I'm Jewish. Ask me anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are you Kosher? It blows my mind to have a kitchen with 2 dishwashers, 2 stoves, 2 fridges....

I am not kosher in the sense that you're thinking. I don't eat pork or shellfish, so I consider that some bet bland form of kosher. You may be thinking of Passover when some families use a different set of dishes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Have you noticed that Jews are the only people who distance themselves that far from Christmas (and Jehovas Witness)? I mean my Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist friends all join in. I take time to enjoy their holidays too, but to many Jews it seems like an "us and them" fight. I am not even religious and for the last 20 years have not had a tree, but I get into any fun holiday regardless of the religion. Now, more and more Jews are distancing themselves from Halloween? Can you all lighten up? Can you invite some non Jews to FUN Jewish holidays? i.e., not Passover. Every religion has fun holidays.

Hindu has no relation to Christian so there is no confusion for their children about religious significance. Muslim incorporates the New Testament and sees Jesus as a prophet so the holiday celebration can be seen as relevant. Judaism becomes Christianity with the belief in Jesus as the messiah, so it is important for some people that they make it clear to their children they don't celebrate. Some Russian Jews put up trees because it is a solstice tradition in Russia. Also, *very* few Jews are Scrooges. I don't put up Christmas decorations but I take my kids to celebrate with friends. Also, Passover is fun for kids. Just a note

Also, only very religious Jews distance themselves from Halloween and they always have.

This too is a cop out. You can't make the argument that Jewish children will be confused by Christmas but children who celebrate other religions are able to understand that people have different traditions. You are selling Jewish kids short by thinking that they need to be especially protected from Christmas. Jews don't have to (and wouldn't be expected to) bring Christmas into their own houses, but there is no reason to keep them from understanding that others celebrate and allowing them to participate in the celebrations of their friends in the manner that we all do with friends of different backgrounds because of worries that they will be confused.

Not the OP. I don't want my child to be tempted in any way to not be Jewish. I would prefer that my kid spend time celebrating his own holiday and learning about his own religion. Every day my kid is exposed to Chritianity. Every day there is one more temptation for him not to want to be Jewish. I have to do everything in my power to make sure my child has a strong Jewish identity. If that means not celebrating a holiday that celebrates the birth of another religion's messiah, so be it. I don't care whether other kids from other religions celebrate holidays that are not theirs. I only care that my child wants to carry on in our religion and marry someone else who is Jewish so that his children will also want to carry on the same way. Hitler killed too many of us. Intermarriage and conversion will take away the rest.

OP, this attitude is the epitome of what is wrong with the Jewish community in America today.

Wanting to be free from having someone else's religion shoved in our face around every corner for 6 weeks on end? There is nothing wrong with that. I do not wear my religion on my sleeve. You may figure out I am Jewish during Passover, when I don't eat bread, but really, you probably never notice I am Jewish, until Christmas, when I have to explain to my child why everyone is spending way too much money on way too many material things in the name of celebrating a religious holiday.

-- not the OP, btw.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you Kosher? It blows my mind to have a kitchen with 2 dishwashers, 2 stoves, 2 fridges....

I am not kosher in the sense that you're thinking. I don't eat pork or shellfish, so I consider that some bet bland form of kosher. You may be thinking of Passover when some families use a different set of dishes.

Well heck, I watched Property Brothers and they had an episode on a Kosher house with 2 of everything. Guess they just wanted to splurge.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Have you noticed that Jews are the only people who distance themselves that far from Christmas (and Jehovas Witness)? I mean my Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist friends all join in. I take time to enjoy their holidays too, but to many Jews it seems like an "us and them" fight. I am not even religious and for the last 20 years have not had a tree, but I get into any fun holiday regardless of the religion. Now, more and more Jews are distancing themselves from Halloween? Can you all lighten up? Can you invite some non Jews to FUN Jewish holidays? i.e., not Passover. Every religion has fun holidays.

Hindu has no relation to Christian so there is no confusion for their children about religious significance. Muslim incorporates the New Testament and sees Jesus as a prophet so the holiday celebration can be seen as relevant. Judaism becomes Christianity with the belief in Jesus as the messiah, so it is important for some people that they make it clear to their children they don't celebrate. Some Russian Jews put up trees because it is a solstice tradition in Russia. Also, *very* few Jews are Scrooges. I don't put up Christmas decorations but I take my kids to celebrate with friends. Also, Passover is fun for kids. Just a note

Also, only very religious Jews distance themselves from Halloween and they always have.

