Kosher Soul:TV Show About Judaism & Interfaith Marriage?

Just when you thought you have seen it all! A new reality television show is emerging which is seemingly very tongue in cheek concerning Judaism and interfaith-interracial marriage. I'm unsure as to how most orthodox Jews will appreciate the way Judaism is portrayed here. Overall it seems more of a comedy skit so I don't know if anyone would take any part of it all that seriously. Lifetime channel portrays the show as such: 

The adage says opposites attract…and in the case of Lifetime’s all-new docu-sitcom "Kosher Soul" (#KosherSoul), which follows the lives of Los Angeles stylist Miriam Sternoff, who is Jewish, and her fiancé, southern and African-American comedian O’Neal McKnight, they do. Premiering Wednesday, February 25, at 10p ET/PT, divergent worlds will clash as Miriam and O’Neal’s friends and family prepare for the couple’s nuptials, including O’Neal’s conversion to Judaism and their future as husband and wife. Despite doubts and concerns from their loved ones, recently engaged Miriam and O’Neal are preparing to marry and begin their lives in a Jewish home. Madly in love, O’Neal is ready to prove his dedication to Miriam by converting to Judaism in order to be accepted by her mother, Nancy, who wants her future grandchildren to be raised Jewish. At the same time, Miriam is trying to blend O’Neal’s southern upbringing and traditions into her life. What results is a hilarious and touching peek into the love and affection between two soul mates whose deep and emotional connection overcomes cultural barriers. "Kosher Soul" is produced by Ish Entertainment and the executive producers are Michael Hirschorn ("The Approval Matrix"), Melissa Cooper ("Styled By June"), Wendy Roth ("Wife Swap") and Rasheed J. Daniel ("Blood, Sweat and Heels"). Lifetime’s Eli Lehrer, Mary Donahue and Mariana Flynn are also executive producers. Twelve half-hour episodes of Kosher Soul have been ordered for this season.

Succos Qustion: Is Yours Open to the Public?

The festival of Succos is upon us and it's time to get that succah up if you haven't already. I was recently told about a fantastic mitzvah that is seen in the chabad community in Crown Heights. There are certain individuals that make their succah available to the public when they are not using them. Evidently there is a sign (yellow I believe) that les people know that their succah is now available for public use. Some will even put food and drink for their guests. I find this to be such a spectacular mitzvah and I wonder if anyone has ever seen this anywhere else.

Chabad House Opens in St. Martin/St. Maarten

You can imagine the difficulties in opening up a Chabad house in Camodia, which is considered 3rd most corrupt nation in the South-East Asia as well as dealing with potential terrorism. Then there are those who get to open up a Chabad House in a much more peaceful and sublime area of the world:

(lubavitch.com) Chabad-Lubavitch Headquarters officially appointed new Chabad representatives to St. Martin/St. Maarten in the Caribbean Islands.

With the arrival Monday, August 17, of Rabbi Moshe and Sara Chanowitz, and their baby boy, this tiny island becomes the fourth location in the region, following Puerto Rico, St. Thomas and the Dominican Republic, to benefit from the placement of permanent Chabad representatives.

“This is a tremendous development,” says Rabbi Mendel Zarchi, representative to Puerto Rico, who directs Chabad activities in the Caribbean. After being active in St. Maarten for the last eight years through periodic visits, especially around holiday times, Rabbi Zarchi says that the need for a full time Chabad representative on St. Maarten has “taken on a new urgency.”

“There has been a real void here, and there have been requests for a full time Rabbi and Jewish religious and community services,” he says, noting that several local families who wanted to see this happen have been very involved.

The island, all of 37 square miles, part Dutch, part French is the smallest inhabited sea island to be divided between two nations. Rabbi Chanowitz is considered an ideal candidate for this post, explains Rabbi Zarchi, because in addition to his dynamic energy, he is also multi-lingual, and is comfortable communicating in French and Hebrew, as well as in English.

The Chanowitzes, who led Purim celebrations on the island in March, say they anticipate more than 100 to join them for Rosh Hashana services, and hope that their Shabbat dinners and adult educational classes will draw growing numbers.

They will begin working out of a rented apartment where they will live while they work to create a Jewish infrastructure in a community that, explains Rabbi Chanowitz, has none to date.

