New Journey to begin within Judaism

I met with my rabbi this past week and finally told him I wanted to start studying for a B'nai Mitzvah.  I have been thinking about this for a while (probably about 2 years) but haven't said anything to anyone.  In this conversation I was asked about my blog and my journal I kept during my conversion process.  Although, many parts of my journal are on this blog not everything has been put out here.  So, I am going to start from the beginning and put it all on here.  Once I begin studying for the B'nai Mitzvah part of my journey and keep it on here. 

I've found myself in several new situations lately and that involves meeting new people.  Of course, the people I come across have no idea when they first meet me I am Jewish and quite possibly could be the first Jewish person they have ever met.  But I also find a hesitation in letting folks know when they start asking about where I go on some Friday nights or Saturdays.  It's not that I am ashamed of being Jewish but it's more about just not wanting to get into that whole discussion that usually starts with "Oh".  And then if the conversation extends it can lead to the fact that I am a Jew by Choice.  And then there goes the line of dominos and the response is "Really".  Sometimes I just don't want to go into that whole discussion especially if it's with someone who is devout in their own faith because that conversation can take a bad turn if not handled carefully. 

Whereas, most folks really don't ask a lot of questions there are those that want to debate and then ask how does your family feel.  Those dominos just turned into a snowball effect.  And here we go - LOL! 

Truth is, my family doesn't quite grasp my decisions but then they never have with anything I've ever done.  Outside of a couple of nieces when they were younger none of my family has ever stepped into a synagogue.  While my friends on the other hand, have asked and attended a few services with me always to say they enjoyed it and were not offended in any way and to say how welcoming everyone was and nobody questioning that they weren't Jewish.  See, we don't look to convert others into the faith of Judaism.  That is something between one's self and G-d. 

So for me, the journey continues and my hope is to surround myself with positive folks and to embrace everyone's differences and beliefs as I want them to embrace mine!

It's Pesach and once again food items have been discarded whether in the trash or given away.  I went to a wonderful Seder on Monday night with lots of adults and children.  It was so nice to attend a Seder that was relaxed and welcoming to everyone. 
Pesach to me, is a time of celebration as we celebrate our freedom from slavery.  Even though there have been hard times during the mass exodus the end result was the freedom.  Although, our freedom didn't last and we have endured hard times since we always seem to rise above with our heads held high. 
So with that I say embrace the freedom and go out and be helpful to others!   

Recently I have spoken with someone regarding their journey with conversion and it has made me think of my journey.  I had lots of highs and lows with mine but the one constant was the peace I felt and still feel in my heart about being Jewish.  I was very happy to hear that this person is in a very happy place with their journey as they reach the formal part of conversion.  I couldn't be happier for them.  As I approached the formal part of my conversion it was one of those roller coaster rides.  Unfortunately, the synagogue I attend was in the process of going through some difficult transitions and even though I didn't know what all was going on I was aware of the tension and sadly those transitions involved the rabbi I was converting with.  Even though things were going on within the synagogue I was still at peace with my decision and it made me turn to prayer even more as at the time due to circumstances beyond my control G-d was the only one I had to turn to.  After all, the covenant I was entering into was with G-d so it made sense that is who I turned to.  I just didn't feel I had the community to lean on at that time. 

So, would I change anything about my journey?  NO!  This is the journey G-d had planned for me... well maybe not exactly but everytime I took a wrong path he always led me back to the path he wanted me on.  We all have free will it's just a matter of following your heart and sometimes that is easier said than done. 

Do I wish a few things happpened differently?  Of course!  I started out in Reform Judaism but after 2 years I wasn't connecting with any of the synagogues I was visiting.  But then I wouldn't have learned some of the things that I did about myself and Judaism. 

I do wish however the controversy and tension that was happening at the synagogue I converted at and still attend had not been there.  Everyone was so focused on the tension and the dirty laundry that was getting aired it made it very uncomfortable.  I remember wanting to meet with the senior rabbi before my formal conversion and he managed to make some time for me but if I had it to do all over again I would not have had the rabbi I converted with in on that meeting.  Sadly, I didn't really get anything out of that meeting.  I remember just wanting that rabbi to say to me that it didn't matter about all the controversy and tension that was going on around me and just remember G-d has my back.  See, I knew and still know this but sometimes when you're facing changes and transitions you just want an extra pat on the back knowing someone else supports you and your decisions. 

With this being said I do need to add a disclaimer in the event any of the people I am referring to read this or people know who they are I have no ill feelings towards anyone.  In fact, I have a lot of respect for the rabbis I am speaking of.  The one I converted with has moved on to other things and new adventures.  The other rabbi I am referring to is someone who cares for the congregation and community and delivers very good sermons and many that make me think.  As for the rabbis I met in the Reform synagogues... just because I didn't connect with any there are many that do. 

