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.

Formal Part of Conversion

I thought I'd share the formal part of conversion. After over 4 years it finally came the right time for me to make conversion formal. I knew about 3 months before I was ready but due to the upcoming High Holy Days there was no way I was going to even try to coordinate everything with rabbis. And about a month before the High Holy Days you really don't want to go around too many rabbis because they're already gearing up for the holiest time of the year for Jews. There were 3 parts to my formal conversion. The Beit Din, Mikveh and a brief chapel ceremony.

So how was I feeling before and the day of my conversion? Here are some of the discussions, thoughts and decisions that take place for making the conversion formal.

I picked my Hebrew names and they ended up not having anything to do with my given name. But I did pick a middle name to honor my maternal grandmother and a name that symbolizes to me my first name.

The Beit Din (consists of 3 rabbis to ask questions confirming your conversion).

Things to be prepared for to ensure you're making the right decision are the types of questions you will be asked by the Beit Din? I was given some samples and if you're not ready to denounce the faith you have left you will have a hard time with that one and that is asked. You also have to sign documents stating all this information. This is not a form saying the faith you have left is bad it merely states you have chosen to enter into a covenant with G-d as well as the Jewish community and the Hebrew people in the Jewish faith. My rabbi was on my Beit Din. There was some confusion with that and I'm still not so sure I believe it's ethical to have the rabbi you've been studying with to also be on your Beit Din. I had met 1 of the other 2 rabbis previously as I had corresponded with him via email and attend a few of his services. I didn't know the other rabbi. I did okay with my Q&A but have to admit the rabbi I didn't know I really didn't connect with. However, the other rabbi that I had met I felt his questions were more spiritual and I connected with his questions. My rabbi already knew my answers so she was really more moral support for me.

Some other questions that are asked:

• One question that I found strange was what I was going to do on Dec. 24th. I was honest - for me I have for over 10 years gone to a sweet older lady's house who cooks a Christmas Eve meal after their service for anyone to come to. So far I have always been invited and welcomed even though this woman has a hard time accepting my conversion but at the same time she gave me a Star of David one year as her gift to me. It means a lot to me that she did this all while not liking my decision. Even though this woman calls it a Christmas Eve dinner it's more about seeing people I only get to see once a year and spending time with them. When they pray I just step out of the room discreetly and when the prayer is done I come back in and rarely does anyone notice now.
• I did get asked how I felt about Israel. I'm not into politics so I responded with that adding that since I don't live in Israel I can't guarantee what I see on the news is true but when I do one day visit Israel I plan for it to be a spiritual experience and probably be overwhelmed.
• I was asked how I felt about all the Christmas decor and gift giving that I'm surrounded with no matter where you go and I just told them I have always thought it was commercialized and it doesn't phase me which is how I feel. But having 11 nieces and nephews I do buy them Christmas gifts.
• I also asked if they were to come to my house how they would know my home is a Jewish home and I responded with first they would see a mezuzah at the door and when they came in they might see some Jewish items around the house but most of all I hope they would feel the warmth and love in my house of accepting them into my home.
• They did ask how many Jews I thought lived near me and where I live I would say close to none. And my rabbi chimed in on my behalf stating all the classes I have taken and she knows how dedicated I am to continuing to study and learn so that helped me out.

After the Beit Din came the Mikveh:

I received instructions for the mikveh. I was given the prayers even though they are on the wall so I could practice and be prepared. I had to pack a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and a towel and bathrobe I felt comfortable in and bring it with me.

