Comments for PunkTorah

Comment on Disability and Finding Jewish Community by Ketzirah

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

Jeremy

Thanks for bringing your voice into the community. I think we all struggle with how to fit into communities that are not made up of entirely like people. Whether it’s a disability, ethnicity, education, economic or whatever issue.

If we don’t address it, we exclude people unnecessarily. Thanks for speaking up!

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by Ketzirah

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

The question is who are we praying for? Us or him? For me, my way to mourn is Kaddish — but I don’t just say it for every celebrity who is of Jewish origin that dies.

I think in this case, a Baruch Dayan Emet probably suffices. It would be odd for me to say a Buddhist prayer, but offering Kaddish for a Buddhist is just as odd.

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Comment on Reclaim The Name: A Statement of Revolutionary Judaism by Leah

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

Nobody said being Jewish was supposed to be easy. Just gotta try hard…

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Comment on Parsha Emor: Rhymes with Restitution (Lev. 21:1 – 24:23) by Jeremy

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

This parshah, like many others, is about trying to create a fair, consistent justice system. It’s far too harsh for today, but in its time, it was about moving beyond vigilante “justice”–an escalating cycle of crimes fueled by escalating rage.

No justice system can give back what was lost; there’s no fair price for a lost eye or lost dignity. We have to settle for a price society agrees on. Everyone knows it doesn’t cancel a crime, but it does something better: it sends the message that in a world where people do horrible things to each other, we can stop the cycle, we can acknowledge the wrong and impose some consequences as a reminder that the wrong is not all right with us. And once those consequences have been imposed, we can move forward and try again.

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by M Dubz

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

I’m going to go with the above commenters and say that individuals saying kaddish is appropriate, as it is a ritual designed in part to comfort those who mourn. However, I’d also like to thank you for not posting a kaddish video. That seems like more of an act of communal recognition that the community has lost a Jew, and I don’t think that would be in keeping with Mr. Yuach’s religious decisions.

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by reappearhere

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

Does one really ‘convert’ to Buddhism? I mean, even compared to Judaism, it seems like quite an unorganised religion. He didn’t stop being a Jew just because he was a Buddhist. Buddhism does not prescribe a belief in any particular deity. At worst, there might be a little idolatry with all the statues, but other than that, it’s not like he became a Christian or something. I’m kind of a once a Jew always a Jew kinda guy, in most cases. In cases where one formally commits apostasy and accepts Christ or something, then clearly the person is taking hardcore steps to break all ties with Judaism. I’m not sure that was the case with Yuach, but I could be wrong.

If some people want to say kaddish, I say go for it. I wouldn’t personally say kaddish for a celebrity just because he or she hapened to be Jewish. I’d need to feel a bigger connection than what I feel for Yuach (which is basically none).

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by Maxine

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

Saying Kaddish is actually for the mourner not the deceased so if you are Jewish and find comfort in saying Kaddish for Mr Yuach then by all means do so.

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by Tina Tarbox

Tina Tarbox — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I did say kaddish for him last night, and I do believe it was the right thing for me to do. One reason is that I believe the intent is very important. My intent was to honor the memory of someone who was very special to me due to the influence his music and his larger-than-life, compassionate personality and philanthropic actions had on me and the world. My intent was not to do as some do and pray for him because he belonged to a religion that is in any way inferior to mine. Or because I perceived that he would receive some eternal punishment for not being exactly the same as me. Instead, I have the deepest respect for his beliefs and how he lived his life. I think MCA would be cool with the fact that both Jews and Buddhists (and Jewbus) around the world were remembering him in ways that are both respectful to him and meaningful to us. He just didn’t seem like the kind of person who would begrudge how we remember him (although I agree with you about writing the article instead of posting a video since that would be more public than us saying kaddish). But how many people will have Jews around the world saying kaddish for them while the Dalai Lama is also issuing official condolences? And have people of all ethnic groups and musical genres paying tribute? What an amazing life, and I needed to honor that legacy he left in some way.

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by Scott Strong-Wallace

Scott Strong-Wallace — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I think that It is important to honor Mr. Yuach’s beliefs in the way that his remains are handled and to follow any customs and desires he may have had as a Buddhist. When it comes to how those who survive mourn, I think we should all mourn in the manner and customs of our own belief system. I am a Jew and so I will say kaddish and think of Mr. Yuach and his family as I do. If I were a family member, I would sit shiva and say kaddish for the appropriate amount of time and light a candle on his yartzeit.
There are many ways, as Jews, that we can honor Mr. Yuach’s Buddhist beliefs. One example is we can give tzedakah to Buddhist and Tibetan causes.
I beleive taht mourning practices are for the mourner not the deceased. We should honor our own beliefs and practices even as we respect and honor those of another.