I must add I am not one for groups of people.  My comfort zone is small groups of people and then it still takes time for me to open up.  I tend to sit back and watch and listen before jumping in with my thoughts and comments.  I tend to congregate towards people who love animals and as much as I hate to say it I haven't found anyone at my synagogue who has a love for animals.  Now I know most people aren't on the level I am about animals but there has to be someone who has a love for animals that hits the rictor scale in there somewhere :-)  I guess that will be another blog for another day :-)   

My advice for others going down this path... ALWAYS LISTEN TO AND FOLLOW YOUR HEART! 

I remembered a phrase I hear from time to time from my friends and that is sometimes they have to have a "come to Jesus meeting with someone".  Meaning just get it all out in the open.  Well, obviously that wouldn't make much sense for me to say and out of nowhere I wrote "I'm going to have a come to Mt. Sinai meeting".  It was said in a humorous way because it had to do with my lawnmower (and for those that know me know how much I dread starting up the lawnmower because they always give me problems so we have to have a prayer session before, during and after cutting the grass - which always ends with a thank you when I'm done and the lawnmower has cooperated).  Well, this past Sunday it didn't cooperate and got left in time out in the middle of the yard.  So when one of my brothers came over to repair it yesterday it started up and purrred like a kitten for him.   There were a lot of thoughts that went through my head but instead I came in the house and let my brother finish cutting my yard for me and decided me and the lawnmower had to have a come to Mt. Sinai meeting.  I don't care if Moses, Noah or Elijah show up but me and the lawnmower are going to have to come to terms in another week.  So somebody needs to say a prayer for us at this meeting :-),  And when I told someone about this incident their response was it was Murphy's Law - if it's broke for me it will be just fine for someone else.  My response... KISS MY GRITS!!!  LOL! 

So the moral of this little story is even when things are frustrating sometimes you just have to take a step away (not necessarily back) and just find the humor in it and laugh and eventually things will get better! 

DREAMS

Last night I had a dream that when I woke up I felt at peace.  Lately, I've been giving a lot of thought to the type of man to date.  Should he be Jewish or does it really matter?  I've been thinking this for quite some time.  But last night before I went to bed I had a lot of thoughts going through my head about Chanukah since tonight is the first night.  But I guess somewhere in my subconscious that dating question was lingering around more than I thought.  The dream I had took me back to someone I dated and cared for deeply many years ago but living now in the present.  This man in my dream somehow communicated to me it didn't matter what religion I am and what religion any man is as long as there is respect for each person's beliefs.  This is something I know on the surface but my heart struggled with.  I woke up feeling at peace it doesn't matter what religion any man I date is and it's okay to date someone who isn't Jewish.  To feel at peace in my heart means so much more to me than what my head tells me.  I really believe it was a message from G-d to just be me and don't worry about anything else as he will make sure everything turns out as it should. 

Courage

So one of the things talked about during the Torah reading at services yesterday really hit home with me.  One of the rabbi's brought up conversion.  Of course I sat there with anticipation of what he was going to say.  Even though we have talked briefly in the past of my conversion I'm always interested to hear what anyone says regarding this topic.  Basically, you're born Jewish or you are a Jew by Choice was the scenario.  He was asking how many people thought it was a choice to be Jewish.  Some people gave their opinions.  Then I heard him say something I've never heard anyone say before.  He asked how many people would want to have the conversation with their family about converting to another faith.  As he explained he was saying it takes courage to have that conversation and then act upon it.  I had to chuckle as this is so true.  I sat there thinking how many of those people sitting in the pews have ever really thought about what they believe and have ever studied other religions to see how they really feel. 

See, for me I think everyone should search their heart and soul for what they believe and not just go by what someone has told them to believe.  If we all believed everything someone told us to believe we could find ourselves down some paths we don't want or need to be.  And life is already hard enough to maneuver in without knowing your heart. 

You have to know where you came from to get to where you are going.  Life is a journey... 

Lately, I've been going to the Friday night Shabbat services instead of the Saturday morning services.  There's some similarity but at also a little bit of dfiference.  Main difference is the Torahs are not out on Friday nights whereas they are on Saturdays. 

So Friday night I went to one of the services and there was a potluck dinner afterwards.  These are always a struggle for me as I'm not good in these quaint intimate settings.  I prefer to people watch and get lost in the crowd.  I do my best to mingle or interact which I will admit is not very good.  But as I sat there tonight at this dinner I realized I have nothing in common with these people other than being Jewish.  I'm not a doctor or lawyer like most of the people that were there and I'm not about to put on airs that I am.  I work in a doctor's office but that is about it for me.  I am more of a country girl who loves her rock and roll and country music.  A lot of these people would have a heart attack if  they heard some of the music I listen to.  Now don't get me wrong, these people are very nice and pleasant but I just don't share the same interests they do. 

My one pet peeve though is having to explain where I live.  I might as well live on the other side of the world.  There is only 1 synagogue near me and the rest are on the other side of town (or world) .  I was almost ready to get a sign and hold it up letting folks know I am aware of that hour drive to shul. 

