Now Ye're Talking to - an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman

the beer revolu

Do you think that ideas like not eating food cooked by a non jew can be seen as insulting to other cultures like as if Jewish people see other cultures as "unclean"?

Also, the notion of the Jewish people being G-d's chosen people implies that everyone else is disregarded by G-d.No?

Do you think that some of these kind of ideas have contributed to historical and ongoing persecution or unacceptance of Jewish people by non Jews?

I'm an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman, AMA

handlemaster wrote: »

Orthodox jews choose not to work, is that True ?

There are some Jews who chose to study full time instead of work. If done for the sake of heaven by a Jew who truly wants to dedicate his life to Torah study (at not at the expense of his wife and family) then I think that it is a very high thing to do. Too often it happens that men unsuited to learning full time choose to do so because it's the 'done thing' in their community. I don't agree with this and really think it's chillul Hashem (desecrating G-d's name) because it can lead people to, G-d forbid, think that this is "what Jews do". I know women who are very happy to live very modest lives for the sake of their husband becoming great Torah scholars, and I applaud them. But it's not for me. My husband is the primary breadwinner and I only work half days. At the end of the day, G-d cursed Adam when he ate from the tree of knowledge with the burden of work. I've seen some people do really great things in my community by bringing Judaism into their workplace as speech therapists, educators, etc. I don't think that we all need to sit at home and study Torah to be good Jews.

the beer revolu wrote: »

Do you think that ideas like not eating food cooked by a non jew can be seen as insulting to other cultures like as if Jewish people see other cultures as "unclean"?

G-d forbid. Jews don't eat the food of non-Jews because of the complexity of the rules of kashrut. We don't expect non-Jews to know these rules. Many, many Jews unfortunately also don't know these rules. It's got nothing to do with cleanliness. For example, a religious friend visited friends in Dublin and said that it's possible for him to eat salmon since it's kosher. They said- great, let's cook it before he gets here! He arrives and they've cooked salmon and sprinkled shellfish all over it (very much a non-kosher food item). We don't mean to be insulting by refusing the food of non-Jews, but keeping the laws comes before manners.

the beer revolu wrote: »

Also, the notion of the Jewish people being G-d's chosen people implies that everyone else is disregarded by G-d.No?

Not at all. Being 'chosen' for a certain task means being given different responsibilities. It under no circumstances indicates any kind of superiority over non-Jews. What my parents do in their service of G-d is of equal importance and worth to Him as what I do. A friend once described it like the whole of mankind being in the army. There are medics, combat soldiers, artillery, intelligence- but overall we're all fighting for the same cause.

the beer revolu wrote: »

Do you think that some of these kind of ideas have contributed to historical and ongoing persecution or unacceptance of Jewish people by non Jews?

Part of anti-semitic thought is the notion that Jews in some way deserve or play a part in our own persecution. It's something I cannot accept. Jews will always be a nation which stands alone ("Am L'Vado Yishkon" - Bamidbar 23:9) and whether Jews want to accept they're Jews or try to run away from their identity, the world will keep reminding us that we're different. In the Holocaust, it wasn't just the Jews who keep kosher who were targeted, it was everyone- even those who'd never practiced Judaism a day in their life. We are a nation which does not base our existence off any other nation and we are committed solely to G-d’s will. The Holocaust occured right after the 'Enlightenment' when reform Judaism sprung up and Jews tried to make their synagogues look like churches by playing organs, having mixed seating and some even moving shabbat to Sunday. Yet in such a case, nobody wins- they'll never earn acceptance among those who hate them and they'll also never do G-d's will.

I'm an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman, AMA

I'm just heading off to studies, but will be back and ready for questions tonight

kupus

How does Israel keep the peace between all the countries that Jews have moved from to get to Israel.
Eg would a Russian Jew ignore a Ukrainian Jew. Or does their faith make them able to communicate with each other respectfully.
Is there a lot of people converting to the religion to escape their own countries and their own particular circumstances.

greenbicycle

This is a great thread, religion is always so interesting to me and I am lucky to know people of several faiths who I have questioned extensively just out of interest and to learn more!

Judaism is one religion where I dont know much about though, I thought I knew what it was all about broadly speaking but this thread is really opening my eyes, which is great!

