http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/06/thou-shalt-not-oppress-ger-or-should.html?showComment=1246329223768#c7345431733563486695
People are still discussing this link. Incidentally, if you look at the comments on this post, you will see that this "query yid" states, "When you are interested or not I am sincerely sorry for how you’ve been treated. And I never said I would justify how you or anyone else was treated but I can explain WHY! And the WHY is halachicly based and practiced by the majority of Orthodox!"
So Query Yid, I'm still waiting for this halachic reason to be downright nasty to someone who has already converted. Perhaps, this Query Yid is talking about those who are still in the process. If you're talking about dissuasion, that should not apply to someone who is already converted. I guess you're using a different Torah because the Jewish Torah says to love the ger over and over and over and over again.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Michal responds to a comment
Anonymous commenter said:
In my expereinces reform and modox hashkafa are very similair and the only difference is that one applies more level of observance. Still though they have a warped sense of what it means to be a Jew and what Judaism teaches. The fact that they call themselves "modern" orthodox says everything. They are more modorn then orthodox. They put the goyisha "modern" society before "orthodox" Torah. Modox is just a lesser degree of comprimising Torah for western societies norms and values. Take Ivanka Trump for instance, she is converting modox and they have already set the date of her wedding. Funny it is only a year after she started her conversion. And do you really think that she is converting for the right reasons? I dont think so! You think she will know all the 613 mitzvot? I dont think so... You think she will have even a basic understanding? lol please! Rabbi Angel and Weiss who apply this new age " open orthodox" who are becoming pure apikorsis. They are all but in cherem by most Orthodox circles. But they have wealthy backers like TRUMP who spread their ideologies. Of course it doesnt surprise me that most converts want the easy road. But guess what the best things in this world with greatest reward are the things you have to work the hardest for... The greater effort and work the more your merit! a NY Jew
Michal Says:
Unfortunately, the Modern Orthodox in Manhattan has given Modern Orthodox a bad name. There are, however, people in Brooklyn and Queens who are what I consider a true Modern Orthodox Machmir. I consider myself a true Modern Orthodox Machmir. However, that's heavy on the machmir. Plus, I don't want to be yeshivish, as I take major issue with this kollel thing where the women support the men. On the other hand, I'm not Manhattan-style Orthodox, either. Additionally, what I hear is that it changes from shul to shul what kind of Orthodox people are in Manhattan.
I will admit that my experiences with KJ and KJ people have included a serious lack of tznius. The mentality there is that women have to go to shul and be on time. However, the women quite often don't cover their hair when married or dress within proper tznius guidelines. Some are not even close. When I visited, I felt that the bar was lowered in the name of kiruv.
I have also visited Riverdale and Avi Weiss' shul, HIR. I only visited once. However, it didn't seem as bad as the KJ community. I found women to be dressed more acceptably. They did have a woman carrying the Torah the week I was there. However, I don't know if they always do that. She was a kallah, so it was part of her simchah. Someone freely told me that a woman would have a pen on her at havdalah, as she is not observant. I don't know much about Rabbi Angel's shul. I do know a girl from there who just converted and she is not like the girls at KJ. She dresses tznius. She doesn't feel the desire to carry the Torah on Simchas Torah. She would rather watch the men.
In my expereinces reform and modox hashkafa are very similair and the only difference is that one applies more level of observance. Still though they have a warped sense of what it means to be a Jew and what Judaism teaches. The fact that they call themselves "modern" orthodox says everything. They are more modorn then orthodox. They put the goyisha "modern" society before "orthodox" Torah. Modox is just a lesser degree of comprimising Torah for western societies norms and values. Take Ivanka Trump for instance, she is converting modox and they have already set the date of her wedding. Funny it is only a year after she started her conversion. And do you really think that she is converting for the right reasons? I dont think so! You think she will know all the 613 mitzvot? I dont think so... You think she will have even a basic understanding? lol please! Rabbi Angel and Weiss who apply this new age " open orthodox" who are becoming pure apikorsis. They are all but in cherem by most Orthodox circles. But they have wealthy backers like TRUMP who spread their ideologies. Of course it doesnt surprise me that most converts want the easy road. But guess what the best things in this world with greatest reward are the things you have to work the hardest for... The greater effort and work the more your merit! a NY Jew
Michal Says:
Unfortunately, the Modern Orthodox in Manhattan has given Modern Orthodox a bad name. There are, however, people in Brooklyn and Queens who are what I consider a true Modern Orthodox Machmir. I consider myself a true Modern Orthodox Machmir. However, that's heavy on the machmir. Plus, I don't want to be yeshivish, as I take major issue with this kollel thing where the women support the men. On the other hand, I'm not Manhattan-style Orthodox, either. Additionally, what I hear is that it changes from shul to shul what kind of Orthodox people are in Manhattan.
