"worst professor in the college! it's great that you dont have to show up to class and there are no homeworks, but the midterm and final are impossible!!! the final is cumulative, which is completley ridiculous. why does it need to be cumulative? it just makes us study double the amount of the material on the final. he is the dullest teacher"
Ummm, a professor has the right to give a cumulative exam. If you can't handle it, you don't belong in college.
"this professor is DUMB! don't teach nothing 2 test he curved test 22 points and guess what every1 still failed it. test is totally opposite what he talks about all he does is joke den give huge test midterm 50 quest final 100.. @ end i went EVERY class even HE missed 1 class i went everyclass due to fact he NEVER takes attendence wen he tries take"
No, you're dumb!
"Plz plz if possible kick him out of his chair. If possible don't let him teach the class.He is a bustard."
A later commenter asked, "what's a bustard?" I'm sure they are trying to say bastard. He's not a bastard because he didn't give you an "A."
"im warning u people. This guy is a loonatic. i dont know how hes a prefessor. I think he bribes the president to keep him on the job. He is the worst teacher i ever had. I feel like im in hell when im in his class. He should get a life and spare the students lives.Just stay away from him."
I count two spelling errors and several grammar errors.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
RCA vs. EJF or MO vs. Chareidi-same question
The RCA has issued a statement about the whole EJF thing. You can see it yourself at this link:
http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=105516
I'm also pasting it below. First, though, I want to comment.
It's interesting that RCA made a statement. For those who follow the conversion world, or even this blog, you will know there has been a back and forth between the RCA and EJF. When EJF formed and stated they were necessary to ensure better conversions, they were making a slap in the face to the RCA. RCA defended themselves in the way of articles published in the Jewish Press. I see this little back and forth as a representation of the MO vs. Chareidi question.
When this is discussed by the Modern, it's, "oh those Chareidi just go so far and they are so legalistic." They use examples of the extremists, not your average yeshivish Joe Schmo, I think though, it should be Yossi Schmoberg or Schmostein because you know, that's more Jewish-hahaha.
When you talk to the Chareidi, or even Yeshivish folks who are not as extreme, they say it's so bad to be Modern Orthodox. I was on the subway with a friend and commenter-she can ID herself if she wants, and her husband and a chasidic man sitting next to her husband just told him, (because of the kippa he was wearing, no doubt) "Modern Orthodox is bad. You shouldn't be Modern." Now there are Modern Orthodox machmir folks like myself. I keep Shabbos and kosher but, I listen to secular music. I have Led Zeppelin on right now. I would expect to date men you don't wear black and white. By the same token, I would expect those men to keep Shabbos and Kosher. I would expect that they don't expect a Tefillin date out of me. I don't think it appropriate for a religious girl to go to a bar or club. However, I do watch and go to movies (rarely, because I find them overpriced.)
I've stated which side of the equation I've chosen. Although, I have many, many Yeshivish friends and I fit in just fine with Yeshivish types, it's not me.
RCA Issues Statement Regarding Recent Developments Surrounding The Eternal Jewish Family Organization
Dec 22, 2009 -- We are deeply appalled, saddened and pained by reports that have reached us concerning alleged inappropriate behavior on the part of the chairman of the rabbinic committee of the Eternal Jewish Family, Rabbi Leib Tropper. We need to wait for more complete information before we can react fully.
Nonetheless, at this time, we would make the following points clear:
1. What we have heard, if true, violates the fundamental elements of all that Judaism holds sacred.
2. We urge anyone who might have been victimized to seek appropriate counseling and we, at the Rabbinical Council of America, remain ready to refer anyone who needs such assistance to the appropriate professionals.
3. Anyone who may have any questions of Jewish Law regarding conversions should feel free to contact our Geirut administrator, Rabbi Michoel Zylberman, at 212-807-9000 ext. 3.
For further information please contact Rabbi Barry Freundel at 202-258-5172.
http://www.rabbis.org/news/article.cfm?id=105516
I'm also pasting it below. First, though, I want to comment.
It's interesting that RCA made a statement. For those who follow the conversion world, or even this blog, you will know there has been a back and forth between the RCA and EJF. When EJF formed and stated they were necessary to ensure better conversions, they were making a slap in the face to the RCA. RCA defended themselves in the way of articles published in the Jewish Press. I see this little back and forth as a representation of the MO vs. Chareidi question.
When this is discussed by the Modern, it's, "oh those Chareidi just go so far and they are so legalistic." They use examples of the extremists, not your average yeshivish Joe Schmo, I think though, it should be Yossi Schmoberg or Schmostein because you know, that's more Jewish-hahaha.
When you talk to the Chareidi, or even Yeshivish folks who are not as extreme, they say it's so bad to be Modern Orthodox. I was on the subway with a friend and commenter-she can ID herself if she wants, and her husband and a chasidic man sitting next to her husband just told him, (because of the kippa he was wearing, no doubt) "Modern Orthodox is bad. You shouldn't be Modern." Now there are Modern Orthodox machmir folks like myself. I keep Shabbos and kosher but, I listen to secular music. I have Led Zeppelin on right now. I would expect to date men you don't wear black and white. By the same token, I would expect those men to keep Shabbos and Kosher. I would expect that they don't expect a Tefillin date out of me. I don't think it appropriate for a religious girl to go to a bar or club. However, I do watch and go to movies (rarely, because I find them overpriced.)
I've stated which side of the equation I've chosen. Although, I have many, many Yeshivish friends and I fit in just fine with Yeshivish types, it's not me.
RCA Issues Statement Regarding Recent Developments Surrounding The Eternal Jewish Family Organization
Dec 22, 2009 -- We are deeply appalled, saddened and pained by reports that have reached us concerning alleged inappropriate behavior on the part of the chairman of the rabbinic committee of the Eternal Jewish Family, Rabbi Leib Tropper. We need to wait for more complete information before we can react fully.
Nonetheless, at this time, we would make the following points clear:
1. What we have heard, if true, violates the fundamental elements of all that Judaism holds sacred.
2. We urge anyone who might have been victimized to seek appropriate counseling and we, at the Rabbinical Council of America, remain ready to refer anyone who needs such assistance to the appropriate professionals.
3. Anyone who may have any questions of Jewish Law regarding conversions should feel free to contact our Geirut administrator, Rabbi Michoel Zylberman, at 212-807-9000 ext. 3.
For further information please contact Rabbi Barry Freundel at 202-258-5172.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
How did you fair the other's holiday all around you?
Over at Frum Satire's blog, I see that he posted about how Xmas went for the readers. I thought that I would put my own response here on the blog.
I worked and to me Xmas came and went more so this year than any other year. It's my first year back in college so, I was pretty much studying for finals a lot and so, I didn't notice much except for the few times I went to the regular grocery store or the drug store and they had music playing. I live in a Jewish/Muslim neighborhood so there weren't TOOO aweful many decorations up.
I worked and to me Xmas came and went more so this year than any other year. It's my first year back in college so, I was pretty much studying for finals a lot and so, I didn't notice much except for the few times I went to the regular grocery store or the drug store and they had music playing. I live in a Jewish/Muslim neighborhood so there weren't TOOO aweful many decorations up.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Yeshivish man's reaction to the Tropper scandal...
So, I Emailed a certain yeshivish person if their opinion of EJF had changed in the last week. This is what came in my inbox as a reply to the Email:
"One man being accused of inappropriate or immoral behavior - even if it is proven to be true - does not undo an entire organization, its goals and its successes. One man was not the sumtotal of the EJF."
Hmmmmm, normally, I might agree, but, this man was the founder and forefront of EJF. Also, as mentioned in my last post, who are they to say that these goals were not being met? I went through a Charedi beis din not on their list. So, that makes a sensible person realize they are just political.
"One man being accused of inappropriate or immoral behavior - even if it is proven to be true - does not undo an entire organization, its goals and its successes. One man was not the sumtotal of the EJF."
Hmmmmm, normally, I might agree, but, this man was the founder and forefront of EJF. Also, as mentioned in my last post, who are they to say that these goals were not being met? I went through a Charedi beis din not on their list. So, that makes a sensible person realize they are just political.
Rabbi Tropper's stepping down from EJF
Members of my Yahoo group have been forwarding me a schlew of links to articles about this. I'm sure my readers are aware of the Tropper incident which has been discussed a bit on most blogs. I think I mentioned it when the story first broke out. However, I didn't write much about it including any wisecracks that I, as someone who once graced the stage of Caroline's must crack. It's in my blood to crack any and all wisecrack that come across my brainwaves. I'm going to spare the basic details, as most of my readers should be aware, if not, there are links at the bottom of this post for people to read.
Rabbi Tropper, infamous for terrorizing converts stepped down from his position in order to “pursue a variety of other interests." I suppose those other interests means finding a new woman to have an affair with, now that the old one is out of the picture. Hey, what a way to break up with someone, to record their conversations and leak them to internet!
I have to mention that I just ran across a blogger with a title I wish had been mine, "Rabbi Locks Door To Conversion, Keeps Key In His Pants." The Jewschool blog is the one that came up with this. They re-posted the Haaretz article linked below.
You know, I always knew this man and organization were no good. When I would speak to yeshivish friends, some would excitedly tell me about this organization which was trying to raise the standards of conversion. Well, Tropper was surely raising something, although, I'm not so sure it was the standards of conversion-wink-wink.
Personally, I always felt that then instead creating an organization to just do their own conversions, I felt they should work with existing organizations to create and uphold better standards.
Another thing I always found suspicious was how they tauted themselves as working to reduce the problem of intermarriage. First of all, they were not the only Orthodox group dealing with intermarried couples. Another problem with this is the high number of singles with which they worked. Hey, I thought they formed to deal with intermarriage! Uh, HUH!
http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/news/jt/national_news/conversion_agency_founder_quits_amid_controversy/16230
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1137435.html
Rabbi Tropper, infamous for terrorizing converts stepped down from his position in order to “pursue a variety of other interests." I suppose those other interests means finding a new woman to have an affair with, now that the old one is out of the picture. Hey, what a way to break up with someone, to record their conversations and leak them to internet!
I have to mention that I just ran across a blogger with a title I wish had been mine, "Rabbi Locks Door To Conversion, Keeps Key In His Pants." The Jewschool blog is the one that came up with this. They re-posted the Haaretz article linked below.
You know, I always knew this man and organization were no good. When I would speak to yeshivish friends, some would excitedly tell me about this organization which was trying to raise the standards of conversion. Well, Tropper was surely raising something, although, I'm not so sure it was the standards of conversion-wink-wink.
Personally, I always felt that then instead creating an organization to just do their own conversions, I felt they should work with existing organizations to create and uphold better standards.
Another thing I always found suspicious was how they tauted themselves as working to reduce the problem of intermarriage. First of all, they were not the only Orthodox group dealing with intermarried couples. Another problem with this is the high number of singles with which they worked. Hey, I thought they formed to deal with intermarriage! Uh, HUH!
http://www.jewishtimes.com/index.php/jewishtimes/news/jt/national_news/conversion_agency_founder_quits_amid_controversy/16230
http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1137435.html
It all comes back to men thinking they can have whatever they want....
Really, all of these requests that men make come back to men thinking they can have whatever they want. Well, chappies, it doesn't work that way. Women have the right of refusal. I know this point just evades some men. While there are some women who are somewhat desperate or they lack good judgement. I have a friend who told me she's not strong like me and she has to find a man. This is probably best. I think men prefer women like her anyhow.
I've pretty much accepted that I will be single for the rest of my life. I'm sad that it means I likely won't have kids but, my dating life is really almost non-existent and so, I just don't see myself finding that special guy. Also, as is the point of the post, the men have a laundry list of things they are looking for, often unreasonable items grace these lists. The 50 year old man wants a girl in her twenties. Sorry, boys, that is just not going to happen.
I've pretty much accepted that I will be single for the rest of my life. I'm sad that it means I likely won't have kids but, my dating life is really almost non-existent and so, I just don't see myself finding that special guy. Also, as is the point of the post, the men have a laundry list of things they are looking for, often unreasonable items grace these lists. The 50 year old man wants a girl in her twenties. Sorry, boys, that is just not going to happen.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Why do Orthodox Jews think they are entitled to insult people?
I read and comment on the bulletin board over at End the Madness once in a while. Well, recently, I posted something about how I thought I was very reasonable as I am willing to go up to ten years older than myself and that since I look ten to fifteen years younger than I am that's really all I can do. Someone comes on saying that I should post my Email in case some parties are interested. Ok, so, I go with it and post it.
What do I get in my Email box? First off, the name doesn't match who asked me for my Email in the first place. Second, he tells me he can set me up with a guy 13 years older than me (doesn't say if he has kids), also that he (the email sender) has to meet me first, which I thought was a little strange. I said, "no, that's too old." The response to this was that the sages deemed women my age-34-as unfertile and therefore I should be greatful that he offered to help me. Also, I was told that my looking younger than my age.... that since the years caught up to him, they will catch up to me, too.
What the heck? Where do these men get off? This is why I don't try to get married anymore. I didn't even go to this man, he came to me from an offhanded comment on site to discuss dating, not a solitation for dates. These men think they are G-d's gift to women and G-d's green earth. In the secular world, men told me how beautiful I was and how young I looked but, hey they were just trying to sleep with me.
I stand by the statement I've made before, men do not want to get married. Furthermore, religious single men are hypocrits. They will only date that which is way out of their league and then they call themselves observant. Men are obligated to marry and have children, not women. When men spend years dating women out of their league, never giving great women a chance because they are always deciding they deserve better. Is it really going to kill men to consider women 5 to 10 years younger than themselves instead of trying to hold out for 15 to 20 years? Are men going to curl up and die if they marry a size 10 instead of a 2? The answer is no. They are looking for something to brag about marrying and not someone with which to be happy. I really think this is a big contribution to the divorce rate. If you marry someone based on how much you can brag to people about whom you've married then you are not likely to find someone who is compatible, will make you happy and support you emotionally for many years.
What do I get in my Email box? First off, the name doesn't match who asked me for my Email in the first place. Second, he tells me he can set me up with a guy 13 years older than me (doesn't say if he has kids), also that he (the email sender) has to meet me first, which I thought was a little strange. I said, "no, that's too old." The response to this was that the sages deemed women my age-34-as unfertile and therefore I should be greatful that he offered to help me. Also, I was told that my looking younger than my age.... that since the years caught up to him, they will catch up to me, too.
What the heck? Where do these men get off? This is why I don't try to get married anymore. I didn't even go to this man, he came to me from an offhanded comment on site to discuss dating, not a solitation for dates. These men think they are G-d's gift to women and G-d's green earth. In the secular world, men told me how beautiful I was and how young I looked but, hey they were just trying to sleep with me.
I stand by the statement I've made before, men do not want to get married. Furthermore, religious single men are hypocrits. They will only date that which is way out of their league and then they call themselves observant. Men are obligated to marry and have children, not women. When men spend years dating women out of their league, never giving great women a chance because they are always deciding they deserve better. Is it really going to kill men to consider women 5 to 10 years younger than themselves instead of trying to hold out for 15 to 20 years? Are men going to curl up and die if they marry a size 10 instead of a 2? The answer is no. They are looking for something to brag about marrying and not someone with which to be happy. I really think this is a big contribution to the divorce rate. If you marry someone based on how much you can brag to people about whom you've married then you are not likely to find someone who is compatible, will make you happy and support you emotionally for many years.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Yippeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!
Michal BREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEATHES a big fat sigh of relief. FINALS ARE OVER!!!! I had three of them today. I don't think I was ever this glad to finish a semester before. After all, I did attend two different colleges before, even if it's been a decade. All I've been doing is working and studying and doing homework. Of course, I'm working the rest of the week and people are asking me to work for them so much, I doubt I'll get much relaxation time in over break. I must sneak in some time for myself.