I'm an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman, AMA wrote: »

I was fascinated by the history of the Jewish people- how they had been persecuted continually for centuries and yet never gave in or disappeared.

One bit I could never get my head around is the persecution of Jews however, what is that all about? Is it just another case of people disliking those of another religion as we see all the time (unfortunately!) or is there something about Judaism in particular that people are so against?

I could never understand the antisemitic grafitti etc that has been seen around Dublin in recent years, I mean there are so few jews even living in Ireland, what is so offensive about them? Or is it all relating to the Isreal/Palestine thing?

But aside from that Judaism only accounts for .2% of world religions but they seem to historically get a disproportionate amount of hate, I dont understand it.

handlemaster

I'm an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman, AMA wrote: »

There are some Jews who chose to study full time instead of work. If done for the sake of heaven by a Jew who truly wants to dedicate his life to Torah study (at not at the expense of his wife and family) then I think that it is a very high thing to do. Too often it happens that men unsuited to learning full time choose to do so because it's the 'done thing' in their community. I don't agree with this and really think it's chillul Hashem (desecrating G-d's name) because it can lead people to, G-d forbid, think that this is "what Jews do". I know women who are very happy to live very modest lives for the sake of their husband becoming great Torah scholars, and I applaud them. But it's not for me. My husband is the primary breadwinner and I only work half days. At the end of the day, G-d cursed Adam when he ate from the tree of knowledge with the burden of work. I've seen some people do really great things in my community by bringing Judaism into their workplace as speech therapists, educators, etc. I don't think that we all need to sit at home and study Torah to be good Jews.


G-d forbid. Jews don't eat the food of non-Jews because of the complexity of the rules of kashrut. We don't expect non-Jews to know these rules. Many, many Jews unfortunately also don't know these rules. It's got nothing to do with cleanliness. For example, a religious friend visited friends in Dublin and said that it's possible for him to eat salmon since it's kosher. They said- great, let's cook it before he gets here! He arrives and they've cooked salmon and sprinkled shellfish all over it (very much a non-kosher food item). We don't mean to be insulting by refusing the food of non-Jews, but keeping the laws comes before manners.


Not at all. Being 'chosen' for a certain task means being given different responsibilities. It under no circumstances indicates any kind of superiority over non-Jews. What my parents do in their service of G-d is of equal importance and worth to Him as what I do. A friend once described it like the whole of mankind being in the army. There are medics, combat soldiers, artillery, intelligence- but overall we're all fighting for the same cause.


Part of anti-semitic thought is the notion that Jews in some way deserve or play a part in our own persecution. It's something I cannot accept. Jews will always be a nation which stands alone ("Am L'Vado Yishkon" - Bamidbar 23:9) and whether Jews want to accept they're Jews or try to run away from their identity, the world will keep reminding us that we're different. In the Holocaust, it wasn't just the Jews who keep kosher who were targeted, it was everyone- even those who'd never practiced Judaism a day in their life. We are a nation which does not base our existence off any other nation and we are committed solely to G-d’s will. The Holocaust occured right after the 'Enlightenment' when reform Judaism sprung up and Jews tried to make their synagogues look like churches by playing organs, having mixed seating and some even moving shabbat to Sunday. Yet in such a case, nobody wins- they'll never earn acceptance among those who hate them and they'll also never do G-d's will.

You say there are some jews who choose to study full time ... study what exactly ? Who pays for these people to have this luxury not to work ?

the beer revolu

Thank you for your intelligent and measured answers. You have certainly cleared up some of my misconceptions regarding Jewish teachings.

You mentioned Adam.
As an, obviously, intelligent and highly educated person, do you really and truly believe in creationism as taught in the old testament?
Do you disregard evolution and other scientific based evidence regarding the age of the earth?

Gloomtastic!

greenbicycle wrote: »

This is a great thread, religion is always so interesting to me and I am lucky to know people of several faiths who I have questioned extensively just out of interest and to learn more!

Judaism is one religion where I dont know much about though, I thought I knew what it was all about broadly speaking but this thread is really opening my eyes, which is great!




One bit I could never get my head around is the persecution of Jews however, what is that all about? Is it just another case of people disliking those of another religion as we see all the time (unfortunately!) or is there something about Judaism in particular that people are so against?