This too is a cop out. You can't make the argument that Jewish children will be confused by Christmas but children who celebrate other religions are able to understand that people have different traditions. You are selling Jewish kids short by thinking that they need to be especially protected from Christmas. Jews don't have to (and wouldn't be expected to) bring Christmas into their own houses, but there is no reason to keep them from understanding that others celebrate and allowing them to participate in the celebrations of their friends in the manner that we all do with friends of different backgrounds because of worries that they will be confused.

Not the OP. I don't want my child to be tempted in any way to not be Jewish. I would prefer that my kid spend time celebrating his own holiday and learning about his own religion. Every day my kid is exposed to Chritianity. Every day there is one more temptation for him not to want to be Jewish. I have to do everything in my power to make sure my child has a strong Jewish identity. If that means not celebrating a holiday that celebrates the birth of another religion's messiah, so be it. I don't care whether other kids from other religions celebrate holidays that are not theirs. I only care that my child wants to carry on in our religion and marry someone else who is Jewish so that his children will also want to carry on the same way. Hitler killed too many of us. Intermarriage and conversion will take away the rest.

OP, this attitude is the epitome of what is wrong with the Jewish community in America today.

Wanting to be free from having someone else's religion shoved in our face around every corner for 6 weeks on end? There is nothing wrong with that. I do not wear my religion on my sleeve. You may figure out I am Jewish during Passover, when I don't eat bread, but really, you probably never notice I am Jewish, until Christmas, when I have to explain to my child why everyone is spending way too much money on way too many material things in the name of celebrating a religious holiday.

-- not the OP, btw.

You need to read about the history of Christmas celebrations. It is not all about religion. If there was no Christmas, there would be one big end of year (not New Years) bash. Remember the Romans had a big old orgy of excess at this time and those up north burned the log. Back then, I suppose you would have stayed in your cabin? Try to lighten up.

[Anonymous]

NP here; Jew married to a Non-Jew. Responding to various points that have been brought up in this thread.

I belong to a reform synagogue that is accepting of interfaith marriage and very welcoming to all. I don't go to services but I am involved in other aspects of synagogue life, volunteering, participating in various educational opportunities etc. To me being a Jew is so much a part of my identity and I appreciate the values that Judism teaches, but the actual services or spiritual aspects do not move me. There are lots of "Jewish atheists" in my synagogue.

We have a tree and I have a Star of David topper. I'm irreverant that way. I also give a big holiday party every year and call it Chrismukka and serve brisket and latkes with candy canes and egg nog. (lots of other stuff too but you get the idea)

My friends come from all over. I don't exclusively hang out with Jews. As I mentioned above, my husband is not Jewish.

I bend over backwards to avoid the "cheap" stereotype. Eg. I never quibble about a restaurant bill and I tip well.

There is a "Jewish Look" because the grandparents and great grandparents of the majority of Jews in the U.S came from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet block countries during the years 1884-1924. My great grandparents and grandparents came from Russia and Poland.

There are many of us that don't necessarily support the current Israeli government, but all of us believe in Israel's right to exist and the need for a Jewish homeland. I didn't support the GWB administration here at home, but I was and still am proud to be an American. I don't think that being critical of the Israeli govt equates with being antisemitic. Sometimes it does, but it isn't automatic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Have you noticed that Jews are the only people who distance themselves that far from Christmas (and Jehovas Witness)? I mean my Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist friends all join in. I take time to enjoy their holidays too, but to many Jews it seems like an "us and them" fight. I am not even religious and for the last 20 years have not had a tree, but I get into any fun holiday regardless of the religion. Now, more and more Jews are distancing themselves from Halloween? Can you all lighten up? Can you invite some non Jews to FUN Jewish holidays? i.e., not Passover. Every religion has fun holidays.

Hindu has no relation to Christian so there is no confusion for their children about religious significance. Muslim incorporates the New Testament and sees Jesus as a prophet so the holiday celebration can be seen as relevant. Judaism becomes Christianity with the belief in Jesus as the messiah, so it is important for some people that they make it clear to their children they don't celebrate. Some Russian Jews put up trees because it is a solstice tradition in Russia. Also, *very* few Jews are Scrooges. I don't put up Christmas decorations but I take my kids to celebrate with friends. Also, Passover is fun for kids. Just a note

Also, only very religious Jews distance themselves from Halloween and they always have.