A magnetic oasis for tourists, St. Maarten also has a residential Jewish community

with roughly some 200 Jews, as well as many Jewish students studying in the area’s medical schools.

“This is an exciting opportunity because of the diverse character of the community,” says Sara Chanowitz, who plans to implement educational programs for students, families within the community, and among the tourists.

Moshe and Sara are on familiar terrain. The children of Chabad representatives respectively in New York and New Haven, both are eager to embark on their own mission: offering the people of this sun-drenched island a different kind of warmth.

Preparing for the Fast- Tisha B'av

Fasting is something one can prepare for to ensure they are better equipped to handle this tragic day of mourning. To learn more about Tisha B'av click here for audio and video. some important things I have read to prepare for a fast:

1) Keep hydrated: drink plenty of fluids and preferably water.
2) Nosh: The day before the fast try eat something every 2 hrs or so
3) No Salt! No Caffeine :as they make you thirsty and less hydrated
4) Don't overeat before the fast: this will not help you be less hungry the next day
5) Don't eat heavy foods:Food stuck in your stomach may upset you tomorrow.
6) Eat foods with water: watermelon, grapes etc. (are like time release water capsules?)
7) Before the fast eat filling foods with complex carbs: Whole wheat Bread, pasta etc.

Feel free to add ideas!

It's Finally Here! Shidduch Story Website: Holy Shidduch.com

It's been a long time in the making but a local Houstonian has developed a a website for one purpose only: shidduch stories! Have a great shidduch story you always wanted to tell or just sound off about the subject? Go to HolyShidduch.com and start typing. This one takes the cake:
I hate beards. I went out with a guy who had one and told him so. He disappeared in the bathroom for 20 minutes and to my shock returned clean shaven. I couldn't finish my dinner so I took it to go. When I got home I opened the container and he had put is beard hair in my eggplant Parmesan. Insane!

Torah Scroll Created In Dallas! Video

As a new resident of Texas I take pride in reading that Dallas has their first locally produced torah scroll! You can read more about this great achievement here. The scribe of this work is Rabbi Avraham Bloomenstiel of Congregation Toras Chaim and they decided to developed a website to introduce everyone to the world of the sofer (safrut). Here are some videos they developed:

Rabbi Bloomenstiel Interviews with Dallas Morning News



The Hebrew Letters Part 1




The Hebrew Letters Part 2

Living as a Jew In Texas Part 2

It's certainly been a life changing event moving from NY to Texas. Now that Passover is over and I just got back from NY (staying by the in-laws for passover) I can start focusing on the important things like buying a toaster. Slowly but surely I'm getting the hang of things here. As a newcomer you have the obvious questions: Where can I get kosher food? What time is shachris? Where is the mikvah? Then you have the sub categories: Where can I get pareve chocolate chips? Where are all the shuls located? Where can I tovel my utensils? et cetra... Fortunately I'm learning the answers to these questions and much more. I'm looking forward to finding out all the town secret handshakes and hideouts in the near future.

Men Moving Away From Judaism

JP-A new study released just this Sunday by Brandeis University shows and interesting change in the attitudes of non-orthodox Jews. Until now it had been non- orthodox women leaving the fold it what they believed to be a chauvinistic religion. The tide is changing and now it's the non-orthodox men who are moving away from Judaism:"Men invest less of their human capital into Jewishness," said study co-author Sylvia Barack Fishman, a professor of contemporary Jewish life in the Near Eastern and Judaic Studies Department at Brandeis. "This is a matter of deep concern, because minority groups with high amounts of ethnic capital are much more successful at transmitting their culture to the next generation." Interesting the study made note of:"Without advocating single-sex education, it is critical to recognize that programs geared to Jewish boys and men - and to Jewish girls and women - create positive connections to Jews and Jewishness, beginning with the preschool years and extending over the life cycle of the individual".