My rabbi told me to just jump in and start talking but then instead of just me looking lost in their conversations everyone would looking at me lost in my conversation and it would go nowhere.  I just can't imagine trying to explain some of the music groups I like, Bon Jovi, Nickelback, Mother's Finest just to name a few.  And then to explain what songs they sing... I just don't see it happening.  Just the titles of the songs let alone the lyrics would be enough to scare off these folks. 

So we'll see what next week brings and not to mention the High Holy Days just around the corner. 

Quoting Scriptures

Lately it seems people want to quote Bible scriptures. I've never been one to memorize scriptures or quote scriptures. Much less understand why some people think it's so important to quote scriptures. Most of the time when I encounter people like this I walk away or I just tune them out and they eventually realize I'm not listening.

With the social network age upon us I often encounter this online especially on Facebook. My News Feed can get cluttered with people quoting scriptures and I have to either hide the post or refresh. This is when having over 350 "friends" on my page comes in handy because there is almost always somebody posting. Problem is these people think they have to post several religious postings - I guess they know people like me miss a lot of status updates due to the amount of friends I have and how frequent they post. Yeah, I'm being a little sarcastic with that last statement.

What I don't understand is why these people feel the need to quote scriptures and often try converting someone to their beliefs. I converted to Judaism on my own nobody approached me. This was something in my heart that was there for a long time and I never said anything until I knew in my heart I was making the right decision. But my decision is for me. I don't believe anyone has to claim a religion or even attend worship services. Why do others think they're responsible for someone else's choices? We're all only responsible for ourselves and the decisions we make not what everyone else decides.

These same people who are quoting scriptures and posting are the same ones that if you look at their pages and the comments they make in various threads are hpypocritical. If you're going to preach it then you need to LIVE IT! I really just don't have time for folks like this.

1st night of Pesach

Well, tonight was the first night of Pesach. I switched things up this year and opted out of going somewhere for a Seder. It's been nice and relaxing. But the best part was getting to talk some friends, some Jewish some not and just talk. Some of it was about Pesach some of it wasn't. But it was nice to just talk and share "stuff" with friends. It was nice to come offline for a bit also. I still have the option of going somewhere for the 2nd night but I think I'm going to opt out again. It's nice to have these options and have people think of me enough to invite me but getting home at 1AM or 2AM from a Seder isn't what I wanted to do this year. While I'm not doing the traditional Seder I still very attached in my heart to the Jewish community that I love so dearly.

Pesach

So Pesach is upon us. I always struggle with Seders. I know we're always supposed to either have/attend a Seder the first 2 nights. But for me it's also a time of reflection and remember what the Jews went thru when they left Egypt and the freedom that came with being released from slavery.

As I watch what is being said on a listserve I participate in I see other Jews by Choice struggling with some of the same things. Pesach tends to be more for those with families. I'm single and only have 2 dogs. I have no children. I love kids so the kids aren't the issue. But how does a single person fit into a family oriented event. Yeah, most folks my age have kids whether they're married or not. That's just not the way it's worked for me so far in my life. I also tend to be more casual than other Jewish families I'm in contact with. I don't mind dressing up for dinner but I'm just not a white tablecloth and napkins and elbows off the table type gal. I dread getting asked the same questions by others at the Seder... what kind of job do I have? am I married? why did I convert? what denomination of Christianity was I? As I sit there answering their questions I find myself being so far away from their world. I know they mean well and it's just casual conversation which is why I oblige and give polite answers. I know as well as they do I can't explain some of these answer in 2 sentences much less one evening of conversation. So then the awkwardness begins.

Don't get me wrong the Jewish friends I have especially at the shul I attend are wonderful folks and are great examples of how to live a Jewish life. I love them dearly and have a lot of respect for them. Not to mention they have taught me a lot and allow me to continue to ask questions and provide answers. I'm just not good in large groups of people and there tends to be at least 15 people at these Seders. Some know how I feel about being in groups of people. They say they're going to get me to overcome this but I don't think there is enough wine for me to drink to do so. So this year I'm taking Pesach one day at a time and spend more time reflecting on what I believe G-d wants for me and do it.

Angels

I've been away from my blog for a while and been thinking it's time to get back on here and start writing more of my thoughts.

Lately, it's been about angels. When I was in the process of converting I was told that Jews didn't believe in angels. And even though my name means angel I couldn't go with the Hebrew word for angel which is Malach (or variations of the spelling). Well, that's not totally true. Angels are spoken about in the Tanakh.

But lately, I've been having dreams and some haven't been very good dreams in fact I would call them nightmares as they've scared me for what they revealed. I was talking to someone I work with about them and she said I had an outer body experience. I don't really know how I feel or what I think about the dreams. But what I do know is I DO BELIEVE IN ANGELS. I just don't understand the scary dreams.