This too is a cop out. You can't make the argument that Jewish children will be confused by Christmas but children who celebrate other religions are able to understand that people have different traditions. You are selling Jewish kids short by thinking that they need to be especially protected from Christmas. Jews don't have to (and wouldn't be expected to) bring Christmas into their own houses, but there is no reason to keep them from understanding that others celebrate and allowing them to participate in the celebrations of their friends in the manner that we all do with friends of different backgrounds because of worries that they will be confused.

Not the OP. I don't want my child to be tempted in any way to not be Jewish. I would prefer that my kid spend time celebrating his own holiday and learning about his own religion. Every day my kid is exposed to Chritianity. Every day there is one more temptation for him not to want to be Jewish. I have to do everything in my power to make sure my child has a strong Jewish identity. If that means not celebrating a holiday that celebrates the birth of another religion's messiah, so be it. I don't care whether other kids from other religions celebrate holidays that are not theirs. I only care that my child wants to carry on in our religion and marry someone else who is Jewish so that his children will also want to carry on the same way. Hitler killed too many of us. Intermarriage and conversion will take away the rest.

OP, this attitude is the epitome of what is wrong with the Jewish community in America today.

Wanting to be free from having someone else's religion shoved in our face around every corner for 6 weeks on end? There is nothing wrong with that. I do not wear my religion on my sleeve. You may figure out I am Jewish during Passover, when I don't eat bread, but really, you probably never notice I am Jewish, until Christmas, when I have to explain to my child why everyone is spending way too much money on way too many material things in the name of celebrating a religious holiday.

-- not the OP, btw.

wow, way to disgustingly judge another religion. how incredibly ignorant, spiteful, and immature.
-half jewish, half christian, disgusted by you

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you Kosher? It blows my mind to have a kitchen with 2 dishwashers, 2 stoves, 2 fridges....

I am not kosher in the sense that you're thinking. I don't eat pork or shellfish, so I consider that some bet bland form of kosher. You may be thinking of Passover when some families use a different set of dishes.

Well heck, I watched Property Brothers and they had an episode on a Kosher house with 2 of everything. Guess they just wanted to splurge.

Whoever responded here is confused. Yes, there are separate dishes for Passover, but true kosher kitchens also have separate meat/dairy appliances and dishes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here; Jew married to a Non-Jew. Responding to various points that have been brought up in this thread.

I belong to a reform synagogue that is accepting of interfaith marriage and very welcoming to all. I don't go to services but I am involved in other aspects of synagogue life, volunteering, participating in various educational opportunities etc. To me being a Jew is so much a part of my identity and I appreciate the values that Judism teaches, but the actual services or spiritual aspects do not move me. There are lots of "Jewish atheists" in my synagogue.

We have a tree and I have a Star of David topper. I'm irreverant that way. I also give a big holiday party every year and call it Chrismukka and serve brisket and latkes with candy canes and egg nog. (lots of other stuff too but you get the idea)

My friends come from all over. I don't exclusively hang out with Jews. As I mentioned above, my husband is not Jewish.

I bend over backwards to avoid the "cheap" stereotype. Eg. I never quibble about a restaurant bill and I tip well.

There is a "Jewish Look" because the grandparents and great grandparents of the majority of Jews in the U.S came from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet block countries during the years 1884-1924. My great grandparents and grandparents came from Russia and Poland.

There are many of us that don't necessarily support the current Israeli government, but all of us believe in Israel's right to exist and the need for a Jewish homeland. I didn't support the GWB administration here at home, but I was and still am proud to be an American. I don't think that being critical of the Israeli govt equates with being antisemitic. Sometimes it does, but it isn't automatic.

You all do not look Russian or Polish, you look Eastern Mediterranean.

[Anonymous]

NP -- why should I celebrate Christmas? Why does it offend you that I don't? I don't care that you do. Are you "distancing" yourself form Chanuka because you don't celebrate it?

Christmas is a Christian holiday. Thats why I "distance" myself. I'm not Christian.

Very few Jews "distance" themselves from Halloween, but who care if they do? Whats it to you? By the way, some religious Christians also "distance" themselves from halloween.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you Kosher? It blows my mind to have a kitchen with 2 dishwashers, 2 stoves, 2 fridges....

