating Converts (Or Loving Them) by Jeremiah

Jeremiah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Interesting that pro-conversion statements are from the Tanakh and the not so pro stance are from the Talmudic era of exile.

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Comment on Read My Sins of 5770 (Vidui) by My Sins For 5771 (Vidui)

My Sins For 5771 (Vidui) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] last year. And now, this [...]

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Comment on The G-d Project and Parshat Ki Tavo by punktorah

punktorah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hey Adi, it was AWESOME to be there and I loved your community! Thank you so much for coming around and checking us out. Have you been to OneShul.org yet? Would love to introduce you to our online shul. Thanks and Shana Tovah. -Patrick

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Comment on The G-d Project and Parshat Ki Tavo by Tashanna Bryson

Tashanna Bryson — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hello,
Well Patrick came to the temple that I am currently attending this weekend and I was very interested to find this is going on, I have to say after what I have read and watched this is great! I always love to talk about G-d and I can think back where I have had a few conversations where I have mentioned G-d and I get a blank stare as if I said something wrong. Well this I hope will help people to talk about G-d and feel compfortable, I mean seriously we are Jew we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about G-d.
I hope the best with this.
Tashanna (Adi)

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Comment on The Chabad Rebbe and Jewish Marketing Strategy by Baruch

Baruch — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I like this assesment of Chabad. I am a devotee myself, but I get that it isn’t everyone’s style. Still, I think these people deserve a lot of respect, and are ultimately trying to do the same thing as Punk Torah, which is do-it-yourself Judaism. Sometimes people forget that Chabad is more of a grassroots movement than an organization. Each school, place of worship, and even Chabad.org was started by a different person with his or her own baggage and prejudices in an attempt to do what they can for the cause. Like you write, no one can really stop judging, but at least they try not to do it openly. I cringe when I hear the local Chabad rabbi repeat something he heard on conservative talk radio, because I know it will lose him some members. I just wish people would be as tolerant of his conservative baggage as he is of their liberal baggage.

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Comment on On Writing, and On Praying by Tzipporah

Tzipporah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

That hit this writer’s heart straight on.

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Comment on Rethinking Humble by Drew Kaplan

Drew Kaplan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

There is a difference between feeling lowly and/or down on oneself and being humble. You can be humble and be awesome at the same time: e.g. you can be awesome/radiating, but just not telling everybody how awesome you are….

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Comment on Can Jews Eat Halal Meat? by Skhan

Skhan — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I’ve read about this topic. To me, it seems that as long as the meat is not mixed with dairy or shelfish, a Jew can eat halal food, and as long as the Kosher food doesn’t contain alcohol, a Muslim can eat it. Other than that, same God, same slaughter method (both methods kill the animal mercifully and drain it of blood and consciousness within seconds).

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Comment on Psalm 27: A Daily Practice in Elul by Psalm 27: Interpreting the Psalms | Peeling a Pomegranate

Psalm 27: Interpreting the Psalms | Peeling a Pomegranate — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] to read the psalm each day during the month of Elul, which we are currently in as I write this. Over at PunkTorah.org I wrote about ways to use this as a daily practice, whether or not you currently have a daily prayer [...]

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Comment on You’re not Jewing it Right! by Voter One

Voter One — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

This might be of interest:

http://sigmundcarlandalfred.wordpress.com/2006/10/23/of-gold-and-god/

Excerpt:

“…The Lonely Man of Faith (please read the link to Crosscurrents), by JB Soloveitchik is one of the most moving and profound essays on faith we have ever read. He discusses both the ‘Majestic Man’ and the ‘Man of Faith’- and how both are ‘fulfilling the word of God.’ The impact of Soloveitchik’s words still resonate deeply. The following is from an essay on that book:

Still, both worlds, Soloveitchik says, are willed by God. It is therefore our destiny and more importantly, our responsibility to recognize our loneliness, to recognize the distance between the two worlds. Only when we recognize our inability to create and secure our own home can we recognize and proclaim faith in God’s unique redeeming power. The real crisis then is not our loneliness but our failure to recognize it.

The truth is that there is no one truth (that is, there is no single spiritual journey (“The loneliness of the man of faith is an integral part of his destiny from which he can never be completely liberated “), anymore than there is one kind of love. That should not preclude anyone from seeking God. It is also true that God manifests himself in ways and in the language that we understand- each of us.

There are many sunken treasure ships that litter the ocean floors, that have never been located. Not finding a sunken Spanish galleon laden with gold, doesn’t mean that ship doesn’t exist.

The treasure of faith is to be found in good men of all faiths. If the path or the sound of the ocean is clear and unmuffled, follow it. If it isn’t seek out the path, over a lifetime, if necessary. Not finding the path does not mean that path doesn’t exist, either.”

