Let's Play "Ask The Jew"!

[Typo Lad]

Typo, he has to be talking about Hava Nagillah (Come, let us be joyful").

Sandy Hausler

I guess so. Weird since no-one really simgs that these days.

[jessecuster3]

I guess so. Weird since no-one really simgs that these days.

Maybe among the Frum...

[Matt Algren]

I guess so. Weird since no-one really simgs that these days.
But it has the weird clarinet that the goys associate with Jewish music, so like Jesse said, it's the go-to for Hollywood.

Kind of like every movie ever that had anything to do with any version of the Christian church has people singing Amazing Grace. Churches don't really sing it that much.

[RubinCompServ]

Kind of like every movie ever that had anything to do with any version of the Christian church has people singing Amazing Grace.

Not in "The Blues Brothers"...:D

[Super Hero Guy]

Yesm it was Hava Nagillah

[Valmore]

Hey, how you doing today?

[Typo Lad]

Hey, how you doing today?
Kacha-kacha (so-so). A bit exhausted and dreading the holidays.

Also, have to return the phone I got. it suxor.

But thanks for asking! How's by you?

[Matt Algren]

Happy New Year, by the way.

[Typo Lad]

Thanks! Very kind of you.

[DarkBlade]

PINECREST, Fla. (AP) -- Call it a torah time-share.

Most Jews see the holy scroll only in their synagogue, and have rarely held one. But Temple Israel in Miami is taking the unprecedented step of allowing congregants of the Reform synagogue to host Judaism's sacred text in their homes in exchange for a donation.

For a one-time gift of $1,800, donors can sponsor a section of the scroll. Each year, during the week before that section is read at Shabbat services, the donor can keep the torah in their home -- an arrival that has prompted families to host scripture studies, parades and dinner parties.

Rabbi Mitch Chefitz came up with the idea, calling the torah in a house an "honored guest."

Temple Israel's program is believed to be the first of its kind. Chefitz says it has since inspired a Tel Aviv temple to start its own. Participants repeat similar refrains of excitement, being able to get close to the core of their Jewish faith.

(Copyright © 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Whatchya think?

[mgs]

Here's a question that's not so new, but anyways...

We all know about the Catholic Church Preists who abuse the underaged in their communities, but there have also been Rabbi's who've acted the same. What happens(ed) to them? Are they ousted from their Jewish communities religious or otherwise as well? I've read the stories but never really followed up on any of it, so I don't know what really happened to them.

[Valmore]

Kacha-kacha (so-so). A bit exhausted and dreading the holidays.

Also, have to return the phone I got. it suxor.

But thanks for asking! How's by you?

While I can't say how I was on the 11th, I can say today I'm feeling really run down, like I've been playing in traffic with a sinus headache.

[Kareem]

Cool beans, I was gonna make the same thread exept it was going to be called "ask the muslim guy."

Anyways, my question. How does the jewish community (by that I mean those practising their religion) view the laws and punishments contained in the Torat and Talmud today? They are similar to ours in a number of cases. We still hold them to authoritive but can only be put in effect by the Khalifa (Head of state) in an real Islamic state. I'm asking because we are often chastized because of our laws but those laws exist in other scriptures aswell.

Kind of a loaded question but it's not intended to stir up controversy.

[Typo Lad]

Whatchya think?

Interesting concept. Seems like a privilege for the wealthy though.

[Typo Lad]

Here's a question that's not so new, but anyways...

We all know about the Catholic Church Preists who abuse the underaged in their communities, but there have also been Rabbi's who've acted the same. What happens(ed) to them? Are they ousted from their Jewish communities religious or otherwise as well? I've read the stories but never really followed up on any of it, so I don't know what really happened to them.

It's followed up on (http://www.theawarenesscenter.org/lanner_baruch.html). We report them and they go to jail.

I had the "pleasure" of meeting this man and my parents had the "honor" of working with him.

[Typo Lad]

Cool beans, I was gonna make the same thread exept it was going to be called "ask the muslim guy."

Anyways, my question. How does the jewish community (by that I mean those practising their religion) view the laws and punishments contained in the Torat and Talmud today? They are similar to ours in a number of cases. We still hold them to authoritive but can only be put in effect by the Khalifa (Head of state) in an real Islamic state. I'm asking because we are often chastized because of our laws but those laws exist in other scriptures aswell.

Kind of a loaded question but it's not intended to stir up controversy.

Depends on the laws. Can you be more specific?

Jewish Courts are very big deals though, and have a lot of power.

[DarkBlade]

Interesting concept. Seems like a privilege for the wealthy though.

Yeah, that's the main downside I could see. And how big are temple populations on average? What if more than 52 families want in? If it's not done first come, how?

[Kareem]

Depends on the laws. Can you be more specific?

Jewish Courts are very big deals though, and have a lot of power.
punishments for apostacy, adultery, murder, these sort of things.

[Typo Lad]

punishments for apostacy, adultery, murder, these sort of things.
There's no Capital Punishment without a temple, so nah.

[sabongero]

Cool beans, I was gonna make the same thread exept it was going to be called "ask the muslim guy."

Anyways, my question. How does the jewish community (by that I mean those practising their religion) view the laws and punishments contained in the Torat and Talmud today? They are similar to ours in a number of cases. We still hold them to authoritive but can only be put in effect by the Khalifa (Head of state) in an real Islamic state. I'm asking because we are often chastized because of our laws but those laws exist in other scriptures aswell.

Kind of a loaded question but it's not intended to stir up controversy.

Kareem you should have an ask a muslim thread. you have a good way of conveying your thoughts and you seem to be well versed in the ways of muslims. perhaps you can shed info and enlightenment to people who are not familiar with the muslim faith.

just as Type Lad has enlightened readers here on the jewish faith.

[Kareem]

Kareem you should have an ask a muslim thread. you have a good way of conveying your thoughts and you seem to be well versed in the ways of muslims. perhaps you can shed info and enlightenment to people who are not familiar with the muslim faith.

just as Type Lad has enlightened readers here on the jewish faith.
Will do :)

[Kareem]

There's no Capital Punishment without a temple, so nah.
What exactly do you mean by a Temple? Is it like a governing body over the entire jewish community? Purely spiritual or also political? Could a Temple like that be established today?

[mgs]

It's followed up on (http://www.theawarenesscenter.org/lanner_baruch.html). We report them and they go to jail.

I had the "pleasure" of meeting this man and my parents had the "honor" of working with him.

Thanks for that link Typo. That's the kind of stuff I was interested in reading.

[spideyguy0]

What exactly do you mean by a Temple? Is it like a governing body over the entire jewish community? Purely spiritual or also political? Could a Temple like that be established today?

Temple refers to either of the 2 sacred Temples built in Jerusalem between 500ish BCE and 70 CE. They are known as the Beit HaMikdash in Hebrew. The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the only remaining portion of the 2nd Temple which is why it is considered to be so important by Jews. According to Jewish tradition, there will be a third Temple, but it cannot be built until the coming of the Messiah.

[hyzmarca]

If intelligent extraterrestrial life exists and contacts Earth, can space aliens become Jews? What if they are physiologically incapable of following Kashrut?

[Typo Lad]

Temple refers to either of the 2 sacred Temples built in Jerusalem between 500ish BCE and 70 CE. They are known as the Beit HaMikdash in Hebrew. The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the only remaining portion of the 2nd Temple which is why it is considered to be so important by Jews. According to Jewish tradition, there will be a third Temple, but it cannot be built until the coming of the Messiah.

Perfect answer.

If intelligent extraterrestrial life exists and contacts Earth, can space aliens become Jews? What if they are physiologically incapable of following Kashrut?

A fascinating hypothetical. One would assume there would be analogues. Can you be more specific in what would make it impossible?

[hyzmarca]

Protein allergy.
Their digestive systems are optimized to absorb proteins found in certain animals on their native planet, particularly a species of crawling insect that is their staple food. None of their available food animals qualify as kosher. They can eat some plants and some kosher Earth animals, but proteins from these sources react with their intestines in the same way that gluten reacts with the intestines of people who have celiac disease, causing intestinal damage over time which soon makes it impossible for them to absorb any nutrients at all if they eat these foods regularly, which would lead to an early death from malnutrition.

[Typo Lad]

Ah. They'd die?

Then they cna eat non-Kosher. Simple if life is at stake.

[Pro]

There's no Capital Punishment without a temple, so nah.

Guess that partially answers my question.
But suppose the temple is rebuild, then capital punishment would be part of the law again?

If so how do you reconcile the law stating gays should be stoned with the idea that God is love, just and mercifull? From what i understand that law would apply only to gay jews since gentiles are not bound by the same 166 (?) laws, correct?

On a more general note, have you studied the kabbala? If so i might have a few more questions :).

[Typo Lad]

Guess that partially answers my question.
But suppose the temple is rebuild, then capital punishment would be part of the law again?

When Moshiach (The Messiah) comes and the Temple is rebuilt then yes, the concept of capital punishment would exist, one assumes.

However, the post-messianic era is supposed to be a very different existence (scholars argue on the details), so it may not be a factor.

If so how do you reconcile the law stating gays should be stoned

Source, please. Homosexual intercourse (the action, not the inclination) is indeed forbidden for Jews, but I've yet to see a source that says one gets stoned for it.

I admit, haven't delved for it.

Further, it should be noted that the laws for being a witness would make any case of alleged forbidden sexual relations really, really hard to prossecute.