Obama: Reaching Out To Jewish Voters

With the nomination looming within reach, Obama is looking to connect with the Jewish community. Words have been spreading quickly that he is a Muslim and that he is looking to appease Hamas and is not Pro-Israel ( not to mention the Pastor Wright mess). In an attempt to squash his anti-Israel image, Obama has been making trips out to Jewish communities and his latest was a large gathering in Boca Raton, FL. Obama was aksed to vouch for the Pro-Israel stance he so strongly claims he believes. Obama has been trying to shake his pro -hamas image as well stating that his request to deal with Hamas and his intent on talks with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is only if they renounce terrorism. Dennis Ross of the Wall Street Journal has an interesting piece on "how to have successful negotiations". He believes that talking to terrorist nations does not give them legitimacy they so desperately seek and is not a source of appeasement but rather a starting point. It seems to be a big question as to whether liberal Jews will vote for Obama should he win the nominations. My view is that short of him saying something ridiculously anti-semitic, Jews will continue to vote Democrat as they always have and certainly Obama knows how to talk a good game. As the article points out regarding Obama's meeting in FL:"The Jewish community here is made up largely of older people - not to suggest they're gullible, but maybe they don't delve into the fine points," said Michael Gora, a lawyer active in county politics who said he had been neutral in the primaries but will support Obama as the nominee.

Boruch Dayan Emes: Rabbi Jacob Rubenstien

I was horrified to read the tragic story involving the passing of Rabbi Jacob Rubenstein and his wife Deborah. Rabbi Rubenstein, 58 was the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Scarsdale and he and has wife had been sleeping when a fire spread quickly throughout the house leaving no survivors.The cause of this blaze is still under investigation but it is believed that a lightning strike may have been the cause. Rabbi Rubenstein had served as president of the Rabbinical Council of America from 1997 to 1999 and was also serving as Honorary President. This story should also remind us to practice fire drills and safety with our family members.The Levaya is scheduled for Today: Sunday afternoon at 1:30PM in the Young Israel Of Scarsdale - 1313 Weaver Street, Scarsdale NY 10583.

Jewish Nascar Driver: There Can Be Only One...

Nascar can also have some Jewish pride with it's sole Jewish driver from NJ: Jon Denning. He discusses with Ynet news what it's like being the only Jew in this dangerous sport. The article points out that although Jon may not consider himself "religious" he utters the traveling prayer before every race: "May it be Your will, Lord, My G-d and G-d of my ancestors, to lead me, to direct my steps, and to support me in peace. Lead me in life, tranquil and serene, until I arrive at where I am going." Jon is very proud of his Jewish heritage and hopefully will inspire others to do the same.

He Refused To Give a Get Now He Must Pay...

$47,500 to Stephanie Bruker, 48, as awarded by a the supreme court of Canada.

Justice Rosalie Abella, representing the majority, said courts can referee religious disputes if they "take into account the particular religion, the particular religious right, and the particular personal and public consequences -- including the religious consequences -- of enforcing that right," the newspaper reported.

The two dissenting judges said the court had no place in religious disputes.

The couple divorced in 1980 after 11 years of marriage. Husband Jason Marcovitz then refused to honor a prenuptial agreement that included a requirement to provide a get. In 1995, Marcovitz granted the get when Bruker was 46, unmarried and past child-bearing age.

New Jewish Dating Assistance Website

It's been a while since I've seen a website I thought to add to my list of "Links Worth Knowing".I had been visiting SerandEZ as I often do and noticed this little ad saying "Mikomos "and needless to say I was a bit intrigued. I clicked it and there on the screen is a huge database of date places that are in a wikpedia format and allow you to edit and add places of your own (which I am guilty of doing). If you know of some great dating venues you'd like to share I suggest strongly that you enter them into this fantastic new site. Help spread the word as this site will no doubt be a great help to those dating as well as others who are looking for a nice fun place to hang.

Introducing the Cancun Rebbe....

Even in the sun soaked beaches of Cancun there is a Rabbi that can be found. That Rabbi is Mendel Druk who is available to assist with challah or perhaps a minyan. Chron.com has an interesting article about this Rabbi from Detroit who now finds himself meeting Jews from all over who are in pursuit of relaxation (even on Rosh Hashanah?). Jewishcancun.com can give you more information on what this new Rabbi can offer.

Shabbos: Make Sure You Get Home In Time

As this article points out this Shabbos in NY starts early at 4:43 PM due to turning back the clocks. This puts a lot of stress on people who have jobs that expect them to stay till 5 or later. If you live an hr commute away you must leave extra time for traffic conditions. Most likely you will need to leave between 1-3 PM. and this can be problematic for some employees. Anti-discrimination laws of course work to our benefit but it can still make for a stressful day not to mention the idea of being stuck on a highway as the shabbos is arriving. If you do get stuck you can attempt the shabbos chauffeur perhaps?