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Comment on Full of Awesome by @youseffi

@youseffi — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I agree, it’s hard to connect to all that self-loathing but it’s also funny to see how much we need that self-congratulations today.
R. Nachman also talks about highlighting the goodness inside you, but what is the High Holidays without a sense of deep embarrassment?
When we talk about finding a balance in our cheshbon hanefesh where we feel shame while also highlighting good points, are we just avoiding the hard work?
I think it doesn’t matter what tool you use (though it’s better to have a healthy dose of both), as long as you’re shaken enough to transform into your better self. Traditionally that happened through scaring us to death; maybe today we don’t just want a judging God but want a loving hugging God too.

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Comment on Snow Globe Judaism by RivkahRaven

RivkahRaven — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

beautifully said. thank you.

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Comment on Of Prayers and Potholders by Leon Adato

Leon Adato — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Joseph: Thanks for your reply. I hope your return to shul is soon, and filled with joy (as well as the discomfort that comes with stretching, whether it is physical, mental or emotional.) Hopefully the thought the it is discomfort and not pain will help make the return quicker and easier.

I can tell you from experience – just the experienced gained since writing this post – that having (or making) friends who support you is a huge help. As does finding out (as I did from all the comments and emails on this post) that not only have others once-upon-a-time stood where I stand today, but there are many MANY others standing in the same spot at this very moment.

Yasher Koach – take strength – in your achievements.
– Leon

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Comment on Of Prayers and Potholders by Joseph Alfano

Joseph Alfano — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you for this. Having never studied Hebrew and trying to get through the service one learning word at a time. I know how you feel. I no longer go to shul but one day I know I will return.
Joseph

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Comment on When the Disabled Die by Rael OneCloud

Rael OneCloud — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

It does make it harder to know people. I was never THE socialest of butterflies- I was a bit of an odd duck ie. into ‘geek’ things, unpopular in school etc. but then my arthritis and diabetes kicked in I found it harder and harder to get out and do all the little socialising things that are required to keep old friends and make new ones. So like your uncle I only have a little hardcore group of family & friends who know where to find me. My funeral, when death eventually happens, will probably not be heaps of huge.

But is that so bad? I think Y_h_w_h has a way of refining us. Widdling down all the unnecessary so we have time for the real value of life, and to me the friends who DO know me, who DID stay on after I could no longer run around being faboo and artsy, are probably the better ones.

Maybe less people knew your uncle. But those who did know him knew him best of all, because he had all the time in the world for them. That may be the brightest blessing of them all. לחיים!

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Comment on When the Disabled Die by Carly Lesser

Carly Lesser — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Baruch Dayan HaEmet. Condolences on your loss. Being disabled doesn’t mean someone isn’t loved, and that there aren’t people to cry for them when they pass on. It sounds from your post like your Uncle was in an assisted facility. I’m betting the people there probably are also mourning his passing too.

May his memory be for a blessing. His life was his life. He clearly touched your heart and soul. Maybe that’s all any of us can really hope for.

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Comment on The Chabad Rebbe and Jewish Marketing Strategy by Jewish Business

Jewish Business — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think this article very eloquently explain the Chabad mentality. I especially like the first one where they dont call it “outreach” but they get the job done.

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Comment on Elul: Lesson of Gad by Jag är min väns, och min vän är min « tackYeshua

Jag är min väns, och min vän är min « tackYeshua — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] en go artikel om den bibliska månaden Elul (som just börjat) på Punktorah. Där står det bl.a. att bokstäverna i E.L.U.L. bildar ett akronym som kopplas till Höga Visan [...]

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Comment on Too Much, or Not Enough by Tzipporah

Tzipporah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Beautiful, thoughtful post!

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Comment on Queer Eye For The Straight…Jew by Sergei

Sergei — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Love the show, thanks for sharing….. =))
ShALoM

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Comment on Long Live the Trees…and the Jewish Pope? (Parshat Shoftim) by Landon Blacker

Landon Blacker — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I disagree that a King would be bad for Israel, because any such King would have to submit to Torah as the ultimate law and doctrine. This would not separate the Jewish people but unite them, and it would even bring them back to their homeland as has been prophesied. I understand where you’re coming from, but I believe there is a flaw in your logic, and that flaw is that such a King would have to be of the Davidic line and would thus be bound by Torah and service to the G-d of Israel.

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Comment on Circumcisions For Men, Women and Everyone In Between (Parshat Ekev) by Shaun

Shaun — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

As a father of 2 boys and a supporter of brit shaloms, I absolutely loved this.

