Tag Archives: orthodox jew

Spirituality Vs Religion

I notice that a lot of people these days describe themselves as spiritual rather than religious. I’ve always been suspicious of spirituality. I’ve always had contempt for most people who talk about it. Spirituality has usually struck me as cheap … Continue reading

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As An Orthodox Jew, I Know Who I Am

I naturally have a weak sense of self. The sure sense of self is one of the advantages of joining Orthodox Judaism. Many of life’s questions are settled. I can look at a guy who spends much of the weekend … Continue reading

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My Conversion To Judaism Story

This guy in shul was told my story, and so he asked me for chizuk, for strengthening. He was Orthodox from birth but he struggled with some typical guy stuff. He knew I had chosen Torah. He wanted to know … Continue reading

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What Is My Primary Mission In Life?

For most of the time since I was eight years old, I’ve felt like my primary mission in life was to write. I started blogging in 1997 and started weekly psycho-therapy in 1998. All of my therapists have seen vast … Continue reading

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I Don’t Like Representing Anybody But Myself

Throughout my life, I’ve been condemned as a bad representative of my group. I fear my critics are right. I am a bad representative. I don’t think I’ve put any group I’ve belonged to in a good light. “Why don’t … Continue reading

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Don’t Talk Business In Front Of The Wife

Jane* emails: “My neighbor is an orthodox Jew (I’m Jewish as well, though not as religious) and he told me that his beliefs prohibited him from “talking business in front of [his] wife.” Knowing some strong and financial astute Orthodox … Continue reading

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No Strings Attached

I was half asleep as I lit my hanukiah this evening, the last night of Hanukkah. As I prepared to eat my evening meal of raw oats with grapes and soy milk, I thought to myself, I’m not really a … Continue reading

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I Complete My Alexander Technique Teacher Training Course

Greg Leake emails: Hi Luke, Last night I tried to get hold of you on the phone to congratulate you personally. However, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how pleased I am that you have finally made … Continue reading

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Parashat Vayera (Genesis 18:1-22:24)

Why doesn’t the rabbi touch his girlfriend? Is he a freak? No. He’s just an authentic Orthodox Jew. All Jews are expected by Jewish law to not touch the opposite sex (except for spouse and family). Most Orthodox Jews observe … Continue reading

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Are There Higher Ethical Standards In Modern Orthodoxy?

In my experience, Modern Orthodox Jews have more concern about ethics than other types of Orthodox Jews. They are more concerned about appearances. They are more concerned about the goyim. I’m not arguing that Modern Orthodox Jews are better Jews … Continue reading

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