As for my Hebrew name well... I didn't want the Hebrew for my given name so it wasn't an issue for me. I love the name I chose... Kochava Vered (Star Rose)

High Holidays 5771

So it's been a while since I've made a posting on here... The High Holy Days have come and gone yet again and we welcomed in the year 5771. This year was no different as they start out with Rosh Hashana and gathering with friends for good food after services. Although I still haven't quite gotten a grip on this social gathering of 20 or more people that I don't know very well for lunch I am handling it better. I really do prefer small groups of people not to mention I'm not well with someone who wants to be the talk of the lunch so to speak. But I keep giving it a try every holiday when I get invited in hopes I'll get more at ease. But I will say the food is always good with the exception of my forcing down the gefelte fish (I just don't like that fish).

I was asked by a few people what my new year resolutions were going to be. Well... the holidays aren't so much about resolutions as they are about renewal and forgiveness - at least to me. I did make some resolutions but I started those a few months ago as I don't believe you have to have a holiday to do so. But it was more about forgiving others I had grudges or ill feelings about things with and forgiving myself for things I didn't follow thru with or should have done.

I managed to run into a few people while at services I hadn't seen in a while and that is always fun. It's always fun to run into those who are in the process of converting and talking about our feelings towards certain topics. There is a bond that can happen with those of us who have chosen to be Jewish because we have questions that those who were born and raised Jewish either never had or wouldn't think of. And to know that those of us who have chosen our faith instead of just being raised in it is always something I am proud of. We've taken the time to find and know what's in our heart and that's something a lot of people I have come across can't say they have honestly done.

I hope to be back more often now. And to share in this wonderful year of 5771.

So one of my favorite Jewish artists is Debbie Friedman. Every week we lift up those who are in need of healing and then we sing this song.

http://www.debbiefriedman.com/Mi_Shebeirach.mp3

I found a youtube site that shows the words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXm3lX19nQg

The English and Hebrew are interchanged letting you know what is being sung. In my synagogue we do not have instruments on Saturday so everything is sung/chanted acapella. On Friday nights we occasionally do have instruments and music.

Birkat Ha-Hammah (The Blessing of the Sun)

Birkat Ha-Hammah, The Blessing of the Sun happens once every 28 years. This is when it is believed that the sun is in the exact place that G-d put it on the 4th day of creation. Last week on April 8, 2009 was the day the Jews took time to stop and reflect on the creation of the world. This year also meant this celebration fell on day of Erev Pesach (eve of Passover).

As several of us gathered at the synagogue on this morning we had the regular minyan service that takes place every morning followed by a brief continental breakfast with a lecture given by someone who has written about The Blessing of the Sun. We then went outside for a brief service and were instructed that we were not to look directly at the sun but to be instead in it's presence. It is important to remember at the end when we bow during Aleinu that we make sure we do not appear to be bowing to the sun but rather to G-d our Creator.

Scriptures that are read:

Genesis 1:14-18
Jeremiah 31:35-38
Psalm 136:1-9

There are prayers read, one being:

Barukh Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam,

Oseh ma'asei v'reisheet

(Praised are You, Almighty G-d Ruler of the Universe,

Who carries on the constantly unfolding work of Creation)

There are several other prayers and songs read and sung during this service that lasts about 20 minutes.

We always end our services with Aleinu (this is a transliterated portion that we chant in Hebrew):

Aleinu l'shabe-ah la'adon ha-kol, la-tet g'dulah l'yotzer b'reshit

she-lo asanu k'gyei ha-aratzot

v'lo samanu k'mishop'hot ha'adamah

she-lo sahm helkenu kahem, v'goralenu k'khol hamonam

(we then bow for the next line)

Va-anahnu kor'im u-mishtahavim u-modim

lifnei melekh malkhei ha-m'lakhim, Ha-kadosh Barukh Hu

This is the English version:

We rise to our duty to praise the Master of all, to acclaim the Creator, G-d made our lot unlike that of other people, assigning to us a unique destiny. We bend the knee and bow, acknowledging that Supreme Sovereign, the Holy One, exalted, who spread out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth; whose glorious abode is in the highest heaven, whose mighty dominion is in the loftiest heights. This is our G-d; there is no other, In truth, G-d alone is our Ruler, as is written in the Torah: "Know this day and take it to heart that Adonai is G-d in the heaven above and on earth below; there is no other.

This was an interesting service to attend. It is supposed to be done at sunrise but no later than 12:00 noon. I still have a lot to read on this subject as I like to do when learning something new. So hopefully, in 28 years when this happens again I'll know a lot more.

Pesach and Seders

Pesach is one of the 3 pilgrimage festivals, also known as Shalosh R’galim and in English is known as Passover. This holiday commemorates the Exodus of Egypt. It’s also known as the beginning of the harvest season. A Pesach Seder is written in a book called the Haggadah. Pesach begins on the 15th day of the month of Nissan. Pesach comes from the Hebrew root word Peh-Samach-Chet which means to pass through or over in order to exempt to spare. G-d passed over the Jews homes when he was slaying the first born of Egypt.

Words to Identify With:

Seder – The first night of Pesach there is a special family meal (friends are often invited). The meal is called a Seder which comes from the root word meaning “order” because there is a specific order that is discussed around the table.

