Tag Archives: orthodox shul

The Los Angeles Elections and the Jews

Joe emails: The municipal elections are probably a very important message for the LA Jewish Political Elite. The day is coming that Jewish politicians who are hacks and in lousy districts will simply not get elected. The bad news is … Continue reading

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Los Angeles Times Book Festival Sunday

I walk around the UCLA campus feeling not quite in control, that at any minute I might take my pen and stab someone. I’m a dangerous man. My first panel is at 10:30 am — "Laugh Track — moderator Amy … Continue reading

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Looking For An Orthodox Shul Friendly To Converts?

I get this email: “I was looking at your site and saw that you are a convert to Judaism. I am looking to convert to Judaism. Can you recommend a friendly Orthodox Shul for me to try and get into … Continue reading

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Congruence With Orthodoxy

Joe emails: As I have told you for a long time, Orthodox Judaism is for married couples, preferably where the male carries a spare tire and the woman carries two. Going to shul and having a place where your kids … Continue reading

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Insecure About Her Jewish Identity

I love the writing Lilit Marcus, who’s revived Jewcy.com. She comments: "I know that a large part of the reason I am so insecure about my religious identity is because of men I’ve dated and their judgments on my Jewishness. … Continue reading

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‘The Tenacy of Unreasonable Beliefs’ II

Here’s the second part of my interview with author Solomon Schimmel. bRead reviews of the book "The Tenacity of Unreasonable Beliefs: Fundamentalism and the Fear of Truth" here. Solomon: "To the extent that I am ethical and moral — I … Continue reading

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Meltdown

I have a friend who wants to convert to Judaism. I arrange for her to meet me at shul Friday night. "Can I wear pants?" she asks. Yeah. "Can I drive?" Yeah. "Do I have to cover my arms?" No. … Continue reading

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Child Labor At Shul

Joe writes: "Every Orthodox shul hires teenage boys from local day schools like YULA to work childcare on Shabbat morning.  Don’t they have to daven as well?  What message are local rabbis sending to teenage boys that it is better … Continue reading

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Temple Beth Am Needs A Leader

They let Rabbi Joel Rembaum retire. They let assistant rabbi Perry Netter go. Rabbi Netter resigned after he wasn’t given consideration for the top post. Rabbi Netter had a loyal following at the shul. Now he works at a hedge … Continue reading

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A Woman Leads Kiddish At Bnai David

Reb Mimi Feigelson, who some say was the first woman ordained an Orthodox rabbi (99% of Orthodox Jews would not recognize any woman as a rabbi), led the shul kiddish one Shabbos morning three weeks back. Leading the kiddish has … Continue reading

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