The idea that the Jewish nation considers itself to be the "chosen people" is something that rubs many people the wrong way. Such a term smacks of elitism and supremacy. Do we Jews really believe that we have some innate quality that makes us a "master race?"
Myths
April 28th, 2010
How Can You Be an Orthodox Jew Considering Its Position on Homosexuality?
Dear Allison,
My life used to be on a trajectory very similar to the one yours took. I was raised as a Conservative Jew and, as a teenager, was enchanted by the spiritual and intellectual depth of Orthodox Judaism. My would-be journey was abruptly cut short, though, when I realized that I was gay, and that if I lived in an Orthodox community I would be forced to live as half a person -- alone without the love or intimacy of long-term commitment that is as essential to the soul as food and water are to the body. I chose love and intimacy in the secular world over spiritual death in the Orthodox world.
I am obviously not alone. Countless gay Jews have abandoned Orthodox Judaism because of its attitude towards homosexuality. And who can blame them? Would you remain Orthodox if the Torah prescribed you loneliness and celibacy? Would you remain in your community if it blessed and celebrated commitments between gay Jews while forbidding your love for your husband? When will the Orthodox world offer a sincerely empathetic response to the suffering of its gay members (not one that denies their existence or condemns them to misery)?
For me and every other gay person I know, these questions are inextricable from our (frequently negative) opinions of Orthodox Judaism.
Respectfully yours,
K.L.
Continue reading How Can You Be an Orthodox Jew Considering Its Position on Homosexuality?
March 10th, 2010
Do Orthodox Men Wear Suits 24/7?
Dear Jew in the City,
I live in Hollywood, California, and here there is a community full of Orthodox Jews with beards and everything. I was wondering where do they work? How do they make money? I have never seen an Orthodox Jew outside of this neighborhood. I been in many business places, offices, etc., etc. and have never seen and orthdox man working there?
Also do you guys wear the suits 24/7? In the house? Camping, beach, etc??? And second I've never seen an Orthodox Jewish couple out on a date somewhere like the movies or dinner. You guys dont go out much or what?
Sincerely,
Raj
February 9th, 2010
Do Orthodox Jews believe in vaccinating?
Dear Jew in the City,
Lock the kids [with mumps] up...do not sicken everyone. You have no right to impose your beliefs against vaccination on the rest of society.
If you don't see it this way...advice...leave this country. Go to someplace where ignorance and stupidity are bliss. America is NOT such a place. We lose ours, you will lose yours.
M.A.
January 14th, 2010
Jew in the City Season One Bloopers
Some funny outtakes from Season One (in case you thought Orthodox Jews were always serious).
December 10th, 2009
Hollywood Hasidim
Although I haven’t seen the recently released, New York, I Love You, I have a pretty good guess as to what it’ll be like – well, the Hasidic part, at least: over-the-top, misinformed, melodramatic, and generally inaccurate. How can I be so sure? Because that's how Hasidim are always portrayed in Hollywood: Fiddler on the Roof, Yentl, A Stranger Among Us, Kadosh, various episodes of Law and Order...These characters are never anything more than caricatures - and negative ones at that.
July 29th, 2009
Are Orthodox Jews Sexist? (The Blog Version)
I recently released the latest episode of "Jew in the City" with a guest appearance by Mayim Bialik. The video has gotten an overwhelmingly positive response, but there have been some negative comments posted on various websites too. I was called an "apologist" in at least one place, but I must set the record straight - and my husband will vouch for me on this one - I generally do whatever I can to avoid apologizing.
Continue reading Are Orthodox Jews Sexist? (The Blog Version)