My last exam was my Accounting exam. It's departmental but, my professor was there when I was handing my exam. He said, "how's my best student?" Ah! I don't think I've ever been called the best student of a teacher before. That was sooooooooo cool!
My last exam was my Accounting exam. It's departmental but, my professor was there when I was handing my exam. He said, "how's my best student?" Ah! I don't think I've ever been called the best student of a teacher before. That was sooooooooo cool!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
I don't like Rabbi Tropper but, I listened to the "tapes" on YouTube.
I don't like Rabbi Tropper but, I listened to the "tapes" on YouTube. She isn't exactly saying no on them. She says "doing is easier than talking..." Go and listen. I listened to all five tracts and she says it more than once. The quality isn't so great but, she seems to be saying it would be easier to do the other men than it would be to have phone sex with them. He keeps telling her she doesn't have to do what she isn't comfortable with.
What do people think about a woman who isn't even trying to end this? Listen to the tapes, she wanted to marry him or something.
What do people think about a woman who isn't even trying to end this? Listen to the tapes, she wanted to marry him or something.
Albert Einstein's friend and his marriage...
As my regular readers know, I am taking a class this semester, "Paradoxes and the Limits of Knowledge." It's a sweet mixture of science, philosophy, math and computers. The professor has a charming personality. Anywho, as I take a break from my Microeconomics headache, I thought I'd blog some thoughts I had about Kurt Godel, a character who popped up throughout the course.
Kurt Godel was a mathematician and friend of Albert Einstein's (I had to put that in the title to draw you all in...) Kurt Godel was nicknamed at a young age, Mr. Why, as he was always asking why from a very young age. Michal smiles, as my mother used to ask me, "why are you always analyzing everything to death???" I guess it stands to support my career goal of Market Research Analyst. Ok, train of thought derailed... BACK... ON TRACK!
So, I was reading about this great Mathematician's marriage and I had some thoughts. You see, it occured to me how different his marriage was from the way we are viewing dating and marriage nowadays, especially in the Jewish community. His wife Adele was not some trophy wife as all the men seem to be looking for nowadays. She was thin, yes, I'll grant you that. However, she was six years older and had a disfigured face. This is hardly what the good shidduch stuff is made of in the Jewish circles these days.
Now, it seems impressive that Kurt Godel was probably the greatest mathematician of his time ONLY behind Albert Einstein. He lectured in the hallowed halls of Princeton. He came with so much stature and prestige. Yet, he was not the model husband. What? No, he was a bit... not well. He was convinced someone was poisoning his food. He kept a diary of things like his body temperature and milk of magnesia consumption. This man made his wife test his food for him. This is hardly what the good shidduch stuff is made of in the Jewish circles these days.
So, I think about what would happen to these two in today's shidduch world. Mind you, he was surely not Jewish. She was a Catholic divorcee. In reality, they were devoted to each other, despite the faults they each had. Anyhow, in today's shidduch world, I think they would match him up with size 2 Princesses 10 to 15 years younger. Adele, they would not set up. If they did set her up, it would be with men much older who would be upset that she had a facial disfigurement. If either got married, they would like get divorced...
Just a thought....
Kurt Godel was a mathematician and friend of Albert Einstein's (I had to put that in the title to draw you all in...) Kurt Godel was nicknamed at a young age, Mr. Why, as he was always asking why from a very young age. Michal smiles, as my mother used to ask me, "why are you always analyzing everything to death???" I guess it stands to support my career goal of Market Research Analyst. Ok, train of thought derailed... BACK... ON TRACK!
So, I was reading about this great Mathematician's marriage and I had some thoughts. You see, it occured to me how different his marriage was from the way we are viewing dating and marriage nowadays, especially in the Jewish community. His wife Adele was not some trophy wife as all the men seem to be looking for nowadays. She was thin, yes, I'll grant you that. However, she was six years older and had a disfigured face. This is hardly what the good shidduch stuff is made of in the Jewish circles these days.
Now, it seems impressive that Kurt Godel was probably the greatest mathematician of his time ONLY behind Albert Einstein. He lectured in the hallowed halls of Princeton. He came with so much stature and prestige. Yet, he was not the model husband. What? No, he was a bit... not well. He was convinced someone was poisoning his food. He kept a diary of things like his body temperature and milk of magnesia consumption. This man made his wife test his food for him. This is hardly what the good shidduch stuff is made of in the Jewish circles these days.
So, I think about what would happen to these two in today's shidduch world. Mind you, he was surely not Jewish. She was a Catholic divorcee. In reality, they were devoted to each other, despite the faults they each had. Anyhow, in today's shidduch world, I think they would match him up with size 2 Princesses 10 to 15 years younger. Adele, they would not set up. If they did set her up, it would be with men much older who would be upset that she had a facial disfigurement. If either got married, they would like get divorced...
Just a thought....
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Public figures and Lashon Hara...
I'm not approving the comment someone wants me to put up. They wrote out this long comment about how I have to stop "speaking lashon hara" about Ivanka Trump's conversion. Just as we are entitled to state what we think about politians, we are entitled to state what we think of any public figure. Furthermore, this person mentions that I shouldn't be telling people information that they don't already know. Well, I think most people already know that Ivanka doesn't dress tznius. I have nothing against her as a person. If she wanted to run around in her scantily clad outfits that would have been fine. I don't care what the non-Jews wear. However, she chose to convert Orthodox. If my friend who is a fan of hers and not Jewish thinks the conversion is a sham, and I want to post about that, I will. It's not Lashon Hara. As I stated, we are permitted to discuss public figures. Ask your rabbi if you're allowed to discuss the polititians, you are. Why? They are public figures. The rules surrounding discussing public figures are different.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Responding to an Ivanka Trump comment...
The following comment was posted on a Nov. post:
http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/10/ivanka-trump-and-her-conversion-came-up.html
Anonymous said...
You should all be ashamed of yourselves. No matter what she wears, eats or whom she marries it is unimaginably difficult for ANYONE to defy the traditions with which they were raised (even if the extent of those traditions was an annual trip to the mall to sit on Santa's lap) for themselves LET ALONE for the person they love. Who are any of you to judge her commitment? Has any of you had the guts to stand up to your family, to the public, or your critics to do something so life-altering? You're all gross.
My response:
Michaltastik said...
Honey, I'm a convert myself. Another thing I don't think you understand is the Jewish religion doesn't support people converting for marriage but continuing in their old ways. As long as she doesn't dress Orthodox, she didn't change. How did she change?
Have we had the guts to stand up to our family to make a life-altering change. Well, my family's dead but, I had plenty of co-workers who had something to say about it. I'll bet they didn't make anti-semitic comments to Ivanka at the office.
http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/10/ivanka-trump-and-her-conversion-came-up.html
Anonymous said...
You should all be ashamed of yourselves. No matter what she wears, eats or whom she marries it is unimaginably difficult for ANYONE to defy the traditions with which they were raised (even if the extent of those traditions was an annual trip to the mall to sit on Santa's lap) for themselves LET ALONE for the person they love. Who are any of you to judge her commitment? Has any of you had the guts to stand up to your family, to the public, or your critics to do something so life-altering? You're all gross.
My response:
Michaltastik said...
Honey, I'm a convert myself. Another thing I don't think you understand is the Jewish religion doesn't support people converting for marriage but continuing in their old ways. As long as she doesn't dress Orthodox, she didn't change. How did she change?
Have we had the guts to stand up to our family to make a life-altering change. Well, my family's dead but, I had plenty of co-workers who had something to say about it. I'll bet they didn't make anti-semitic comments to Ivanka at the office.
EJF leader, Tropper goes down?
You MUST check out this link. Could this be for real? I always knew this guy was shady, I just never thought he'd get caught.
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/12/17/1009796/eternal-jewish-family-head-resigns
http://jta.org/news/article/2009/12/17/1009796/eternal-jewish-family-head-resigns
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
What my non-Jewish friend thinks of Ivanka's conversion
I reconnected with one of my non-Jewish friends. So, she and I were talking about everything we've been up to during the last few years. We lost touch when I was early in my conversion process.
So, anyhow, she started telling me how she likes Twitter and the stars even have Twitter accounts you can read. I said, "I know, I've heard about Donald Trump's daughter having a twitter because she's a Jewish convert but doesn't put anything up about being Jewish." My friend burst out, "WHAT??? Oh, because that guy she married is Jewish." So, I said, "yeah, she actually had an Orthodox conversion so, I blog about her...."
"WHAT??! Ivanka's not Orthodox! She's still wearing those skirts and those clothes. I ought to know, I'm a fan of hers and I keep up. I love her but, one thing she is not, is Orthodox. She's not fooling anyone." I told my friend, "yeah, that's one of the things I blog about, Ivanka's conversion to Judaism and I'm going to blog this exchange." She laughed...
So, anyhow, she started telling me how she likes Twitter and the stars even have Twitter accounts you can read. I said, "I know, I've heard about Donald Trump's daughter having a twitter because she's a Jewish convert but doesn't put anything up about being Jewish." My friend burst out, "WHAT??? Oh, because that guy she married is Jewish." So, I said, "yeah, she actually had an Orthodox conversion so, I blog about her...."
"WHAT??! Ivanka's not Orthodox! She's still wearing those skirts and those clothes. I ought to know, I'm a fan of hers and I keep up. I love her but, one thing she is not, is Orthodox. She's not fooling anyone." I told my friend, "yeah, that's one of the things I blog about, Ivanka's conversion to Judaism and I'm going to blog this exchange." She laughed...
Why don't you...
I was discussing on the ETM board, I don't know if they will post it, I think hosts feel like we owe them because we are at their house. Right there, they lost their mitzvah points for that one. Then I went on to say...
Another one of my pet peeves is a bunch of, "why don't you do this?" "why don't you do that?" "Why don't you become a therapist instead of going to school for business?" "why don't you move?" I think people look stupid when they say these things. It should stand to reason that if it's my life, I've already thought of whether or not I want to do X, Y or Z long before you did. If not, then you are even more nosy. Tact, they have to teach people tact in the Jewish community.
Another one of my pet peeves is a bunch of, "why don't you do this?" "why don't you do that?" "Why don't you become a therapist instead of going to school for business?" "why don't you move?" I think people look stupid when they say these things. It should stand to reason that if it's my life, I've already thought of whether or not I want to do X, Y or Z long before you did. If not, then you are even more nosy. Tact, they have to teach people tact in the Jewish community.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The REAL cause of the Shidduch Crisis
Is that which I posted about in the last post and everything related to it. Singles have become too picky. This man said he's only attracted to a size two. Who's to say if a size two girl is attracted to him. Everyone wants the best and not everyone can be the best so, therefore not everyone can have the best. If it isn't the men demanding a size two, it's the women who want the top learner in Lakewood or the man who makes the most and is gorgeous.
Myself, I just want a guy who I enjoy his company and we can build a life together. He has to have personality, though. I can't compromise that.
Myself, I just want a guy who I enjoy his company and we can build a life together. He has to have personality, though. I can't compromise that.
Responding to a response about the dress size question
Over on the ETM-End the Madness discussion group a man has come in and stated that he is only attracted to a size 2. This guy points out that Eva Langoria is deemed the most beautiful woman in the world and SHE is a size 0. Aren't we women lucky that men are only asking for 2 instead of 0? How much do men really even know the difference between these sizes, anyhow?
My response, as posted on the ETM board:
I want to point out, there are other things that can add or take away from attractiveness. If a woman is a size two but she has nasty skin, this will be a contributing factor. What about youth? What about a woman who is 34 and yet looks like she is twenty complete with radiating skin and hair that looks like spun gold. Oh, but, if she is a not a size 2, it's out of the question. There are a lot of sizes between 2 and 22.
I recommend that people be realistic and think about what they have to offer and what they can't offer. Then they should think about what is most important to them and prioritize. If "2" is what's most important, then men are being shallow and should be ready for a girl who treats them bad because many women will lose weight just so they can be a demanding little princess. I'm not saying every small girl is like that, but, it's something to consider.
Another last tidbit, what two looks like on every girl is different. I have a friend who is a two and she still looks big. On most girls, however, they would look immaciated. How about saying, "not too big..." or pretty face is more important than size. Perhaps, size IS more important than a pretty face.
To sum up, it's a give and take. All singles have to be realistic. Many women, want rich, very rich and goood looking....
My response, as posted on the ETM board:
I want to point out, there are other things that can add or take away from attractiveness. If a woman is a size two but she has nasty skin, this will be a contributing factor. What about youth? What about a woman who is 34 and yet looks like she is twenty complete with radiating skin and hair that looks like spun gold. Oh, but, if she is a not a size 2, it's out of the question. There are a lot of sizes between 2 and 22.
I recommend that people be realistic and think about what they have to offer and what they can't offer. Then they should think about what is most important to them and prioritize. If "2" is what's most important, then men are being shallow and should be ready for a girl who treats them bad because many women will lose weight just so they can be a demanding little princess. I'm not saying every small girl is like that, but, it's something to consider.
Another last tidbit, what two looks like on every girl is different. I have a friend who is a two and she still looks big. On most girls, however, they would look immaciated. How about saying, "not too big..." or pretty face is more important than size. Perhaps, size IS more important than a pretty face.
To sum up, it's a give and take. All singles have to be realistic. Many women, want rich, very rich and goood looking....
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Judaism and the value of privacy....
Man, I am SOOOOOOO Freaking sick and tired of the community sticking their noses into my business. They are going to push a lot of people off the derech with that and I don't think Hashem will judge the OTDs like he'll judge those who pushed them there. This is the whole reason why we have a shidduch crisis. People are afraid to find someone that will make them happy if it's not a spouse who people will find acceptable.
I stopped going to people for Shabbos because of this. Now, I could never dream of breaking Shabbos but, there's a lot of people out there who will feel entitled to watch TV and use the computer on Shabbos because they are single and they won't go to families because the women are mean and make snotty comments which reveal their truly crappy middos.
When I went to the beis din for my conversion, one of the rabbis asked me to recite the paragraph starting with, "ma tovo elehayah..." It's funny the men start their davening with this paragraph. Does anyone know what the commentary in the Artscroll talks about? "How goodly are your tents!" The tents were goodly because none of the openings faced into each other. Privacy was prioritized. Veterans converts in my Yahoo group tell me and others in the group that we should just get over these intrusions people feel they can make into our lives. After all, no one had privacy in the shetl and so we must tell our business so others feel safe around us.
Tznius is about keeping that which needs to be private, private. Therefore, it is about not just keeping our skirts down and our elbows covered but it's about not sharing everything with others. When others fire nosy and personal question after nosy and personal question at us, it's no different from if they were to pull up a girl's skirt. It disgusts me when they do this. They feel that when you are single they have the right to ask whatever they want. Why should they feel as such? They shouldn't. It's time we speak up for ourselves.
I stopped going to people for Shabbos because of this. Now, I could never dream of breaking Shabbos but, there's a lot of people out there who will feel entitled to watch TV and use the computer on Shabbos because they are single and they won't go to families because the women are mean and make snotty comments which reveal their truly crappy middos.
When I went to the beis din for my conversion, one of the rabbis asked me to recite the paragraph starting with, "ma tovo elehayah..." It's funny the men start their davening with this paragraph. Does anyone know what the commentary in the Artscroll talks about? "How goodly are your tents!" The tents were goodly because none of the openings faced into each other. Privacy was prioritized. Veterans converts in my Yahoo group tell me and others in the group that we should just get over these intrusions people feel they can make into our lives. After all, no one had privacy in the shetl and so we must tell our business so others feel safe around us.