Didja know that, in accordance with Torah Law, if you're caught giving false testimony you get whatever the defendant would have gotten?

with the idea that God is love, just and mercifull?

G-d is mercy, yes, but G-d isn't just mercy. G-d is also wrath and the storm and the plague.

We do not yet quite have the skills to quantify Him, so I try not to pigeon-hole.

Again, please share source on stoning.

From what i understand that law would apply only to gay jews since gentiles are not bound by the same 166 (?) laws, correct?[QUOTE]

613, actually, which don't all apply to everyone (some can only be done by women, some only by men, some only in Israel, some only with a king...etc). Gentiles get 7. I list them here earlier. Search on "Noahide".

[QUOTE]On a more general note, have you studied the kabbala? If so i might have a few more questions :).

While I know a few Kabbalistic tidbits, I do not have the grounding one needs before one begins to study Zohar or other Kabbalistic works.

[The Watcher]

Arrr matey! I be wonderin if there be any famous Jewish pirates from history.

[Pro]

Leviticus 18:22 "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act. They must be put to death."

(Mind you, i don't have a torah and can't read hebrew to check if it significantly differs or could be interpreted differently as the old testament is often interpreted by christians fundamentalists so correct me if i'm wrong).

613, actually, which don't all apply to everyone (some can only be done by women, some only by men, some only in Israel, some only with a king...etc). Gentiles get 7. I list them here earlier. Search on "Noahide".

Thanks 613 is corect yes. Forgot the number but i knew there were only 7 that apply to gentiles and a whole lot more to observant jews.

While I know a few Kabbalistic tidbits, I do not have the grounding one needs before one begins to study Zohar or other Kabbalistic works.

Ah too bad, i studied the western texts i could find on the kabbalah quite a bit. I particularly found S.L mcgregor Mathers' The Kabbalah Unveiled and Dion Fortune's The Mystical Kabbalah particularly enlightening as a basis for delving into the actual texts. I have the bahir commentaries but they are extremely difficult to follow unless you have knowledge of the hebrew alphabet and have a torah written in hebrew you can actually read.

[Typo Lad]

Leviticus 18:22 "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have committed a detestable act. They must be put to death."


Sure not how I recall it!

(Mind you, i don't have a torah and can't read hebrew to check if it significantly differs or could be interpreted differently as the old testament is often interpreted by christians fundamentalists so correct me if i'm wrong).

I don't have it in front of ne and will recheck it later, but I believe that is more properly translated as "If a man should lay with another man as he would a woman, it is an 'abomination'."

I put "abomination" in quotes because it's a poor translation of the concept of toeyvah, a sin that is between man and G-d.

Other toeyvahs include cheating your fellow man (and not getting caught by man) and eating bottom-dwellers.

In my personal opinion, these all have in common the fact that they're done privately.

Thanks 613 is corect yes. Forgot the number but i knew there were only 7 that apply to gentiles and a whole lot more to observant jews.

It's enough to make you plotz.

[/QUOTE]Ah too bad, i studied the western texts i could find on the kabbalah quite a bit. I particularly found S.L mcgregor Mathers' The Kabbalah Unveiled and Dion Fortune's The Mystical Kabbalah particularly enlightening as a basis for delving into the actual texts. I have the bahir commentaries but they are extremely difficult to follow unless you have knowledge of the hebrew alphabet and have a torah written in hebrew you can actually read.[/QUOTE]

Hebrew is a fun language to learn. The catch is remembering that modern and ancient Hebrew are amazingly different creatures.

[Typo Lad]

Arrr matey! I be wonderin if there be any famous Jewish pirates from history.
You know, I have no idea. Google says that yes, some of the Jews Exiled from Spain did indeed become pirates.

Fascinating.

[Pro]

I put "abomination" in quotes because it's a poor translation of the concept of toeyvah, a sin that is between man and G-d.

Meaning that it would be hard to prove unless you catch someone, which would make it hard to judge in a court of law, but it's still a sin with regards to your relationship with God?

It's enough to make you plotz.

indeed, good enough reason for gentiles not to convert to judeism :p. You can have your 613 laws, i'm having enough trouble with 7 even though i find kabbalistic teachings resemble many of my own personal beliefs with regard to metaphysics.

Hebrew is a fun language to learn. The catch is remembering that modern and ancient Hebrew are amazingly different creatures.

Yea, i noticed. I did learn the hebrew alphabet a long time ago but much of it has seeped away into my subconcious again since. I might one day pick up learning ancient hebrew again for the express purpose of delving deeper into the kabbalah.

Oh, another question related to that, is the torah written in modern or ancient hebrew these days? Given that the kabbalah relies on ancient hebrew with even the letters of a given word in the torah having specific meaning one would assume ancient hebrew but i'm not sure.

[Typo Lad]

Meaning that it would be hard to prove unless you catch someone, which would make it hard to judge in a court of law, but it's still a sin with regards to your relationship with God?

I don't know if the eating/sex one CAN even be tried in a court of law.

Cheating is only an abomination if your not caught, it seems. Once caught it is a sin and a crime, but not the same "type".

[/QUOTE]indeed, good enough reason for gentiles not to convert to judeism :p. You can have your 613 laws, i'm having enough trouble with 7 even though i find kabbalistic teachings resemble many of my own personal beliefs with regard to metaphysics.[/QUOTE]

Is eating the flash off of live animals REALLY all that tempting?

Yea, i noticed. I did learn the hebrew alphabet a long time ago but much of it has seeped away into my subconcious again since. I might one day pick up learning ancient hebrew again for the express purpose of delving deeper into the kabbalah.

Fun.

Kaballah makes a lot more sense (I am told) when grounded in study of Talmud.

Oh, another question related to that, is the torah written in modern or ancient hebrew these days? Given that the kabbalah relies on ancient hebrew with even the letters of a given word in the torah having specific meaning one would assume ancient hebrew but i'm not sure.

Ancient, but not ANCIENT Hebew (ie, the text on the Dead Sea Scrolls).

Sorta halfway. Same font as modern (not cursive, mind you. No ancient cursive Hebrew), different meanings.

[Mac Danny]

My apologies if you already had this question. Long time listener, first time caller.

So I overheard someone talking in the loby of our building about how it's against the Jewish faith to have a tattoo. That you can't be buried in a jewish cemetery if you have a tattoo.


So, my question becomes, what about people who survived the WWII camps who were involuntarily tattooed? Was there a special dispensation made fro them.

Because if there wasn't. that is messed up.

[jessecuster3]

My apologies if you already had this question. Long time listener, first time caller.

So I overheard someone talking in the loby of our building about how it's against the Jewish faith to have a tattoo. That you can't be buried in a jewish cemetery if you have a tattoo.


So, my question becomes, what about people who survived the WWII camps who were involuntarily tattooed? Was there a special dispensation made fro them.

Because if there wasn't. that is messed up.

Of course there was.

[Mac Danny]

Of course there was.

religions can be unnecessarily hard nosed about weird shit. It got me thinking.

[Pro]

Is eating the flash off of live animals REALLY all that tempting?

Lol. If i see a lamb running through the field all i want to do is sink my teeth in it right there and then! :p

Kaballah makes a lot more sense (I am told) when grounded in study of Talmud.

I'm sure it is. It is a very precise system and understanding one principle relies on understanding another principle. The books i mentioned were really usefull to understand the ground principles though. But when you get deeper into the material talmudic knowledge will no doubt make it easier to comprehend.

Hebrew is pretty much essential to understanding the kabbalah. The Bahir for example comments on specific letters and why they are drawn open or closed, why certain lines are drawn specifically, why letters have numbers assigned to them and how one can find new meaning in the torah by adding up the numerical value and comparing them to other words that have the same numerical values. A certain sentence has meaning but each word in the sentence can also convey other principles. Likewise by splitting up a word into separate words one can find yet another meaning and so on and so forth. Very complex material.

[Paul McEnery]

You know, I have no idea. Google says that yes, some of the Jews Exiled from Spain did indeed become pirates.

Fascinating.

Noooooo!

You're supposed to do the voice!

And say "Step aboard me vessel, boy, and I'm sure I can shiver yer timbers".

Or something.

Well, that's me done for Pirate Day.

[Mac Danny]

Noooooo!

You're supposed to do the voice!

And say "Step aboard me vessel, boy, and I'm sure I can shiver yer timbers".

Or something.

Well, that's me done for Pirate Day.

"Yar.. Ye best have a separate plate fer Dairy or it's the Plank for ye! "

"There will be no plunderin on ye Sabbath!"

"Yar! Do Ye have Barnacles in yer yarmelke!? "

[Typo Lad]

My apologies if you already had this question. Long time listener, first time caller.

So I overheard someone talking in the loby of our building about how it's against the Jewish faith to have a tattoo. That you can't be buried in a jewish cemetery if you have a tattoo.


So, my question becomes, what about people who survived the WWII camps who were involuntarily tattooed? Was there a special dispensation made fro them.

Because if there wasn't. that is messed up.
They don't count as tatoos.

[Kareem]

They don't count as tatoos.
What if someone gets a tattoo and then repents but doesn't ahve the means to remove it?

[Mac Danny]

They don't count as tatoos.

Interesting. So the definition of Tattoo for the Jewish faith has to have some kind of intent?

See Catholicism calls it a sin, like they call most things. Tattoos and masturbation fall under the same heading of "Bodily Mutilation."

I don't know how they jerk off, but they are doing it wrong.


