Jewish news, culture, experience. All are welcome.
What does Judaism mean to you?
I was raised Christian but maintained some awareness of Christianity's roots in Judaism. I am also ethnically descended from some Jews. I want to learn more about this part of my bloodline and cultural heritage- part that unfortunately was mostly ignored in recent generations- and want to meet others and hear what being Jewish means in their lives. What do you love about being a Jew, and what aspects are hardest for you? Also, does anyone have recommendations for really good books exploring Judaism?




I don't have time to give a good answer right now. But I'll try and come back to this tomorrow when I'm not about to fall asleep. Just reply and give me a reminder.
For me it's like having a ready-made family pretty much anywhere I go. I love Shabbat dinner. I love Pesach and other holidays. But I really do love going to synagogue and praying. Preparing with my kids for their b'nei mitzvah (I combined my older two. My youngest hasn't had hers yet.) I love Hebrew. I love studying Torah.
For hardest... it's a lot of the commandments. It's really hard today to actually keep Shabbat. In my house, that's a pipe dream. I know many people do it just fine. We keep kosher-style. But keeping fully kosher is another thing that isn't a likely thing to happen. I don't even think my current kitchen has counter space enough for milchig and fleischig and parve. Not enough to actually be able to prepare anyhow. I could put a plate down, maybe. I can barely prepare food in there as is. In general, though, that's the hardest part for me -- the following of the kashrut and Shabbat.