Tznius is about keeping that which needs to be private, private. Therefore, it is about not just keeping our skirts down and our elbows covered but it's about not sharing everything with others. When others fire nosy and personal question after nosy and personal question at us, it's no different from if they were to pull up a girl's skirt. It disgusts me when they do this. They feel that when you are single they have the right to ask whatever they want. Why should they feel as such? They shouldn't. It's time we speak up for ourselves.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Partners in Crime!
One of my facebook friends was telling me how she and a friend were partners in crime. So, it reminded me of my best friend from college-well college the first time. We broke into the science building at our college and went up to the roof and looked at the plants... in the middle of the night! Ah, those were the days!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Another highlight from rate my....
"Disapointed. Although he knows the material, he can't expain it. His examples are amature. Terable attitude and arrogant. Heavy accent (Russian). You can pass with A if u READ READ READ the book: 70% is T/F 20% is MC and 10% worked problems. Ironicly all he'll do is math (cant speak english well). No partial credit, no curve. Good luck."
Ahem, he can't speak English well? Neither can you.
Ahem, he can't speak English well? Neither can you.
Disgusting Jewish language!
It's disgusting the way they call women a tragedy for not being married. One of the blogs I follow, follows "The Curious Jew," or Chana. She was sent a link to this video and her reaction is found at: http://curiousjew.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-am-not-tragedy.html
Now, I'm 34, so, I'm beyond a tradgedy or am I? If you look at the video, you see they only care about BAIS YAAKOV girls. They don't care about Modern Orthodox girls. They don't care about Converts. They don't care about the orphans. This is about the parents of BY girls being upset that their precious little darlings aren't married. The reality is that the age gap isn't the only contributing factor. Many boys are marrying foreign girls. More boys are falling off the derech than girls. Also, I want to see stats of what percent of yeshiva bochurim aren't married.
Now, I'm 34, so, I'm beyond a tradgedy or am I? If you look at the video, you see they only care about BAIS YAAKOV girls. They don't care about Modern Orthodox girls. They don't care about Converts. They don't care about the orphans. This is about the parents of BY girls being upset that their precious little darlings aren't married. The reality is that the age gap isn't the only contributing factor. Many boys are marrying foreign girls. More boys are falling off the derech than girls. Also, I want to see stats of what percent of yeshiva bochurim aren't married.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Ladies: watch out for this common married man scam...
One of my FB friends has a status up whereas, some man told her his wife does do this that at the other thing for him. She feels BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD for him. I tried to explain to her what was going on.
Ladies,
Please read this. It's important.
THIS is a commom scam, if you will, that men use on women. They try to make you feel bad for them. The next step is he will act like it's so bad he might get divorced. He will work this and make you FEEEEEEEEEEEL bad for him. If you were to insist that he divorce her and marry you before he lays a hand on you.... He... See More will have a fit and tell you his wife is wonderful and HOW DARE YOU suggest such a thing. Suddenly, he will admit that really she is wonderful and does all the things above and more. He is in fact a douchebag who can't keep it in his pants and cheats on her using this scam to reel his playthings in. Meanwhile, she is home tending to the kids, cooking, cleaning and trying to look pretty for him.
I repeat, the whole thing is a lie. One should not believe everythign they are told-especially by a man who obviously wants a little extra.... Well, as a 34 year old woman, it's incredibly obvious to me, as I've seen this one too many times before. You are younger and you aren't used to married men...
When a man tells you this stuff, you should tell him it's inappropriate for him to tell you this. Use your brains: he is speaking lashon hara about the woman he's supposed to be devoted to. What does that make him? (Ahem, a douchebag.) If he needs to speak to someone, it should be:
1) his wife
2) his rabbi
3) a professional counselor...
4) NOOOOOOOOOT you!
Rabbi Wallerstein always talks about this stuff. He sees it a lot where married men come to a married woman they work with and state that she has such a good marriage and he doesn't, "can you help me?"
The answer is: "no, this is not my place."
Also, men will come to women at work and argue with them/play their sympathy about Judaism requires Jews to date Jews. We're racist, right? That's what they say. I usually tell them, "well, I wouldn't consider a Jew who doesn't keep Shabbos and Kosher so, you see that it's not a race thing. It's a religion thing. I'm only looking for something compatible. Someone who doesn't keep Shabbos and Kosher is not compatible. Non-Jews donnot do this."
Ok, I have to get back to my accounting...
Ladies,
Please read this. It's important.
THIS is a commom scam, if you will, that men use on women. They try to make you feel bad for them. The next step is he will act like it's so bad he might get divorced. He will work this and make you FEEEEEEEEEEEL bad for him. If you were to insist that he divorce her and marry you before he lays a hand on you.... He... See More will have a fit and tell you his wife is wonderful and HOW DARE YOU suggest such a thing. Suddenly, he will admit that really she is wonderful and does all the things above and more. He is in fact a douchebag who can't keep it in his pants and cheats on her using this scam to reel his playthings in. Meanwhile, she is home tending to the kids, cooking, cleaning and trying to look pretty for him.
I repeat, the whole thing is a lie. One should not believe everythign they are told-especially by a man who obviously wants a little extra.... Well, as a 34 year old woman, it's incredibly obvious to me, as I've seen this one too many times before. You are younger and you aren't used to married men...
When a man tells you this stuff, you should tell him it's inappropriate for him to tell you this. Use your brains: he is speaking lashon hara about the woman he's supposed to be devoted to. What does that make him? (Ahem, a douchebag.) If he needs to speak to someone, it should be:
1) his wife
2) his rabbi
3) a professional counselor...
4) NOOOOOOOOOT you!
Rabbi Wallerstein always talks about this stuff. He sees it a lot where married men come to a married woman they work with and state that she has such a good marriage and he doesn't, "can you help me?"
The answer is: "no, this is not my place."
Also, men will come to women at work and argue with them/play their sympathy about Judaism requires Jews to date Jews. We're racist, right? That's what they say. I usually tell them, "well, I wouldn't consider a Jew who doesn't keep Shabbos and Kosher so, you see that it's not a race thing. It's a religion thing. I'm only looking for something compatible. Someone who doesn't keep Shabbos and Kosher is not compatible. Non-Jews donnot do this."
Ok, I have to get back to my accounting...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Real Snow Storm
Well, one of my Facebook friends says he can't wait for a real snow storm. So, I said that to me, having grown up in Buffalo, I know snow like Bo don't know.... The last blizzard I was around for was the "storm of the century" or the blizzard of 2000. So, here are some pictures:
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/buffalo/4.html
That picture is the view I had from my job at the time which I was stranded at overnight. Ok, to be fair, they reimbursed for us to stay in a hotel and actually, those of us from that place got the last rooms.
There was also a nice snow the winter of 1998-1999. I remember it was the winter before I went into the Army. I went into the Army April of 1999. During this storm, I looked out the window at my car which was in the driveway and all I could see was about 6 inches of window. The rest was a great big lump of white. They put driving bans into effect. The businesses were forced to shut down for a couple days. I don't know how much food I had, but, I must have had something. I usually had a good stock of soup. I used to love to eat Campell's Chunky Sirloin Burger soup with cheese in it-soooooooooooo, not kosher.
I also remember a blizzard in the 80's. I wanted to say that it was in 1984 but, it couldn't have been. I remember which teacher I had. I had her for 5th and 6th grade. I think it was '85 or '86. We were off school for a week. We played in the snow: me, my sister and our friends from the neighborhood. We went sledding on the giant mound of snow in the backyard. Ah, those were the days!
http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/buffalo/4.html
That picture is the view I had from my job at the time which I was stranded at overnight. Ok, to be fair, they reimbursed for us to stay in a hotel and actually, those of us from that place got the last rooms.
There was also a nice snow the winter of 1998-1999. I remember it was the winter before I went into the Army. I went into the Army April of 1999. During this storm, I looked out the window at my car which was in the driveway and all I could see was about 6 inches of window. The rest was a great big lump of white. They put driving bans into effect. The businesses were forced to shut down for a couple days. I don't know how much food I had, but, I must have had something. I usually had a good stock of soup. I used to love to eat Campell's Chunky Sirloin Burger soup with cheese in it-soooooooooooo, not kosher.
I also remember a blizzard in the 80's. I wanted to say that it was in 1984 but, it couldn't have been. I remember which teacher I had. I had her for 5th and 6th grade. I think it was '85 or '86. We were off school for a week. We played in the snow: me, my sister and our friends from the neighborhood. We went sledding on the giant mound of snow in the backyard. Ah, those were the days!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bird.. Bird... Bird is the word...
I drew these way back when I worked as receptionist/billing clerk/customer service agent/it doesn't fit in a category so, let's give it to Nicole to do. The girl who sat by the reception desk was really into birds, so these are recreations of her pictures. I thought I'd put them up.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Business majors are dead people...
I find my fellow business majors to be lacking in personality and zest for life. They think I'm a weirdo.
I was sitting in my 11am class but, the professor had not yet arrived to enlighten our minds quite, yet. I was looking through my Facebook notifications because, you know, what else would I do while waiting for the class to start... well, I saw the following comment after me on someone's status:
"If I lived in Boro Park I would have nightmares of those furry hats growing curly legs and chasing me :P"
(If you are regular reader you know that I don't live in Boro Park. The person who had the original status is. The commenter from above is also not.)
Anyhow, I BURST out laughing. I found it funny. Do you know that this guy who is actually in all four of my classes (not that he actually shows up most of the time)
started talking about me to his friend? He was bothered that you know, I can actually find something funny. Well, they may rule me to have to much zest and humor appreciation. I rule that they have the personality of a wet sock. Doh!
I was sitting in my 11am class but, the professor had not yet arrived to enlighten our minds quite, yet. I was looking through my Facebook notifications because, you know, what else would I do while waiting for the class to start... well, I saw the following comment after me on someone's status:
"If I lived in Boro Park I would have nightmares of those furry hats growing curly legs and chasing me :P"
(If you are regular reader you know that I don't live in Boro Park. The person who had the original status is. The commenter from above is also not.)
Anyhow, I BURST out laughing. I found it funny. Do you know that this guy who is actually in all four of my classes (not that he actually shows up most of the time)
started talking about me to his friend? He was bothered that you know, I can actually find something funny. Well, they may rule me to have to much zest and humor appreciation. I rule that they have the personality of a wet sock. Doh!
Picture of Michal....
You didn't think I'd really post something the stalkers might enjoy, did you?
Another sappy post....
ANONYMOUS who is against Israel... you must read this
This is from the long trail of comments on the last post....
Well, ANONYMOUS person who started this... DO YOU SEE THAT?!?
The other thing is that I think you were not realizing that while I see an intrisic value to Israel, I do see this as, we all hope, an intermediary between between diaspora and the Israel davened for.
Proof that no one, not even the Modern Orthodox Zionists see this Israel as the "end all, be all Israel" is in the fact that the rabbis haven't taken out of the siddur to daven for Israel. We continue to daven for that Israel because this Israel is not that Israel. However, we are no longer in the same total diaspora situation we were in prior to (this) Israel. We are somewhere in between. We commemorate the "in-between" state that we are in.
Perhaps, you could be a beacon to explain this misunderstanding to others. That is, if that wasn't too confusing.
Well, ANONYMOUS person who started this... DO YOU SEE THAT?!?
The other thing is that I think you were not realizing that while I see an intrisic value to Israel, I do see this as, we all hope, an intermediary between between diaspora and the Israel davened for.
Proof that no one, not even the Modern Orthodox Zionists see this Israel as the "end all, be all Israel" is in the fact that the rabbis haven't taken out of the siddur to daven for Israel. We continue to daven for that Israel because this Israel is not that Israel. However, we are no longer in the same total diaspora situation we were in prior to (this) Israel. We are somewhere in between. We commemorate the "in-between" state that we are in.
Perhaps, you could be a beacon to explain this misunderstanding to others. That is, if that wasn't too confusing.
Let's clarify...
When I said that someone who demonstrates against Israel isn't Jewish, I really meant in that behavior of protesting the Jewish land, they are un-Jewish. If someone burns a US flag.. they are unAmerican. I know some of you don't agree but, Israel is the only Jewish land. Israel is the only land where THE national holidays are the Jewish holidays. I agree with those who say that we really don't know how safe we are in another country. Sure, we may be safe now... but, who knows how long that will last. I agree that many American Jews are disconnected greatly from the land of Israel. When I went to see Jaffa, the Israeli movie:
http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/11/jaffa-israeli-indie-film-review.html
at the reception afterwards, I overheard people who had been to Israel once telling others about it. One specific snipet I heard was, "it was very hard to get around because it was THE SHABBAT." Who says, "the shabbat" anyway? Obviously this person was barely, if at all aware of what Shabbos is supposed to be. Now, I bet the secular Israelis have a better grasp of Shabbos. It showed that indeed, most American Jews are too disconnected and cofortable in the diaspora.
The idea that we have a whole nation full of Jews... it intrigues me. Israelis are different than American Jews. In America, Jews are kinda similar. There's the stereotype of the JAP and the pencil pusher with glasses... In Israel, the Jews are everyone not just a population. It's ssssssssoooooooooo different. Ok, I admit this is my feeling from talking to people and watching my secular Israeli videos. Sidenote: MAN, are the Israeli men hotter in Israel! Anyway, I definately want to at least make my first trip to Israel: for the men and just to be in the Jewish land....
http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/11/jaffa-israeli-indie-film-review.html
at the reception afterwards, I overheard people who had been to Israel once telling others about it. One specific snipet I heard was, "it was very hard to get around because it was THE SHABBAT." Who says, "the shabbat" anyway? Obviously this person was barely, if at all aware of what Shabbos is supposed to be. Now, I bet the secular Israelis have a better grasp of Shabbos. It showed that indeed, most American Jews are too disconnected and cofortable in the diaspora.
The idea that we have a whole nation full of Jews... it intrigues me. Israelis are different than American Jews. In America, Jews are kinda similar. There's the stereotype of the JAP and the pencil pusher with glasses... In Israel, the Jews are everyone not just a population. It's ssssssssoooooooooo different. Ok, I admit this is my feeling from talking to people and watching my secular Israeli videos. Sidenote: MAN, are the Israeli men hotter in Israel! Anyway, I definately want to at least make my first trip to Israel: for the men and just to be in the Jewish land....
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
An anti-Israel comment from a Jew...
If you look back to this September post, you will see a nasty little commment against Israel from someone who seems to be saying they are Jewish.
http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/09/jews-who-rally-against-israel-what.html
The comment is as follows:
Anonymous said...
I really have an issue with anyone questioning someone elses Jewishness especially when either one of those ppl is a convert. The issue with Israel is long and complicated. According to your blog they were protesting the "State of Israel". Well from what I've heard and seen I question the "State of Israel" as well. I mean really, when Hashem promised us this land did He really intend that we should have prostitution and such there? Was that really the goal? After years of persecution and rejection of Jews all over the world that some should come to the Jewish homeland and still be rejected and persecuted by your own people? The "State of Israel" and state in which Israel is in is seriously flawed and you have no right to question anyone's Jewishness for speaking out.
And speaking of "handing it over to the Arabs", you do realize that we Jews got kicked out of Israel for disobeying G-d' commandments (baseless hatred and all that). In the meantime a new group of ppl happened on some empty land (pretty prime real estate as the Torah describes it) and made it their home. The Holocaust happens and the agreement is made to send us to Israel, completely disregarding the fact that ppl are already living there.
How would you feel after you moved into your new home and the government said " Now I know u found this place empty, and i know it technically didn't belong to anyone, and I know you've built your roots here and I know you've got no where else to go, but umm get out" Wouldn't you be pissed off? Wouldn't you "fight" for what you worked hard for? Would you hold at least a little grudge against the folks who took your home away?"
