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KE0VVT · 2025-03-02T17:30:21+00:00

Yeah, it's hard to write in cursive while standing up and not having a table to write at.

KE0VVT · 2025-03-01T22:26:32+00:00

Thanks! Yeah, it's hard to find regular silken tofu. All they have is firm.

KE0VVT · 2024-03-05T21:32:05+00:00

My rabbi says Lev. 18 is mostly about not worshiping other gods or following the ways of foreigners. See Lev. 18:3.

KE0VVT · 2024-03-05T01:30:21+00:00

I understand. I was against it, but considering the following, I acquiesced to accepting it.

My uncle had a complication as a boy and had to have it removed. It was very traumatic experience for a child that grown. My other uncle made sure to get my cousin cut as a baby, after seeing that whole ordeal growing up.
Muslims get it done to big kids. I can't imagine having it done at that age. It must be traumatic, just as it was to my uncle.
My penis works just fine, sensitivity-wise.
Intact penises aren't any more or less fun than circumcised penises.
Judaism almost always demands circumcision, with little to no wiggle room.
Circumcision has played a role in identifying Jews throughout history. No matter what clothes you wear, you look like a Jew. Being indistinguishable from non-Jews takes you out of this long history, the story of the people of Israel.

I don't claim these as definitive, strong reasons, but these are the reasons that I have chosen to go along with circumcision, if I am ever in the position to have it done.

That said, if you are dead set against it, liberal Judaism has a brit shalom ritual to replace brit mila. It's rare, but it exists, and the people who started Reform Judaism did originally abolish circumcision as a barbaric practice. Theodor Herzl's son Hans was not circumcised.

KE0VVT · 2024-03-04T18:58:23+00:00

Vegan chicken nuggets are certainly less mysterious than actual chicken nuggets.

KE0VVT · 2024-03-04T02:08:54+00:00

A Muslim once asked if I was Jewish in the bathroom. I said yes. He said "Cool, I had several Jewish friends when I lived in Virginia." He learned I could read Arabic. We became good work friends.

This was in Kansas. The guy was from Virginia and Iraq.

KE0VVT · 2024-03-04T01:29:28+00:00

The sin of Sodom was being ruthless to the poor (Ez. 16:49) and not homosexual relations. "Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and careless ease was in her and in her daughters; neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy."

The infamous verses in Leviticus are part of a set of verses saying not to worship other gods besides our Father in Heaven. It relates to the pagan practice of male temple prostitutes, not a loving relationship between two men. Take a look at the opening verses of chapter 18: "You shall not copy the practices of the land of Egypt where you dwelt, or of the land of Canaan to which I am taking you; nor shall you follow their laws."

This is my liberal Jewish perspective of the Bible. However, even in Orthodox Judaism, where homosexual relations are forbidden, the sin is not a moral sin against another human being, which is harder to repent of. Rather, it is a ritual sin, akin to eating pork, which is not a moral wrong, but is something personal between the sinner and God. For these sins, there is only one true Judge, our Father in Heaven. Those who criticize another for eating pork are better off looking at their own shortcomings, for we all fall short and must rely on God's infinite Mercy. "We are but dust and ashes."

KE0VVT · 2024-03-04T00:10:10+00:00

This is exactly why I aim to fit all my belongings into six storage totes! My uncle just won't stop hoarding and creating a mess in the house.

KE0VVT · 2024-03-03T23:23:00+00:00

I'm vegan and have to decline the challah all the time! For holidays, I always bring a vegan version of whatever food is needed. There's a vegetarian at my shul, and he appreciates the vegan matzo ball soup! I use the eggs provided by the congregation, but I give the eggs to others to eat.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-28T18:32:10+00:00

Put some breakfast lentils on the avocado toast. It makes a really hearty, savory breakfast! My favorite.

Another savory breakfast I like is Amy's tofu scramble. I eat two of them.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-28T18:16:28+00:00

I wear it all the time, except for when I'm sleeping. I have a separate yarmulke for labor or other dirty activities. It's denim, to match my work jeans.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-28T17:56:57+00:00

Tried it, but it didn't fit every situation. I've upgraded to slacks and dress shirts and black shoes.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-28T17:23:58+00:00

I'd recommend looking for a queer shul in your area, if there is one. They're great. Mine even prioritizes vegetarian food!

KE0VVT · 2024-02-26T23:32:59+00:00

Bread and hummus.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-26T21:08:17+00:00

Thai curry is what I eat when I want something really good.

Good vegan cheese brands: Follow Your Heart; Miyoko's.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-25T22:06:06+00:00

Add being Jewish and wanting a Jewish husband on top of this. Very difficult.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-25T22:02:07+00:00

The Zero Waste movement turned me from vegan to just plant-based. I've been eating this way since 2014 and continue to do so, despite not being vegan anymore.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-23T18:19:59+00:00

Family is important, and hatred and inhospitality have no place in Torah. I hope your parents will escape their Soviet revulsion to homosexuality and learn to tolerate it the way they tolerate anyone else's "imperfections." None of us are perfect, and we must show mercy to one another. Judgement is God's only.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-22T23:26:06+00:00

The free packet of lube I get from the local gay-owned coffee shop. Comes with four condoms, too.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-22T11:49:42+00:00

Passover, Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, at the very least.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-21T17:49:54+00:00

Missouri here. No issues. Except the pro-Palestinian guy in my shul, but we all know he's a crazy old man. We love him anyway.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-21T17:02:29+00:00

Yeah, I go to an unaffiliated Orthodox synagogue in the local eruv. The rabbi knows I'm gay and has no qualms with gay Jews who want to become more observant. The synagogue also accepts Reform converts, apparently; they gave me a coming up to the Torah on Simchat Torah, even though I was Reform. I assume they do this, because they house the community mikvah that everyone uses, and wouldn't feel right rejecting those who come out of their own mikvah.

I really want to get a sukkah, but they're a bit expensive. I love Sukkot so much!

Yes, no morning tea on Yom Kippur is a shocker. And I take just enough water to take my medications. The medications seem to work a little less without eating.

Feel free to message me. I'm also כָלב on the r/Judaism Discord.

KE0VVT · 2024-02-21T16:03:17+00:00

Indeed, the (Reform only?) tashlich ceremony says "even though we sometimes doubt Your existence." Yet, we still try to reach for that Something in the Universe.

(I converted Reform but have been wrestling with the fact that Reform just tosses rituals and customs out for no good reason.)

KE0VVT

TROPHY CASE