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Comment on Adam Yauch’s Death Poses Jewish Question by Aron G.

Aron G. — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

I’m not a Beastie Boys fan, so have no idea where Adam was on the continuum of spirituality, but I doubt he’d feel offended if you were honoring him and/or his family at this time of mourning. I think if you show respect in his beliefs that’d be major.

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Comment on PunkTorah Podcast: Patrick the Impostor, Getting Angry, “Fringe” Judaism and Second Passover by reappearhere

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

Love it. Keep the podcasts coming, guys. You’re great.

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Comment on The Torah Is Like (Bottled) Water by Cynthia Tyler

Cynthia Tyler — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

It may be undrinkable, but water covers much of the earth’s surface, and connects the continents, one to another. Our own bodies are more water than any other chemical. Pure drinking water may have become a commodity, but no one can avoid clouds, rain, their own tears. Water is the essence of life, though we often have to make a concerted effort to seek it. We are conceived and sheltered by a blanket of water. Our arrival is announced by the breaking of waters. We purify ourselves in the waters of mikveh. Christians are baptized in water. The dead are bathed in water, made pure for burial. When you can learn to see the water in the world, and feel it within yourself, you will begin to experience your real connection to life, to Torah. To Adonai.

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

Marco Gracin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Shalom,

As a Christian about to embark on the creation of another Christian Hell House (w/a unique twist), I appreciate the honesty and, quite frankly, what seemed to be a pretty fair assessment of these venues. It is one of the things I so appreciate about God-seeking Jews; grace is extended to those who might even be considered enemies. Let’s see, isn’t that what Jesus taught? I had a Jewish neighbor (with whom I often talked with great freedom), and a Muslim neighbor (who spoke quite candidly with me) in the same cul de sac. While my friend Judah would never say anything slanderous against Ali, the same could not be said of the latter regarding the former. It speaks volumes to me about the culture and religion of the Jews.

I would like to offer a few comments. I wouldn’t worry that Evangelicals have a clearer message. If the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob has seen fit to preserve the Jew through the centuries of persecution, it is no small thing to cause the same to rise above the marketing message of Christianity. The other point is this. The Christian Scriptures (largely written by Jewish disciples of Jesus) make it clear that Israel’s faithful who were waiting on the Messiah, but who never saw the Promise, are not burning in Hell. “Salvation is of the Jews” and that salvation is available only through faith… faith that there is One able to save, and this ability does not exist within fallen humanity. We also believe that it is God alone who reveals this to those who are willing to receive it… a 2-way street, if you will. Jesus taught this as being “born again” or, being born of water and of the Spirit. So if God, in His infinite wisdom, has chosen to withhold revelation of the Holy One of Israel’s identity from the majority of Jews, but they still look with eyes of faith for His beloved coming, will not that Jew be saved by faith?

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Comment on Neil deGrasse Tyson Made Me A Better Theologian by punktorah

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

I’m not on it yet. I just know that I have to do it when the time comes

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Comment on Neil deGrasse Tyson Made Me A Better Theologian by Ketzirah

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

Wait….how the heck are you at your final assignment for Rabbinical School? Has it even been a year. Sorry, educational elitist snob here.

Other than that — loving your post.

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Comment on Neil deGrasse Tyson Made Me A Better Theologian by Ben

Ben — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Perhaps God isn’t benevolent or a destroyer. Perhaps God just isn’t.

I admire your commitment to trying to read modern liberal values into a text that deals with the doings of a Bronze Age tribe, but I don’t understand it.

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by Rachel-Esther

Rachel-Esther — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A great post!

Do I think that Jews should be elitists? No, we should not be elitists. Elitists separate themselves from the world around them and from Hashem Himself.

Should we be educated? Absolutely! Education however means being involved in the world and being involved with Torah and Hashem. Every Jew has the obligation to be informed about Torah (and Tanakh). I personally believe that we are all bound by the mitzvot but if my fellow Jew does not believe this, that doesn’t excuse ignorance of Torah/Tanakh.

As I have moved forward in Judaism after my conversion (2000) I have come across many elitist Jews who are totally removed from the world. I have also come across many educated Jews who are very loving and active in the world. There is a very large difference between the elitists and the educated. I propose – and I write this from the view of a newly-minted Karaite – that we ALL become educated. Being educated does not mean being elitist and it does not mean that we MUST be religious.

