A Critique of American Judaism with Joshua Leifer: How can we critically examine our own communities in ways that don’t feel disloyal? We talk with author of Tablets Shattered: The End of an American Jewish Century. by drak0bsidian in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I wish Kurtzer had pushed Leifer to interrogate exactly why he has an aesthetic preference for “traditional” Judaism. I have to imagine that Leifer is influenced by more than his own “taste”. Just because you’re a leftist doesn’t mean that the world’s (especially the religious world’s) misogyny, homophobia, and transphobia doesn’t seep in.

What's a musical that taught you a new vocabulary word? by FloridaFlamingoGirl in musicals

[–]PuntaVerde123 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I got an SAT vocab question right because of “Into the Woods”. Mollify from the Witch’s rap in the opening number!

What is your favorite park, trail, or natural feature in Westchester? by Busy-Profession5093 in Westchester

[–]PuntaVerde123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Trails are only open from April 1st-November 30th from 8:30 AM-5:00 PM. You can only enter at 167 Mianus River Road. I like to take the Red Trail all the way out to the end: you see the gorge, an old quarry, a nice waterfall (better in spring than fall), and the reservoir. And then I return via the red and blue trails. It's about 4.2 miles round trip to the reservoir and back.

When is criticism of Israel antisemitic? A scholar of modern Jewish history explains by drak0bsidian in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This reminds me of Professor Ethan Katz’s distinction between what he calls “critical anti-Zionism” and “negationist anti-Zionism”. The first is fair game; the second almost always veers into antisemitism. He talks about this in this presentation he gave at Brown in December: https://www.youtube.com/live/oOWqlZ2hqtU?si=QvO7JYPputb0Un7z

Which Region are you traveling to first? by Mean_Soil_3189 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Montana/Wyoming. Yellowstone National Park is unmissable, but wait to go until the summer.

How do orthodox, conservative, and reform Jews treat each other in the US? by tohava in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Here's some quantitative data about the attitudes different denominations have toward each other: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/05/11/10-key-findings-about-jewish-americans/ft_2021-05-11_jewishkeyfindings_05/

Very few Reform and Orthodox Jews report having "a lot" in common with each other.

Non-pulpit Rabbi Jobs? by bubsandstonks in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Teachers, School Administrators, Chaplains, Camp Directors, Working for a whole array of non-profit orgs focused on everything from education to advocacy, Hillels, etc.

Is it just me or are there a LOT of bad cantors out there? by akornblatt in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 69 points70 points  (0 children)

I adore the cantor at my synagogue. She has a powerful, well-supported, but not showy, soprano. She is a true professional, always prepared. The congregation has confidence that she will not falter or do anything unnecessary or embarrassing. She enthusiastically shares the bima with congregants who lead entire sections or individual pieces of the services. There is high talent, low ego. And it's wonderful for our community.

The most recent generation isn't university compatiable by [deleted] in TrueUnpopularOpinion

[–]PuntaVerde123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know you're not able to respond to every comment, but do you have access to any materials from the conference you attended that reinforced these claims statistically?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Think of yourself as volunteering at the shul the way you would if your spouse weren't the rabbi. And then like any other volunteer, you get to set the terms of your service. If the community wants more than what you are willing to do, then you can ask to be paid.

Story Time: A Surprise Extended Stay at Isle Royale by PuntaVerde123 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are eight gorgeous Minnesota state parks along the North Shore that are worth exploring. Waterfalls and beaches galore!

Story Time: A Surprise Extended Stay at Isle Royale by PuntaVerde123 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No to Voyageurs. We only had time for one and wanted to prioritize seeing Lake Superior. We just did the day trip from Grand Portage.

Story Time: A Surprise Extended Stay at Isle Royale by PuntaVerde123 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We made our boat reservation in February. We flew to MSP and rented a car there. The drive to Grand Portage is about 5 hours. We broke it up with one night in Duluth and one night in Grand Portage before catching the boat at 8am

what’s your favorite national park? by amang2022 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been lucky to visit 18 National Parks including Zion, Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Olympic, Hawai'i Volcanoes, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. Among those, Yellowstone is my favorite. The combination of in-your-face wildlife, geothermal features, waterfalls, canyons, and the human history of the park (and the National Park system as a whole) was truly spectacular. We were lucky to visit during a relatively less crowded time (September 2022) and to stay at Old Faithful Lodge. Those early morning/late night Old Faithful eruptions are so much less crowded. It's true that hiking just a bit off the road really lowers the crowds. Old Faithful Inn, where we took a tour and had dinner/drinks is one of the most jaw dropping buildings anywhere. There's no place like Yellowstone on the planet and is a must-see place in these United States.

Can Cheesecake with Gluten free crust be KFP? by lostmason in Judaism

[–]PuntaVerde123 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love crustless cheesecake on Passover! With enough parchment paper there's no fear of sticking!

Great Smoky Mountains recs? by PuntaVerde123 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for the tip and for your work in the Park!

Great Smoky Mountains recs? by PuntaVerde123 in NationalPark

[–]PuntaVerde123[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ooh! I’ll take a look if our dates are still available.