I wonder if anyone has that Kosher Symbol they put on food tattooed on them.

Thanks' for the insight Typo! No Tattoos for Tot!

[Typo Lad]

What if someone gets a tattoo and then repents but doesn't ahve the means to remove it?

I think they'd be jake.

Interesting. So the definition of Tattoo for the Jewish faith has to have some kind of intent?

More like has to be self-inflicted.


I wonder if anyone has that Kosher Symbol they put on food tattooed on them.

Which ONE? There's at least a dozen off the top of my head, and those are just the "majors".

Still... heh.

[RubinCompServ]

What if someone gets a tattoo and then repents but doesn't ahve the means to remove it?

If they repent (and it's sincere), then it's over and done with. If there is no means to remove it, they just better hope that it's not something embarassing...

[Typo Lad]

Along those lines, one would also not need to get one's art removed if one converted in.

[Super Hero Guy]

I saw a woman today wearing a yarmelke. Is this common?

[Typo Lad]

I saw a woman today wearing a yarmelke. Is this common?
Not quite. Seen it. Not an orthodox thing.

[Mac Danny]

I was in the grocery store today, walking through the kosher Food section on my way to the register.

What I saw there confused and interested me.

Bazooka Joe is Kosher?

If that is true then it makes sens that it has comics with jokes in it since the founding fathers of comics and comedy were Jewish.

Crazy, who would have thought Bazooka Joe celebrates Hanukkah.

[jessecuster3]

I was in the grocery store today, walking through the kosher Food section on my way to the register.

What I saw there confused and interested me.

Bazooka Joe is Kosher?

If that is true then it makes sens that it has comics with jokes in it since the founding fathers of comics and comedy were Jewish.

Crazy, who would have thought Bazooka Joe celebrates Hanukkah.

We used to get Bazooka in Hebrew School and they even had the comics in Hebrew.

[Typo Lad]

Bazooka was just about the ONLY Kosher gum that didn't taste like Wax when I was a kid.

Once upon a time (and maybe still) it was basically the official gum of Israel.

They also do a small run of Kosher Double Bubble these days.

Why does that shock you Mac?

[LtMarvel]

Hard for me to think of gum as food... maybe that has something to do with it.

[Mac Danny]

Bazooka was just about the ONLY Kosher gum that didn't taste like Wax when I was a kid.

Once upon a time (and maybe still) it was basically the official gum of Israel.

They also do a small run of Kosher Double Bubble these days.

Why does that shock you Mac?

Bazooka Joe seems like a protestant to me.

[Typo Lad]

Hard for me to think of gum as food... maybe that has something to do with it.
Actually Lt, gum is a sticky issue for some (pardon the pun). Some say it doesn't really need supervision for the reason you cite, while others say it's just not possible for it to be Kosher at all.

Remember that Kashrut (laws of Kosher) are about more than food. It's about food prep and handlin as well.

[LtMarvel]

So, are there sweet tooth cravings those who follow Kosher are spared?

Besides gummi food...

[SOGG]

Hey typo,

For some reason, I thought corn syrup during passover wasn't kosher, however in the kosher sections of most groceries I go to, they sell Doc Brown's -- which contains corn syrup.

Are they just supposed to yank those during passover or what?

[RubinCompServ]

Hey typo,

For some reason, I thought corn syrup during passover wasn't kosher, however in the kosher sections of most groceries I go to, they sell Doc Brown's -- which contains corn syrup.

Are they just supposed to yank those during passover or what?

If you read the ingredients of sodas, they may say something like "high fructose corn syrup/sugar", giving them the option of doing different runs without changing the label (although I don't know about DB in particular). Also, I'm sure you can find alot more foods that are Kosher, but not permitted on Passover (Enteman's, anyone?)

[SOGG]

If you read the ingredients of sodas, they may say something like "high fructose corn syrup/sugar", giving them the option of doing different runs without changing the label (although I don't know about DB in particular). Also, I'm sure you can find alot more foods that are Kosher, but not permitted on Passover (Enteman's, anyone?)

Ah quite. But as a Jewish person, how would you know to consume or not consume a db rootbeer during passover if the label says HFCS/Sugar?

[Typo Lad]

So, are there sweet tooth cravings those who follow Kosher are spared?

Besides gummi food...

There are tons of non-Kosher candies. The main would be Marshmallow - the Kosher version is completely different. No Kosher Marshmallow cereals!

There are Kosher "gummies", but it's just soft candy.

Hey typo,

For some reason, I thought corn syrup during passover wasn't kosher, however in the kosher sections of most groceries I go to, they sell Doc Brown's -- which contains corn syrup.

Are they just supposed to yank those during passover or what?

Corn is indeed verbotten. Doc Brown's (which is vile) simply only sells Sugar versions on Passover. There's a special certification for it to make sure no one gets confused.

But for the record, yes, they do pull things that are Non-Kosher for Passover.

If you read the ingredients of sodas, they may say something like "high fructose corn syrup/sugar", giving them the option of doing different runs without changing the label (although I don't know about DB in particular). Also, I'm sure you can find alot more foods that are Kosher, but not permitted on Passover (Enteman's, anyone?)

No thanks. I'm watching my figure.

Ah quite. But as a Jewish person, how would you know to consume or not consume a db rootbeer during passover if the label says HFCS/Sugar?

You base it on the certification. Every certifier has a special Passover seal.

[Michael P]

Feel free to tell me if this is a stupid question.

A Jew and a Gentile are switched at birth, so the Gentile is raised Jewish, and the Jew is raised a Gentile.

If the switch is discovered when they're both adults, what's the official position on their Jewishness?

[Typo Lad]

Funny you should ask, Michael.

Several years ago, my family had a young man and a young lady over. They weren't a couple... they just happened to be invited for the same date. The girl mentions how she'd always thought she was a Gentile, but at a family wedding she discovered she was, in fact, Jewish. The guy smiled and said "That's funny, it was at a family wedding I found out that I was not Jewish."

The girl did not have to convert, but the guy did. Well, chose to. He didn't "have" to.

[Nikita]

I'm sure this has been answered somewhere in this thread, but I don't have the patience to go back and read all 188 pages so far, so forgive me if I'm repeating a topic.

I've always been curious, why is there so much hatred, and distrust of Jews? Where does this come from? I don't get this racist point of view.

I encountered it yesterday when I ran into a friend. He's a nice man, very laid back, always seemed pretty cool to me.

We were discussing how one of his friends got ripped off by a car dealership. He said it was owned by a lawyer and we gave each other a knowing look. (I know, not all lawyers are con artists but still)

However, he happened to add, that it must have been a Jewish lawyer. I didn't give him a knowing look that time. I was like huh? I didn't say anything, but his comment took me by surprise.

Why all the negative (and clearly wrong) stereotypes about Jews?


I just don't get where all this intolerance started and why it still continues today. I personally don't have a problem with Jewish folks and I don't automatically stereotype them if they happen to be successful financially. I never have. That's why this intolerant attitude of them from others has always baffled me.

[Typo Lad]

Nikita, that's a college level course right there.

The simple, basic answer is... xenophobia. The Jew, historically, looks, dresses, and acts like his neighbor's for the most part. Except they have these weird customes. They won't eat normal food. They have all these crazy rules they follow. They keep harping on stuff that happened centuries ago like it happened to them. They mutilate their genitals. They're so... weird. Yet they look like normal people! Why, anyone around you could be a Jew. How would you know?

Then add to that the fact that some Jewish cultures stress education (My six year old is bi-lingual for goodness sake), and you're going to end up with a larger percentage of educated persons from said culture. THEN add to the fact that many nations would only let Jews have certain jobs, and you're going to end up with those educated Jews seeking out those jobs by force of habit. Next thing you know, there are all these dang Jewish lawyers and bankers and doctors!

It's not always negative. Fun fact: Japan tried to lure Jews to immigrate in the 30's, because they believed the stereotypes and wanted that prosperity to rub off.

In fact, historically, Jews are poor people. For every Baron Rothchild there are two hundred Fivels. Yet it's the Rothchild's people notice.

I'm rambling.

Oh, another reason people hate Jews? Religion. Keep in mind that the early Christians and Jews fought like mad. That's imprinted in the psyche of both sides, I think.

[Mac Danny]

Oh, another reason people hate Jews? Religion. Keep in mind that the early Christians and Jews fought like mad. That's imprinted in the psyche of both sides, I think.

Why I aught-a!!! I'll imprint on your psyche.. With my Fist!



The joke above is posted to illustrate the truth in the statement in a humorous way.

[RubinCompServ]

No thanks. I'm watching my figure.

So...you don't want me to bring Zomick's cookies or challah this time? That's okay, more for the rest of us!

[Typo Lad]

You should well know that food eaten on Shabbat has no calories and is therefore okay.

[Paul McEnery]

Yet they look like normal people! Why, anyone around you could be a Jew. How would you know?.

The men don't know but the little girls understand.

[Mac Danny]

You know Typo. I now think you look like Terry Pratchett.

I can't shake it.

[Mac Danny]

The men don't know but the little girls understand.

But can't jews change shape? Didn't I see that in a movie?

[Alex Scott]

You didn't see my post in the YABS political thread, did you? Muslims are the ones who change shape. Jews breathe underwater and communicate with animals.

[RubinCompServ]

You should well know that food eaten on Shabbat has no calories and is therefore okay.

But you ate the cookies in the car!