I could never understand the antisemitic grafitti etc that has been seen around Dublin in recent years, I mean there are so few jews even living in Ireland, what is so offensive about them? Or is it all relating to the Isreal/Palestine thing?

But aside from that Judaism only accounts for .2% of world religions but they seem to historically get a disproportionate amount of hate, I dont understand it.

I could be wrong but I would say it is always to do with money and the ability of Jews to a) Make it and b) Keep it.

Atomic Pineapple

Somewhat echoing the beer revolu's questions - you mentioned that Judaism encourages learning rather than in Catholicism where you are supposed to just listen to what the priest tells you and take that as fact.

Does this mean that there is room within Judaism to question religious leaders, religious ways, beliefs and writings? And over the long term change and evolve Judaism?

Are you encouraged to pursue scientific learning and can scientific findings be considered when applying logical thinking to the beliefs of Judaism?

4friggA

I'll be honest, I don't know much at all about Judaism.
You mentioned in one of your responses that your husband drinking a beer is one of the few social things you can eat/drink together. Do you mean that in general you have to socialise separately? Why is that? On what occasions can you socialise together? What age does this "segregation" begin at?

In relation to eating kosher, do you go out to restaurants or cafes to eat? You say you live in a hasidic community, does that mean that all of the local businesses cater to Jews?

Cork boy 55

How can you tell the voice of God from the voice of the Devil?

blue5000

I went to school with a few Jewish people, most of them have left Ireland, have you any idea why is this? AFAIK most went to either London or Manchester.

endacl

Cork boy 55 wrote: »

How can you tell the voice of God from the voice of the Devil?

Slightly different accents. God has more reverb.

I'm an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman, AMA

I'm an Orthodox Jewish Irish woman, AMA wrote: »

I'm just heading off to studies, but will be back and ready for questions tonight

I know you wont answer questions on politics regarding Israel/Palestine but this question isn't regarding politics. I have always wanted to visit Israel but was kind of worried about it being dangerous because of the situation, do you think its safe for a tourist to visit these days?

nc19

Without being crase, in terms of sexual relations between a married couple are there any dos or donts? I'm not asking about you personally you understand, just in the general faith. Is it anything goes or are things forbidden? Are all parties naked or partially clothed??

Hope you don't take offence!

Yakuza

I have a question on Kosher food - I can understand some of the historical basis for the restrictions on how certain types of food should be prepared, or not mixed (food not being prepared under the most sanitary conditions back in ancient times, or food / milk spoiling in the middle eastern heat), but can there be no argument for changing / relaxing some of these restrictions nowadays given that food preservation technology (fridges, vacuum sealing, tinning etc) and food preparation techniques are far more advanced than when these restrictions were first written down? Or is that it, something was decided 2000-odd years ago and that's it, no room for debate at all?

While I respect your choice and freedom to do so, I don't think I could ever be an adherent to a faith (or subsection of that faith, to be more accurate, I guess) that places so many restrictions in terms of what I can eat (and how it's prepared), what I can wear and what I have to do on a daily / weekly basis. Life is too short!

Best of luck to you on your chosen path.

Orim

Very interesting thread thus far.

I have a much simpler questions. Why is G-d written in this way? I have never seen it like that before. I assume it is to respect G-d but in what way and for what reason?

aloyisious

Referring back to your mention of medicines, do you have a list of antibiotics which satisfy the kosher rules, given how some antibiotics contain derivatives of shellfish?

Galwayguy35

How did your parents react when you told them you were converting to the Jewish religion and did they convert as well?

Benny_Cake

Thanks for doing this OP, very englightening. The decline of the Jewish community feels to me as if it's a loss to Ireland, but given the complexity of living an orthodox Jewish life it's hardly surprising.

Within Hasidic Judaism there are multiple sects (is that the right word). I'm aware of Chabad which is highly active, but I know there are many others. Are you affiliated to a particular sect, and if so, what is the primary difference?

Also, what is your view of more liberal forms of Judaism (Liberal/Reform/Conservative etc)?