Now I'm not saying anyone is right or that anyone is wrong but there are always 3 sides to a story- yours, theirs and the truth
Michal responds here:
I'm sorry. Would you prefer that I get some born Jews to come and defend Israel because in your mind, you have decided that I'm not Jewish. When I say that they are not Jewish, I am not saying that they are halachically not Jewish. I don't have the ability to say that as you do not have the ability to say that about me just because I'm a gyoress. However, I will say this: to rally against the state of Israel is unJewish in the way that burning an American flag is unAmerican.
As for the state not being perfect, well no, at this time, it is not. However, fighting each other is not the way bring Moshiach and the perfect state of Israel. We have to appreciate the imperfect Israel, lest Hashem should find us unworthy of the Perfect State of Israel.
http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/09/jews-who-rally-against-israel-what.html
The comment is as follows:
Anonymous said...
I really have an issue with anyone questioning someone elses Jewishness especially when either one of those ppl is a convert. The issue with Israel is long and complicated. According to your blog they were protesting the "State of Israel". Well from what I've heard and seen I question the "State of Israel" as well. I mean really, when Hashem promised us this land did He really intend that we should have prostitution and such there? Was that really the goal? After years of persecution and rejection of Jews all over the world that some should come to the Jewish homeland and still be rejected and persecuted by your own people? The "State of Israel" and state in which Israel is in is seriously flawed and you have no right to question anyone's Jewishness for speaking out.
And speaking of "handing it over to the Arabs", you do realize that we Jews got kicked out of Israel for disobeying G-d' commandments (baseless hatred and all that). In the meantime a new group of ppl happened on some empty land (pretty prime real estate as the Torah describes it) and made it their home. The Holocaust happens and the agreement is made to send us to Israel, completely disregarding the fact that ppl are already living there.
How would you feel after you moved into your new home and the government said " Now I know u found this place empty, and i know it technically didn't belong to anyone, and I know you've built your roots here and I know you've got no where else to go, but umm get out" Wouldn't you be pissed off? Wouldn't you "fight" for what you worked hard for? Would you hold at least a little grudge against the folks who took your home away?"
Now I'm not saying anyone is right or that anyone is wrong but there are always 3 sides to a story- yours, theirs and the truth
Michal responds here:
I'm sorry. Would you prefer that I get some born Jews to come and defend Israel because in your mind, you have decided that I'm not Jewish. When I say that they are not Jewish, I am not saying that they are halachically not Jewish. I don't have the ability to say that as you do not have the ability to say that about me just because I'm a gyoress. However, I will say this: to rally against the state of Israel is unJewish in the way that burning an American flag is unAmerican.
As for the state not being perfect, well no, at this time, it is not. However, fighting each other is not the way bring Moshiach and the perfect state of Israel. We have to appreciate the imperfect Israel, lest Hashem should find us unworthy of the Perfect State of Israel.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Well, I finally see a singles event for me.. but....
It's the day before my 8am final exam and it's the first exam which means I have 3 more to study for after that.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
looking for new...
...blogs to read for one. Does anyone have any suggestions? Something reasonably well-written, Jewish...
...Israeli secular music to listen to? Something upbeat and bouncy....
...Israeli secular music to listen to? Something upbeat and bouncy....
Shabbos hospitality for men only... RETHINK!!!
I have noticed that men get Shabbos hospitality so easily. Furthermore, when people do have me over, it seems it's only to make me feel like crap for it. I've gotten comments about how I should learn to cook. I know how to cook, but previously, I didn't want to sit alone for 24 hours straight. After all the nastiness I've encountered under the false pretenses of "friend" and "help," I've decided I'm only going away for an occasional Shabbos and only to a small selection of people. I've also gotten comments about how I should just get take-out or "when you move to Brooklyn, you can get take out for Shabbos." I can get take out now. So wtf kind of comment is that, anyhow?
How could people think they are being "helpful" when they sit there and ask me question upon question about what I do to try to get married? Excuse me, who the hell says I want to get married and even if I do, where do you get off making this your problem all Shabbos?
So, ok, this was way back on the second to the last Shabbos in October. Why is Michal mad about it again? I'll tell you why. Because I just went into my YouTube to play some background music and I see there's a new Frum Satire video and then I clicked on a couple related links. Well, I get to the one where he was at someone's house and they tell him the food was frozen for six months. Anyhow, isn't that always how it is? The men get to go to this one and that one's house and they are made to feel WELCOMED. I know of two other single guys, ok one just got married, mazel tov, who go all over the place to this one and that one and when I mention that I have trouble, they don't understand.
All these people who state that the Orthodox Jewry is not sexist, I don't know how they can say this. According to the Torah, men are supposed to look for the woman that has their rib. That's right, the rib was taken from the man. The woman was formed with HIS rib and he has to go looking for whichever she out there that has his rib.
Cranky. I'm very cranky this morning.
How could people think they are being "helpful" when they sit there and ask me question upon question about what I do to try to get married? Excuse me, who the hell says I want to get married and even if I do, where do you get off making this your problem all Shabbos?
So, ok, this was way back on the second to the last Shabbos in October. Why is Michal mad about it again? I'll tell you why. Because I just went into my YouTube to play some background music and I see there's a new Frum Satire video and then I clicked on a couple related links. Well, I get to the one where he was at someone's house and they tell him the food was frozen for six months. Anyhow, isn't that always how it is? The men get to go to this one and that one's house and they are made to feel WELCOMED. I know of two other single guys, ok one just got married, mazel tov, who go all over the place to this one and that one and when I mention that I have trouble, they don't understand.
All these people who state that the Orthodox Jewry is not sexist, I don't know how they can say this. According to the Torah, men are supposed to look for the woman that has their rib. That's right, the rib was taken from the man. The woman was formed with HIS rib and he has to go looking for whichever she out there that has his rib.
Cranky. I'm very cranky this morning.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Xtianity inside info for the Jew...
As I was commenting on the comments for another post, I began explaining some information about the various differences and lack thereof between protestant denominations. I will add a little something of what I know about Catholicism. After all, my Jewish friends and acquaintances are always asking me about these things. I think it's about time I blogged it.
As a former protestant, who even went to a protestant college, there really is no difference between most of the denominations and often two of the same denomination are nothing alike. For example, a black baptist church is NOTHING like the right wing fundamentalist baptist church I used to attend where everyone was white. I bet the women wear pants at the black baptist church. I wore pants to church one Sunday and I got more looks than I did when I wore a pantsuit to an Orthodox shul early in my conversion.
Now there was a guy in my college whose family was with their local Free Methodist church. So, I, the analytical girl that I am, had to ask what is the difference. Well, at one point churches or maybe just Methodist churches charged for seat or didn't let blacks in or something. Free Methodist was the first group to do this.
The Xtian college I went to was Weslyan which is a kind of Methodist. Now, as mentioned before, Methodist... Baptist... whatever... Actually, we didn't have a "dress code" like you will see that I encountered in the Baptist world. However, I don't remember problems with girls wearing short skirts or anything. Most of us wore baggy jeans and a t-shirt or sweatshirt.
As alluded to above, dress code changes as greatly across the spectrum of churches as it does across the spectrum of synagogues. The right wing fundamentalist baptist church where I found myself for the first three years of high school had a dress code similar to the Orthodox one.
One differences was that we didn't have to cover our elbows but, we did have to cover our shoulders because those were considered too sexy. I once saw a girl on a date in a kosher restaurant wearing a long sleeved shirt with the shoulders cut out. I can just imagine her defense, "well, my elbows are covered." I was so embarassed, as I was with an Xtian friend who said, "I thought Jewish girls were supposed to cover up?"
The rules regarding skirts and skirt lengths were the same. The skirt was supposed to be to the knee or lower and slits should be only below the knee. It's unfortunate that this seems to only be in theory in the Orthodox world, as I frequently see the super tight jeans skirt, you know the one I mean, above the knee with a slit in the back that goes waaaaaaaaaaaay up.
I promised you I would speak about Catholicism. My mother was raised Catholic and gram, who lived with us, still practiced while, my mother lapsed in her practice. So, I should know more about it, but, I don't really know much. The Catholics pray to saints and light candles. Their churches are large and echo a lot. They also smell funny. I think it's the candles and the old ladies' perfume. Catholics are the ones who make a big deal about Mary. Whereas, for the protestants, she is just a character in the story.
A lot of people send their kids to Catholic school, not because they are religious, but because they don't want their kids in the public school. This is where the misconception comes about that non-Jews are not religious and don't have required dress codes. Jews have told me, "but, the Catholic girls wear such short skirts..." Yes, but, these are not religious people letting thier daughters go about like this. I am, though, kind of surprised the schools don't hold a higher standard. I guess the schools just want the money.
Perhaps, we have just as many identifications in Judaism. However, we have these umbrellas: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist. Think about it though, how many kinds of Orthodox are there? Well, there's MO liberal, MO machmir, Shomer Mitzvos, Carlebachian, Yeshivish, Chabad-those who believe the rebbe was moshiach, Chabad-those who don't believe the rebbe was moshiach, whatever variation in the sephardic world and then we get into allllllllllllllll the types of Chasidic, as well as people who proclaim, "I don't fit into any group but, I'm Orthodox." I, of course, have no clue about whatever breakdowns might exist for the other umbrellas I mentioned.
As a former protestant, who even went to a protestant college, there really is no difference between most of the denominations and often two of the same denomination are nothing alike. For example, a black baptist church is NOTHING like the right wing fundamentalist baptist church I used to attend where everyone was white. I bet the women wear pants at the black baptist church. I wore pants to church one Sunday and I got more looks than I did when I wore a pantsuit to an Orthodox shul early in my conversion.
Now there was a guy in my college whose family was with their local Free Methodist church. So, I, the analytical girl that I am, had to ask what is the difference. Well, at one point churches or maybe just Methodist churches charged for seat or didn't let blacks in or something. Free Methodist was the first group to do this.
The Xtian college I went to was Weslyan which is a kind of Methodist. Now, as mentioned before, Methodist... Baptist... whatever... Actually, we didn't have a "dress code" like you will see that I encountered in the Baptist world. However, I don't remember problems with girls wearing short skirts or anything. Most of us wore baggy jeans and a t-shirt or sweatshirt.
As alluded to above, dress code changes as greatly across the spectrum of churches as it does across the spectrum of synagogues. The right wing fundamentalist baptist church where I found myself for the first three years of high school had a dress code similar to the Orthodox one.
One differences was that we didn't have to cover our elbows but, we did have to cover our shoulders because those were considered too sexy. I once saw a girl on a date in a kosher restaurant wearing a long sleeved shirt with the shoulders cut out. I can just imagine her defense, "well, my elbows are covered." I was so embarassed, as I was with an Xtian friend who said, "I thought Jewish girls were supposed to cover up?"
The rules regarding skirts and skirt lengths were the same. The skirt was supposed to be to the knee or lower and slits should be only below the knee. It's unfortunate that this seems to only be in theory in the Orthodox world, as I frequently see the super tight jeans skirt, you know the one I mean, above the knee with a slit in the back that goes waaaaaaaaaaaay up.
I promised you I would speak about Catholicism. My mother was raised Catholic and gram, who lived with us, still practiced while, my mother lapsed in her practice. So, I should know more about it, but, I don't really know much. The Catholics pray to saints and light candles. Their churches are large and echo a lot. They also smell funny. I think it's the candles and the old ladies' perfume. Catholics are the ones who make a big deal about Mary. Whereas, for the protestants, she is just a character in the story.
A lot of people send their kids to Catholic school, not because they are religious, but because they don't want their kids in the public school. This is where the misconception comes about that non-Jews are not religious and don't have required dress codes. Jews have told me, "but, the Catholic girls wear such short skirts..." Yes, but, these are not religious people letting thier daughters go about like this. I am, though, kind of surprised the schools don't hold a higher standard. I guess the schools just want the money.
Perhaps, we have just as many identifications in Judaism. However, we have these umbrellas: Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist. Think about it though, how many kinds of Orthodox are there? Well, there's MO liberal, MO machmir, Shomer Mitzvos, Carlebachian, Yeshivish, Chabad-those who believe the rebbe was moshiach, Chabad-those who don't believe the rebbe was moshiach, whatever variation in the sephardic world and then we get into allllllllllllllll the types of Chasidic, as well as people who proclaim, "I don't fit into any group but, I'm Orthodox." I, of course, have no clue about whatever breakdowns might exist for the other umbrellas I mentioned.
Dog & Cat
I thought I would put a video up that on one of my playlists that I run in the background. I like this one. I feel they did such a good job at bringing the 70's to life. The group is an Israeli Jazz band, Funk 'N' Stein or פאנקנשטיין in Hebrew. The rather hot sax player is in that other group I like, Hadag Nachash. Where does he find the time?
Why did I put up that edgy post?
Ok, so, it's Thanksgiving weekend or people heeded my warning and they didn't read the post but, my post has yet to accrue the comments I expected. I see no people wondering how I could post such a thing. Yet, eventually, perhaps those questions will come, so I thought I would answer that question ahead of time.
It's simple. I'm tired of men telling me what kind of sex drive I, as a woman, have or don't have. The women who agree with the men, well, I feel that they are posers who tend to repeat whatever is told to them by dear sweet men.
Kinda like women and prayer/shul attendance. I don't believe the crap that they tell us about mitzvos and men have more mitzvos because women are better. Quite frankly, as one who has gone to shul during the week, it's a boys club and some of the shuls out there they have a drink and some cookies after davening. They don't want women there.
Here's the way I look at it: I don't have to do anything but keep kosher and Shabbos. When I was in the process and I was told about how I'm taking on ALLLLLLLLLLL these mitzvos, I realized this was a crock. Women are exempt from almost everything. I like to call it "women don't!" because whatever it is, we don't do it.
It's simple. I'm tired of men telling me what kind of sex drive I, as a woman, have or don't have. The women who agree with the men, well, I feel that they are posers who tend to repeat whatever is told to them by dear sweet men.
Kinda like women and prayer/shul attendance. I don't believe the crap that they tell us about mitzvos and men have more mitzvos because women are better. Quite frankly, as one who has gone to shul during the week, it's a boys club and some of the shuls out there they have a drink and some cookies after davening. They don't want women there.
Here's the way I look at it: I don't have to do anything but keep kosher and Shabbos. When I was in the process and I was told about how I'm taking on ALLLLLLLLLLL these mitzvos, I realized this was a crock. Women are exempt from almost everything. I like to call it "women don't!" because whatever it is, we don't do it.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Why do people think chasidim are more religious?
I was just thinking about this over breakfast...
Anyhow, I think that it's a spill over from the secular culture and for that matter, Xtianity. To the Xtians, they look at the Amish as this separated religious group. Now, I know the chasidim don't like being compared to the amish but, I think their mode of dress facilitates such thought.
Since the greater society thinks of the amish as the more religious Xtians, so it is when people think of chasidim, this is how they think of them. People think of them as the Jewish version of the amish. As much as they complain about this comparison, look at how they indulge in the resulting reputation of piety. I think, though, those of us already Orthodox Jews know better. However, it works on incoming prospective converts and prospective BTs.
Anyhow, I think that it's a spill over from the secular culture and for that matter, Xtianity. To the Xtians, they look at the Amish as this separated religious group. Now, I know the chasidim don't like being compared to the amish but, I think their mode of dress facilitates such thought.
Since the greater society thinks of the amish as the more religious Xtians, so it is when people think of chasidim, this is how they think of them. People think of them as the Jewish version of the amish. As much as they complain about this comparison, look at how they indulge in the resulting reputation of piety. I think, though, those of us already Orthodox Jews know better. However, it works on incoming prospective converts and prospective BTs.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Why Should Men Pay For Women On A Date?
