Q & A

12, Tivet, 5771:

Why an online journal?
When I first told my rabbi that I intended to convert she suggested I keep a journal. I began with all good intent and energy, but soon a new semester and new job sapped most of both. Now that I have started an Introduction to Judaism course the same suggestion was made to the class (not coincidentally, by the same rabbi.) I thought, GPA and paycheck be damned, it was time to make a committment to myself along this Jewish journey of mine. I could let it pass by unobserved, focusing merely on my mikveh, or I could appreciate everything I was seeing/tasting/smelling/thinking along the way.

Why write online? To open myself up to discussions, an exhcange - and no doubt a crash at times - of thoughts. How else does anything in this universe grow except through friction? (Yeah, I know - "That's what she said.")

Why "Sarah, Ruth & I..."?
Some of my fave Jewish role models - Sarah, the first female Jewish convert, and how hard must that have been? You don't take many larger leaps of faith than being the first at anything (especially when it6 deals with spirituality.) And Ruth so passionately believed in her conversion that it became its own Book in the Jewish canon.

What stream of Judaism are you following?
Reform Judaism. Have really connected with its message of social justice being intertwined with spirituality. (Something I wish my Paganism had been more in tune with.) Love its ongoing discussion regarding religion (so unlike Christianity, which I was dragged up on.) Also love that it accepts me as I am - not as "handicapped", a "mistake" or just freakish, as some other religions have. (In case I hadn't mentioned it, I identify as a queer woman of transsexual experience).

Where do you go to Temple?Temple Israel, Boston - a welcoming community that greeted me so warmly from my very first Shabbat. (I currently go there for my Shabbat, Torah Study, Introduction to Judaism Class and Riverway Project Shabbats). The clergy and congregation have gone out of their way to remind me that the gates here are always open. They are resoundingly and unapologetically Pro-Israel (although they do feel free to question and act upon the country's less than liberal human rights record), left of center, and embrace the LGBT community (as in couples, families and singles.).http://www.tisrael.org/  Riverway Project Ohel Tzedek: Tent of Justice http://www.tisrael.org/gblt.asp

General Misc.:
Reading:
Just finished "Surprised by God" by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg and couldn't recommend it more. Although she is a culture Jew and needed no formal conversion, I found many similarities between her journey and my own. In fact, my copy of the book is embarassingly annotated.Surprised by God: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Religion


For my class I am reading "Living a Jewish Life," a very accessible book by Anita Damant, and "Settings of Silver" by  Stephen Wylen.

Other books read and recommended:

"The Sabbath" - by Abraham Joshua Heschel The Sabbath

"Seasons of Our Joy" - Arthur Waskow Seasons of Our Joy

"Choosing a Jewish Life" also byAnita Damant

"On Both Sides of The Fence"by  Vladka Meed

"Maus: A Survivor's Tale" Volumes 1 & 2 by Art SpiegelmanMaus I & II

"Chronicles of The Holocaust"

Music:
As I post this I am listening to cuts from The Josjh Nelson Project. I had the absolute joy of listening to them live at Temple Israel, Boston's Soul Food/Riverway Project. http://joshnelsonproject.com/

Fave Local Jewish Organizations/Store
Keshet - Keshet ("Rainbow")

Kolbo - Kolbo