Elitism brings about destruction and separation whereas education brings about constructive activities and a cohesion among Klal Yisrael and the world at large. We must not allow ourselves to become elitists but we also cannot allow ourselves to become (or remain) uneducated.

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by Emma Holton

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

I absolutely love this article! Well said!

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by tzadik skater

tzadik skater — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Just by reading the headline question my answer is YES, JEWS SHOULD BE ELITE. Why? Because G-d decided that. Jews are the firstborn. The big brother that is supposed to take responsibility for younger brother. A light to the other people. Show the way to G-d. It doesn´t mean jews are better. It´s just different roles that G-d decided. G-d has blessed the jews extra to care for the younger and weaker, I guess.
This is a thought of mine

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by Beth Hamon

Beth Hamon — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Kol HaKavod! Thank you SO much for speaking on issues that touch upon my Jewish musical journey.
Sometimes it feels like I’m operating in the dark and your post touches upon some of why that is.
Along with worshipping academia and family connections, Jewish communal structures tend to reinforce classism — yet another way in which dysfunctional systems are propped up past their usefulness.
I am encountering this sort of vibe through my musical journey and looking for ways to work around it. One thing: I cannot see myself simply teraing down systems that aren’t working well — in a smaller community like mine I run the risk of wiping out too much community in the process. But I CAN and do work around these systems every day by being true to myself, to my past and to my journey. It looks like you’re working to do the same. Yasher Koach!

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by reappearhere

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

ethno-religious*

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by reappearhere

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

At the same time, there needs to be a vibrant, secular Jewish life as well as a religious one. Otherwise, those who have no interest in religion lose all reason to continue being Jewish. We can’t marginalise non-believing Jews. Like it or not, the Jewish people are an etho-religious group, which means there must exist two overlapping spheres of Jewish life: a religious one and a secular one (think of it in terms of a Venn diagram). Just because someone isn’t enthusiastic about the Jewish faith, doesn’t mean he ceases to be a Jew.

Of course, that begs the question if outright apostates (converts from Judaism to other religions) are still Jews. That is where I think many people, both religious and non-religious, draw the line. You can’t be a devout Christian or Muslim and still be a Jew. So, the Jewish religion remains a common rallying-point and a common denominator for all Jews of all countries and languages, both secular and religious. Once we decide to formally leave behind the Jewish religion, we lose that connection. That is why a synagogue must be both a place of religiosity and a sort of community centre where events that aren’t overtly of a religious nature can take place (ex. book clubs, cooking classes, baseball leagues, after-school programs, cocktail events, etc.). There has to be a Jewish life that is not centred around the Jewish religion, but to which Jewish places of worship can play host. That is how the Jewish religion can stay the common denominator and rallying-point of all Jews, both religious and irreligious.

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by Dan Mendelsohn Aviv

Dan Mendelsohn Aviv — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Worship of “academia”?? The tyranny of the meritocrats? Srsly?

You keep using that word “meritocracy”. I do not think it means what you think it means.

If your issue is with the vapidity of programming or the programmers (i.e., continuity for its own sake, which is, agreed, a total waste of time), perhaps you should look to a different idol that is being worshipped across the N.American Jewish landscape: the parnas – who did not necessarily get to where s/he did because of merit.

The Torah cares what we do. Jewish educators care what we do. But when everyone is muzzled because of fear of what the Parnas will do or think or say… well, we all lose.

Here’s a bigger, more challenging question: Why aren’t Jews MORE elitist about their commitment to learning? community? doing what is good and right in the world? Why are we all in this giant race to the bottom?

Just my two shekels Erev Erev Pessah… may one and all enjoy the festival of freedom and the killing of the pascal lamb!

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by Eliana

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

Well said! I think there are two incredibly important points here, the first is not to be an elitist, and you’re 100% right, I have never heard it expressed better, so thank you! And I think there is an important second point here too. There is no one greater or lesser Judaism, but it should matter that our Judiasm is an active and celebrated one, whatever that looks like to you, as long as it is a purposeful and meaningful pursuit. We are not just “an ethnocultural group devoid of anything else”!

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Comment on Should Jews Be Elitists? by Brandon Drabek aka Asher

Brandon Drabek aka Asher — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

****standing ovation*****

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Comment on Clueless: An Insight Into Doing Jewish “Wrong” by Postpunkchronicles

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

I find that most people are very understanding (or try to be) but it is me that has had to gets to always feeling like the major outsider so often. I don’t think most people are rude–though perhaps impatient at times. But it takes a certain sort of person to not get to feeling awkward and even down about always feeling so behind. I have hope though! I know other who have converted before me and they find themselves in strikingly few situations that make them panic!