Over on Frum Satire, in the comments of http://www.frumsatire.net/2009/11/16/awkward-shidduch-moments/ they are discussing why a man should pay for a woman.
How about you're paying for all that time we have to take to get ready for the date. We all know that men expect women to doll up and put that crap on our face just for them otherwise they say that we didn't put in enough effort and we must not be interested. I have been told explicitly that I HAVE to wear that crap on my face on a date.
Well the same is true of men paying for a woman. If a man doesn't pay for me, I figure he's not that interested in me. In fact, if a man wants to just take me to a bar and get me drunk on the first date-as they did before I was Jewish, I conclude he only wants sex and not a relationship or marriage.
Now this is why there's a whole problem with the shidduch system. If you are going out with someone you haven't already met, a woman like myself who doesn't wear make up and doll up except for rare occasions, maybe special occasions but, sometimes just because I haven't in a while and I feel like it. Generally, though, I don't want to put that crap on my face for some guy I don't know and I probably won't end up liking. Hell, I really don't even want to exert the effort to get out of my pajamas and leave the house.
The same holds true for men. Men don't want to want pay for someone they don't know and they might not like. One guy told me he would rather pay $100 to a prostitute for sex than pay $10 towards a date. Why? Well, it's a sure thing. Now, not all men are like this.
Now that right there is the problem with the shidduch system. I think asking men to pay for a date that they didn't really choose to ask out is asking a lot of them. Yet the system that's in place doesn't want men going out and finding their spouse. The problem with that, though, is that outside the shidduch system, is that the number of men looking for sex instead of a spouse increases.
On the other hand, there is an economic study that shows when someone has too much choice, they don't choose. Whereas, when a person has just the right number of choices, they make a decision and they purchase. Therefore, perhaps the solution is for all shadchans to specialize in a certain type and age bracket. They they would throw events for the parties that are already compatible. They would pick out 10 men and ten women who are all about the same hashkafah and the same age bracket. After such, they would follow up. I would actually rather put that crap on my face for an event where I would meet 10 suitable men over a date with one guy that I've never met and is he really even interested in me? After all, if the guy just thinks it's cool to go out with a convert and grill me about how do I feel about bishul akum and other stuff and he's not going to give me a chance, why should *I* bother putting that crap on my face?
How about you're paying for all that time we have to take to get ready for the date. We all know that men expect women to doll up and put that crap on our face just for them otherwise they say that we didn't put in enough effort and we must not be interested. I have been told explicitly that I HAVE to wear that crap on my face on a date.
Well the same is true of men paying for a woman. If a man doesn't pay for me, I figure he's not that interested in me. In fact, if a man wants to just take me to a bar and get me drunk on the first date-as they did before I was Jewish, I conclude he only wants sex and not a relationship or marriage.
Now this is why there's a whole problem with the shidduch system. If you are going out with someone you haven't already met, a woman like myself who doesn't wear make up and doll up except for rare occasions, maybe special occasions but, sometimes just because I haven't in a while and I feel like it. Generally, though, I don't want to put that crap on my face for some guy I don't know and I probably won't end up liking. Hell, I really don't even want to exert the effort to get out of my pajamas and leave the house.
The same holds true for men. Men don't want to want pay for someone they don't know and they might not like. One guy told me he would rather pay $100 to a prostitute for sex than pay $10 towards a date. Why? Well, it's a sure thing. Now, not all men are like this.
Now that right there is the problem with the shidduch system. I think asking men to pay for a date that they didn't really choose to ask out is asking a lot of them. Yet the system that's in place doesn't want men going out and finding their spouse. The problem with that, though, is that outside the shidduch system, is that the number of men looking for sex instead of a spouse increases.
On the other hand, there is an economic study that shows when someone has too much choice, they don't choose. Whereas, when a person has just the right number of choices, they make a decision and they purchase. Therefore, perhaps the solution is for all shadchans to specialize in a certain type and age bracket. They they would throw events for the parties that are already compatible. They would pick out 10 men and ten women who are all about the same hashkafah and the same age bracket. After such, they would follow up. I would actually rather put that crap on my face for an event where I would meet 10 suitable men over a date with one guy that I've never met and is he really even interested in me? After all, if the guy just thinks it's cool to go out with a convert and grill me about how do I feel about bishul akum and other stuff and he's not going to give me a chance, why should *I* bother putting that crap on my face?
Brooklyn Vs. Queens or Queens Vs. Brooklyn
Let’s start with Kosher food:
Brooklyn has more selection. However, my friend and I went all down J and Coney Island looking for kosher places that would deliver when her husband would later get home from work at 9pm. I think Mendy’s was the only place that fit the bill. Most places weren’t even going to be open then. Queens has places open late, even late night delivery. In fact, I don’t even live in Kew Gardens Hills where the take out is. Yet, I can get a pizza delivered at midnight. Also, Subway: the one in Brooklyn doesn’t have fake (parve) cheese. The one in Queens does and they deliver, too.
Queens wins with food.
Now, the people…
I need some input from you, my readers… how ARE the people in Brooklyn? In Queens, it depends on the area. Now, if you are talking about Kew Gardens Hills, people are REALLY great. However, if you are talking about Forest Hills… well… I’ve been to Brooklyn for Shabbos the people seem nice enough to me. However, KGH has a hospitality committee for meals. That makes it easy to meet new people.
The people: undecided
Brooklyn College Vs. Queens College
I have run into a bunch of people in KGH who went to Brooklyn College because they had a better program for what they wanted to do. If you’re just going into speech therapy, sure Queens is right there. However, I specifically wanted marketing. There are some CUNYs that offer just marketing but, those schools didn’t work for me, for a different reason each. So, I chose Brooklyn College’s Business with a concentration in Marketing.
For me, Brooklyn won this one.
Now, I turn to you, my readers, what other aspects of the two boros should I compare and contrast?
Brooklyn has more selection. However, my friend and I went all down J and Coney Island looking for kosher places that would deliver when her husband would later get home from work at 9pm. I think Mendy’s was the only place that fit the bill. Most places weren’t even going to be open then. Queens has places open late, even late night delivery. In fact, I don’t even live in Kew Gardens Hills where the take out is. Yet, I can get a pizza delivered at midnight. Also, Subway: the one in Brooklyn doesn’t have fake (parve) cheese. The one in Queens does and they deliver, too.
Queens wins with food.
Now, the people…
I need some input from you, my readers… how ARE the people in Brooklyn? In Queens, it depends on the area. Now, if you are talking about Kew Gardens Hills, people are REALLY great. However, if you are talking about Forest Hills… well… I’ve been to Brooklyn for Shabbos the people seem nice enough to me. However, KGH has a hospitality committee for meals. That makes it easy to meet new people.
The people: undecided
Brooklyn College Vs. Queens College
I have run into a bunch of people in KGH who went to Brooklyn College because they had a better program for what they wanted to do. If you’re just going into speech therapy, sure Queens is right there. However, I specifically wanted marketing. There are some CUNYs that offer just marketing but, those schools didn’t work for me, for a different reason each. So, I chose Brooklyn College’s Business with a concentration in Marketing.
For me, Brooklyn won this one.
Now, I turn to you, my readers, what other aspects of the two boros should I compare and contrast?
Women throughout Jewish history...
I was Emailed this link from one of my readers:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden_of_Ludmir
I'm not sure how reliable it is, being from Wiki and all.
I went to something at MJE one time one euthenasia, suicide and whether or not you can withhold medical treatment. I mention this because I want to point out this was not a class on women in Jewish history or anything of that nature. Yet, many of the examples set forth by the rabbi would double to make my point.
One examples comes from a woman who wanted to die. She said she was soooooooo old and it was just time. So, the rabbi she went to asked her how she got to be so old. She said it was because she goes to shul everyday. He said that she should stop. The next day she did not go and she passed on.
The next example the comes to mind is about a great rabbi that was in a lot of pain. He had to make many trips to the latrine everyday. This was back when the men used to wear the Tefillin all day, not just for morning davening. So, in addition to how it was painful for his insides, his hands would hurt or shake or something to where putting the Tefillin back on and taking it off again was particularly trying for him. His female aid saw this. However, the men would be downstairs constantly praying for him. So, this female went to the roof and dropped and alabaster something or other. When it shattered, it disrupted the prayers for a second and the man was able to die.
Now, these examples were used again, NOT to support a woman's role as a human, but to support ideas regarding medical practices. Yet they seem to support and acknowledge a way of life where women are treated and thought of in a more positive light than most certainly the men in Boro Park or Mea Sharim. Even the yeshivish world poo-poos women going to shul. In Queens, it's socially acceptable for them to attend on Shabbos. However, in Brooklyn, even attending on Shabbos is frowned upon. Parents say, "my daughter sleeps in." with a tone of voice like you just asked her to go to a nightclub with you instead of synagogue services. Only the Modern Orthodox accept women in shul during the week. I used to attend during the week. They were Yeshivish but, it was a Young Israel so, that may have had something to do with it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiden_of_Ludmir
I'm not sure how reliable it is, being from Wiki and all.
I went to something at MJE one time one euthenasia, suicide and whether or not you can withhold medical treatment. I mention this because I want to point out this was not a class on women in Jewish history or anything of that nature. Yet, many of the examples set forth by the rabbi would double to make my point.
One examples comes from a woman who wanted to die. She said she was soooooooo old and it was just time. So, the rabbi she went to asked her how she got to be so old. She said it was because she goes to shul everyday. He said that she should stop. The next day she did not go and she passed on.
The next example the comes to mind is about a great rabbi that was in a lot of pain. He had to make many trips to the latrine everyday. This was back when the men used to wear the Tefillin all day, not just for morning davening. So, in addition to how it was painful for his insides, his hands would hurt or shake or something to where putting the Tefillin back on and taking it off again was particularly trying for him. His female aid saw this. However, the men would be downstairs constantly praying for him. So, this female went to the roof and dropped and alabaster something or other. When it shattered, it disrupted the prayers for a second and the man was able to die.
Now, these examples were used again, NOT to support a woman's role as a human, but to support ideas regarding medical practices. Yet they seem to support and acknowledge a way of life where women are treated and thought of in a more positive light than most certainly the men in Boro Park or Mea Sharim. Even the yeshivish world poo-poos women going to shul. In Queens, it's socially acceptable for them to attend on Shabbos. However, in Brooklyn, even attending on Shabbos is frowned upon. Parents say, "my daughter sleeps in." with a tone of voice like you just asked her to go to a nightclub with you instead of synagogue services. Only the Modern Orthodox accept women in shul during the week. I used to attend during the week. They were Yeshivish but, it was a Young Israel so, that may have had something to do with it.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Frum Women & Sex Drives.... con't...
********************WARNING***************************
This particular blog post is really explicit and graphic, don't read it, if you think that's going to be a problem.
********************WARNING**************************
I hope you all can excuse me. I had an exam to study for for today so I had to put off blogging this hot topic. The blog from last night was some of the material I was studying for the test (of course it wasn't on the test...)
So, to catch everyone up to speed: there are at least three other blogs that were discussing this on Monday when I originally wanted to blog the topic. However, I was just too doggone tired.
Now, I may be violating some code of the secret women's club or something but, this is just bogus. Women are HORNNNNNNNNNNY. As one of my commenters pointed out, women have a Torah-guaranteed requirement for onah from their husbands. Biologically speaking, some women can have multiple orgasms, one on top of the other. Men cannot do this. In the best scenario, a man may be able to go again in about an hour. For some men, the whole process from start to finish is so quick, a woman could have multiples for that whole time.
I used to have a boss that I was so horny working for him I had to quit-he was married. Women get horny like crazy for their bosses, co-workers, classmates and teachers. Unlike men, nothing physically shows so, if a woman has a good poker face, no one will ever know.
My comment from the Emes V Emunah site where I saw this:
You know, part of the reason why men look at all the porn and all the porn is directed at men instead of women is the perceived idea that this is what is wanted. Women feel more embarassed to buy the stuff.
Women DEFINITELY look at men and fantasize way more than anyone realizes. Since, no one expects this... it goes under the radar.
Another thing, when men think they are winning a conquest, really, the girl wanted it. Girls play coy even to their female friends. It's not acceptable for women to have libido.
Back to new thoughts: women say they are lonely when they are really horny. Men say they are horny when they are lonely. Again, I think this has more to do with the fact that the message to women from society is, "you don't have a sex drive, so if you do something is wrong with you" and the message for the men is, "you have a sex drive that you can't control, so don't fight it, just go for it."
I suspect, though, that the men know women really do have a sex drive. I have had many comments made to me about how I must miss "it" from supposedly religious men. It is important to note, I am speaking about hard core Yeshivish or Chasidic like Satmars. I'm talking about men who hold by all the chumros-no TV... broccoli checked by microscope over a light box...
Another point, that many male commenters made on the Emes VEmunah was that there are no ads with sexy men for women because women don't have a sex drive. Well, this picture below is the front of today's AM New York with a COVER ad for A/X. Holy cow, does this ad effect me. Ooops, I'm supposed to pretend it doesn't.
Now you decide...
This particular blog post is really explicit and graphic, don't read it, if you think that's going to be a problem.
********************WARNING**************************
I hope you all can excuse me. I had an exam to study for for today so I had to put off blogging this hot topic. The blog from last night was some of the material I was studying for the test (of course it wasn't on the test...)
So, to catch everyone up to speed: there are at least three other blogs that were discussing this on Monday when I originally wanted to blog the topic. However, I was just too doggone tired.
Now, I may be violating some code of the secret women's club or something but, this is just bogus. Women are HORNNNNNNNNNNY. As one of my commenters pointed out, women have a Torah-guaranteed requirement for onah from their husbands. Biologically speaking, some women can have multiple orgasms, one on top of the other. Men cannot do this. In the best scenario, a man may be able to go again in about an hour. For some men, the whole process from start to finish is so quick, a woman could have multiples for that whole time.
I used to have a boss that I was so horny working for him I had to quit-he was married. Women get horny like crazy for their bosses, co-workers, classmates and teachers. Unlike men, nothing physically shows so, if a woman has a good poker face, no one will ever know.
My comment from the Emes V Emunah site where I saw this:
You know, part of the reason why men look at all the porn and all the porn is directed at men instead of women is the perceived idea that this is what is wanted. Women feel more embarassed to buy the stuff.
Women DEFINITELY look at men and fantasize way more than anyone realizes. Since, no one expects this... it goes under the radar.
Another thing, when men think they are winning a conquest, really, the girl wanted it. Girls play coy even to their female friends. It's not acceptable for women to have libido.
Back to new thoughts: women say they are lonely when they are really horny. Men say they are horny when they are lonely. Again, I think this has more to do with the fact that the message to women from society is, "you don't have a sex drive, so if you do something is wrong with you" and the message for the men is, "you have a sex drive that you can't control, so don't fight it, just go for it."
I suspect, though, that the men know women really do have a sex drive. I have had many comments made to me about how I must miss "it" from supposedly religious men. It is important to note, I am speaking about hard core Yeshivish or Chasidic like Satmars. I'm talking about men who hold by all the chumros-no TV... broccoli checked by microscope over a light box...
Another point, that many male commenters made on the Emes VEmunah was that there are no ads with sexy men for women because women don't have a sex drive. Well, this picture below is the front of today's AM New York with a COVER ad for A/X. Holy cow, does this ad effect me. Ooops, I'm supposed to pretend it doesn't.
Now you decide...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Is a mind more than a machine or a machine more than a mind?
It's an interesting topic that I'm looking over for a class. Both sides of this discussion have their points.