[Mac Danny]

You didn't see my post in the YABS political thread, did you? Muslims are the ones who change shape. Jews breathe underwater and communicate with animals.

Aquaman is Jewish? Who-da Though?

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a175/ripplepig/aquaman-JEWISH.jpg

[Michael P]

You know Typo. I now think you look like Terry Pratchett.

I can't shake it.

Actually, when he's wearing his hat and hasn't shaved for a few days, there is a certain resemblance.

[Patient Boy]

For every Baron Rothchild there are two hundred Fivels.


http://www.budpage.com/webboard/images/331.jpg

OT:Reading the wikipedia entry for An American Tail I'd never even considered the parallels with Maus, probably because I'd watched the movies as a child and was too young to think about the Jewish immigration angle.

[Kirk G]

How could a Jewish man like Jack Kirby dream up stories where the experiment on human beings to produce the Inhumans and Eternals, etc, when we value human life so highly. Isn't this a conflict in values? Or do I mis-interpret the Jewish faith?
Please enlighten me.

[Jeff Brady]

How could a Jewish man like Jack Kirby dream up stories where the experiment on human beings to produce the Inhumans and Eternals, etc, when we value human life so highly. Isn't this a conflict in values? Or do I mis-interpret the Jewish faith?
Please enlighten me.

I may be wrong, but from what I can find, Kirby wasn't a very religious person after childhood.

You'll also note that the ones performing experiments on humans in the stories you mention weren't the heroes, they were the villains. No conflict.

Another thing: It's fiction.

[Typo Lad]

In fact, Mr.Kirby was far, far more religious later in life than he was in his early years, from what I can tell.

And as Jeff points out- it was in line with Jewish thought. Bad people manipulate others.

[Paul McEnery]

In fact, Mr.Kirby was far, far more religious later in life than he was in his early years, from what I can tell.

And as Jeff points out- it was in line with Jewish thought. Bad people manipulate others.

I have difficulty thinking of the man who created Galactus and the Silver Surfer, not to mention the New Gods and The Eternals, as irreligious.

[Typo Lad]

I have difficulty thinking of the man who created Galactus and the Silver Surfer, not to mention the New Gods and The Eternals, as irreligious.
By earlier, I mean "childhood". Everything I've read gives the impression that a young Yaakov wanted nothing more than to be Jack from down the street.

[Nikita]

Nikita, that's a college level course right there.

The simple, basic answer is... xenophobia. The Jew, historically, looks, dresses, and acts like his neighbor's for the most part. Except they have these weird customes. They won't eat normal food. They have all these crazy rules they follow. They keep harping on stuff that happened centuries ago like it happened to them. They mutilate their genitals. They're so... weird. Yet they look like normal people! Why, anyone around you could be a Jew. How would you know?

Then add to that the fact that some Jewish cultures stress education (My six year old is bi-lingual for goodness sake), and you're going to end up with a larger percentage of educated persons from said culture. THEN add to the fact that many nations would only let Jews have certain jobs, and you're going to end up with those educated Jews seeking out those jobs by force of habit. Next thing you know, there are all these dang Jewish lawyers and bankers and doctors!

It's not always negative. Fun fact: Japan tried to lure Jews to immigrate in the 30's, because they believed the stereotypes and wanted that prosperity to rub off.

In fact, historically, Jews are poor people. For every Baron Rothchild there are two hundred Fivels. Yet it's the Rothchild's people notice.

I'm rambling.

Oh, another reason people hate Jews? Religion. Keep in mind that the early Christians and Jews fought like mad. That's imprinted in the psyche of both sides, I think.


Thank you for the reply Typo. Very interesting. I may not be religious myself, but I've always been fascinated with how various religions (and peoples) evolved over the centuries. I was aware of the early tension between the Jews and Christians to a certain extent but didn't know everything about it. That intolerance is still alive and well in certain areas of the US. I still hear stories of Jewish students getting harrassed at school, since they "didn't believe in Jesus as their lord and savior". And I still hear about hate crimes on the news about Nazi symbols being painted on a Jewish familie's house.

And of course, there's always Mel Gibson...


Just always wondered where all this hatred started from exactly. Wasn't really sure on it's origins in history.

[Paul McEnery]

By earlier, I mean "childhood". Everything I've read gives the impression that a young Yaakov wanted nothing more than to be Jack from down the street.

Ah, okay. I always think of "later" as meaning, um, older than, um... er, me.

Never mind.

[thespianphryne]

Okay, so this came up in The Religion/Philosophy Debate Thread!
[...]

[...] This fits with traditional Jewish thought, which is that Hell is where you go when you're almost ready for Heaven, but still not ready. If you're not at that level... you go back for another round.

[....]

While I was vaguely aware of that fact that rebirth is a concept that is accepted in Judaism, it's also something that doesn't get talked about a lot. You say that is traditional thought. Is it traditional in that the thought merely exists as a concept or traditional in that it's a belief so common in every householder and scholar that no one even thinks of mentioning it?


-Das

[Typo Lad]

Basically. Those who study What Comes Next all seem to know it, and those that don't all tend to be surprised.

[Puma]

Basically. Those who study What Comes Next all seem to know it, and those that don't all tend to be surprised.

Now you've done it. You done got me curious.

So how is one ready for heaven? is it from adhering to the law? knowing one's place in the grand design? being a decent person? some combination of them all?

[Typo Lad]

Now you've done it. You done got me curious.

So how is one ready for heaven? is it from adhering to the law? knowing one's place in the grand design? being a decent person? some combination of them all?
I'm uttelry, utterly stumped.

But I'm in good company. Many sources argue with what needs to be done. One common answer I hear is that if something is a great temptation to you that is not allowed or a great struggle to do that is commanded, then that's what you need to work on.

The most basic answer I've heard is the good person one, and that the 613 commandments (7, for the Gentiles in the room) are guidelines. After all, it's impossible to do all 613.

At the end of the day, it all depends on what you think happens after. If one thinks G-d compares them to others, then one is most likely fracked. If, however, one thinks that G-d compares you your own potential... well, then you have a better chance.

[Puma]

hmmmmmmmm, must ponder this.

[Typo Lad]

Care to ponder aloud?

[Puma]

Care to ponder aloud?

It's all rather disjointed at the moment. I guess I'd need to know where the idea comes from, is there something in the Torah that says "you may come back and work on yourself if you haven't quite achieved heaven-ness yet"? Or is this from supplemental writings of a rabbi? and if so when and where. The original text as it was.

[Typo Lad]

It's from the Talmud, as I recall, quite possibly Trachtate Shabbat of the babalonian Talmud, and is a long discussion. However, the most in depth discussion may be in the Zohar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilgul).

The Talmud is not considered "suplimental" per se. It is a discussion of the Oral Law, which was also given at Sinai.

[hamboy]

I heard somewhere that Jewish people think that you don't neccesarily need to be Jewish to get into heaven. Is their any truth to this?

[Typo Lad]

I heard somewhere that Jewish people think that you don't neccesarily need to be Jewish to get into heaven. Is their any truth to this?
100% accurate.

Jews have to attempt to keep as much of the Torah as possible. Non-Jews have Seven Laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahide#The_Seven_Laws_of_Noah) to keep, to the best of their ability. That Wiki link is not how I learnt them (I learned #1 as a commandment to be a Monothiest and #4 did not include Homosexual Relations).

Still, you guys get the Express Lane.

[Mike Smash!]

Bear with me, this may sound odd.. How does a bald man or a man with a shaved head keep his yarlmulke on?

[Typo Lad]

Bear with me, this may sound odd.. How does a bald man or a man with a shaved head keep his yarlmulke on?
Gravity.

Seriously, I never had any trouble keeping mine on when I shaved my head down to a two, and plenty of bald men wear 'em. The trick is to get one that sort of "hugs" your head.

[Puma]

100% accurate.

Jews have to attempt to keep as much of the Torah as possible. Non-Jews have Seven Laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahide#The_Seven_Laws_of_Noah) to keep, to the best of their ability. That Wiki link is not how I learnt them (I learned #1 as a commandment to be a Monothiest and #4 did not include Homosexual Relations).

Still, you guys get the Express Lane.

Hey, when you're a God's favorite you have to work harder.

[jessecuster3]

The most basic answer I've heard is the good person one, and that the 613 commandments (7, for the Gentiles in the room) are guidelines. After all, it's impossible to do all 613.



This is what has troubled me for as long as I can remember. You are admitting that we cannot follow all 613, but then, how do we know which ones are the most important to follow? Similarly, I assume that its a varying percentage of how many are followed that dictate Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. But if even Orthodox aren't following them all, why do they turn their nose at Reform?

[Winslow]

100% accurate.

Jews have to attempt to keep as much of the Torah as possible. Non-Jews have Seven Laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahide#The_Seven_Laws_of_Noah) to keep, to the best of their ability. That Wiki link is not how I learnt them (I learned #1 as a commandment to be a Monothiest and #4 did not include Homosexual Relations).

Still, you guys get the Express Lane.

No. 7 is troublesome. I'm condemned.

[Michael P]

This is what has troubled me for as long as I can remember. You are admitting that we cannot follow all 613, but then, how do we know which ones are the most important to follow? Similarly, I assume that its a varying percentage of how many are followed that dictate Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. But if even Orthodox aren't following them all, why do they turn their nose at Reform?

Well, as I understand it (largely from Morts's other replies in this thread, some of them are merely logistically impossible to follow, in the absence of a Temple. If the Temple were rebuilt tomorrow, it'd be a new ballgame.