I told me husband that if I could write a book about conversion or becoming observant, the first chapter would be on how to cope with being not knowing anything. I think the hardest part for me has been finding that inner peace with always feeling the weirdo/outsider/person who doesn’t know anything. Initially it really hurt my self-esteem. When suddenly your worth as a human being is validated by how much Torah you know, you have to find a way to keep and inner confidence about it all. If you can learn how to be okay with this transition, then you can begin to actually learn. If you can find a way to laugh through the tears of frustration, then you’ll be okay.
It takes a very strong and humble person to become observant from scratch. THAT is a lesson in and of itself.

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Comment on Clueless: An Insight Into Doing Jewish “Wrong” by Leon Adato

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

Thank you both for the supportive comments. What is important to note is how little (read “none”) ACTUAL negativity I have received from the “regulars” around me. While I know that there are always individuals who will be a little cloud of rain, I haven’t experienced it.

In one case (my first time praying the morning service on a weekday Rosh Chodesh) the wheels REALLY started to come off the bus. I had no idea what was going on, and the entire group of guys was literally standing around waiting for me to get a clue (at the end of Hallel, you have to take off your tefillin. Until everyone does, the service can’t continue. Who knew?). In the midst of this, a guy I didn’t know stood next to me and patiently talked me through it.

I was a shambles afterward, but nobody else was perturbed in the least.

Maybe that’s a unique experience, but as I share this with others I’m finding it to be more the rule.

Over on Facebook, one person (an FFB) commented:
“I’d like to tell you that it doesn’t happen to “FFBs” or that after a while you’ll learn everything there is to know, but there’s ALWAYS something new to experience, or a new shul in a different town with different minhagim, or a guest-Chazaan who does things a little strangely, etc… You’ll get the hang of it, and when in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask!”

There’s hope – not that “if we work hard we’ll learn it all” but that this experience is by no means unique. Which means that we will all have opportunities to offer and receive the kindness of patience and understanding throughout our Jewish learning.

Thanks again.

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Comment on Clueless: An Insight Into Doing Jewish “Wrong” by Postpunkchronicles

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

I cried and then smiled the entire way through this post. As a convert I know that feeling well. So often for me I get the “fight or flight” thing going and I just want to book it out of shul and out of the community and head straight to something familiar and “normal” to me. I choose this life because I find it to be important and meaningful, but realistically I also find it horribly intimidating and terribly frustrating! I often feel like a complete foreigner. Sometimes I feel so hopelessly lost that I fear I will always be like an awkward teenager at the cool kids party.

What cheers me up is meeting people like you. Converts, BTs, whatever… just people who know what it’s like to not completely fit in. And you know what? I remember that it’s okay to not always fit in. Sometimes it’s even a really good thing.

Thank you for choosing to share this.

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Comment on Clueless: An Insight Into Doing Jewish “Wrong” by Laura Lee Blechner

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

Leon, these experiences will help to keep you sensitive to the “ger” – and notice and also reach out to someone who is also learning the path. We are all on this journey together, sometimes reaching up to someone “higher” for help, and sometimes reaching “down” to help pull someone else up.
Y’asher koach and chag sameach.

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Comment on Volunteer and Donate by Seder Plate Sets Available at PunkTorah.org

Seder Plate Sets Available at PunkTorah.org — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] Volunteer and Donate [...]

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

JDE — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The common words used in the play are “guilt” and “shame”.

It permeates their subculture, and is the basis of their theology. Also, there’s a growing body of experimental evidence strongly suggestive of a neurological foundation for fundamentalism.

Bottom line: they’re developmentally disabled at best, congenital psychotics at worst. Don’t waste your time with them. Above all, don’t vote them into office.

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Comment on Our First Jewish Conversion Book! Pre-Order or Submit Your Essays by Patrick Aleph

Patrick Aleph — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hey reappearhere: you can submit anything, anytime. Just get it to us before April 16…ideally, before the end of the month.

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Comment on Our First Jewish Conversion Book! Pre-Order or Submit Your Essays by reappearhere

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

What a great idea. Does on’es conversion have to be complete in order to submit, or would you like anecdotes about first meetings with rabbis, etc.?

Like or Dislike: 1 0

Comment on Our First Jewish Conversion Book! Pre-Order or Submit Your Essays by punktorah

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

No limit, Dena. Just send it Thanks so much for contributing!