Thanks again for doing this, I'm love learning about different religions.

katydid

I did read your answer on how you have no problem as a woman in Orthodox Judaism, but I just don't understand. You went from a religion that treats women as second class by not allowing them to be priests to one where the woman is totally subservient to the man. You said women are the driving force, but at the end of the day they have to submit to their husbands. How can an Irish woman, who grew up in a country where women are strong and independent, and are treated equally, be happy in that environment?

Canis Lupus

My question is why... Why did you convert to orthodox judaism and ultimately end up in Israel.

What do/did your parents think or maybe you can clarify as to whether your parents are already Jewish or even if they are how do they feel about you moving to a hasidic community.

uck51js9zml2yt

Orim wrote: »

Very interesting thread thus far.

I have a much simpler questions. Why is G-d written in this way? I have never seen it like that before. I assume it is to respect G-d but in what way and for what reason?

Its to do with His Name being Holy and not using His Name in vain as was spoken in the giving of the commandments on Sinai. Hence the more frequent usage of the name Jehovah when referring to YAHWEH.

Redser87

All the best with your pregnancy OP.

How do you feel about portrayals of Jews in popular culture? Are there any portrayals that you think are accurate?

If you were still living at home would you want your child to go to the Jewish school in Clonskeagh, or would you send them to the local Educate Together/ Catholic school?

katydid

Kaylani Cool Peacock wrote: »

Its to do with His Name being Holy and not using His Name in vain as was spoken in the giving of the commandments on Sinai. Hence the more frequent usage of the name Jehovah when referring to YAHWEH.

How is talking about him using his name in vain? Surely that refers to cursing, or talking ill of him?

uck51js9zml2yt

katydid wrote: »

How is talking about him using his name in vain? Surely that refers to cursing, or talking ill of him?

Its more referring to using His Name loosely and without reverence and includes those things you mentioned.

uck51js9zml2yt

greenbicycle wrote: »

This is a great thread, religion is always so interesting to me and I am lucky to know people of several faiths who I have questioned extensively just out of interest and to learn more!

Judaism is one religion where I dont know much about though, I thought I knew what it was all about broadly speaking but this thread is really opening my eyes, which is great!




One bit I could never get my head around is the persecution of Jews however, what is that all about? Is it just another case of people disliking those of another religion as we see all the time (unfortunately!) or is there something about Judaism in particular that people are so against?

I could never understand the antisemitic grafitti etc that has been seen around Dublin in recent years, I mean there are so few jews even living in Ireland, what is so offensive about them? Or is it all relating to the Isreal/Palestine thing?

But aside from that Judaism only accounts for .2% of world religions but they seem to historically get a disproportionate amount of hate, I dont understand it.

I've no problem getting my "head around this one".
The Jews are the on people chosen by G-d and among whom He choose to reside (before He left the Temple) and put His Name upon.
His covenant is still with the Jewish people.
As I believe in the devil as well, who is against everything G-d stands for its understandable that he would also be against His People.
My wife is Eastern European and most of the Jews in her country were wiped out in WW2. Her grandparents were protestant and hid many Jews from the Nazi at great risk to themselves. The opposite happened among the catholics who gave their neighbours up to save their own skins.
We dont have to look to far to see that Ireland was no better in refusing Jewish refugees the right to land.

uck51js9zml2yt

Its great thread so far, really enjoying reading your answers.

I've a question regarding Messiah.

How do you see His return and how do you believe it will happen?

JaseBelleVie

Thank you for taking part in this!

I spent a summer in New York when I was younger on a J1 visa and as New York has a huge Jewish population, I mixed with a lot of younger Jewish people while I was there. I have to admit, they were not as observant or anything. Many of them simply disregarded rules of Kosher and everything completely (going to events and eating hotdogs with n'ary a bother on them, for example). But obviously, these guys may not have been representative of the Jewish community as a whole, but I was always under the (quite naive, I will admit) impression that a lot of Jewish people simply didn't bother with a lot of the rules and laws of Judaism (pretty much how Catholics can be a la carte as well).

I also never realised how complex Kosher/Kashrut laws were! I knew about the basic stuff (not eating pork and shellfish, not eating milk and beef at the same time [hence, no cheeseburgers], etc.), but had absolutely no idea that all meat had to be slaughtered in a specific way, that certain berries and fruits were also off-limits, that even beer could be off limits, that bread baked by non-Jewish bakers was off-limits, etc.