[Typo Lad]

This is what has troubled me for as long as I can remember. You are admitting that we cannot follow all 613, but then, how do we know which ones are the most important to follow? Similarly, I assume that its a varying percentage of how many are followed that dictate Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox. But if even Orthodox aren't following them all, why do they turn their nose at Reform?

We can't do all 613 because some only apply to Kohanim, some only apply if you live in Israel, some only apply when there's a king, some only apply to women.

The issue some have with Reform is that they abrogate what we do still have.

No. 7 is troublesome. I'm condemned.

Some interpret #7 as a commandment to vote.

[Typo Lad]

Well, as I understand it (largely from Morts's other replies in this thread, some of them are merely logistically impossible to follow, in the absence of a Temple. If the Temple were rebuilt tomorrow, it'd be a new ballgame.
Somebody listens!

[jessecuster3]

We can't do all 613 because some only apply to Kohanim, some only apply if you live in Israel, some only apply when there's a king, some only apply to women.

The issue some have with Reform is that they abrogate what we do still have.


No I understand that bit, but conservative or traditional abrogate as well, yet I don't believe they are subject to the same "derision" as reform.

[Michael P]

Somebody listens!

Technically, I read.

[Typo Lad]

No I understand that bit, but conservative or traditional abrogate as well, yet I don't believe they are subject to the same "derision" as reform.
Shows what you know!

See what I did there?

Seriously though, there's a stigma, no matter how slight, on any non-Orthodox group.

A friend of mine paraphrased the mentality thusly:

"If you're less observant than I you're a sinner, and if you're more observant you're a crazed zealot."

Applies to most religions, actually.

Personally, I have no issue with any denomination. Whatever it takes to keep someone close to HaShem. However you make the connection, man.

The only thing that rankles me at all is the Kaballah movement. As mentioned here over and over and over and over.

[Michael P]

A friend of mine paraphrased the mentality thusly:

"If you're less observant than I you're a sinner, and if you're more observant you're a crazed zealot."


Like the old Carlin line: "Anyone going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a moron."

[Typo Lad]

Like the old Carlin line: "Anyone going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a moron."
For all I know, my friend was paraphrasing.

[Jeff Brady]

Like the old Carlin line: "Anyone going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac."

Fixed it for ya.

[Dreadstar]

For all I know, my friend was paraphrasing.

Law #476; Paraphrase ye not George Carlin, unless ye can work in all seven words.

[Ilash]

If I may just throw in my two cents about the whole reform thing. I think the thing that orthodox jews object to isn't really that there are jews who don't keep all the commandments (because, as has been pointed out, who does?) but that there's an institution that basically turns judaism - or certain aspects of judaism - into something that it's not. The extent to which this is fair is debatable but from my experiences, it's the "institution" or reform that is looked down at, not really the people who subscribe to it.

I know we have discussed this before, Typo but have you found this to be the case on your side of the world.

[Typo Lad]

I think it could very well be an aspect, Ilash.

[jessecuster3]

If I may just throw in my two cents about the whole reform thing. I think the thing that orthodox jews object to isn't really that there are jews who don't keep all the commandments (because, as has been pointed out, who does?) but that there's an institution that basically turns judaism - or certain aspects of judaism - into something that it's not. The extent to which this is fair is debatable but from my experiences, it's the "institution" or reform that is looked down at, not really the people who subscribe to it.

I know we have discussed this before, Typo but have you found this to be the case on your side of the world.

How do you mean? I guess I don't understand what they are turning Judaism into?

[Typo Lad]

How do you mean? I guess I don't understand what they are turning Judaism into?
Well some might say they were turning it into Judasim lite.

[Ilash]

How do you mean? I guess I don't understand what they are turning Judaism into?

More than anything, I'm mainly referring to reform's disregard and sometimes rejection for some of the core aspects of Judaism such as belief in the Oral Torah or the enduring, eternal truth of the Torah.

[Typo Lad]

Hey now.

apparent disregard.

And actually, I believe they respect the Oral Law to an extent.

[Ilash]

Hey now.

apparent disregard.

And actually, I believe they respect the Oral Law to an extent.

No, okay, fair enough, I was generalizing a bit too much there because I'm sure there are different schools of thought as far as acceptance of the Oral Law goes within the various non-orthodox denominations. I also didn't mean to be insulting or overly critical here but I don't think it's that far out of line to say that the conflict between orthodox and reform lies, in part anyway, in reform's admitted rejection of certain customs and beliefs (specifically from the Oral Torah), which, from an orthodox point of view, are an intrinsic part of what Judaism is all about.

[Typo Lad]

I think some of it may be holdover from the original scism, where Reform tried to apply the principles of The Enlightenment to the Torah. Essentially, the concept (and any Reform Jews feel free to correct me), was that the Torah should be re-written to reflect the world, rather than striving to make the world reflect the Torah.

[Winslow]

100% accurate.

Jews have to attempt to keep as much of the Torah as possible. Non-Jews have Seven Laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahide#The_Seven_Laws_of_Noah) to keep, to the best of their ability. That Wiki link is not how I learnt them (I learned #1 as a commandment to be a Monothiest and #4 did not include Homosexual Relations).

Still, you guys get the Express Lane.

I was being silly earlier about law # 7.

Just some religious history information you might find interesting . . . in Acts 15 when Jewish Christians were trying to figure out what from the Torah applied to the new Greek Christians, they came up with a very similar list based on the law given before Moses (or as your wiki link says, the 7 laws of Noah).

[Typo Lad]

That's fascinating.

Not as fascinating is that I just checked the dates for this years NY Comic Con, and it's during Pesach [Passover].

Nooooooooooooooo.

[Sandy Hausler]

No I understand that bit, but conservative or traditional abrogate as well, yet I don't believe they are subject to the same "derision" as reform.

Exactly who are you referring to with respect to "traditional"? And what do they abrogate? I agree with you with respect to the Conservative, especially of late.

Sandy Hausler

[Michael P]

That's fascinating.

Not as fascinating is that I just checked the dates for this years NY Comic Con, and it's during Pesach [Passover].

Nooooooooooooooo.

I knew they were moving it to April, but Easter weekend? Bad call.

[Typo Lad]

I knew they were moving it to April, but Easter weekend? Bad call.
"A pity there's no Muslim holiday now. We could piss off all three Abrahamic faiths at once."

[Mike Smash!]

This is a question that could easily apply to a person of any religion, but I'm putting it to you, Morts.

Have you ever read, heard or watched something in fiction or entertainment that you normally enjoyed that offended you so much that you felt the need to discontinue reading/watching/listening to it?

And if so, can you give an example?

[Typo Lad]

This is a question that could easily apply to a person of any religion, but I'm putting it to you, Morts.

Have you ever read, heard or watched something in fiction or entertainment that you normally enjoyed that offended you so much that you felt the need to discontinue reading/watching/listening to it?

And if so, can you give an example?
You mean on religious grounds?

Well, that's the reason I don't watch most shows I consider exploitive (much of reality TV) or gossip (Most of E, thought I love The Soup).

The closest I may have ever come to being offended by the depiction of Judaism in a TV show was The Nanny, and that had far greater sins against it. Still, the fact that the character's family was presented as observant rankled me a tad, as they weren't even traditional. It was like a Jewish Minstril show.

Seinfeld I was never into, but just because it didn't appeal to me.

[Mike Smash!]

"A pity there's no Muslim holiday now. We could piss off all three Abrahamic faiths at once."It's a very Mel Brooks idea.

If you're going to piss people off, you might as well piss off everyone at once to make it fair. :)

[Davideaux]

I apologize if this was asked before. What's the Jewish position on the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost?

[Jeff Brady]

I apologize if this was asked before. What's the Jewish position on the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost?

No such thing. God is singular.

[Typo Lad]

No such thing. God is singular.
Exactly.

The first commandment is "I am HaShem your G-d. It seems like a statement instead of a commandment, but it's actually a statement of his singularity.

[Wesley Dodds]

This isn't ask the Jew -- this is thank the Jew!

I had my first bagel the other day. Fantastic. I googled bagels to learn more about them and found out that Jewish people came up with them.

Wooooo! Go Jews!

[Typo Lad]

You've gone this long without a bagel? Poor thing.

And there's no proof we invented it, but we did popularize it and bring it to the US.

[Typo Lad]

Although it seems we created Fish & chips (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/0,,877008,00.html)

Cool!

[Wesley Dodds]

And there's no proof we invented it, but we did popularize it and bring it to the US.

Good enough for me!

Jews! Wooooooo!

[Gilda Dent]

100% accurate.

Jews have to attempt to keep as much of the Torah as possible. Non-Jews have Seven Laws (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noahide#The_Seven_Laws_of_Noah) to keep, to the best of their ability. That Wiki link is not how I learnt them (I learned #1 as a commandment to be a Monothiest and #4 did not include Homosexual Relations).

Still, you guys get the Express Lane.

Hmmm. Six of the seven I'm pretty clear on.

Sexual immorality, though, that's gonna be tough.

* No adultery
* Formal legal marriages
* No incest with close relatives
* No Sodomy (i.e. male to male)
* No bestiality
* Not to crossbreed animals
* No castration

I'd be perfectly happy to deal with the first bolded violation. Alas, I don't live in the right place. On the other hand, my marriage was performed in a church by a minister, so within our church, at least, it's recognized as a marriage.

