I'm Jewish. Ask me anything.

[Anonymous]

Why do Orthodox Jewish women wear wigs? Are they shaved underneath or have their natural hair?

Why is it that Jews have traditionally been diamond cutters? They seem to run the show in this specialized profession (like in the diamond district in NYC).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's with the Jewish calendar? I've read it was created several thousand years after its first date, by working backwards from stories in the Talmud or some such. And it's crazy complex, an ongoing learning tool perhaps?

It's kind of weird to think that there's a separate calendar, but it is really interesting. I have two birthdays - one in July and one during the month of Av on the Hebrew calendar. Av doesn't event happen every year. I don't celebrate my Hebrew birthday though. The Jewish new year this Fall marks year 5773.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do Orthodox Jewish women wear wigs? Are they shaved underneath or have their natural hair?

Why is it that Jews have traditionally been diamond cutters? They seem to run the show in this specialized profession (like in the diamond district in NYC).

Hair is considered sexual, so their hair is covered. It keeps their appearance modest. I have orthodox family members in NYC and Israel and all have regular hair underneath. Perhaps some women shave their heads but I don't know anyone who has done so.

[Anonymous]

Op, please don't take my question as inflammatory. It was a hot issue in my town growing up, and I'd never be able to.ask this in person.

What is your opinion on a town putting up a nativity scene on a public green? Does your.opinion change at all if the town allowed a display of something relaated to Chanukah? What is your opinion on Christmas songs being played in stores, etc? As a kid, did you ever feel left out this time of year? Between Santa, commercials, etc., I've always wondered if Jewish kids got annoyed over this.

[Anonymous]

Is being a Shiksa (sp?) as taboo as people think it is? Would you admit it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, please don't take my question as inflammatory. It was a hot issue in my town growing up, and I'd never be able to.ask this in person.

What is your opinion on a town putting up a nativity scene on a public green? Does your.opinion change at all if the town allowed a display of something relaated to Chanukah? What is your opinion on Christmas songs being played in stores, etc? As a kid, did you ever feel left out this time of year? Between Santa, commercials, etc., I've always wondered if Jewish kids got annoyed over this.

Definitely always felt left out during holiday season. My family would not allow anything Xmas related even though my siblings and I begged for a Chanukah bush with blue and white lights. We didnt get gifts for xmas, bake xmas cookies, or look at dec 24-25 as any different from a normal day - except that we knew everything would be closed. As an adult, I, glad that they did. Now with a child, I will do the same thing. Our Xmas day routine is Chinese food for dinner and a movie, probably always will be.

I don't mind Xmas songs played in stores. I get that there are way more people shopping for Xmas presents than chanukahu presents or any other holiday. I find them somewhat annoying, but really don't mind. When those songs come on the radio, I change the station or turn it off.

I think that a nativity scene is fine on public property as long as the same property also addresses other holidays (Chanukah and kwanza come to mind). Even the White House has a menorah. Does that answer all if your questions?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is being a Shiksa (sp?) as taboo as people think it is? Would you admit it?

I find it kind of annoying but completely look past it if the girl converts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op, please don't take my question as inflammatory. It was a hot issue in my town growing up, and I'd never be able to.ask this in person.

What is your opinion on a town putting up a nativity scene on a public green? Does your.opinion change at all if the town allowed a display of something relaated to Chanukah? What is your opinion on Christmas songs being played in stores, etc? As a kid, did you ever feel left out this time of year? Between Santa, commercials, etc., I've always wondered if Jewish kids got annoyed over this.

Not OP, but personally I don't think it's at all right for a town to put up a nativity scene in a public place. Same for a menorah or similar. Keep it secular, please. Snowflakes and snowmen, if you must do something "festive".

That said, I never felt left out or annoyed growing up. I was aware that everyone was excited about something I did not celebrate, but our family (and many of my friends) had our own traditions and celebrations, which were great. Between Hanukkah at our house and then our own Christmas day tradition (Chinese food and a movie, of course!), I never lacked for celebrations and fun.

That said, my brother is a more sensitive person in general, and the unavoidable Christmas hype really upset him. So different Jewish people can have different reactions. Of course.

[Anonymous]

I am friends with tons of Jews but I could never ask this question. Do you think you are special/chosen and the rest of us are not?

I grew up Catholic but don't practice and never identified as being special or saved in some way.

Just wondering-- thanks

[Anonymous]

What do you think about Jesus?

What makes you think you are qualified to represent Jews? I'm from Ohio but couldn't begin to answer every question about it. I'm a woman, and couldn't even properly answer most questions specific to women. Not trying to be rude, but just wondered what makes you think you can answer anything and everything Jewish?

Ps Adam sandlers Chanukah song made me wish I were a Jew.

[Anonymous]

Are you able to view what is happening in Gaza with any objectivity?

[Anonymous]

How is that Jews make up 1/4 of 1% (or so Ethan similar) of the world population and about 80% of the people I know are jewish? This is true at home, at work and even outside of this area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am friends with tons of Jews but I could never ask this question. Do you think you are special/chosen and the rest of us are not?

I grew up Catholic but don't practice and never identified as being special or saved in some way.

Just wondering-- thanks

To be honest, I do. I didn't have that clarity growing up when I was in Saturday or Sunday school and in Hebrew school. As ive matured, I view religion a bit differently. I don't walk around entitled.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do you think about Jesus?

What makes you think you are qualified to represent Jews? I'm from Ohio but couldn't begin to answer every question about it. I'm a woman, and couldn't even properly answer most questions specific to women. Not trying to be rude, but just wondered what makes you think you can answer anything and everything Jewish?

Ps Adam sandlers Chanukah song made me wish I were a Jew.

I didn't realize that posting this thread meant that I was representing all Jews. That's not my intent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is that Jews make up 1/4 of 1% (or so Ethan similar) of the world population and about 80% of the people I know are jewish? This is true at home, at work and even outside of this area.

You're obviously a smart person, hanging around with similar folks.