After the Beit Din I went to the mikveh room

• Took off all jewlery (if someone wears contact lenses those have to be removed as well).
• Brushed my teeth.
• Took a shower and wash your body and hair (you have to be naked for this, no bathing suit, no putting your hair up - yep you read that right).
• Brushed my hair so there are no stray hairs falling off.
• The rabbis waited outside the mikveh room and I let them know when I was ready.
• The Mikveh room is built into three spaces: One is the witnessing space, the other is the prep area, and the third is the mikveh itself.
• My female rabbi was in the mikveh area with me while the other two rabbis were in the witnessing space. This space is built in such a way that they can hear the rabbis instructions to me and my blessings, but couldn't see me.
• My rabbi said a blessing and a prayer (so she told me but I was too nervous to remember that part. I walked down into the mikveh (7 steps for the 7 days of creation - cool - huh - you are re-creating yourself in partnership with G-d). You fully immerse yourself once in the mikveh - this means completely under the water. Your hair is to be wet from the shower, so it shouldn't float up. When you are under the water, you splay your fingers open and at some point lift your feet from the floor. The idea is to be completely surrounded by water.
• ALL THE BLESSINGS ARE WRITTEN ON THE WALL IN FRONT OF YOU, SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO MEMORIZE ANYTHING.
• When I came up, I recited the first blessing: "Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh HaOlam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al haTvilah"; then in English: "Blessed are You Adonai, Our Eternal God, Ruler of the Universe, who sanctifies us through mitzvot and has commanded us to immerse".
• I fully immersed again, then recited the 2nd blessing: "Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh HaOlam, sh'Hecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, v'higi-anu lazman hazeh." In English: Blessed are You Adonai, Our Eternal God, Creator of the Universe, who has blessed me with life, sustained me, and enabled me to reach this moment."
• Then I fully immersed again, then recited the Shema: "Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad" in English: Listen oh Israel, Adonai is our God, Adonai alone.
• All three rabbis responded with "Amen" after each blessing sang "siman tov u'mazal tov" which is a way to congratulate you :-)
• Then I was left alone to re-shower and get dressed.
  
  

Then came the chapel service

My rabbi did a brief service where she gave me my official name, blessed me again, presented me with the certificates, and I recited the shema again.

So what were my thoughts after all of this:

I had what I call a few panic attacks the week prior to my conversion as I learned more about the specific details but also being reminded to BREATHE by my rabbi. My Hebrew came out better than expected but it was nice to have my rabbi coaching me and since she's a female I didn't have to have a total stranger helping me along. My Beit Din was and wasn't what I expected. I had some off the wall questions I wasn't expecting and had some questions I totally expected. One rabbi on my Beit Din came across as being very in tune and listening to what I was saying and really helped me along with encouraging words. One of the other rabbis was a little more analytical. My rabbi helped out when she saw I was getting a little confused in my responses so that was really helpful. I put the modesty issue aside for the mikveh which I wasn't sure I could do but I believe G-d helped me with that.

I still had an official naming ceremony to go through at the synagogue I attend the following week:

This is where my rabbi had fun with my nerves since she knew how I hate to be in front of a group of people. Yeah, rabbis do have a sense of humor :-). She told me it was her time to say whatever she wanted. She knew I was nervous about that but was smart to not tell me until the last minute. Less time to panic. She withheld my naming certificate until then. I joked with her that she wanted to make sure I showed up. I was nervous going up to the Torah and had to be coached on the prayers in Hebrew. At the same time everyone was very supportive. She did have me tell why I chose my Hebrew names but by then it was all about getting back to my seat. But I have to say I was still on cloud 9 from everything. There was and still is a sense of peace about my decision to convert to Judaism.

Shabbat

I’m continuously learning each Shabbat. On Friday evenings when I am home I light Shabbat candles and recite the Sh'ma. I don't normally attend the Kabbalat Shabbat service on Fridays except on occasion. This service tends to last anywhere from 45 - 60 minutes. The times I've gone I have found it to be mostly about prayer and I'm not sure if there is always a sermon delivered (however if there is it is very short).

On Saturday I try to make the Torah service so I can study each week’s parsha. I enjoy the Saturday service more because there is more time to be reflective and think about the message. It's also very spiritual to see the Torah brought around and be read from.

I’ve enjoyed the Shabbat dinners I have been to as well. Everyone has their own way of having their meals. Some are more formal than others as well as some are more concentrated on prayer than others. But the one thing they have all had in common is spending time with others.

Keeping things spiritual is the most important thing to me and reconnecting with G-d when it comes to Shabbat.