First, let's suppose we're going to take the position that the human mind is more than a machine. We would argue that a human can fall in love and a machine can not. Although, I'm not sure if I really should make that an advantage on the mind side of the argument, considering heartbreak and all... Anyhow, a mind can look at a small computer program and figure out if that computer program will crash or not. However, no program can be written to decide this, not even for small programs. If one could write such a program, no commercial program would crash, as you can bet that all software developers would have a copy of this program.
Some of the great mathematicians of the past century have weighed in that mind is more than a machine. Kurt Godel wrote out some fancy theorems back in the 1930's where he said that humans can sometimes solve an undecidable problem. Actually, I pointed that out in the above paragraph with the example of the halting problem. Sir Roger Penrose (his name already sounds like a genius' name) stated that brain uses quantum gravity. Well, computers are not quite up to the quantum gravity level.
In 1950, Alan Turing who is another great math geek of the century wrote a paper, "Computing Machinery and Intelligence." Despite the misleading title of his paper, he, too, felt that the mind was over the machine. Douglas R. Hofstadter pointed out the mind's abliity for self-reference, something which machine's lack. Although, I'm not so sure I know what's going on in my own mind sometimes, how about you?
On the flip side, there is the emerging field of artificial intelligence. Can a machine become "more" than a human? Some say that the mind is, essentially a machine. If you are someone that believes that, then you should have no problem accepting this concept. A machine can most certainly do math better than most humans. I know when I encounter the four letter word (see http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/11/four-letter-word-which-haunts-my.html)
I'm quick to whip out my calculator. Yes, that little trusty machine that can break out the "M" lightning fast, what would I do without it?
Another example of machines being more than the mind may surprise you. It seems that in May of 1997, a chess guru was beaten by Deep Blue. Deep Blue is, of course, a supercomputer. When one considers this, who knows what shall come next for the advancement of machines? Some say that quantum computers are not that far off. Any Trekkie will immediately exclaim that Dr. Noonien Soong has proved this when he created Data. Unfortunately, Dr. Soong and Data are ficticious characters in a fictitious future world of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
I conclude, that the question of mind vs. machine cannot be determined. Perhaps, each group has it's strengths or weaknesses. After all, aren't there humans that can do that which another cannot, yet that same other human has talents which the first doesn't have. For example, in high school, I was friends with this guy who was awesome at Math, Science and Computers. Yes, when it came to the "Catcher In The Rye," he was sooooooooo lost. Guess who got to tutor him? I love the bragging rights of that. I tutored a guy who graduated in the top ten of our class-wha ha ha!
As I write this post, I can't help but think of what one of my drill sergeants in the Army used to say, "It's mind over matter. I don't mind that you don't matter."
First, let's suppose we're going to take the position that the human mind is more than a machine. We would argue that a human can fall in love and a machine can not. Although, I'm not sure if I really should make that an advantage on the mind side of the argument, considering heartbreak and all... Anyhow, a mind can look at a small computer program and figure out if that computer program will crash or not. However, no program can be written to decide this, not even for small programs. If one could write such a program, no commercial program would crash, as you can bet that all software developers would have a copy of this program.
Some of the great mathematicians of the past century have weighed in that mind is more than a machine. Kurt Godel wrote out some fancy theorems back in the 1930's where he said that humans can sometimes solve an undecidable problem. Actually, I pointed that out in the above paragraph with the example of the halting problem. Sir Roger Penrose (his name already sounds like a genius' name) stated that brain uses quantum gravity. Well, computers are not quite up to the quantum gravity level.
In 1950, Alan Turing who is another great math geek of the century wrote a paper, "Computing Machinery and Intelligence." Despite the misleading title of his paper, he, too, felt that the mind was over the machine. Douglas R. Hofstadter pointed out the mind's abliity for self-reference, something which machine's lack. Although, I'm not so sure I know what's going on in my own mind sometimes, how about you?
On the flip side, there is the emerging field of artificial intelligence. Can a machine become "more" than a human? Some say that the mind is, essentially a machine. If you are someone that believes that, then you should have no problem accepting this concept. A machine can most certainly do math better than most humans. I know when I encounter the four letter word (see http://michalbasavraham.blogspot.com/2009/11/four-letter-word-which-haunts-my.html)
I'm quick to whip out my calculator. Yes, that little trusty machine that can break out the "M" lightning fast, what would I do without it?
Another example of machines being more than the mind may surprise you. It seems that in May of 1997, a chess guru was beaten by Deep Blue. Deep Blue is, of course, a supercomputer. When one considers this, who knows what shall come next for the advancement of machines? Some say that quantum computers are not that far off. Any Trekkie will immediately exclaim that Dr. Noonien Soong has proved this when he created Data. Unfortunately, Dr. Soong and Data are ficticious characters in a fictitious future world of "Star Trek: The Next Generation."
I conclude, that the question of mind vs. machine cannot be determined. Perhaps, each group has it's strengths or weaknesses. After all, aren't there humans that can do that which another cannot, yet that same other human has talents which the first doesn't have. For example, in high school, I was friends with this guy who was awesome at Math, Science and Computers. Yes, when it came to the "Catcher In The Rye," he was sooooooooo lost. Guess who got to tutor him? I love the bragging rights of that. I tutored a guy who graduated in the top ten of our class-wha ha ha!
As I write this post, I can't help but think of what one of my drill sergeants in the Army used to say, "It's mind over matter. I don't mind that you don't matter."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Women have no sex drive: who believes that?
I'm reading the http://haemtza.blogspot.com/ (Emes Ve Emunah) blog and they are discussing how women have to cover up and men are visual but women aren't...
Oh, that's what they all think...
I will discuss this more when I have more time. I have a test for which to study.
Oh, that's what they all think...
I will discuss this more when I have more time. I have a test for which to study.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The four-letter word strikes again!
I'm working on my accounting. However, it's so much easier when I plug numbers into a formula and punch-punch Mr. Calculator.
Mr. Calculator says I've bruised him from all this accounting...
Sorry, Mr. Calculator, that's your job.
Ok, lame post...
Mr. Calculator says I've bruised him from all this accounting...
Sorry, Mr. Calculator, that's your job.
Ok, lame post...
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Interesting article...
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091122/FOREIGN/711219850/1002
Ok, as an Orthodox woman, I'm in no hurry to run out and buy myself a tallis and tefillin or try to layin the Torah. However, I don't agree that Charedim in Israel should insist that women don't have these rights. The points that I've heard against all women from the Chareidim are ridiculously sexist and male chauvinistic. In general, you hear these men name call women stupid for anything, even for doing nothing. So, it doesn't surprise me that they call women stupid for wanting to wrap in a tallis.
Incidentally, so Rashi's daughter's were stupid? Does that mean Rashi was stupid?
Ok, as an Orthodox woman, I'm in no hurry to run out and buy myself a tallis and tefillin or try to layin the Torah. However, I don't agree that Charedim in Israel should insist that women don't have these rights. The points that I've heard against all women from the Chareidim are ridiculously sexist and male chauvinistic. In general, you hear these men name call women stupid for anything, even for doing nothing. So, it doesn't surprise me that they call women stupid for wanting to wrap in a tallis.
Incidentally, so Rashi's daughter's were stupid? Does that mean Rashi was stupid?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
More about men and sexual harassment...
So, one of my readers just popped me a Facebook IM and was telling me about how at one time she had her touchas nipped in Boro Park by a Mexican guy. She ran after him and cursed him out...
So, I remembered. I didn't mention the time a Mexican guy grabbed my touchas. Although, I was in Brownsville, not Boro Park. I dropped my bag. In a split second, I turned around and socked one to him in the stomach. He turned sheet white and ran for the border. Do you suppose Taco Bell was suddenly having a special?
So, I remembered. I didn't mention the time a Mexican guy grabbed my touchas. Although, I was in Brownsville, not Boro Park. I dropped my bag. In a split second, I turned around and socked one to him in the stomach. He turned sheet white and ran for the border. Do you suppose Taco Bell was suddenly having a special?
Male Chauvinism amongst Orthodox Jewish boys...
A commenter on Frum Satire, "Frum Ger" left this comment on Heshy's blog during a discussion of tefillin dates and Jewish swinging...
"the more I think of it the more i wonder what business a young women has living by herself unmarried. its dangerous number one, and secondly a women should be living with family or under some sort of leadership. (not that men should necessarily live alone until they are married either but its different) women need male leaders, firsly her father, her father takes care of her and is her “man” until another comes along if there is no father then her mother takes that role, if neither than some elder in the community, needs to take care of that women."
A comment was left by Abandoning Eden, "BARF." That about sums it up.
I gotta ask him what I'm supposed to do? My parents are both dead.
"the more I think of it the more i wonder what business a young women has living by herself unmarried. its dangerous number one, and secondly a women should be living with family or under some sort of leadership. (not that men should necessarily live alone until they are married either but its different) women need male leaders, firsly her father, her father takes care of her and is her “man” until another comes along if there is no father then her mother takes that role, if neither than some elder in the community, needs to take care of that women."
A comment was left by Abandoning Eden, "BARF." That about sums it up.
I gotta ask him what I'm supposed to do? My parents are both dead.
Can we reduce the number of Anonymous comments?
I saw on one of the blogs I read where the author asked people to post their names or come up with an alias. Some of you have done this but, I thought I would mention again that it's nice when a person can tell that comments came from the same person.... We have the Curmudgedly Gyoret. We have the Australian... We had Vox Populi until I stopped posting his commentss... hehehe..
An article about Ivanka, Thank You, Anonymous reader
So, one of my readers was kind enough to post this link:
http://stylerepublicmagazine.com/lifestyle/trump.html
You'll notice first that dress is no where close to tznius.
The "interview" reads like like one big sales pitch for the Trump real estate. For us, the highlight is where she says she goes for brunch with her girlfriends at a non-kosher place. My reader is supposing she eats dairy... If an Orthodox rabbi is training people for conversion that it's ok to eat traif dairy...
http://stylerepublicmagazine.com/lifestyle/trump.html
You'll notice first that dress is no where close to tznius.
The "interview" reads like like one big sales pitch for the Trump real estate. For us, the highlight is where she says she goes for brunch with her girlfriends at a non-kosher place. My reader is supposing she eats dairy... If an Orthodox rabbi is training people for conversion that it's ok to eat traif dairy...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Asking for your opinion about Costco Vs. Coke...
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Costco-nixes-Coke-products-apf-2225277826.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=6&asset=&ccode=
So, if you shop at Costco and drink Coke, what is your response? Will you refuse to shop at Costco now? Will you refuse to drink Coke now? Will you just buy your Coke at the grocery store? Why do you make the choice, you've made?
So, if you shop at Costco and drink Coke, what is your response? Will you refuse to shop at Costco now? Will you refuse to drink Coke now? Will you just buy your Coke at the grocery store? Why do you make the choice, you've made?
Monday, November 16, 2009
The four letter word...
..which haunts my curriculum...
I just thought I'd blog some college experience since I haven't been. Three of my four classes involve sooooooo much math. If it's not Microeconomics with it's, "AVC = TVC over q," or accounting where I run amortization calculations. You would think my core curriculum would be the one class where I would be safe from such a four letter word as the "M" word, but nooOOOOooooOOOOooo. I'm working on something called "log2n" and factoring numbers for my formerly sweet class on philosophical thought...
The class is actually called, "Paradoxes and the Limits of Knowledge." Anyhow, it was always supposed to turn into something cold and scientific. It's actually considered a science class. Nevertheless, I liked it better before I was doing all these calculations, especially finding finding log2 of 9 for my homework table.
Thankfully, in management, I'm safe from that four letter word.... mmmmmmm... aaaaa...
I just thought I'd blog some college experience since I haven't been. Three of my four classes involve sooooooo much math. If it's not Microeconomics with it's, "AVC = TVC over q," or accounting where I run amortization calculations. You would think my core curriculum would be the one class where I would be safe from such a four letter word as the "M" word, but nooOOOOooooOOOOooo. I'm working on something called "log2n" and factoring numbers for my formerly sweet class on philosophical thought...
The class is actually called, "Paradoxes and the Limits of Knowledge." Anyhow, it was always supposed to turn into something cold and scientific. It's actually considered a science class. Nevertheless, I liked it better before I was doing all these calculations, especially finding finding log2 of 9 for my homework table.
Thankfully, in management, I'm safe from that four letter word.... mmmmmmm... aaaaa...
Anonymous likes my post...
I just clicked off on this comment on the old post from when my host brought up Ivanka's conversion at the Shabbos table, "Excellent response Michal! Ivanka definately converted for marriage and didn't do it on a whim. Everyone conveniently forgets that Jared split with Ivanka for a few months precisely because she didn't want to convert. Ivanka only went through the "conversion" because it was quick, easy and of course to get married to Jared.
The way Ivanka dresses, presents herself convinces me that she's not serious about Judaism. I recently heard that Ivanka used Twitter on Shabbat. I'm not a Twitter user so I don't know it it's true but it wouldn't surprise me."
Unfortunately, I have to say that I've logged in to Facebook after a Shabbos or yontiff to see posts from people over 6 months into the process or even once, an FFB posted something in the middle of the day-she was not out of town, I casually verified.
The way Ivanka dresses, presents herself convinces me that she's not serious about Judaism. I recently heard that Ivanka used Twitter on Shabbat. I'm not a Twitter user so I don't know it it's true but it wouldn't surprise me."
Unfortunately, I have to say that I've logged in to Facebook after a Shabbos or yontiff to see posts from people over 6 months into the process or even once, an FFB posted something in the middle of the day-she was not out of town, I casually verified.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
More highlights from RATEMYPROFESSOR
For the most difficult class in the department, one student said, "This professor is not for college. I red the book and his notes. Did all the homeworks from the books and still had to take a W, beacouse midterm wasn't reasbnable what-so-ever. Out may be 40 people, after the midterm 15 staid and the rest just left. I think this professor is a waste of time and money. Do not take him."
Well, gee, being that the student's English is at the highest level, their opinion must be worthwhile.
I'll let you all know when I find more....
Well, gee, being that the student's English is at the highest level, their opinion must be worthwhile.
I'll let you all know when I find more....
JAFFA: Israeli indie film review
So, on Thursday I went with others from the Brooklyn College Hillel to see "Jaffa," an Israeli indie film with subtitles and gala reception. The promo spoke about an Israeli girl falling in love with an Arab that works with her at her father's business. The two makes plans to run away and marry and then a tragic even occurs.
I thought, "I want to see what it is but, I bet it's lame."
Oh, no... It was NOT lame. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who manages to go see this movie. You must, MUST find a way to go see this movie. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The movie is nothing but surprising twists and turns.
We met the actor who played the Arab boyfriend after the showing at the gala reception. He even told us that one aspect of the movie was written in specifically to piss people off.
I thought, "I want to see what it is but, I bet it's lame."
Oh, no... It was NOT lame. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who manages to go see this movie. You must, MUST find a way to go see this movie. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The movie is nothing but surprising twists and turns.
We met the actor who played the Arab boyfriend after the showing at the gala reception. He even told us that one aspect of the movie was written in specifically to piss people off.
My friend had a disturbing shidduchim encounter...
So, my friend just told me that a rabbi from her area apparently cornered her mother and told her that there's a problem with her status on the shidduch market. What this time? Her mother shops at the wrong store!
"Are you serious?" you ask. Well, she heard this second hand (from her mother) so, hopefully, it's not for real. However, there is such a disturbing trend in the shidduch world. This is not the only story this gyoress has heard from young FFBs or their parents about this sort of thing.