Seder Plate – A Seder plate has 6 circles or sections for the different herbs and foods;

• Maror; bitter herbs – most often used is horseradish. This symbolizes the bitterness of slavery.
• Z’roa; Charoset; Chazeret; Karpass; vegetable (most often used is parsley – this is usually dipped in salt water before eating). This vegetable symbolizes the origins of the Jews.
• The salt water symbolizes the tears shed about the Jews slavery.
• Some people place an orange on the Seder plate. It is placed on the Seder plate to represent a conversation that took place at the Jewish Theological Seminary where someone many years ago asked if women would ever be admitted into the college to become rabbis and someone said that would be like an orange on a Seder plate. There is a little more to this story but this is the foundation of the story. And YES Reform, Conservative and Reconstuctionist Jews allow women to be rabbis!!!

Haggadah – The book that is read from during the Seder


The Four Questions – Also known as Mah Nishtanah (Why is it different?) are the first words to the 4 questions.

“The maggid is designed to satisfy the needs of 4 different types of people:

1. The wise one, who wants to know the technical details
2. The wicked one, who excludes himself (and he learns the penalty for doing so)
3. The simple one, who needs to know the basics
4. The one who is unable to ask, who doesn’t even know enough to know what he needs to know.”
   
   

A blessing is recited over a second cup of wine at the end of the maggid and then drunk.


My first Seder I attended was interesting yet awkward. I knew about the food and story of the Jews freedom from slavery out of Egypt. Interesting yet awkward at the same time listening and talking with others on how they felt enslaved. Thinking about how I feel enslaved in everyday life made me think later on as I went home that my idea of being enslaved is nothing compared to what Moses went through as well as the Jews who fled Egypt and slavery. We all have/had pain and suffering in our lives.

I have since been to several Seders and I have yet to feel completely comfortable. I don't know if part of it is because I don't have those family traditions of growing up Jewish that others have and I'm just starting to make my own. I know I don't like to see people stressed out over preparing for hosting Seders and I have seen that over the years. Sometimes we just have to let things happen and go with the flow. I'm also still not comfortable with the reading of the Haggadah as everyone uses something different whether it is purchased, from the Internet or they write their own. But I'm still attending Seders and I do find something I enjoy about each one I attend.

Maybe I’ll have a doggie Seder – yeah seriously – animals are G-d’s creatures too!

Well this statement alone was enough to send the rabbi I converted with into a frenzy even to the point of not wanting me to mention this to other rabbis because she felt they would not approve. First off she wasn't an animal person (hmmm... I love animals, especially my dogs). We never did come to an agreement on this topic and it was an obstacle to overcome because our views are very different. I have since learned having mentioned this to a few rabbis since my conversion this is not true. I have found other rabbis who are fine with my feelings towards dogs.

But as far as a doggie Seder my beliefs are:

All animals are G-d’s creatures. I’m sure animals of all kinds were on the journey out of Egypt. I have heard of one company who has dog food for dogs specifically for Pesach. If you think about it humans aren’t supposed to have chametz during Pesach so why should dogs and most dog foods (at least what I feed my dogs) does. So why not try to include them. My dogs like matzoh balls and really love the soup base. I love and adore animals and treat them as family so for me it would be natural to include them. After all my dogs have a Hebrew name as either their first or middle name. Maybe this is something only animal lovers can understand but my dogs are a very important part of my life – after all they get Chanukah presents. We should celebrate all life whether human or animals all the time but especially Pesach and the High Holy Days.

I am part of a list serv where I can talk about these topics. I really enjoy this forum as it gives me a safe place that I feel comfortable sharing my thoughts and concerns. I have found much support for things I struggled with while going through my conversion as well as things I face now after having formally converted. I recently posted my thoughts on Seders and brought up this Doggie Seder and someone responded with one of the best responses I have ever received. She suggested I could write an animal-centered one, and include some of the history of animal rights in Judaism. And the comment that really got my attention was her suggestion of using a Milk-Bone as the shank bone. And you know, I think I'll take her up on her suggestion and give it a try.

Pesach

Pesach (Passover) is just around the corner and I'm already starting to prepare my house. I have said I will get a head start this year on my cleaning so I'm not waiting until the last minute. There are a lot of things to do for preparation. It is now the Jewish Year 5769 and Pesach begins at sunset April 8, 2009 - nightfall April 16, 2009. There are many things that have to be done in preparation for Pesach and here are some of those:


Removal of Chametz
When wheat, barley, oats, rye or spelt come in contact with water after being cut off from the ground, it becomes fermented or chametz. Any dishes and utensils that have come in contact with chametz food during the year.

Matzah
Matzah is made from barley, oats or rye but because it is mixed with water and baked in less than 18 minutes it can be eaten.