I am not kosher in the sense that you're thinking. I don't eat pork or shellfish, so I consider that some bet bland form of kosher. You may be thinking of Passover when some families use a different set of dishes.

Well heck, I watched Property Brothers and they had an episode on a Kosher house with 2 of everything. Guess they just wanted to splurge.

Whoever responded here is confused. Yes, there are separate dishes for Passover, but true kosher kitchens also have separate meat/dairy appliances and dishes.

I thought this also.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here; Jew married to a Non-Jew. Responding to various points that have been brought up in this thread.

I belong to a reform synagogue that is accepting of interfaith marriage and very welcoming to all. I don't go to services but I am involved in other aspects of synagogue life, volunteering, participating in various educational opportunities etc. To me being a Jew is so much a part of my identity and I appreciate the values that Judism teaches, but the actual services or spiritual aspects do not move me. There are lots of "Jewish atheists" in my synagogue.

We have a tree and I have a Star of David topper. I'm irreverant that way. I also give a big holiday party every year and call it Chrismukka and serve brisket and latkes with candy canes and egg nog. (lots of other stuff too but you get the idea)

My friends come from all over. I don't exclusively hang out with Jews. As I mentioned above, my husband is not Jewish.

I bend over backwards to avoid the "cheap" stereotype. Eg. I never quibble about a restaurant bill and I tip well.

There is a "Jewish Look" because the grandparents and great grandparents of the majority of Jews in the U.S came from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet block countries during the years 1884-1924. My great grandparents and grandparents came from Russia and Poland.

There are many of us that don't necessarily support the current Israeli government, but all of us believe in Israel's right to exist and the need for a Jewish homeland. I didn't support the GWB administration here at home, but I was and still am proud to be an American. I don't think that being critical of the Israeli govt equates with being antisemitic. Sometimes it does, but it isn't automatic.

I think that most would agree that there is a "Jewish Look" just as there is an Irish Look, a Swedish Look, an Italian Look, etc. The question is, why is it offensive to say "you don't look Jewish" or "she looks Jewish" whereas it is not offensive to say e.g. "you don't look Irish" or "she looks so Swedish"?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here; Jew married to a Non-Jew. Responding to various points that have been brought up in this thread.

I belong to a reform synagogue that is accepting of interfaith marriage and very welcoming to all. I don't go to services but I am involved in other aspects of synagogue life, volunteering, participating in various educational opportunities etc. To me being a Jew is so much a part of my identity and I appreciate the values that Judism teaches, but the actual services or spiritual aspects do not move me. There are lots of "Jewish atheists" in my synagogue.

We have a tree and I have a Star of David topper. I'm irreverant that way. I also give a big holiday party every year and call it Chrismukka and serve brisket and latkes with candy canes and egg nog. (lots of other stuff too but you get the idea)

My friends come from all over. I don't exclusively hang out with Jews. As I mentioned above, my husband is not Jewish.

I bend over backwards to avoid the "cheap" stereotype. Eg. I never quibble about a restaurant bill and I tip well.

There is a "Jewish Look" because the grandparents and great grandparents of the majority of Jews in the U.S came from Eastern Europe and the former Soviet block countries during the years 1884-1924. My great grandparents and grandparents came from Russia and Poland.

There are many of us that don't necessarily support the current Israeli government, but all of us believe in Israel's right to exist and the need for a Jewish homeland. I didn't support the GWB administration here at home, but I was and still am proud to be an American. I don't think that being critical of the Israeli govt equates with being antisemitic. Sometimes it does, but it isn't automatic.

You all do not look Russian or Polish, you look Eastern Mediterranean.

That is ridiculous. My Jewish husband is from a Russian Jewish family and has the Jewish Look. (If he is not Jewish, then all the Jewish people in the world look like him.) My friend OTOH is married to a Russian Orthodox Christian, whose "Look" is absolutely positively NOTHING like that of my husband. Why? Because he is not Jewish.

It's not geography, it is ethnicity.

[Anonymous]

Um pp, Jews are an ethnic group that migrated from Eastern Mediterranean areas to Europe, thus, they do not look European.

[Anonymous]

If I ask you 10 questions will you give me 11 answers?

[Anonymous]

How come at multicultural night at my kid's school most of the Jewish kids said their heritage is Jewish or Israeli and not Russian/Polish etc...when that is probably more likely since you kinda can't have Israeli heritage seeing as the country is only 64 years old?