Technically I wasn't the one who performed the latter procedure, and don't plan to have it done again, I think maybe I'm OK on that one, as it's not ongoing. Then again, I'm not exactly repentant regarding it, so maybe I am on the hook.

The sodomy, if this prohibition isn't specific to the male-male type, though, that's gonna be tough to give up.

Six out of seven that's not bad though.

[Typo Lad]

As I mentioned, some opinions say that Homosexuality is not forbidden under the Noahide laws, and almost all say it only would apply to actual male on male action.

Marriage in the eyes of faith should count.

As for castration, I find it hard to believe it could include the complete transformation of a body to match the soul inside. In my mind, it refers to the act of castrating another for cruelty's sake.

[Charles RB]

Although it seems we created Fish & chips (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/0,,877008,00.html)

All of Britain salutes you.

[Wesley Dodds]

I find it hard to believe it could include the complete transformation of a body to match the soul inside.

Smooth talker!

[Typo Lad]

Dangit Wesley, did you have to mention food (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_cuisine_dishes)?

[Gilda Dent]

As I mentioned, some opinions say that Homosexuality is not forbidden under the Noahide laws, and almost all say it only would apply to actual male on male action.

Marriage in the eyes of faith should count.

As for castration, I find it hard to believe it could include the complete transformation of a body to match the soul inside. In my mind, it refers to the act of castrating another for cruelty's sake.

That makes sense, thanks.

[Wesley Dodds]

Dangit Wesley, did you have to mention food (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jewish_cuisine_dishes)?

My Nana makes us all Jewish fish. We're not Jewish -- she's not Jewish -- it's just that Jewish people make nice food.

Almost makes up for those fucking dreidels.

[StoneGold]

Although it seems we created Fish & chips (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/0,,877008,00.html)

Cool!

Huh, that's odd, because I don't think of too much fried foods as Jewish, outside the latke and the jelly donut. It's all holiday specific. But then, I guess it really does depend on what tradition you're talking about. I don't thrown onions at weddings, either.

[Typo Lad]

Almost makes up for those fucking dreidels.

Dude, you're using them wrong.

Huh, that's odd, because I don't think of too much fried foods as Jewish, outside the latke and the jelly donut. It's all holiday specific. But then, I guess it really does depend on what tradition you're talking about. I don't thrown onions at weddings, either.

And I grew up eating a lot of fried food. Heck, Schnitzel is an Ashkenazi staple.

[Wesley Dodds]

You throw onions at weddings?

Dude. Uncool.

[Typo Lad]

Never heard that custom either.

There is an odd little custom to give a small baggie with assorted spices in it to a house with a new baby or marriage though. I think garlic is involved.

My favorite custom is one my mom taught me. Whenever a baby is brought to the house for the first time, she puts a sugar cube to the baby's lips.

"So s/he should have a sweet life."

It's especially cute coming from my take-no-prisoners, hard-ass mom.

[Super Hero Guy]

Dear Jew,

if you're typing something with the word God or one of His names, are you allowed to delete it?

[StoneGold]

Never heard that custom either.


Persian Jew thing. Although I believe it's the green ones.

[Paul McEnery]

Although it seems we created Fish & chips (http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/0,,877008,00.html)

Cool!

It's just a long game plan to kill us all off so you can take our land, isn't it.

Especially Scotland.

[StoneGold]

My favorite custom is one my mom taught me. Whenever a baby is brought to the house for the first time, she puts a sugar cube to the baby's lips.

"So s/he should have a sweet life."

It's especially cute coming from my take-no-prisoners, hard-ass mom.

Nothing like inspiring childhood diabetes early.

[Masterbasset]

I could've done this thread...

[BoosterBronze]

I could've done this thread...

Join in. My momma always said, "The more Jews the merrier."

[Magneto X]

Dear Ask The Jew:

Arguably the biggest threat to black folks is slums or police brutality.
The biggest threat to gays is criminalization or lynch-type gay bashing.
The biggest threat to women is either sex trafficksing or fundamentalism.

What's the biggest threat to Jews?

[Super Hero Guy]

I'm not Jewish, but I'll try to cover that one:

being forced into ghettos, being expelled from your country, being refused jobs or rights as Christians, attempted force conversions, torture, imprisonment, or attempted total annihilation of their race.

[Magneto X]

Yeah. But what's most likely?

Also, what's the most likely justification (I have some ideas).

For blacks: have criminal/beastial tendencies (either innately or cultural)
For gays: offend God
For women: God says second to men (or sex slavery if trafficking)

What's the likely primary justification likely to be?

[Jeff Brady]

Yeah. But what's most likely?

What difference does it make? All of those things SHG listed have already happened.

[Masterbasset]

Yeah. But what's most likely?

Also, what's the most likely justification (I have some ideas).

For blacks: have criminal/beastial tendencies (either innately or cultural)
For gays: offend God
For women: God says second to men (or sex slavery if trafficking)

What's the likely primary justification likely to be?

I guess second to christians, killed Jesus, that kinda stuff.

[Puma]

Yeah. But what's most likely?

Also, what's the most likely justification (I have some ideas).

For blacks: have criminal/beastial tendencies (either innately or cultural)
For gays: offend God
For women: God says second to men (or sex slavery if trafficking)

What's the likely primary justification likely to be?

The perception that Jews killed Jesus perhaps?

[Paul McEnery]

Dear Ask The Jew:

Arguably the biggest threat to black folks is slums or police brutality.
The biggest threat to gays is criminalization or lynch-type gay bashing.
The biggest threat to women is either sex trafficksing or fundamentalism.

What's the biggest threat to Jews?
A giant shrimp.

[StoneGold]

Dear Ask The Jew:

Arguably the biggest threat to black folks is slums or police brutality.
The biggest threat to gays is criminalization or lynch-type gay bashing.
The biggest threat to women is either sex trafficksing or fundamentalism.

What's the biggest threat to Jews?

Here's the problem with your question: none of those are exclusive to each other.

Case in point, That Black Lesbian Jew. (http://thatblacklesbianjew.blogspot.com/)

[Typo Lad]

Dear Jew,

if you're typing something with the word God or one of His names, are you allowed to delete it?

His actual name? Good question. Some won't, even if it's still a word document unprinted. If printed, if it's His actual name, it cannot be thrown out.

And G-d isn't G-d's name, so that's fare game.

It's just a long game plan to kill us all off so you can take our land, isn't it.

Especially Scotland.

Nah.

Keep Scotland.

I could've done this thread...

Hello Lanzman. Please, join in.

Although, technically speaking, you could only have "done" this if you were here in May of 2004. This puppy has legs.

Dear Ask The Jew:

Arguably the biggest threat to black folks is slums or police brutality.
The biggest threat to gays is criminalization or lynch-type gay bashing.
The biggest threat to women is either sex trafficksing or fundamentalism.

What's the biggest threat to Jews?

Well, first of all, I'd argue all of those.

The biggest threat to those groups is the same biggest threat to Judaism - Xenophobic ignorance. It takes many forms, but that's the root case.

I'm not Jewish, but I'll try to cover that one:

being forced into ghettos, being expelled from your country, being refused jobs or rights as Christians, attempted force conversions, torture, imprisonment, or attempted total annihilation of their race.

Naw, we've lived through all that. Now we're waiting for the other shoe.

Yeah. But what's most likely?

Also, what's the most likely justification (I have some ideas).

For blacks: have criminal/beastial tendencies (either innately or cultural)
For gays: offend God
For women: God says second to men (or sex slavery if trafficking)

What's the likely primary justification likely to be?


Again, Xenophobia.

You're looking at the excuses, not the reasons.

The excuses given for hating Jews are varied and all covers.

[mattx110]

Dear Ask The Jew:

Arguably the biggest threat to black folks is slums or police brutality.
The biggest threat to gays is criminalization or lynch-type gay bashing.
The biggest threat to women is either sex trafficksing or fundamentalism.

What's the biggest threat to Jews?

The sunday NYtimes crossword puzzle.

Seriously, the practices of the real estate industry and the ineffectual nature of modern precedent-based government lead to ignorance and xenophobic tendencies. Historically, well, I'd keep the real estate industry and add an "intentional promotion of ignorance by nation-states", which kinda fits in a modern sense too.

I'm not crazy, but I don't trust christians or realtors. It's in the Qur'an that Muslims should respect Jews because they are worthy of heaven (or whatever it's called) and didn't fall for that "jesus" hoax. So they're theoretically OK.

[Alex Scott]

The main reason?

Why is anybody hated? Because they're different. Blacks have a different skin color; gays have different sexual preferences; women have different genitals; and so on. The Jews, well, their whole lives are structured to set themselves apart from the rest of the world. So when you absolutely, positively have to blame someone else for your problems, just look to the ones who eat, dress, pray, read the Bible, and spend their weekends differently from you.

Everything else (Jews are greedy, world-dominating Christ-killers) is just commentary.

Incidentally, I'm reminded of a few months ago, when I found a book called The Talmud Unmasked at a used bookstore--in the Judaica section, of all places. It's a horrifically anti-Semitic tract from before WWII by a Catholic priest, who took quotes from the Talmud and twisted them out of context to paint Jews as monsters who hate Jesus, drink human blood, and want to kill all Gentiles. Googling it led me to this page refuting just such anti-Talmudic claims (http://www.angelfire.com/mt/talmud/), which I thought I'd share with everybody. What's particularly distressing is that these claims aren't very unlike some of the anti-Islamic rhetoric I've seen in the past few years.