Ashkenazim and Sephardic Jews
There are Ashkenazim and Sephardic Jews and during Pesach Ashkenazim Jews do not eat beans, rice, corn or peas. Sephardic Jews do. I tend to go towards the Ashkenazim beliefs since most of the Jews I know are. The rabbis for Ashkenazim Jews did not allow these to be eaten because in the past flour was made from them. Peanut oil may be used if prepared under rabbinic supervision and properly certified because they aren't considered legumes.

Homes must be cleaned thoroughly
Removing all chametz from your home. We are not allowed to even have it in our possession during Pesach. There are rituals that people partake in for this preparation.

Bedikat Chametz: Tuesday night, April 7
Families will normally play a game with the children (if any are in the home) where they search for chametz using a candle, feather and disposable spoon. This is done to ensure all chametz is removed. I have mostly seen this activity done on the first night of Pesach but it should be done on the eve of Pesach.

Burning of Chametz
The burning of chametz is to be completed Wednesday morning. A prayer called Be’ur Chametz is then said. After this has been completed no chametz, dishes, pots or utensils used for chametz are allowed to be used.

Mechirat Chametz
Since it may not always be financially economical to get rid of all the chametz the rabbis ordained a symbolic sale and later buy-back of chametz. You can sell or buy back your chametz after Pesach. Another work around I have seen used is removing the chametz to a sealed container and placing in an unutilized room and not entering the room during Pesach. This is what I do or I move it to my parents house and bring it back after Pesach. Face it when you have to remove all these items and when I learned how many things have corn/corn oil in them that is a lot of food to remove. This is why I start now not buying foods with these products in them.

There are several foods that require rabbinic supervision.
Some of them are: Matzah, noodles, candies, cakes, beverages, canned and processed foods, butter, jam, cheese, jelly, relishes, wines, liquors, salad oils, canned vegetables, gelatin, shortening and vinegar. If the “Kosher L’Pesach” label or tag is not on the item then it is not considered Kosher.

The foods that are not to be used during Pesach are:
leavened bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, cereals, wheat, barley, oats, rye, spelt, rice, peas, dried beans and liquids which contain ingredients made from grain alcohol.

There are foods that do not need certification and they are:
Natural coffee, sugar (but not confectioners or brown sugar), saccharin, tea, salt, pepper, vegetables (dried beans and peas are forbidden, string beans are permitted), garlic, onion powder, dried fruit, honey, Hershey’s cocoa, safflower or soy bean oil, nuts (except legumes), dish detergents and scouring powders. We are to buy these items before Pesach and are to remain unopened until Pesach. Fresh fruits and vegetables are permitted for Pesach or if they are packaged in water or their own juices.

Tuna and Salmon can be used provided:
It is packed in spring water and not packed in oil.

Milk without a kescher label may be used provided:
It is purchased before Pesach beings but is not to be bought during Pesach. This is a hard one for me because I love milk but I manage.

Plates, Pots, Pans and Utensils
Which have not been used for over a year may be used if cleaned in very hot water.

Glassware
Glasses are permitted after thoroughly cleaning and some people soak their glasses for 72 hours before Pesach.

Ovens/Microwave Ovens
These need to be thoroughly cleaned. Some people put a bowl of hot water in the oven and allowing it to boil.
Dishwasher
You are to run your dishwasher with nothing in it twice - once with detergent and once without.
Electrical Appliances
If the parts came in contact with chametz they are to be cleaned thoroughly.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Removal of all chametz food and opened packages. Then you are to clean with boiling water and scour the racks.


Here are some pronunciations of some of the Hebrew words that are used (please remember depending on where one lives can affect the pronunciation). Blogger is being stubborn so I have listed each word in Hebrew first, then the meaning and finally the pronunciation.
Pesach Passover PAY-sahkh or PEH-sahkh
Matzah Unleavened bread MAHTZ-uh
Chametz Leavened things KHUH-mitz
Seder Dinner at a home 1st 2 nights SAY-d'r
Haggadah Book read during the seder huh-GAH-duh


So this is what takes place prior to Pesach. There is much more to come on this topic as for what is done at Seders. This is by no means everything and as I researched the best way to describe what is entailed I took bits and pieces from various sources (one being my synagogue's instructions - hopefully they don't mind) and tried to put this into the easiest translation for those not familiar with Pesach to understand. If you are Jewish then this should be familiar to you and you may have begun or are beginning to prepare for Pesach as I have. For those unfamiliar with Pesach this probably seems over the top so to speak and you may wonder how can one do all this. My response is it takes a lot of discipline and effort but once you get used to doing this each year it becomes natural and just habit. Admittedly, it is hard the first few times and it is something you have to get in the routine in doing.

Purim

Purim is upon us and begins at sundown on Monday, March 9 and ends March 10. So what is Purim? I will do my best to explain it as best I can. I have taken some things written from a daily email I receive called Jewish Treats. They seem to have the simplest explanation to use.

There are 4 mitzvot associated with the holiday:

• Megillah Reading of the Book of Esther – The Megillah is read twice on Purim, once at sundown on March 9th and then once during the day on March 10th. In order to properly fulfill the mitzvah of Megillah, it is necessary to hear every word during the reading. For this reason it is important that people do not talk to each other during the Megillah reading.