I will admit that my experiences with KJ and KJ people have included a serious lack of tznius. The mentality there is that women have to go to shul and be on time. However, the women quite often don't cover their hair when married or dress within proper tznius guidelines. Some are not even close. When I visited, I felt that the bar was lowered in the name of kiruv.
I have also visited Riverdale and Avi Weiss' shul, HIR. I only visited once. However, it didn't seem as bad as the KJ community. I found women to be dressed more acceptably. They did have a woman carrying the Torah the week I was there. However, I don't know if they always do that. She was a kallah, so it was part of her simchah. Someone freely told me that a woman would have a pen on her at havdalah, as she is not observant. I don't know much about Rabbi Angel's shul. I do know a girl from there who just converted and she is not like the girls at KJ. She dresses tznius. She doesn't feel the desire to carry the Torah on Simchas Torah. She would rather watch the men.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Chareidi vs. ??? conversions...
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1245924932778&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
In this article, they hint that non-chareidi conversions are lax. BALANCE, people! There is a difference between Modern Orthodox and Reform despite what these people think and would have yout think.
Well, anyhow, the point of this article is that Rabbi Amar is asserting his power as chief rabbi over Israel (Sephardic). The author of the article hints that it's because of Sherman's outspoken overturn of conversions.
In this article, they hint that non-chareidi conversions are lax. BALANCE, people! There is a difference between Modern Orthodox and Reform despite what these people think and would have yout think.
Well, anyhow, the point of this article is that Rabbi Amar is asserting his power as chief rabbi over Israel (Sephardic). The author of the article hints that it's because of Sherman's outspoken overturn of conversions.
A convert throws in her two shekels on the overturning of conversions
Related links:
http://haemtza.blogspot.com/2009/06/oppressing-convert.html
http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c40_a16169/News/Israel.html
http://www.alizahausman.net/2009/06/continuing-plight-of-converts.html
I'm torn on this issue. On one hand, as a sincere and observant gyoress, it scares me that someone maybe would accuse me of being insincere and poof, people would believe them because they were born Jewish and I wasn't. Also, I think the public hears this stuff and that's why sometimes they can be downright nasty and horrible to me and other gerim.
On the OTHER hand, I could say a thing or two about insincere converts. First off, it hurts me personally, because when the general Jewish public comes across insincere converts repeatedly, they are more apt to expect me to be insincere. Additionally, as someone who's been in the classes and spoken to prospective converts, I'm telling you there are insincere that get through. However, most of them are fooling the rabbis, so they have no idea what is going on.
My sponsoring rabbi told me with regards to the insincere converts that the rabbis know what they are doing. This is to say that the rabbis will figure out if they are insincere. However, I'm not so sure they do.
In closing, I want to tell you very clearly, who is sincere and who is not is NOT black and white or cut and dry. Sometimes, they are converting for marriage and they are serious. For example, one of my friends converted Reform, so she got on EHarmony, "I'm Jewish seeking Jewish." The guy she found on E-Harmony had a relative who knew her conversion was no good. She is just finishing up her Orthodox conversion. She, on the surface, seems to be a conversion for marriage, however, she was already attracted to the Jewish faith.
I think that Hashem brings those of us who are supposed to be Jewish into His world. I was interested in the Jewish religion when I started working for a Jewish man. I took this as a sign from Hashem.
In contrast, I have seen and heard things to make me think that some of the single girls who are converting NOT for marriage are just hoping to land a rich Jewish guy post-conversion.
I will blog this more after Shabbos. For now, I'm just going to put this up.
http://haemtza.blogspot.com/2009/06/oppressing-convert.html
http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c40_a16169/News/Israel.html
http://www.alizahausman.net/2009/06/continuing-plight-of-converts.html
I'm torn on this issue. On one hand, as a sincere and observant gyoress, it scares me that someone maybe would accuse me of being insincere and poof, people would believe them because they were born Jewish and I wasn't. Also, I think the public hears this stuff and that's why sometimes they can be downright nasty and horrible to me and other gerim.