Now, one question:
His actual name? Good question. Some won't, even if it's still a word document unprinted. If printed, if it's His actual name, it cannot be thrown out.
Does this count for the attempted English transliterations, or just the actual Hebrew Tetragrammaton?

[mattx110]

We don't hate because we see our differences, but because we are afraid that we are the same.

[Typo Lad]

The sunday NYtimes crossword puzzle.

Pfft. We do it in pen

Seriously, the practices of the real estate industry and the ineffectual nature of modern precedent-based government lead to ignorance and xenophobic tendencies. Historically, well, I'd keep the real estate industry and add an "intentional promotion of ignorance by nation-states", which kinda fits in a modern sense too.

I'm not crazy, but I don't trust christians or realtors. It's in the Qur'an that Muslims should respect Jews because they are worthy of heaven (or whatever it's called) and didn't fall for that "jesus" hoax. So they're theoretically OK.

Oh I like you.

As I point out to everyone who will listen, prior to the early 20th Century, Jews had more rights in Muslim lands than they did in Christian ones. Limited rights, but rights nonetheless.

The main reason?

Why is anybody hated? Because they're different. Blacks have a different skin color; gays have different sexual preferences; women have different genitals; and so on. The Jews, well, their whole lives are structured to set themselves apart from the rest of the world. So when you absolutely, positively have to blame someone else for your problems, just look to the ones who eat, dress, pray, read the Bible, and spend their weekends differently from you.

Everything else (Jews are greedy, world-dominating Christ-killers) is just commentary.

Ding ding ding!

And it happens within the groups too. Modern Orthodox and Ultra orthodox have friction. Satmar Chasidim come to blows over which of the late Rebbe's sons is the current Rebbe. Secular Jews sue over the construction of Eruvs.

People suck.

Incidentally, I'm reminded of a few months ago, when I found a book called The Talmud Unmasked at a used bookstore--in the Judaica section, of all places. It's a horrifically anti-Semitic tract from before WWII by a Catholic priest, who took quotes from the Talmud and twisted them out of context to paint Jews as monsters who hate Jesus, drink human blood, and want to kill all Gentiles. Googling it led me to this page refuting just such anti-Talmudic claims (http://www.angelfire.com/mt/talmud/), which I thought I'd share with everybody. What's particularly distressing is that these claims aren't very unlike some of the anti-Islamic rhetoric I've seen in the past few years.

Oh I love it. Good find!


Does this count for the attempted English transliterations, or just the actual Hebrew Tetragrammaton?

Differing opinions. Some say if one were to write the name in English, it would count, as one could come to recite it and say the name. The majority opinion is to avoid it altogether. Transl iterators usually insert a "k" for the "n" or "y" in certain names, or put dashes for the vowels.

We don't hate because we see our differences, but because we are afraid that we are the same.

And because we are taught to.

[Michael P]

And because we are taught to.

Which is why I respect you so much as a parent: The only thing you teach Typo Tot to hate is bad comics.

Well, that and Windows.

[Typo Lad]

Which is why I respect you so much as a parent: The only thing you teach Typo Tot to hate is bad comics.

Well, that and Windows.
No, I let her make her own OS choices too. She uses a Dell Axim to play Worms on the ride home. That runs Windows Mobile,

[The Watcher]

Thanksgiving is next week, so this came to mind.

Is there anything in what's considered a typical Thanksgiving meal that's not kosher? If so, are there any kosher dishes that are usually served instead of said items?

Would an average Jewish Thanksgiving have any noticably different cusine at all?

[Typo Lad]

Well, there's no pig-based products, obviously.

A lot of Jews don't "do" Thanksgiving at all, actually.

But thems what do usually get a turkey. You know those free ones the grocery store gives out? Yeah, not Kosher - but you can apply that same credit towards a Kosher turkey at most stores. It usually makes it 99 cents a pound. Good price.

My aunt used to make Thanksgiving and it was turkey, stuffing, yams, pumpkin pie... all the usuals. Dessert was chocolate creme pie and "bubby cookies". Suzannah makes it now and does much the same, plus sweet potatoes and yams.

Fun Kosher fact: Not all Jews consider turkey to be a kosher animal. There's a small faction that does not eat it.

[Super Hero Guy]

Dear Jew,

who was the coolest Jew is history?

[jessecuster3]

Dear Jew,

who was the coolest Jew is history?

The Mayor of Deadwood?

[Magneto X]

The perception that Jews killed Jesus perhaps?

That's a biggie, but even if people believe that it was so long ago I think it's not as big as this one: in terms of being rounded up by a nation's military, what about "disloyalty"? It seems that disloyalty is trumped up as a reason, a scapegoating reason, but the reason that may be the most likely dangerous justification.

[Typo Lad]

Dear Jew,

who was the coolest Jew is history?
What, ever?

Probably Yael (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jael). Just amazing.

[Typo Lad]

That's a biggie, but even if people believe that it was so long ago I think it's not as big as this one: in terms of being rounded up by a nation's military, what about "disloyalty"? It seems that disloyalty is trumped up as a reason, a scapegoating reason, but the reason that may be the most likely dangerous justification.
I've had been called a Christ-Killer as recently as two years ago. And that was in NY.

It seems you do not want any answers except the ones you have already decided on.

[jessecuster3]

I've had been called a Christ-Killer as recently as two years ago. And that was in NY.

It seems you do not want any answers except the ones you have already decided on.

Hell, based on Mel Gibson's movie, we are all demonic, monster faced Christ Killers.

[Matt Algren]

I've had been called a Christ-Killer as recently as two years ago. And that was in NY.What was your response?

It seems you do not want any answers except the ones you have already decided on.New Magneto X, meet Typo Lad. Typo Lad, meet New Magneto X.

[Typo Lad]

What was your response?

"Hey, I have an alibi."

New Magneto X, meet Typo Lad. Typo Lad, meet New Magneto X.

Down, boy.

[StoneGold]

Damn it, I need recognition. I actually found a black lesbian Jew online. That's not easy! Two out of three, not that hard, but to go for the trifecta (technically it was four, since gay and woman were two separate things), that's friggin' amazing!

[StoneGold]

Dear Jew,

who was the coolest Jew is history?

Duh.

http://www.steveswink.com/fonz.jpg

[Magneto X]

I've had been called a Christ-Killer as recently as two years ago. And that was in NY.

It seems you do not want any answers except the ones you have already decided on.

Sorry, I'm just throwing the theory out there. It's not mine even, but a Jewish roommate of mine who is most concerned about the disloyal-Jewish community needing to be eliminated or exiled as a scapegoat for a nation's problems, but I don't know. I don't claim to have any more insight than to pass along her idea and see what you think. I also hear the Christ-killer accusation of course, and theories about greedy, control the media, etc.

[Masterbasset]

Dear Jew,

who was the coolest Jew is history?

Well, there's a bunch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jews

Go through categorys and be amazed by our numbers.

[Matt Algren]

Well, there's a bunch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jews

Go through categorys and be amazed by our numbers.
I'd say it's Jesus, but there are a bunch of Christ Killers hanging around.

[StoneGold]

Well, there's a bunch.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jews

Go through categorys and be amazed by our numbers.

Oh yeah, Jewish historians, they're really cool.

I say again, there is no one cooler than the Fonz. He defines cool. Literally. And Fonzie's Jewish. Technically, even on the show, given that his maternal grandmother was Grandma Nussbaum.

[Magneto X]

And Fonzie's Jewish. Technically, even on the show, given that his maternal grandmother was Grandma Nussbaum.

Didn't know that. Rather progressive for the day.

[StoneGold]

Didn't know that. Rather progressive for the day.

Not really. It was the 70s, All in the Family had already been on. And it was more of a riff on Henry Winkler's being Jewish. And even then, I don't think they actually said Grandma Nussbaum was Jewish. It's just what are the odds of someone being named Nussbaum not being?

But I think Norman Lear broke pretty much every cultural boundary on TV.

And then I realize, Fonzie wasn't really Jewish, he was Italian and probably a non-practicing Catholic, except for the Christmas episode with the soup can, but even there it was as non-denominational as you could get. But since he had a Grandma Nussbaum, and Judaism is traced matrilineally (which I probably spelled wrong, but I'm in IE right now), Fonzie could be elligible for Right of Return.


But Winkler is Jewish, which is what sparked the whole thing.

[Magneto X]

"Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this
The fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you
To a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah"

How do Jews feel about these lyrics?
How does King David compare to Jews to Mohammad to Muslims and Jesus to Christians?
And if he is comparable, what's it like to have him have done that bad thing he did?

"The king, while walking on the roof of his house, saw Bathsheba, who was the wife of Uriah the Hittite, taking a bath. He immediately desired her. David then committed adultery with her and she conceived. In an effort to cover up his sin, David summoned Uriah from the army (with whom he was on campaign of the siege of Rabbah) in the hopes that Uriah would sleep with Bathsheba, and thus the child could be passed off as his. However, Uriah was unwilling to violate the ancient kingdom rule applying to warriors in active service (see Robertson Smith, "Religion of the Semites," pp. 455, 488). Rather than go home to his own bed, he preferred to remain with the palace troops.
David then sends Uriah back to Joab, the commander, with a message instructing him to abandon Uriah on the battlefield, "that he may be struck down, and die." And so David marries Bathsheba and she bears his child, "but the thing that David had done displeased the LORD."