• Mishloach Manot/Shalach Manos - Sending Gifts – Every Jew is obligated to give at least one Mishloach Manot gift containing at least two different types of ready-to-eat food items. Matanot La'evyonim - Gifts to the Poor – Giving to the poor is a mitzvah all year round. However, the mitzvah to do so on Purim is in addition to the general mitzvah of tzedakah (charity). To properly fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La'evyonim one must give to 2 poor individuals. Although one may fulfill this mitzvah by giving a very minimal amount of money to each person, the sages noted that the highest form of fulfilling this mitzvah is by giving enough money for a meal, or the equivalent in food. This mitzvah may be fulfilled by donating beforehand to an organization that will distribute the money or food on Purim day.

• Seudah - Festive Meal – One is obligated to partake in a festive meal on Purim day. The bare minimum to fulfill this mitzvah requires that one ritually wash (netillat yadayim), eat bread and then recite the Birkat Hamazon , the Grace after Meals.

• Drinking at the Purim Meal – "A person should drink on Purim up to the point where they cannot tell the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai' and ‘Cursed is Haman.' (Talmud Megillah 7a and Shulchan Aruch --Code of Jewish Law). On Purim, one is commanded to drink wine to a point of inebriation* – generally, this is interpreted as drinking more than one usually would or enough to make one sleepy. While drinking on Purim is a mitzvah, risking one's life is not. Whether host or guest, it is important to be responsible:1-Do not drink and drive. 2-Beware of underage drinking. While Purim is a religious holiday, and underage alcohol consumption is allowed by some for religious occasions, adults are still responsible for minors. Please do not give young people liquor beyond the bare minimum. Remember, as well, that our children are influenced by our behavior.

So that is the explanation of Purim. Now for what actually happens at the synagogues is probably similar but I'll tell you what mine is having.

They're having a kids carnival right before sundown that continues to when the Megillah reading is done. People (kids and adults) are encouraged to dress up in costumes (just as one would for Halloween) and come to the carnival and then stay for the Megillah reading. The carnival will last for about 2-3 hours and overlap with adult events (there are educators in charge of the kids so the parents may participate in the adult activities). The kids get a kid version of the Megillah reading so they don't have to sit with the adults. The adult Megillah reading lasts about 2 hours as well. Then following the reading there is a party and we have a Reggae Band (mostly members of our congregation) with food and drinks.

Now for those that are reading this and are thinking every Jewish person will be drunk Monday night please don't think that. Responsibility is encouraged and enforced. At the synagogue I attend (and every other synagogue I've ever attended) there is security and most of the time they are police officers so they're definitely not going to let someone leave who has had too much to drink. At the same time I've never seen anyone drunk at any function I've attended and we have wine/alcohol available after every service. So don't be alarmed. And most parents (at least the ones I know) don't give their child(ren) alcohol. These are old customs and are modernized for today's time.

To me Purim comes down to celebrating along with prayer. I haven't fully gotten into this holiday but I normally attend some part of the celebration. I do like the reading of Esther and they way it's presented. It's not just someone reading from the Tanekh (Jewish Bible), it's made more entertaining and keeps your attention. After all it lasts almost 2 hours it has to.

Jewish Observances

I get asked from time to time what my level of observance is within my Judaism. Before I get into mine I'll give a little background of a few of the sects of Judaism as well as some of the observances.

Kosher/Kashrut -

• Kosher meats - must have split hooves, i.e. cows, sheep, goats and deer are all kosher, but camels and pigs are not. Chickens, ducks and geese are kosher, but birds of prey (hawks, eagles etc.) are not. Seafood/Fish is only kosher if it has fins and scales. Most fish are kosher (tuna, salmon, flounder, etc.) but all shellfish is not, i.e. dolphins, whales and squids. Any food product of a non-kosher animal is also non-kosher meaning lard is not kosher to use but vegetable oil is. The exception to this rule is bee's honey.
• An animal or bird must be slaughtered according to Jewish law (shechita). This means cutting the animal's trachea and oesophagus (the carotid and jugular are also severed) with a surgically sharp knife. The must be done quickly. Doing so this way reduces the blood pressure in the brain to zero immediately, so that the animal loses consciousness in a few seconds and dies in minutes.
• The animal or bird must be free of injuries, diseases or abnormalities. If not, then the animal is not kosher.
• Certain fats, known as chelev, may not be eaten. Blood must be removed from the meat, either by soaking, salting and rinsing or by broiling.
• Milk and meat are not to be eaten together, this includes chicken.
• Milk products are to only come from kosher animals.

Shabbat/Sabbath

There are 39 observances on Shabbat/Sabbath. These are NOT to be done.