On the OTHER hand, I could say a thing or two about insincere converts. First off, it hurts me personally, because when the general Jewish public comes across insincere converts repeatedly, they are more apt to expect me to be insincere. Additionally, as someone who's been in the classes and spoken to prospective converts, I'm telling you there are insincere that get through. However, most of them are fooling the rabbis, so they have no idea what is going on.
My sponsoring rabbi told me with regards to the insincere converts that the rabbis know what they are doing. This is to say that the rabbis will figure out if they are insincere. However, I'm not so sure they do.
In closing, I want to tell you very clearly, who is sincere and who is not is NOT black and white or cut and dry. Sometimes, they are converting for marriage and they are serious. For example, one of my friends converted Reform, so she got on EHarmony, "I'm Jewish seeking Jewish." The guy she found on E-Harmony had a relative who knew her conversion was no good. She is just finishing up her Orthodox conversion. She, on the surface, seems to be a conversion for marriage, however, she was already attracted to the Jewish faith.
I think that Hashem brings those of us who are supposed to be Jewish into His world. I was interested in the Jewish religion when I started working for a Jewish man. I took this as a sign from Hashem.
In contrast, I have seen and heard things to make me think that some of the single girls who are converting NOT for marriage are just hoping to land a rich Jewish guy post-conversion.
I will blog this more after Shabbos. For now, I'm just going to put this up.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
48 questions from Facebook
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday, Shabbos
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No, I wish it more graceful
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
It used to be ham… I think that’s a problem now. I guess Turkey is left
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I hope so
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Sarcasm, me? NEVER! :- )
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE
No.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Kashi Go Lean Crunch or Golden Grahams
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Usually I kick them off and I’m forced to untie them when I put them back on.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Breyers Rocky Road
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My left pointer finger fingernail
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My mother, duh
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
plain blue long-sleeved top and a black schmati jumper and my PJ pants underneath
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Lipa Schmeltzer on You Tube at someone’s wedding
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Huh? Let’s not go there
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Vanilla, chocolate chip cookies baking challah in the oven,
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
The lady hosting me for Shabbos
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I don’t remember who sent it to me, I don’t think anyone did
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Ice skating, gymnastics, dance
27. HAIR COLOR?
not sure, blonde?
28. EYE COLOR?
blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
I have them but, I never wear them.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
steak and mashed potatos
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Disney's A knight in Camelot
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
My JCO girls
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
males tagged
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I’ve been reading the paper-Hamodia
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I have a touch pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I don’t have a TV
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
quiet
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Texas
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Many, I draw, act, sing, make people laugh, make corning rhymes
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Buffalo, NY
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
I don’t have a significant other
No
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Yesterday, Shabbos
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
No, I wish it more graceful
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
It used to be ham… I think that’s a problem now. I guess Turkey is left
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
No
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I hope so
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Sarcasm, me? NEVER! :- )
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE
No.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Kashi Go Lean Crunch or Golden Grahams
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Usually I kick them off and I’m forced to untie them when I put them back on.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Breyers Rocky Road
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My left pointer finger fingernail
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My mother, duh
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
Sure
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
plain blue long-sleeved top and a black schmati jumper and my PJ pants underneath
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Lipa Schmeltzer on You Tube at someone’s wedding
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Huh? Let’s not go there
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Vanilla, chocolate chip cookies baking challah in the oven,
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
The lady hosting me for Shabbos
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
I don’t remember who sent it to me, I don’t think anyone did
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Ice skating, gymnastics, dance
27. HAIR COLOR?
not sure, blonde?
28. EYE COLOR?
blue
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
I have them but, I never wear them.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
steak and mashed potatos
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Disney's A knight in Camelot
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
blue
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
summer
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
My JCO girls
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
males tagged
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I’ve been reading the paper-Hamodia
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
I have a touch pad
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I don’t have a TV
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S).
quiet
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
neither
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Texas
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Many, I draw, act, sing, make people laugh, make corning rhymes
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Buffalo, NY
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
Everyone's
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
I don’t have a significant other
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