Tag: conversion
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Why Would Anyone Choose to Be Jewish Today?
Good Shabbos! I’ve addressed a lot of the why of choosing Judaism in some ways, mostly the emotional journey. I’ve also answered a quick FAQ about how this could/would impact my work as a UU minister (recap: it won’t). What I’ve not addressed, fully, is the deeper why. Specifically, the theological and teleological why’s. In…
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What’s In a Name?: Picking A Hebrew Name
Shabbat shalom! It’s good to be back after some time away. The question I’ve gotten more than almost any other since I began and finished this journey (and, really, the journey continues) is: What is your Hebrew name and why did you pick it? As always, there’s plenty of guides out there for how to…
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Welcome to the Tribe: Starve Yourself and Mourn
It’s the eve of my first holiday as a fully fledged Jew. I can’t wait! Bring out the decorations, the music, the special food, the joy of community, and… No. Wait. Don’t do any of that. In fact…don’t eat a thing for 25 hours and mourn. It’s Tisha B’Av (literally means: The Ninth of [the…
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A Story of 1.25 Diopters, or, How to Get Judaism into Focus
“Sooooo….it’s time to consider reading glasses or progressive lenses.” The younger-than-me Optometrist said with a smile. I love that more stories in my life involve people that are younger these days. I can see a future curmudgeon blossoming. I’ve been reading, a lot, all my life. It’s one of many tools I used to ensure…
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Ritual Immersion for People Terrified of Water
I’m terrified of water. Okay, let’s narrow that down. You will never see me enthusiastically get on a boat, travel the ocean, or journey down a river. Murky lakes and ponds are out of the question, too. If I can see the shoreline, that helps reduce the anxiety. Oh, yeah, I’ve not been in a…
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The View from the Mountaintop
Hineini, “Here I am.” I begin this journey at the end of another journey, but really, it’s all a journey in progress. I’ve let go of the illusion there’s ever a single destination in life. This one, though, is monumental. Some will characterize it as a shift in perspective, worldview, and then some. I would…