Who said adopting a new religion and culture was easy? I sure didn’t. Sometimes, it’s actually quite embarrassing. And by “it,” I mean me!
Check out: “Inappropriate for the Shabbos Table”
Who said adopting a new religion and culture was easy? I sure didn’t. Sometimes, it’s actually quite embarrassing. And by “it,” I mean me!
Check out: “Inappropriate for the Shabbos Table”
Memoirs of a Jewminicana 
You're sorta inspiring sometimes.
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I stumbled upon your article “Inappropriate for the Shabbos Table” and found it a fascinating read. Thank you so much for sharing a slice of your experience with us.
I felt ashamed of some of the behaviors you have had to put up with. They showed a total lack of Ahavas Yisroel. (And mind you, Ahavas Yisroel, Ahavas Torah and Ahavas HaShem are really three faces of one mitzva, so if they fail in one, they fail in all three.)
Regretfully, there are people who feel being religious is only needed in certain parts, but not in all parts, of their life. Despite explicit Torah prohibitions, some fail to bring their religious values into business; it seems you have run into some who have failed to bring their religious values into how they treat their fellow man (equally in violation of explicit Torah law).
As for not knowing forks, glasses, etc., this has nothing to do with Yiddishkeit – it's purely an American culture issue. Anyone acting with proper chessed would have quietly and discreetly given you directions as to what to do.
And nobody should criticize what you are wearing or how you cover your hair, etc. If, G-d forbid, there is an actual halachic problem (rather than their personal tastes being offended), they should quietly, politely and kindly explain the halachic issue to you so that you will know better in the future.
I have not yet had time to read any of your blog other than this one article, but congratulations on your perseverance and the great wisdom you show by realizing that indeed, there is absolutely nothing wrong in just being yourself, rather than trying to force yourself into being what someone else thinks an ideal person should be like.
Wishing you a Kasiva v'Chasima Tova.
Simcha-Yitzchak
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When I saw this on the OU Shabbat post, I figured it was more standup than anything. And your other/later blog post says that you took a standup course.
You should have the OU add your blog link. Another blogger sent it to me.
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Usually, big frummy websites don't want to link back to little blogs like mine. I think it's because it puts a stamp of approval on stuff that may or may not be good for all their readers. I'm glad you found your way nonetheless.
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