1.Carrying 2. Burning 3. Extinguishing 4. Finishing 5. Writing 6. Erasing 7. Cooking 8. Washing 9. Sewing 10. Tearing 11. Knottting 12. Untying 13. Shaping 14. Plowing 15. Planting 16. Reaping 17. Harvesting 18. Threshing 19. Winnowing 20. Selecting 21. Sifting 22. Grinding 23. Kneading 24. Combing 25. Spinning 26. Dying 27. Chainstitching 28. Warping 29. Weaving 30. Unraveling 31. Building 32. Demolishing 33. Trapping 34. Shearing 35. Slaughtering 36. Skinning 37. Tanning 38. Smoothing 39. Marking

Driving

Reform, Conservative, Traditional and Reconstructionist Jews can drive on Shabbat/Sabbath but some choose not to.
Orthodox, Hassidic and other sects of Jews do not drive on Shabbat/Sabbath.


Reform - Tend to be more liberal with their observances.

Conservative - Tend to be middle ground with their observances.

Orthodox - Tend to be very strict with their observances.

So where do I fit in with observances?

• I consider myself middle of the road. I do drive on Shabbat but usually only to the synagogue/shul.
• I make every effort not to spend money on Shabbat/Sabbath because money is not to be handled then.

When it comes to the 39 observances I'm good with some of them and not that great at following others.

• I love to sew and it relaxes me so I sometimes do some quilting.
• I also will be on the computer searching for things that interest me as well on Shabbat.
• I'm not much of a television watcher (with the exception of a few shows) so TV isn't an issue for me.

As far as keeping kashrut/kosher I'm pretty good at it most of the time.

• I have my weaknesses, mainly Mexican food but I have gotten in the habit of eating vegetarian. I'm not a big meat eater so when I do buy meat I mostly buy organic (but that is also because the nearest kosher grocery store is an hour from where I live. So that is my compromise. But even organic is not a substitute for kosher meat. So I mostly eat vegetarian.
• Seafood isn't a problem for me because several years ago before I started keeping kosher I had allergic reactions to shellfish (specifically crab legs). I can eat shellfish if it's fresh off the boat but if it's been sent to the grocery store I have an allergic reaction. Must be how it's prepared. But I will admit I miss my crab legs.
• Even though tuna is kosher I have also had allergic reactions to it as well. So after a few of those allergic reactions I quit eating seafood of any kind all together.

Religious Fanatics

I'm finally back on my blog. Blogger has been giving me some trouble about signing on but maybe I've figured out the problem and fixed it.

Let me start out by saying this is not a post bad mouthing any religion but is about PEOPLE who bad mouth religion and more so other peoples faith/religion.

Lately, I've been dealing with some religious fanatics and it's really been disturbing me because these people are supposed to be my personal friends so they know me and have known me for years (actually decades). I believe everyone has a right to their opinion and their beliefs. At the same time I know which of my personal friends I can engage in religious or political conversations and which ones I can't. I should say most of my friends are respectful of others beliefs (not just mine) but I have a few friends that can't see beyond their own because they won't take their blinders off. I continually get religious emails (and yes they are from Christian friends), mainly from 3 friends of mine. I have talked to them endlessly trying to explain to them that not everyone feels and believes the same as they do and that it would be nice for them to be respectful of mine and others beliefs since they want me and others to be respectful of theirs. So today I'm on my Facebook page and one of these friends had previously asked me to check out her page so I found time today to do so. Well, I get on there and am looking around to try to find what she wanted me to look at and one of her friends is talking about Jews missing the boat at well as Roman Catholics and as I looked at who was saying this their title is Rev. Needless to say I never found what she wanted me to look at as I closed her page in disgust. Then tonight on my personal email she sends me a religious email on Jesus. I simply replied in 2 sentences - one being Interesting and the second very politely reminding her I would prefer her not to send me religious emails. So why is it some people want everyone to believe as they do? She is a good person but it is so hard for me to engage in any conversation with her without her turning it into something about Christianity.

Now to be fair I have been in a class at the synagogue I attend where some of the people were bad mouthing Christians. That is just as disturbing to me as what my friends are doing. I sat through 2 sessions of a class before I said I was done and didn't return. I was new to the synagogue and still in my conversion process so I don't believe anyone knew I was converting. I wanted to say something but being new I was afraid to. Now, I would definitely say something. What affected me more was the person teaching the class allowed for the remarks to continue without any attempt to derail the conversation. And I have to say I've never been back to a class since and I don't go to the Torah study session on Saturday mornings opting to stay in the sanctuary for the entire service. The rabbis keep asking for volunteers to teach Torah study on Saturdays and I just chuckle under my breath because I know I'm not someone they want to approach.

I will say most of the people at my synagogue are supportive and helpful of those converting. I'm not saying everyone is because I'm sure there are those who aren't but I just haven't met them over 3 years later.

I have friends who are Jewish, Christian, Atheist, Agnostic, Buddhist, Catholic and many other beliefs and for the most part we are all respectful of one another's beliefs and with the exception of these few friends we can engage in religious conversations that never end up in an argument but rather end with most of us learning something we didn't already know.

So that is my soapbox for the moment.