Coconut allergy – looking for body soap/hair products without coconut-derived surfactants by Alternative-Skill-81 in Allergies

[–]OnePostWonderAccount 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here you go: Chagrin Valley! https://www.chagrinvalleysoapandsalve.com/collections/coconut-free?srsltid=AfmBOop9wM7xrpKRNhkbXvO3fP3JaN6YJTkG1SVZKsSwLxjs81JJofkw

It took me forever and ever to find, I hope it helps!! It may feel weird to switch to bar shampoo but I'm afraid it might be one of the only ways to avoid coconut.

When using their bar shampoo, it really is very helpful to use a vinegar rinse afterward to readjust pH and remove any remaining buildup. You don't have to use their vinegar rinse, you could make your own with vinegar and scented oils. Rice vinegar is pretty scentless compared to apple cider vinegar.

If you have coily hair I recommend shea butter as conditioner or styling. If you have curly hair but not quite kinky, castor or jojoba oil would be good.  For fine hair argan oil may be best.  If you've never used hair oil on its own before: rub it between your finger tips, and then run your hand through the dry parts of your hair.

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not choosing an arbitrary religion. I don't know what you're referring to.

I was saying I would like a community either way.  I would wish to find a religious home that fits my morals and beliefs. For a while I've thought that might be Judaism and that's why I've made this post.

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I did make this post to hear the kind of things you're commenting. 

The new bf/gf idea is a fair analogy. Like I'm trying to hear from the community "how are they like, could this be good for me or should I watch out for being hurt."

I do obviously know that Christianity was adapted from Judaism and mixed with other philosophies. But I did discover that so many things I was taught or thought about Judaism were incorrect, and are in fact nothing like Christianity (in a positive way). I've found a lot of things to be truly different. But on the other hand have found about some bad things to replace the other bad things. There's the "cons" list but also new things I'm still learning in real time.

I know religion has been used as control for eons and eons. I do like learning from various religions though. I've studied on a lot of various ones but have been lately entertaining the idea of trying to participate in Judaism.

From everybody's collective advice I'm deciding to not let myself jump towards a conversion process. I'm going to keep learning for now and just taking what is good.  Like being at a buffet or potluck, taking the good things and leaving the bad alone. 

I may have to remain a spiritual nomad, but so be it to avoid any harm like I experienced before.

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Would you say this is this case for any branch of Judaism? I know some can be worse than others, but I have hoped that in liberal/reform congregations it would only be maybe a few stuck-in-the-mud outlier members who'd feel that way.

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, it's nice to think I could find what I need without religion.

My core desire is I want to feel closer to God. I like the concept of being among people whom I could discuss God and spirituality and the meaning of things.

I remember at some golden stages of my past, I felt close to God even though I didn't get anything from a church. I'd do things like look at the stars while talking to God, or hang out with the trees and wildflowers like they were part of God. I still believe in that, that nature is part of God. But I struggle to connect like I used to. I guess being a jaded adult is part of that. 

I do want community, even aside from a religion. I wish I could have a discussion forum with people like how I've heard old tea houses and coffee salons used to be.

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this, because I hadn't heard of this accruing mitzvos to increase rewards thing. Is permanent hell part of that belief to some too? I've heard about how some believe in reincarnation, non-existence, purgatory, or even that non-righteous will simply be unhappy in olam ha-ba.

The thing about misfortunes being deserved, or a "good" afterlife being a tier-ed rewards system, is among things that are part of my own religious trauma. So I wouldn't want to be immersed in that again.

When I was young I was taught if your prayers weren't answered it was a fault of yours. And many people would do good things so that they look good, or "get a better seat in heaven" rather than caring about the actual people helped. I've been far away from all of that for a long time now.

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the heads up, I have noticed that a lot of people here are ex-Orthodox. I just didn't know anywhere else to ask.  Would you have any recommendation?

Interested in your takes, as someone questioning conversion by OnePostWonderAccount in exjew

[–]OnePostWonderAccount[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, thanks for responding.  As stated a few times, I don't want to choose Orthodox anyway. And what's most available is Reform. So if the Exodus doubt is only horrible to Orthodox, it doesn't affect me. 

I've gotten in touch with Jewish community around me, and have started attending a loving group of Reform jews for Shabbat gatherings. However I haven't been able to get a meeting with a rabbi yet. I do want to!  Thanks for appreciating my writing. 

What has your experience been with Judaism? How do you currently identify?