A rabbi posted online one time that his son was turned down by someone because he was a BT. Now, he wasn't just some BT from yesterday. He had been a BT for I think 40 years and a rabbi for 30 of those years. There were a handful of rosh yeshivos in his and his wife's families. Also, his wife was an FFB going back many generations... but oh, no, that wasn't good enough. This family wanted both families to be FFB for many generations.
As a convert, I have been subjected to outright verbal abuse by the shadchanim and the community. This is why I will no longer date or ask people for Shabbos invitations. It isn't bad enough that shadchanim tell me I'm not good enough for anyone but losers, the community has to knaw at me by repeatedly blaming me for being single. Even the lady at the check cashing place asked me last Friday, "you're beautiful, why aren't you married?" GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
But, wait there's more!
No, I'm not including a set of ginsu knives. I have another story for you. There is this wonderful lady I work for that has both a son and a daughter. When they were still in the parshah, a woman she knew would repeatedly tell her, "your kids will never marry because you use a shopping cart," or "your kids will never marry because you use a vinyl tablecloth during the week."
Is there any end to this madness?
Happy ending: my friend's son and daughter are both married to great spouses. We need more happy endings like that. However, I fear that when everyone interferes like this, this is why we have such a shidduch crisis.
"Are you serious?" you ask. Well, she heard this second hand (from her mother) so, hopefully, it's not for real. However, there is such a disturbing trend in the shidduch world. This is not the only story this gyoress has heard from young FFBs or their parents about this sort of thing.
A rabbi posted online one time that his son was turned down by someone because he was a BT. Now, he wasn't just some BT from yesterday. He had been a BT for I think 40 years and a rabbi for 30 of those years. There were a handful of rosh yeshivos in his and his wife's families. Also, his wife was an FFB going back many generations... but oh, no, that wasn't good enough. This family wanted both families to be FFB for many generations.
As a convert, I have been subjected to outright verbal abuse by the shadchanim and the community. This is why I will no longer date or ask people for Shabbos invitations. It isn't bad enough that shadchanim tell me I'm not good enough for anyone but losers, the community has to knaw at me by repeatedly blaming me for being single. Even the lady at the check cashing place asked me last Friday, "you're beautiful, why aren't you married?" GRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!
But, wait there's more!
No, I'm not including a set of ginsu knives. I have another story for you. There is this wonderful lady I work for that has both a son and a daughter. When they were still in the parshah, a woman she knew would repeatedly tell her, "your kids will never marry because you use a shopping cart," or "your kids will never marry because you use a vinyl tablecloth during the week."
Is there any end to this madness?
Happy ending: my friend's son and daughter are both married to great spouses. We need more happy endings like that. However, I fear that when everyone interferes like this, this is why we have such a shidduch crisis.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Shout out to the Vegetarians!
I just want to say thank you to the vegetarians, who make keeping kosher so much easier for someone like me who used to live on ham and cheese sandwiches. The vegetarians help create a market for many of the "fake" products that make kosher easier. I just had two "fake chicken" and "fake cheese" sandwiches on Thomas English Muffins. The other night, I was eating some fake ham and cheese sandwiches. Ok, it was Empire Turkey and fake cheese. However, I noticed how the oven roasted turkey lunch meat tastes just like ham.
Ok, lame post....
Ok, lame post....
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Being driven out of shul...
In the post, http://www.alizahausman.net/2009/11/wearing-this-to-shul.html?showComment=1257981024845
Madame Hausman mentions that she knows people who've stopped going to shul because they don't want to be grilled about being a Jew of Color. This is not the only thing that can drive a person out of the shul. Consider myself: someone who's been driven out by the attempt from the community to FORCE me to date and ultimately marry a man I don't want. They should put this sort of pressure on the men... They don't stop. So, I had to stop... going to shul, that is. Besides which, I'm a woman and I don't have to do anything but keep kosher and Shabbos. Actually, women don't have to sit shiva or even bentsch. We are exempt as it's more important that we look pretty and take care of the kids and the dishes...
Madame Hausman mentions that she knows people who've stopped going to shul because they don't want to be grilled about being a Jew of Color. This is not the only thing that can drive a person out of the shul. Consider myself: someone who's been driven out by the attempt from the community to FORCE me to date and ultimately marry a man I don't want. They should put this sort of pressure on the men... They don't stop. So, I had to stop... going to shul, that is. Besides which, I'm a woman and I don't have to do anything but keep kosher and Shabbos. Actually, women don't have to sit shiva or even bentsch. We are exempt as it's more important that we look pretty and take care of the kids and the dishes...
Touching and invading personal space...
I just noticed a post from fellow blogger, Aliza "la Jewminicana" Hausman about people touching her hair.
It reminded me about something I was going to blog. I was on the subway (almost empty-mind you) last week and some guy touches my leg and says, "sweetheart, can you move your bag so I can sit here?" I went off on him. I said, "who the HELL do you think you are putting your hand on my body?" and on and on. When he got off the subway he told me my pussy stinks. When I called my married friend and told her about this, her husband immediately chimed in confirming that YES a man only touches women when he wants them.
Tell me something, audience, why does he need to sit next to me sooooooooo bad when there are plenty of spaces on the train? That's what I thought. He didn't NEED to sit there. He just WANTED to.
I also want to mention, because some think I'm crazy when I mention the men trying to bump into me and such on the subway, that there are signs on the subway. What sort of signs? Signs that state we shouldn't have toe tolerate sexual harassment on the train.
The signs state: Sexual Harassment is a Crim in the subway, too. A crowded train is no excuse fo an imporper touch. Don't stand for it or feel ashamed, or be afraid to speak up. Report it to an MTA employee or police officer.
Now, why are these signs there, if it's just me and I'm just someone who should be on a mehedrin bus in Israel? Not sitting next to men on the bus and subway is about my own piece of mind. That is to say that it shoudl be at peace in one piece. I know that when I stopped sitting next to men, I got harassed a lot less. If you think I'm overreacting, you're probably fat and ugly so the men don't hit on you.
It reminded me about something I was going to blog. I was on the subway (almost empty-mind you) last week and some guy touches my leg and says, "sweetheart, can you move your bag so I can sit here?" I went off on him. I said, "who the HELL do you think you are putting your hand on my body?" and on and on. When he got off the subway he told me my pussy stinks. When I called my married friend and told her about this, her husband immediately chimed in confirming that YES a man only touches women when he wants them.
Tell me something, audience, why does he need to sit next to me sooooooooo bad when there are plenty of spaces on the train? That's what I thought. He didn't NEED to sit there. He just WANTED to.
I also want to mention, because some think I'm crazy when I mention the men trying to bump into me and such on the subway, that there are signs on the subway. What sort of signs? Signs that state we shouldn't have toe tolerate sexual harassment on the train.
The signs state: Sexual Harassment is a Crim in the subway, too. A crowded train is no excuse fo an imporper touch. Don't stand for it or feel ashamed, or be afraid to speak up. Report it to an MTA employee or police officer.
Now, why are these signs there, if it's just me and I'm just someone who should be on a mehedrin bus in Israel? Not sitting next to men on the bus and subway is about my own piece of mind. That is to say that it shoudl be at peace in one piece. I know that when I stopped sitting next to men, I got harassed a lot less. If you think I'm overreacting, you're probably fat and ugly so the men don't hit on you.
Rating professors
So, someone I work for who just graduated her undergraduate degree was telling me about various websites that I must know about. One such site is the: http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/
site. So, I was looking through it and the opinions posted for various professors I was considering taking. People in Brooklyn College (ahem, I don't go to Queens College) seem to think every professor is crazy and such a horrible unfair grader. I saw a comment that the professors should realize that the students have lives outside of class.
One of the things I noticed in Brooklyn College is that many of the students don't come to class. I was thinking, "what kind of grades do these students have?" When the accounting midterm grades were Emailed to the whole class (with your grade listed by social's last four), I had my answer. The lowest grade was a 35 (with a 14 point curve-that's 21 percent!) Most of the grades were in the 50's, 60's and 70's. There were a small handful in the 80's. Only three of us in the class made it into the 90's. However, considering the 14 point curve, only one earned in the 80's. The rest of us in the nineties earned in the high 70's.
I don't know what these kids are expecting. This is college. This is not high school. I saw comments on this ratemyprofessor that people expected to barter a higher grade from their professors at the end of the term. Seriously? The chutzpah! Some seemed to think they should be given a higher grade for regular attendance. As one of the commmenters said, "this is college, not high school. Grow up!" Actually, my high school was pretty hard. We even had to write 8 to 10 page papers. It's funny that these criticisms of the "harsh" professors are written in the worst English.
site. So, I was looking through it and the opinions posted for various professors I was considering taking. People in Brooklyn College (ahem, I don't go to Queens College) seem to think every professor is crazy and such a horrible unfair grader. I saw a comment that the professors should realize that the students have lives outside of class.
One of the things I noticed in Brooklyn College is that many of the students don't come to class. I was thinking, "what kind of grades do these students have?" When the accounting midterm grades were Emailed to the whole class (with your grade listed by social's last four), I had my answer. The lowest grade was a 35 (with a 14 point curve-that's 21 percent!) Most of the grades were in the 50's, 60's and 70's. There were a small handful in the 80's. Only three of us in the class made it into the 90's. However, considering the 14 point curve, only one earned in the 80's. The rest of us in the nineties earned in the high 70's.
I don't know what these kids are expecting. This is college. This is not high school. I saw comments on this ratemyprofessor that people expected to barter a higher grade from their professors at the end of the term. Seriously? The chutzpah! Some seemed to think they should be given a higher grade for regular attendance. As one of the commmenters said, "this is college, not high school. Grow up!" Actually, my high school was pretty hard. We even had to write 8 to 10 page papers. It's funny that these criticisms of the "harsh" professors are written in the worst English.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
I'm writing a mini paper for my management class on 3M corp
First of all, in case you didn't get the Facebook status, I go to BROOKLYN College. I don't go to Queens College. So, at Brooklyn College, I am majoring in Business with a concentration in Marketing. The assignment I'm currently working on a mini paper about the 3M corp. I don't know about the other students but, I had already known who they were. So, I was happy to finally do a mini paper on a company of which I had heard rather than some industrial business-to-business company from the fifties, sixties or seventies, as with the previous papers.
I just have to mention that in the movie, “Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion,” the two main characters try to impress their former classmates by telling them that they invented Post-Its. Janeane Garofalo’s character says, “no, you didn’t, Arthur Fry from 3M did. We learned it in business school."
Now, I too, can say that I learned about 3M and Post-Its in business school. Yippee!
I just have to mention that in the movie, “Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion,” the two main characters try to impress their former classmates by telling them that they invented Post-Its. Janeane Garofalo’s character says, “no, you didn’t, Arthur Fry from 3M did. We learned it in business school."
Now, I too, can say that I learned about 3M and Post-Its in business school. Yippee!
Who makes money in ISRAEL?
We're having a discussion on my Yahoo group. I suppose it's a little off topic but, anyhow, one of the members who has made aliyah and tells the rest of us to come along suggested to one of the girls that she should make aliyah. Anyhow, it segwayed into a discussion topic of who makes money in Israel?
So, now I'm asking the public, think of people you know who live in Israel, especially those who have made aliyah. How do they derive income in Israel? For those who know, I've been curious, what are the "good jobs" in Israel?
In the US, as we all know, Jewish women usually go into Speech Therapy, Occupation Therapy, Teaching, Social work, Nurse, Bookkeepping and maybe accounting. The Orthodox Jewish men in the US become rabbis (of course), rebbes in a school, accountants, doctors/dentists and lawyers. Sephardic men go into the family business which might be diamonds or fashion. At least, these are the occupations I hear over and over associated with each gender.
One of the girls from my group posted this example:
So, now I'm asking the public, think of people you know who live in Israel, especially those who have made aliyah. How do they derive income in Israel? For those who know, I've been curious, what are the "good jobs" in Israel?
In the US, as we all know, Jewish women usually go into Speech Therapy, Occupation Therapy, Teaching, Social work, Nurse, Bookkeepping and maybe accounting. The Orthodox Jewish men in the US become rabbis (of course), rebbes in a school, accountants, doctors/dentists and lawyers. Sephardic men go into the family business which might be diamonds or fashion. At least, these are the occupations I hear over and over associated with each gender.
One of the girls from my group posted this example:
Monday, November 2, 2009
Speeding with your kids in the car is more illegal than just speeding...
So, over Shabbos, my friend's husband was telling me about some friends of his who got a speeding ticket in some hick town upstate. Apparently, since they had their kids in the car and they were over 30 miles over the speed limit, they got an additional ticket for endangering a child. So, watch your led foot when you have your kids in the car.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Comment on a comment
I just clicked off on a comment that I cannot now find.
Someone anonymous said that converts shouldn't comment on conversions because we're biased.
1) This is a blog, not a legal forum. I have whatever opinions I wish. If you don't like it, don't read my blog.
2) Opinions on this issue held by converts and conversion candidates run across the spectrum. Some are permissive to almost anyone who wants a conversion. Not everyone who wants an Orthodox conversion should be converted. However, there are converts who will encourage a woman with a Facebook profile picture depicting her breast falling out of the skimpy dress she is wearing in the picture.
The other half of the comment said that converts are lesser creatures and this is proved by the fact that they can't marry kohanim.
Do NOT be so ridiculous! I'm sure this person thinks less of divorced women, too.
Someone anonymous said that converts shouldn't comment on conversions because we're biased.
1) This is a blog, not a legal forum. I have whatever opinions I wish. If you don't like it, don't read my blog.
2) Opinions on this issue held by converts and conversion candidates run across the spectrum. Some are permissive to almost anyone who wants a conversion. Not everyone who wants an Orthodox conversion should be converted. However, there are converts who will encourage a woman with a Facebook profile picture depicting her breast falling out of the skimpy dress she is wearing in the picture.
The other half of the comment said that converts are lesser creatures and this is proved by the fact that they can't marry kohanim.
Do NOT be so ridiculous! I'm sure this person thinks less of divorced women, too.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
comment on old Ivank/conversion post
Aliza "La Jewminicana" Hausman said...
I didn't have a dime to my name and the rabbis at KJ worked with me. They were nothing but amazing. Don't judge all rabbis by a couple of bad apples. Don't judge all converts by a couple of bad apples. And don't judge all Jews by...see where I'm going? People should be judged, if they are judged, as individuals.
Michal says:
My commenters think she (Ivanka) was pushed through for money. I do not. KJ has a plethora of rich donors to choose from.
The sad truth is that the RCA doesn't hold the GPS standards they claim to hold. They convert people who need more time or who shouldn't be converted at all in timeframes insulting to Orthodox Jewry.
What happens when Israel realizes this? They will stop accepting RCA conversions and retroactively. RCA converts from these new "safe, unquestioned" conversions will face the same problems we had before. RCA needs to clean up their act or sincere converts will be burned.
I didn't have a dime to my name and the rabbis at KJ worked with me. They were nothing but amazing. Don't judge all rabbis by a couple of bad apples. Don't judge all converts by a couple of bad apples. And don't judge all Jews by...see where I'm going? People should be judged, if they are judged, as individuals.
Michal says:
My commenters think she (Ivanka) was pushed through for money. I do not. KJ has a plethora of rich donors to choose from.
The sad truth is that the RCA doesn't hold the GPS standards they claim to hold. They convert people who need more time or who shouldn't be converted at all in timeframes insulting to Orthodox Jewry.
What happens when Israel realizes this? They will stop accepting RCA conversions and retroactively. RCA converts from these new "safe, unquestioned" conversions will face the same problems we had before. RCA needs to clean up their act or sincere converts will be burned.
Conversion standards: why R. Lookstein said they are too strict
Fellow blogger, Aliza Hausman, was kind enough to link this article to a comment on the blog post from when I asked if the new RCA standards are too strict.
http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c36_a4809/News/New_York.html
NOT EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO CONVERT SHOULD BE CONVERTED!!!!!!!