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Comment on Our First Jewish Conversion Book! Pre-Order or Submit Your Essays by Dena

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

Do you have a word limit on the stories? I have one which I can edit but I don’t want to send you something that’s just way too long.

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Comment on Jewishness, Genealogy and Apples For Some Reason by Emma Holton

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

Hey Kelly!

Sorry it’s taken me so long to reply to your comment! (I’m not even certain whether you’ll check these comments again – but I thought I’d reply anyway!) Thanks for the lovely comment and thank you for telling me about your Native American ancestry, I’ve always been really fascinated by your culture! I knew a little about the living conditions on the various Reservations, but had no idea that this sort of ‘adoption process’ existed – it sounds more like abduction to be honest! It’s a shame that you can’t track down your tribe, it’d be amazing if you could reconnect with your heritage.

Is there anyway you could narrow down the possibilities? (I love a good detective story!) For instance, if you could find out where in the world your grandmother was adopted, then perhaps you could locate the Reservation. From there you might be able to narrow it down to a specific tribe. The chances are her adopted family were relatively local to the Reservation. (My mother was born in Birmingham, and her adoptive parents came from West Bromwich – which is only a couple of miles down the road. Some adoptions were arranged locally for convenience sake! I guess families needed time to choose and then develop a rapport with their child.)

I really hope you manage to unearth some more about your family, I’m sure it’s possible if you keep digging! My mother had almost completely given up on discovering anything about her past, and look what happened! If you do learn anything more, please keep us posted! I’d love to hear your story!

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Comment on Jewishness, Genealogy and Apples For Some Reason by Kelly Heikkila

Kelly Heikkila — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Wow! What a story! I can relate a bit to your story too. Although I have no (known) Jewish roots, I am 1/16 Native American. My mother, and her biological mother, were both adopted. The only information we have is that my great-great maternal grandmother was 100 per cent American Indian. Unfortunately, even though I could qualify for ‘Indian rights’, I’d have to know my tribe. And, to be honest, I think I never will. A lot of children in Native American communities were ‘adopted’ (really they were just taken, willfully or unwillingly) from the reservations (whose conditions, by the way, are terrible). So, it’s not like there is an actual document linking our family to a tribe. It’s really sad. I want to know my tribe and get in touch with my roots, but I don’t think I’ll ever know my tribe. So, it really sucks. But congrats on finding out the origins of your Jewish family! (To be honest I wish I was ethnically Jewish. Jews are so cool.)

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Comment on Free Jewish eBooks by Young Jewish Professionals? NO MORE!

Young Jewish Professionals? NO MORE! — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] Free Jewish eBooks [...]

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Comment on Parsha Terumah: Just Another Parsha? (Ex. 25:1 – 27:14) by Tour Guide Aaron

Tour Guide Aaron — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks Jeremiah! I think it is the most obvious thing in the world. I really can’t believe that nobody seems to have done is before.

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Comment on Parsha Terumah: Just Another Parsha? (Ex. 25:1 – 27:14) by Jeremiah

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

Menachem – why read it when you can live it

Aaron – Thanks for sharing I think your idea of putting the weekly parshat in context by showing the actual places in Israel is genius.

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Comment on Parsha Terumah: Just Another Parsha? (Ex. 25:1 – 27:14) by Tour Guide Aaron

Tour Guide Aaron — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Hey, there’s already a model of the Tabernacle in the desert near Eilat! See it here:http://tourguideaaron.com/2012/02/20/touring-the-parsha-teruma/

Why don’t you come on down to Israel and check it out!

Aaron

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Comment on Parsha Terumah: Just Another Parsha? (Ex. 25:1 – 27:14) by Menachem

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

I’d definitely read that book!

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Comment on Steampunk Torah: Noah, Lech Lecha and Vayeira by RivkahRaven

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

hey…I’ve had a lot of people ask me where to begin reading this story! Patrick has posted the chapters with numbers, so head to the bottom of the Steampunk Torah blog page and start with Emor, which is chapter ONE! …(yes it should, theoretically, begin with Bereishit, but I started this journey where I was at the time. This may all shift with the rewrite, when this sloppy, messy, fun, chapter-by-chapter experience will be remade into novel form and tidied up!)

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Comment on Volunteer and Donate by Proof That Miracles Exist…MUST WATCH!

Proof That Miracles Exist…MUST WATCH! — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

[...] Volunteer and Donate [...]

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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

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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.

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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“. [...]

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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

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.

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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

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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!

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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: 1 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!)

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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.

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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

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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 [...]

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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.

Like or Dislike: 0 0