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Comment on Can a “Good Jew” Love the Sex Pistols? by Pamela Sue Alexander

Pamela Sue Alexander — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hey Miriam! Thanks so much for your comment! You are a very eloquent writer and I loved the prairie preserve analogy. Sheer Brilliance. And, for the record, I’m more of a Ramones’ gal myself! I just happening to be rocking out to the Pistols when that thought came to me. As a Ramones’ fan, you will recognize my email from a groovy Ramones’ song. It is: pamela.is.a.punrocker@….. (like the song, “Sheena is, a punkrocker, Sheena is, a punrocker, Sheena is, a punkrocker NOW!” So far, no one has caught on to that!

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Comment on Six Things That Will SHOCK You About PunkTorah by Ketzirah

Ketzirah — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I’ll second the, “we’re not all punks” — and a big “Woot!!!:

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Comment on Six Things That Will SHOCK You About PunkTorah by Menachem

Menachem — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Woot!

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Comment on Bubbe Gets A Tattoo (So Much For Holocaust Paranoia) by Sacred Ink: Tattoo's within Torah & Writing Messages of the Savior/Shema on Skin - Page 2 - Christian Forums

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] regards to one who was a Holocaust victim—and yet chose to get a tattoo in her old age. For more, one can go here. The the name of the girl is is Mimi Rosenthal, who at the age of 101 got her second tattoo. [...]

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Comment on Move All The Jews To South Dakota by Shaun

Shaun — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Being a South Dakota resident (but on the Eastern half) I would be very happy to see ANY new Jewish organization pop up here. Right now, in the Eastern half of the state, we have 2 synagogues and neither of them have a permanent rabbi (1 never has a rabbi, but gets a cantor for Yom Kippur). There aren’t a lot of us here, but we’d love to see some growth.

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Comment on Move All The Jews To South Dakota by Earth White Horse

Earth White Horse — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Okay but it’s not 1883 and they didn’t have Amazon.com and UPS or FED-EX.
The only down side is horrible weather with killer summers and winters.
Hemp can be legally grown in North Dakota. They have laws on the books and its oh so close to Canada for many financial endeavors .
Are there any North Dakota towns along the Canadian border for sale ???
We could get federal loans to protect and defend the Canadian border from any Canadian attacks .

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Comment on (H2H) Hollywood To Holy Land: Intermarriage by Miriam

Miriam — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think intermarriage is an issue mainly if you’re planning to have kids. No kids, no issue, as long as everybody respects each others’ beliefs or non-beliefs and is happy. But, speaking as a product of intermarriage myself, intermarriage can give kids a lot of confusion and anguish about their identity, who they “should” be or who they are, and it sort of leaves us kids to fend for ourselves and carve out our own identities. And hey, I guess I turned out all right, but not before I went through a lot of pain, a lot of confusion, a lot of spiritual wandering around in the wilderness for–not quite 40, but actually about 20–years. So….I guess what I’m saying is, I don’t want my future kids to go through what I went through. I want to give them a sense of who they are, a connection to their roots, and a way to express their spirituality, early on. And I think the easiest way to do that would be avoid intermarriage. But if he converts, that’s cool with me. Of course, as Jean points out, it is tough because we do meet all kinds of awesome Goyim in our lives that we’re attracted to. I have yet to date a Jew, even though I want to eventually marry one. (Nice Jewish boys are hard to come by in the rural Midwest, but that’s another story.) So where does that leave us?

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Comment on No Music During the Three Weeks? Forget It! by RebbetzinRachel

RebbetzinRachel — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think you’re missing the whole point of the 3 weeks.

You are supposed to be mourning the loss and destruction of the Temple and you are supposed to be mourning the exile we’re now in. You’re supposed to be reflecting on the sad sin of sinas chinam and actively working to correct it.

I think if you could truly get into these attitudes, then you wouldn’t even WANT to listen to music. If you really knew what you were missing… (And sadly we can now only imagine the miracles and that constant feeling of closeness to G-d.)

The fact is, if listening to music is that hard for you to give up, then maybe it’s a sign that you SHOULD give it up. Even if you don’t want to do it because the rabbis said so (and not all rabbis say so, although you really shouldn’t go “rabbi shopping”), you should probably do it for yourself. Most of modern society is addicted to sound and distraction and it sounds to me like you’re one of them. The disconnection is probably a good thing for you, not just spiritually, but emotionally and mentally, too. I’d recommend you give it a try.

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Comment on No Music During the Three Weeks? Forget It! by Laura

Laura — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Yes! Now I don’t feel so bad.

G-d explicitly says not to add or take away anything from the Torah (Deut. 4:2, 12:32)

Yeah…I wish more people would get that memo…

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