The rabbi criticizes that these standards will make it harder to convert.
IT'S SUPPOSED TO!!! It's supposed to weed out people who shouldn't be converting.
“The consideration seems to be to make sure that nobody enters the Jewish people unless we are absolutely certain of their present and future adherence to the full range of halacha [Jewish law],” says Rabbi Lookstein.
THAT'S THE POINT!!!!
Rabbi Lookstein also expressed concern that the rabbinic judges could be looking to find reasons to reject a prospective convert rather than welcome her.
THAT'S THE POINT!!!! We are NOT looking for converts. We accept sincere converts but, we are NOOOOOOOOOOOOOT looking for them.
Rabbi Lookstein doesn't like the fact that a sponsoring rabbi doesn't sit on your beis din. Let me tell you something, GPS (the name for RCA's new standards) candidates meet with the av beis din and their sponsor rabbi is there before they meet with the whole beis din. They spend MORE time in one session (about an hour) than my first sponsoring rabbi gave me in the year he was "sponsoring" me.
Overall, says Rabbi Lookstein, the new system makes unnecessary demands on potential converts, and discourages them from joining the Jewish people.
Unnecessary demands? Like Orthodox day school? What observant shomer Shabbos, shomer kashrus FFB, mother keeping purity, Jewish parent(s) would in their right mind send their functional children to public school?
Lookstein says, “suddenly, we’re worried about all these imperfect converts joining the Jewish people. I’d venture a guess that the most imperfect convert an Orthodox rabbi will convert would probably be far more observant and religious than 90 percent of American Jews."
Since when do we measure Orthodox standards by what Conservative, Reform and UNAFFILIATED Jews practice?
Rabbi Lookstein,
Do you have any IDEA how many times I've heard about and read about those who converted to Judaism (some verified Orthodox conversions) and it was just a phase... That's nice, this year I'll convert to Judaism, maybe next year I'll collect stamps. My best friend from the first time I went to college told me, "you're converting to Judaism? I have a friend here who converting in Israel, but she's Buddist, now." Raise your hand if you think converting her was the right decision for those rabbis. What? That's a really low hand raise. You mean you don't want to raise your hand? What? Someone was converted too easily? NO WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! Do you hear my cynical and sarcastic tone when you read that? I hope so.
http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c36_a4809/News/New_York.html
NOT EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO CONVERT SHOULD BE CONVERTED!!!!!!!
The rabbi criticizes that these standards will make it harder to convert.
IT'S SUPPOSED TO!!! It's supposed to weed out people who shouldn't be converting.
“The consideration seems to be to make sure that nobody enters the Jewish people unless we are absolutely certain of their present and future adherence to the full range of halacha [Jewish law],” says Rabbi Lookstein.
THAT'S THE POINT!!!!
Rabbi Lookstein also expressed concern that the rabbinic judges could be looking to find reasons to reject a prospective convert rather than welcome her.
THAT'S THE POINT!!!! We are NOT looking for converts. We accept sincere converts but, we are NOOOOOOOOOOOOOT looking for them.
Rabbi Lookstein doesn't like the fact that a sponsoring rabbi doesn't sit on your beis din. Let me tell you something, GPS (the name for RCA's new standards) candidates meet with the av beis din and their sponsor rabbi is there before they meet with the whole beis din. They spend MORE time in one session (about an hour) than my first sponsoring rabbi gave me in the year he was "sponsoring" me.
Overall, says Rabbi Lookstein, the new system makes unnecessary demands on potential converts, and discourages them from joining the Jewish people.
Unnecessary demands? Like Orthodox day school? What observant shomer Shabbos, shomer kashrus FFB, mother keeping purity, Jewish parent(s) would in their right mind send their functional children to public school?
Lookstein says, “suddenly, we’re worried about all these imperfect converts joining the Jewish people. I’d venture a guess that the most imperfect convert an Orthodox rabbi will convert would probably be far more observant and religious than 90 percent of American Jews."
Since when do we measure Orthodox standards by what Conservative, Reform and UNAFFILIATED Jews practice?
Rabbi Lookstein,
Do you have any IDEA how many times I've heard about and read about those who converted to Judaism (some verified Orthodox conversions) and it was just a phase... That's nice, this year I'll convert to Judaism, maybe next year I'll collect stamps. My best friend from the first time I went to college told me, "you're converting to Judaism? I have a friend here who converting in Israel, but she's Buddist, now." Raise your hand if you think converting her was the right decision for those rabbis. What? That's a really low hand raise. You mean you don't want to raise your hand? What? Someone was converted too easily? NO WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY! Do you hear my cynical and sarcastic tone when you read that? I hope so.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Ivanka and her big fat "Jewish" wedding
Again, Ivanka's conversion was not a full year. She is not dressed like an Orthodox Jewish woman in her wedding dress. Her elbows are not covered and see through lace doesn't count as covering the body-not by Orthodox Jewish standards. She wants to marry Jared.... fine, but don't make a mockery of Orthodox Judaism and Orthodox conversions.
Lookstein just did the conversion for politics. He wants conversions watered down until they are handed out in a Cracker Jack box. For those who don't know, Lookstein and Avi Weiss were very outspoken last summer that the new RCA conversion standards were too strict. Incidentally, the RCA hasn't been holding by the standards they espouse on paper, so why should anyone be upset that they are too strict? They don't count because they are just on paper.
One last thing: sorry guys, but the RCA standards do allow conversion for marriage. However, they claim they require 2 years minimum which they did not do in Ivanka's case and another case of which I know.
Lookstein just did the conversion for politics. He wants conversions watered down until they are handed out in a Cracker Jack box. For those who don't know, Lookstein and Avi Weiss were very outspoken last summer that the new RCA conversion standards were too strict. Incidentally, the RCA hasn't been holding by the standards they espouse on paper, so why should anyone be upset that they are too strict? They don't count because they are just on paper.
One last thing: sorry guys, but the RCA standards do allow conversion for marriage. However, they claim they require 2 years minimum which they did not do in Ivanka's case and another case of which I know.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Michal on stay at home momming....
So, fellow blogger, http://www.alizahausman.net/ wrote about the whole "what do you do?" question which sort of touched on stay at home moms. She mentioned how an author/speaker/psychologist would tell people she was a stay at home mom if she wanted to be left alone on Shabbos. I can't remember who this was, but, I read this in one of the woman's books.
Anyhow, the topic came up of how stay-at-home-moms don't get any respect because respect is equal to yearly income with allowances made for those who obviously have a degree but make crap because they have a warm fuzzy job (teacher, social worker etc.) Somehow, though, people are not respecting the warm fuzzy job of mom.
I wonder if this has something to do with what people hire to watch their kids. I'm talking about these cut rate nannies that most Orthodox Jews can afford. Before you pile me up with your hate mail people, I do know that there are some decent nannies out there. My best friend from college (college the first time) worked as a nanny for a year after her bachelor's so that she could pay off her loans before going on to get a master's. However, many people hire nannies that well, are not as good.
Personally, I've had way too many experiences being at someone's house with their nanny. I've been told how children are spoiled and should be beaten up on a regular basis. One nanny told me she hates Jews with every fiber of her being. My friend's nanny says that most nannies let the children walk outside with no shoes on and in cold weather. Furthermore, I would be seriously worried about leaving a non-Jew in my kitchen. People always say, "but they know kosher better than Jews." Perhaps they do. However, that doesn't mean they keep it when we're not looking. I think only a Jew (or a serious conversion candidate) would care about keeping your kitchen kosher. That's why smart people hire Jewish Immigrants who barely speak English.
Maybe I'll find two college kids and have them split the schedule so that each works half the week or so, that is IF I ever have kids. (See last post and my resolution to have popsicle babies instead of getting married.) Personally, I would prefer to stay home with my kids and not send them to day care. I was thinking I could homeschool my kids for most of elementary school. At the rising cost of these day schools and the declining wages in this economy, three or four kids would break even... So, maybe I would send a kid or two to dayschool but, a brood I would homeschool. I guess it would depend on how much I would be making when I started having kids. Again, this is if I ever even have kids. I'm so fed up with people thinking they can nag me into getting married, I'm liable to stop dating. Oh, wait, I'm a woman, I don't get dates....
Anyhow, the topic came up of how stay-at-home-moms don't get any respect because respect is equal to yearly income with allowances made for those who obviously have a degree but make crap because they have a warm fuzzy job (teacher, social worker etc.) Somehow, though, people are not respecting the warm fuzzy job of mom.
I wonder if this has something to do with what people hire to watch their kids. I'm talking about these cut rate nannies that most Orthodox Jews can afford. Before you pile me up with your hate mail people, I do know that there are some decent nannies out there. My best friend from college (college the first time) worked as a nanny for a year after her bachelor's so that she could pay off her loans before going on to get a master's. However, many people hire nannies that well, are not as good.
Personally, I've had way too many experiences being at someone's house with their nanny. I've been told how children are spoiled and should be beaten up on a regular basis. One nanny told me she hates Jews with every fiber of her being. My friend's nanny says that most nannies let the children walk outside with no shoes on and in cold weather. Furthermore, I would be seriously worried about leaving a non-Jew in my kitchen. People always say, "but they know kosher better than Jews." Perhaps they do. However, that doesn't mean they keep it when we're not looking. I think only a Jew (or a serious conversion candidate) would care about keeping your kitchen kosher. That's why smart people hire Jewish Immigrants who barely speak English.
Maybe I'll find two college kids and have them split the schedule so that each works half the week or so, that is IF I ever have kids. (See last post and my resolution to have popsicle babies instead of getting married.) Personally, I would prefer to stay home with my kids and not send them to day care. I was thinking I could homeschool my kids for most of elementary school. At the rising cost of these day schools and the declining wages in this economy, three or four kids would break even... So, maybe I would send a kid or two to dayschool but, a brood I would homeschool. I guess it would depend on how much I would be making when I started having kids. Again, this is if I ever even have kids. I'm so fed up with people thinking they can nag me into getting married, I'm liable to stop dating. Oh, wait, I'm a woman, I don't get dates....
Another thing about why I should never marry...
Go on Craigslist, into personals, men seeking women. Type search, "frum" and see how many of these married men are looking to play around.
I'm in no hurry to get married. Maybe once I have a career, I'll have me some popsicle babies.
I'm in no hurry to get married. Maybe once I have a career, I'll have me some popsicle babies.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Shidduchiim strikes again
So, I spent Shabbos at someone's house, as I often do. They had an agenda. The agenda was to badger me into finding a marriage partner. Don't these people understand that it's not in the woman's hand to do these things. They seemed to think that if I called the shadchans and harassed them over and over again, they would actually find me someone. Sure, they'll find me someone. They will say to themselves, "she wants someone, I'll give her someone-someone she doesn't want so she'll leave me the hell alone. Let's see, do I have any 50 year old men for her.... anything she won't want.... maybe I'll call her with a guy who doesn't keep Shabbos."
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Shidduch crisis on VIN
So, one of the blogreaders sent me this article:
http://www.vosizneias.com/40117/2009/10/21/new-york-linking-shidduch-crisis-to-boys-preference-for-younger-age-is-ludicrous
One comment, comment #125, I found interesting.
Anonymous Says:Says:
“ Halacha requires a man to marry in order to procreate, and if he hasn't yet fulfilled the Mitzva to "be fruitful and multiply" he is required to divorce his wife if it becomes apparent that she cannot bear children.
Can anyone explain then why shaddconim, apparently with the sanction of many Rabbis, regularly encourage healthy men in their 40s and 50s to accept shidduchim with women who are well beyond childbearing age? If they were already married the halacha would call for them to divorce, any yet in today's day and age these are the only women who are being suggested to such men (I know from personal experience)!
Clearly a major part of the 'shidduch crisis' is because women are now being openly discouraged from marrying older men - a problem contributed to by the sentiment in the proclamation signed by these 60 Rabbis.
Women today are being taught to give no thought to their own ticking time-clock, which naturally makes them incapable of having children at a much younger age than men. If we would go back to Torah-based priorities there would be much less problems.”
I respond to this man.
There you have it!
Men figure that they are supposed to have children so they just dig in their heels and refuse to give serious consideration to age-appropriate women. They wait until they are over 40 and then they say, "but, I want to have children, so I need a younger woman."
I suspect the difference in the numbers isn't as bad as people think. For one thing, while there is always a ton more women on the shadchans' lists that go around. Wouldn't that happen if women were getting on 10 lists and men were only getting on 2? I think that men are less likely to go to a shadchan because they want a girl based on her being young and pretty. It seems like men tell me their friend is getting married and they say, "she is X number of years younger than him." What does she do? Where is from? They don't know. They only know if she's young.
I see a trend that Ashkenaz men are willing to marry non-American women, such as Bukharian, Georgian and Hispanic girls they take in to the rabbi for conversion. However, American women are not interested in these men (if you know any, you know why).
The fact that modern people aren't getting married because they already getting it on, is a contributing factor. I think those who marry younger, though, are more likely to cheat. It's usually men from Boro Park on Craigslist looking for someone. I doubt they are single.
The other problem is that, come on, people said this, they keep telling men there's more of them than women, it's a crisis so the men get pickier and pickier because they figure they can. Women, like me, figure we will stay single before we will spend the rest of our lives with someone we don't want.
http://www.vosizneias.com/40117/2009/10/21/new-york-linking-shidduch-crisis-to-boys-preference-for-younger-age-is-ludicrous
One comment, comment #125, I found interesting.
Anonymous Says:Says:
“ Halacha requires a man to marry in order to procreate, and if he hasn't yet fulfilled the Mitzva to "be fruitful and multiply" he is required to divorce his wife if it becomes apparent that she cannot bear children.
Can anyone explain then why shaddconim, apparently with the sanction of many Rabbis, regularly encourage healthy men in their 40s and 50s to accept shidduchim with women who are well beyond childbearing age? If they were already married the halacha would call for them to divorce, any yet in today's day and age these are the only women who are being suggested to such men (I know from personal experience)!
Clearly a major part of the 'shidduch crisis' is because women are now being openly discouraged from marrying older men - a problem contributed to by the sentiment in the proclamation signed by these 60 Rabbis.
Women today are being taught to give no thought to their own ticking time-clock, which naturally makes them incapable of having children at a much younger age than men. If we would go back to Torah-based priorities there would be much less problems.”
I respond to this man.
There you have it!
Men figure that they are supposed to have children so they just dig in their heels and refuse to give serious consideration to age-appropriate women. They wait until they are over 40 and then they say, "but, I want to have children, so I need a younger woman."
I suspect the difference in the numbers isn't as bad as people think. For one thing, while there is always a ton more women on the shadchans' lists that go around. Wouldn't that happen if women were getting on 10 lists and men were only getting on 2? I think that men are less likely to go to a shadchan because they want a girl based on her being young and pretty. It seems like men tell me their friend is getting married and they say, "she is X number of years younger than him." What does she do? Where is from? They don't know. They only know if she's young.
I see a trend that Ashkenaz men are willing to marry non-American women, such as Bukharian, Georgian and Hispanic girls they take in to the rabbi for conversion. However, American women are not interested in these men (if you know any, you know why).
The fact that modern people aren't getting married because they already getting it on, is a contributing factor. I think those who marry younger, though, are more likely to cheat. It's usually men from Boro Park on Craigslist looking for someone. I doubt they are single.
The other problem is that, come on, people said this, they keep telling men there's more of them than women, it's a crisis so the men get pickier and pickier because they figure they can. Women, like me, figure we will stay single before we will spend the rest of our lives with someone we don't want.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)