“Event: Conversion and Controversy with Rabbi David Kalb” “Conversion is one of the most controversial issues in the Jewish community today. Delve into the different movements of Judaism to explore each movement’s separate approach to conversion and how these differences can create conflict.” Date & Time: Tue, Sep 15, 2009, 7:30pmLocation: 92nd Street Y, Lexington… Continue reading Event: Conversion and Controversy with Rabbi David Kalb
Growing up, I thought obsessing about hair was a “Dominican thing.” Later, I found out it was also a “black thing.” And after converting to Judaism, I realized it was also a “Jewish thing.” I can remember back to a time when I looked forward to covering my hair. It was exciting. So much cooler… Continue reading The Rastafarian Beret & Other Adventures in Hair Covering
My Jewish hero is my rabbi. I don’t think he sleeps. When he’s not at synagogue, he’s at home slipping invitations for Shabbat meals under the doors of Jewish neighbors. He has brought so many people to Judaism. Luckily, his synagogue is not hurting for cash flow so he doesn’t need me to nominate him… Continue reading Who’s your Jewish hero?
The first podcast from Be’chol Lashon focuses on Anusim, Jews who were forced to abandon Judaism against their will, but now are trying to do whatever is in their power to return to Judaism. In this podcast, Rabbi Juan Mejia argues that some of the was Anusim are currently treated in the Jewish community are… Continue reading Spotlight: Rabbi Juan Mejia and the Bnai Anusim
For the second year in a row, my husband and I spent our summer in Los Angeles. Again, my husband was playing the role of rabbinic intern at a local Orthodox congregation, Bnai David Judea, where he, in fact, had his bar mitzvah. And while he was off learning to be a rabbi, everyone wondered… Continue reading Leaving Los Angeles
Last week, the local paper, The Riverdale Press contacted me for an interview. Somehow, they had stumbled upon my blog. During the really-early-in-the-morning interview, I hoped that I wouldn’t embarrass myself too much. Mostly, I didn’t. Check out: “Blogger chronicles her Catholic past, Jewish present”
The ways people hurt each other never cease to amaze me. I got up early this morning because I lost a lot of sleep over an email from a young woman, the offspring of a non-Jewish mother and a Jewish father, who has had too many hurtful encounters with Jews. In spite of it, she… Continue reading Waking up to Hate in the Morning
“Ethiopians at the gate” (Haaretz) Why is Israel suddenly resuming immigration from Ethiopia? “Jewish school requirements ‘racist,’ British court rules” (Jewish Tribune) Did Britain decide that Judaism is racist? “Who is a convert?” (The Forward) Why Ruth is pretty lucky she’s not converting in 2009…. “New Conversion Legislation” (Ynet) A step forward or a step… Continue reading Conversion News Roundup
“44 Charged by U.S. in New Jersey Corruption Sweep” (NY Times) Everyone’s talking about the latest scandal involving Jews and money. This time it’s rabbis in handcuffs. No, not even rabbis are above the laws of the land. Will the latest news breed more anti-Semitism? Read “More Bad News for Orthodox Jews” by Jew in the City,… Continue reading Rabbis in Handcuffs?
Only a couple of more classes left to my Stand-up Comedy class at Santa Monica College. My stand-up comedy teacher wants me to be more conversational and less theatrical when I deliver my bits. My husband said, “Is he asking you to be more white and less Dominican?” Aliza on Stupid Questions I am a… Continue reading Stand-up Comedy Routine #4
Memoirs of a Jewminicana 