Jewish Worship and Prayers

How do I feel in a Jewish prayer service?
Peaceful. It’s my time to meditate and join with others to worship G-d. Over the years I have learned the prayers and their meanings the prayers. Understanding what I’m saying when I pray is when the meanings of the words really connect with me. Most of the prayers are said in Hebrew but the Siddur has transliteration for several prayers and there is English interpretation as well.

What do I think is the purpose of prayer?
To remember G-d’s law and what G-d wants us to do in our everyday lives to make this world a better place. To connect and reconnect with G-d and disconnect with the madness of our everyday lives.

Some Jewish terms for either parts of the worship service and items used in worship are:

Siddur
The book containing prayers recited daily, on Shabbat and festivals.

Machzor
A special prayer book used on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This book has seasonal prayers, melodies and readings for High Holy Days.

Shacharit
Means little morning. Traditional prayers said each morning.

Mincha
Afternoon prayer service.

Ma’Ariv
Evening prayer service held after sundown.

What is the importance of Sh’Ma and when is it recited?
This is the main prayer with verses that come from Deuteronomy. This prayer declares one’s faith in G-d and is recited daily. The following is the first verse with Hebrew transliteration and in English:

"Sh-ma Yis-ra-el A-doh-nai Eh-lo-hay-nu A-doh-nai Echad "
"Hear O Israel, the Lord is Our God, the Lord is One"(Deuteronomy 6:4)

What is a Kippah and when is it worn?
A round covering worn on the head as a symbol of respect and religious observance in the shul. Men are always asked to wear one and for women it’s optional. Also known as a yarmulke or skullcap. I wear a kippah at each service.

What is a Tallit and when is it worn?
A prayer shawl with four fringes that lays across the shoulders. Only worn by Jews. It is required that all Jewish males wear during the service and is optional for women. I will probably get my own even though the synagogue has them available at services.

What are Tefillin and when are they worn?
A pair of small black leather boxes containing pieces of parchment that has verses from the Torah inscribed in them. To lay Tefillin one would wrap the straps to their arm and forehead while reciting prayers except on Shabbat or holidays. Mostly men of very observant faith wear them but some synagogues do allow women to wear them as well.

Aron Kodesh
Holy Ark which is the cabinet that houses the Torah Scrolls and faces east toward Jerusalem.

Ner Tamid
The eternal light in front of the Ark that is always lit.

What is B’Racha and what things or experiences are B’Rachot recited?
These are prayers that thank G-d celebrating for almost anything or any event, i.e. bountiful harvest and allowing us to live for any joyous event and more, engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, etc.

Israel

This is definitely a hot topic right now with the fighting going on over in Gaza. As I have watched the news this past week and attending shul (synagogue) today I have had a lot of thoughts and questions go through my mind.

One question I was asked was how can I develop a relationship with Israel and its people? I responded with:

• Continue to study the events that have and are taking place.
• I do try to watch or read Israeli news online and when I can try to find it translated into English. I can read Hebrew better than I can speak it and can pick up on some words but Israeli's are known for talking very fast. But that is work in progress as I continue to take my Hebrew classes.
• I still have the ID tags for the 3 soldiers that were captured in the war the summer of 2006 and they hang on my refrigerator. Two of the bodies have been returned and the fate of the third one is yet to be confirmed. The hope is he is still alive.
• To continue to pray for peace in Israel and all who live there.

As I sat in services this morning I became more aware of how important it is that we pray as a community for peace here in the U.S. as well as in Israel and other countries. Someone asked me if when I was in the Christian church if we ever prayed for other countries. Sadly, in all the ones I attended we did not. Occasionally, we said the Pledge of Allegiance and if there was something going on such as a war it might be mentioned at prayer time. I don't know if that's the way it is in all churches but it was with the ones I attended.

We say a prayer for our country and remember any POW's or MIA's every week and the names are mentioned. Currently there is 1 missing soldier from the U.S. but I never hear anything about him. But he is mentioned every week at my shul. And it doesn't matter if they are Jewish or not - we just want them returned safely to their families. We still mention the 1 missing soldier taken POW in Israel by name as we say the prayer for Israel.

I don't like war but I also believe we have to defend ourselves so I support Israel and know in my heart they are doing what they need to do for the state of Israel and all who live there and call it home.