Torah Dedication: Rabbi Berel Wein's Wife

Bais Torah of Monsey, has recently had a hachnasas sefer torah. Bais Torah is known as the shul where Rabbi Berel Wein was Rabbi for many years. Therefore it was only fitting that the Torah be dedicated in memory of his wife, Jackie Wein who was nifteres only about a yr. ago. I have davened in this shul many times and I was unaware of this great simcha until I ran across this article. The current Rabbi is R' Yisroel Gottlieb who although young is doing an outstanding job and gives a great drasha.

Teaching Hebrew in Public School Lead to Judaism?

Some fear that a new public school to be opened by a Rabbi, will lead to teaching religion. Ben Gamla Charter School, will be the very first publicly funded school and this is scaring some people.Rev. Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, for example is just one of those individuals. ''It could happen because some people believe culture and religion are inseparable, or it could happen because many of the teachers and administrators are of one religion and don't recognize the problem," he said. Interestingly the ADL has even expressed some concern. As the article points out there is religion in public schools to some degree and certainly Christmas is discussed on some level.

Kashrut Alert: Tropicana Smells Fishy?

Recently shopping at Brach's I noticed a little sign next to a Tropicana carton. It was labeled "OK-Fish". The OK has issued a kashrus alert that the Tropicana with Omega-3 contains fish oil and should therefore not be used in conjunction with meat. If you like the idea of fish in your orange juice and are worried that you can't have it with your steak, do not worry.According to the information off the OU's website this whole issue is not problematic:There is also a question if gravy of one fell into the pot of the other and there is less than 1/60 of one of them, whether one can employ the halachic rule of bitul b’shishim (nullification of the minority substance). The gemara (Chulin 111b) seems to imply that fish may be cooked in a fleishig pot, while some argue (see Taz, Yoreh Deah 95:3). It would seem that one can be lenient in these and other related questions. This is because several major poskim point out that the danger Chazal referred to is no longer prevalent (see Magen Avraham, Orach Chayim 173:1; Pitchei Tshuva, Yoreh Deah 116:3, in the name of Chatam Sofer; Aruch Hashulchan, Yoreh Deah 116:10).Since the Omega-3 in all likelihood is bitul b'shishim some may wonder why the OK brought it up in the first place. Some people are of the opinion that this whole kashrus alert may have have been a publicity stunt by the OK. Others say because there is a danger mentioned in the Talmud regarding eating fish and meat together, some try to strictly adhere to it since the reason for the danger is not clear.

Partners in Torah: The Dinner....

Last night I was privileged to attend a dinner for a fantastic organization called Partners in Torah. I had made the trek out to Brooklyn because a relative of mine was being honored. I was truly inspired by the video presentation as well as the speeches that were given. For those of you who are not familiar, Partners in Torah is responsible for changing the face of Jewry. They find mentors who are willing to devote time once a week and partner them with less affiliated Jews who are searching for more understanding in Judaism. You don't have to be a Rabbi to join. Anybody who has a basic Yeshiva education is more than qualified to assist as a partner in Torah. If you would like to find out more about this truly incredible organization click here. Whether you join or donate funds to the cause, it will be truly appreciated. It will certainly take some sorting out of my time but I plan on becoming a partner myself and I urge you to do the same. Get the word out...

Mi Shebairach Rant....

This blog is generally not of the ranting sort. Perhaps informational or inspirational but not a rant. Today I bring you some of my thoughts on a issue I think plagues our Jewish Nation: the Mi Shebairach. When people started saying Mi Shebairach it was for the sick people of the town or perhaps a relative. Now with the advent of the internet and email many people have lists a mile long. This is extremely problematic especially in a shul that has one for every possible scenario: the state of Israel, the POW, the MIA and the list goes on and on. There is no question that there are many sick people who need a refuah and should be in our prayers. The problem is one of decorum. When you extend these ideas out too far it invites lots of gabbing. This talking then extends itself into either the Torah reading or the prayer services. The answer I believe, lies in the Gabbbai asking everyone to insert the name of the sick while saying the Mi Shebairach. Instead of waiting for everyone to go through their names, trying to remember it while others wait in line: you get the picture. For all you gabbais out there, this rants for you...