The prophet Nathan speaks out against David's sin, saying: "Why have you despised the word of the LORD, to do what is evil in his sight? You have smitten Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken his wife to be your wife." And although David repents, God "struck the child ... and it became sick ... [And] on the seventh day the child died." David then leaves his lamentations, dresses himself, and eats. His servants ask why he lamented when the baby was alive, but leaves off when it is dead, and David replies: "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, who knows whether the LORD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."

[StoneGold]

How do Jews feel about these lyrics?

There's an old saying that I'm probably mangling, ask two Jews a question and you'll get five opinions.

[Magneto X]

There's an old saying that I'm probably mangling, ask two Jews a question and you'll get five opinions.

Ha! Then good thing this thread isn't "Ask two Jews!"

[Super Hero Guy]

In Portugal, it's still common for people to use the expression "mean as a Jew" to refer to an unsavoury type. Just putting that out there.

[mattx110]

In Portugal, it's still common for people to use the expression "mean as a Jew" to refer to an unsavoury type. Just putting that out there.

In Japan, a man who has come into some money might exclaim "I'm just like a Jew!"

racism and stereotypes sometimes balance out...

[Paul McEnery]

In Japan, a man who has come into some money might exclaim "I'm just like a Jew!"



Or a none-too-bright Sicilian looking in a mirror.

[Magneto X]

In parts of the midwest you hear "He jewed me" almost as often as "He gyped me"

[Bouncing Boy]

Not really. It was the 70s, All in the Family had already been on. And it was more of a riff on Henry Winkler's being Jewish. And even then, I don't think they actually said Grandma Nussbaum was Jewish. It's just what are the odds of someone being named Nussbaum not being?

But I think Norman Lear broke pretty much every cultural boundary on TV.

And then I realize, Fonzie wasn't really Jewish, he was Italian and probably a non-practicing Catholic, except for the Christmas episode with the soup can, but even there it was as non-denominational as you could get. But since he had a Grandma Nussbaum, and Judaism is traced matrilineally (which I probably spelled wrong, but I'm in IE right now), Fonzie could be elligible for Right of Return.


But Winkler is Jewish, which is what sparked the whole thing.

I seem to remember an episode where Fonzi was baptized. He was never baptized as a child, and raised without religion (if I remember correctly by a single mother). So he found religion and was baptized by Al's twin brother, who was a catholic priest. This is from memory and I don't think I've seen the episode since it originally aired.

[Typo Lad]

Go you.

I'd seen it before, but go you.

Dang. I have catching up to do.

[mattx110]

In parts of the midwest you hear "He jewed me" almost as often as "He gyped me"

Maybe the have something against minor seconds and flat sixths?
Maybe it's because the banjo caught on in Roma folk music and Klezmer and they have to listen to it?

[Typo Lad]

Sorry, I'm just throwing the theory out there. It's not mine even, but a Jewish roommate of mine who is most concerned about the disloyal-Jewish community needing to be eliminated or exiled as a scapegoat for a nation's problems, but I don't know. I don't claim to have any more insight than to pass along her idea and see what you think. I also hear the Christ-killer accusation of course, and theories about greedy, control the media, etc.

Your roommate is oversimplifying a complex issue. It's not a binary issue.

There's an old saying that I'm probably mangling, ask two Jews a question and you'll get five opinions.

Heh. Very true.

The Batsheva issue is long and complex, with many different opinions. At the end of the day, Shlomo (Solomon) comes from Batsheva, and he built the Temple, so G-d must have been cool with it on some level, but yeah, David didn't do it "the right way" according to many.

We don't hold our Kings and Prophets up to impossible stanards. They were humans, born of man, and sinned and made mistakes.

[Puma]

We don't hold our Kings and Prophets up to impossible standards. They were humans, born of man, and sinned and made mistakes.

There are a few things I quite respect about your religion Typo, this is one of them. G-d is G-d, all others are fallible.

[Typo Lad]

There are a few things I quite respect about your religion Typo, this is one of them. G-d is G-d, all others are fallible.
We're taught that one reason so much of the Torah is taken up with who begat who is so we realize these were all people, like us.

That, and it's just fun to say "begat"

[Magneto X]

It's not a binary issue.

Huh? Well, yeah. Nobody said it was.

The Batsheva issue is long and complex, with many different opinions. At the end of the day, Shlomo (Solomon) comes from Batsheva, and he built the Temple, so G-d must have been cool with it on some level, but yeah, David didn't do it "the right way" according to many. We don't hold our Kings and Prophets up to impossible stanards. They were humans, born of man, and sinned and made mistakes.

Not just "impossible" standards, apparently -- killing a loyal fellow to cover up lusty infidelity, that's positively scandalous. But, yeah, I get what you mean.

I seem to remember an episode where Fonzi was baptized. He was never baptized as a child, and raised without religion (if I remember correctly by a single mother). So he found religion and was baptized by Al's twin brother, who was a catholic priest. This is from memory and I don't think I've seen the episode since it originally aired.


So the Fonz is not Jewish?

[StoneGold]

So the Fonz is not Jewish?

He never really was. What I said earlier was that Henry Winkler is Jewish, and that there was a gag where Fonzie had a Granma Nussbaum. The rest is extrapolation. Assuming Granma Nussbaum is Jewish, Fonzie would be elligible for right of return to Israel. But mostly, it's just that Henry Winkler is Jewish.

[Tages]

In Japan, a man who has come into some money might exclaim "I'm just like a Jew!"

racism and stereotypes sometimes balance out...

In Japan the Protocols of the Elders of Zion are popular, not as anti-Semitic literature, but as a kind of self-help book.

The reasoning is that if Jews really are secretly running the world it might be a good idea to copy their methods.

For the record, I'm not Jewish, so I think that's funny. If I was Jewish...

I'd find it fucking hilarious.

[Typo Lad]

The crazy thing is it saved lives during the Holocaust. The Japanese refused to turn their "lucky" Jews over to Germany.

[Super Hero Guy]

Dear Jew,

ok, so there's a man and woman, right? And they get married. Now the woman has a Jewish father but her mother was a gentile. The man is Jewish. They have a kid. They raise that kid from birth as a Jew. Is he considered a Jew?

[Wesley Dodds]

The crazy thing is it saved lives during the Holocaust. The Japanese refused to turn their "lucky" Jews over to Germany.

Well, that's obvious. You can rub their stomachs and make a wish.

[StoneGold]

Dear Jew,

ok, so there's a man and woman, right? And they get married. Now the woman has a Jewish father but her mother was a gentile. The man is Jewish. They have a kid. They raise that kid from birth as a Jew. Is he considered a Jew?

Depends. Technically, the woman was never "really" Jewish. That said, at least up through most conservative synagogues, they're trying to be a lot more inclusive these days and wouldn't care. I think some orthodox synagogues might still be uppity about it, though. I know it's a point of actual ongoing contention.

[tricksterpup]

So the Fonz is not Jewish?

The Fonz was all the religions.

[Typo Lad]

Dear Jew,

ok, so there's a man and woman, right? And they get married. Now the woman has a Jewish father but her mother was a gentile. The man is Jewish. They have a kid. They raise that kid from birth as a Jew. Is he considered a Jew?
They wouldn't be considered Jewish by Orthodox or Modern Orthodox Jews, but could convert. They also would not have Right of Return to Israel.

[mattx110]

Depends. Technically, the woman was never "really" Jewish. That said, at least up through most conservative synagogues, they're trying to be a lot more inclusive these days and wouldn't care. I think some orthodox synagogues might still be uppity about it, though. I know it's a point of actual ongoing contention.

Wouldn't the kid be more jewish than the mother?

[Typo Lad]

Wouldn't the kid be more jewish than the mother?
Nope. No one drop rule. It's all matralinial.

[mattx110]

Nope. No one drop rule. It's all matralinial.

Thanks, good to know. Still a Jew.;)

[spideyguy0]

They wouldn't be considered Jewish by Orthodox or Modern Orthodox Jews, but could convert. They also would not have Right of Return to Israel.

Wouldn't they have right of return if 3/4 grandparents were Jewish? I thought all it took was 1 no matter which one. That's why Israel is full of non-Jewish Russian immigrants. They all had at least 1 Jewish grandparent and so they got to come to Israel.

[Aarcee]

How many different branches of Judaism are there?
I know there are at least 3.
Orthadox, Reform,....and?
And which one's the one that has female rabis?

[Ben Morgan]

How many different branches of Judaism are there?
I know there are at least 3.
Orthadox, Reform,....and?
And which one's the one that has female rabis?
Orthodox, reform, and conservative are the 3 main ones, there's also reconstructionist, and humanistic, and that's all I know of. And I don't know if only one branch has female rabbis, but my conservative synagogue had a female rabbi

[Aarcee]

Thanks, Bone.

[Typo Lad]

Wouldn't they have right of return if 3/4 grandparents were Jewish? I thought all it took was 1 no matter which one. That's why Israel is full of non-Jewish Russian immigrants. They all had at least 1 Jewish grandparent and so they got to come to Israel.

Not as I understood it, no. I was told many of them were living as refusniks (secret Jews) and did not even realize they weren't technically Jewish until they got here and learned a bit more.

However, a tad more research shows that it is, in fact, not so. Law of Return is anyone married to a Jew, even. Basically, if you would have been in the camps, you get a pass.

How many different branches of Judaism are there?
I know the