But what is the opinion on Jewish people, like my friends who I mentioned above, who pretty blatantly and fragrantly disregard and break the Kosher laws? (To paraphrase Father Dougal Maguire: "What about eating meat on Fridays that's ok now and wasn't back then? Do those people all go to hell, or what?") Are they looked down on by the Jewish community or what's the story there?


With regards fruits that could be infested by insects, do today's modern advancements in food safety and so on not mean that this law is a little out-dated? For sure, I had a very unpleasant incident with a peach a few days ago (worm in the damn thing!), but this is the first time in my 28 years that I encountered such a thing. So could Kosher laws ever be updated and adjusted, or are they set in absolute stone and are they thus irrevocable and unchangeable?


In recent times, the Baal teshuva movement has seen large numbers of younger and secular Jewish people return or "convert" to a more Orthodox way of living their lives and taking the customs and laws of Judaism far more seriously than they once did. However, there are challenges and barriers for them to do so (not understanding the Hebrew language being one of the main ones in the United States, for example). Do you think that this movement will lead to a significant growth in the Orthodox Jewish population? Is this a good thing for the present Orthodox Jewish population? And will there be ways implemented to lessen the challenges and barriers facing Jewish people who wish to come "aboard", as it were?


On social issues, it is well documented on how Christianity and Islam both treat and view the LGBT community in various regions. There is no need to retread that territory, I feel. However, what is less known (due to the fact that Judaism is not a "global religion" in the same league as either of the other two monotheisms, per sé) is what is the attitude or feeling towards LGBT people within the Jewish community? Is the general feeling more or less tolerant and accepting than the Christian or Islamic communities? And given the recent liberalisation of societal attitudes towards the LGBT community in many countries and territories around the world, how does that fit in with the teachings, laws and customs of Judaism as a whole? (Please note that I do not want to needle at you or ask an offensive question, but this is something I'd be genuinely interested in; also, if you do not wish to answer this question, please feel free to disregard it)


Another potentially touchy issue (and again, as above, I'm not trying to needle or offend and please feel free to disregard if necessary) is that of brit milah ("covenant of circumcision") and the reasons for it. I personally find it distressing, especially when it is being performed on eight-day old baby boys. There are absolutely thousands of pieces written on this subject, so I will not retread that territory. But I will ask:

-What are the specific reasons behind performing this covenant? I know that the Talmud makes reference to being part of the tribe of Abraham, but is that the only reason or are there other reasons?
-Would it be permissible to perhaps wait until the boy is old enough to make the decision for himself (possibly up to the age of 16/17 or so)? I personally do not find it right to have this ritual performed on young boys who are so young that they have zero input on the decision, so maybe it would be best to leave it until they are older.
-Brit Shalom ("covenant of peace"), is an identical naming and welcoming ceremony for baby boys, where they are not circumcised. What is the opinion of the Jewish community on this? A leading Jewish grouping has indeed stated that "circumcision is not required for Jewish identity". Would a naming ceremony where circumcision is not performed be more widely accepted, or is it something that is in the minority and will remain so?

I accept that this is a controversial and painful issue for many people, but I've never spoken to a Jewish person about it before and I would be interested to hear your opinion and belief on the matter. However, as I've said already, if you do not wish to answer for any reason, please disregard.


I have always had the greatest of time, respect and admiration for the Jewish community (despite maybe asking some hard questions above!).

I've been a visitor to Auschwitz and that visit left a lasting impression on me and it is something that will never leave me. On one of my visits to Germany, I visited a Jewish museum and saw the artifacts and the history. I've been to Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam and the full horror of it left me in tears.

Happier interactions have included making some lifelong friends from America who are Jewish and remembering with great fondness the kindness, hospitality and friendship I was shown during my time with them. They brought me to their homes and treated me like a member of their family. I was made feel more at home there than anywhere else I can remember.

That is one helluva long post, with a lot of questions in it, so I apologise for that! But thanks for reading it and I look forward to reading your answers.

katydid

Kaylani Cool Peacock wrote: »

Its more referring to using His Name loosely and without reverence and includes those things you mentioned.

Yes, but here we are talking seriously and respectfully about God, and the Jewish belief in him, so why what's wrong with using his name?