Intermarriage: Good or Bad?

Today in class, as we were studying the words of the Torah, an interesting question was raised: should intermarriage be allowed? And if so, what will the consequences be?

Simply defined, an intermarried couple is where one of two spouses isn't Jewish. To some, intermarriage creates problems regarding the continuation of the Jewish people. If two people are in-love and married, and don't share a similar religious view, it could impact how they raise their children. But at the same time, if they're in-love, who am I to tell them they can't be married?

In my opinion, it runs along the lines of the ongoing fight for gay marriage and LGBT equality. If two men or two women are in-love, then they should be allowed to live their life and get married. I am not in any position to tell them that they can't be happy with the one they love.

My sister recently got engaged, and her fiancee isn't Jewish. Of course it raised conflicts in my family, (especially with my grandma who is very traditional), but after thinking more about it, we realized that it shouldn't stop my sister from being with who she's in-love with. Judaism is too important to my sister to not raise her family Jewish. Her fiancee, Rob, and she have talked about their future (including children..ahhh!!) and have come to the agreement of continuing the family religion. It has always been important to my sister to raise her children Jewish, and Rob only has the intentions of making my sister happy, which brings them to the definite conclusion of staying in the Jewish community.

As long as your spouse and you have talked about it, and have acknowledged how you want to raise your family, you don't need to "officially convert". One of my best friends has intermarried parents, and her dad never officially converted, but he considers himself 100% Jewish. They celebrate all holidays, and go to temple. I feel like if your in agreement with your religion, then converting spiritually and converting in your mind is enough. Your family's happiness is more important than putting a title on your religion.

Cultural Shock

My friends and I recently visited a shuk, and I'm still in amazement. I felt like it was the first time I was really seeing Israel and all the culture it has to offer. The hundreds and hundreds of people there knew exactly what they were doing, and that made it all the more interesting. 

Parents Involvement In Homework

Parents; all they want in life is for you to succeed and for you to live your life to it's full potential, but sometimes a child needs to be let go. A popular topic trending is whether or not parents should intervene in their children's work, and if so, how much? It's understandable that parents want the best for their children, but what's the limit?

The point of improving one's work is to help them with successes later in life, but many argue that children need to be independent from the start in order to thrive in society. Popular belief states that the purpose of education is to prepare teenagers for the "real world", thus requiring them to survive on their own. 

But on the other hand, what's the problem with a little help? Parents have been there and done that, and know exactly what you're experiencing so they can offer first-hand advice. Sometimes kids just need a little "push" to get them running on their feet. Besides, parents always know best. :)

http://shma.com/2014/01/crossing-boundaries-or-seizing-opportunities/

Choosing Sides

Sooooooooooooo...

Recently, there has been quite a bit of controversy regarding Scarlett Johansson and her involvement in the SodaStream business which has a location in the West Bank. Many people, especially supporters and members of Oxfam International, are upset and against her promotion of the company. The Oxfam members work to eliminate poverty and injustice in the world. Johansson has recently resigned from her position in Oxfam International due to "fundamental difference in opinion". 

The charity said it opposes all trade from the Israeli settlements, "which are illegal under international law." Members quote that "SodaStream and other businesses operating in the West Bank contribute to the denial of the rights of the Palestinian communities that we work to support." According to Dan Birnbaum, the company's chief executive, SodaStream hasn't lost any costumers due to the boycott against Israeli settlements. Therefore, the company has not "sacrificed" and will not "sacrifice" the 500 Palestinian jobs that SodaStream holds. 

Personally, I don't see a problem with the company being located where it is. From the research I've done, and the numerous articles I've read regarding the topic, it doesn't seem like many Palestinians have been negatively affected, which is what Oxfam International works to prevent. The company is profitable, and as of now, many Palestinians are involved in SodaStream and are happy with the company. 

Friends To Last A Lifetime

Over the course of the past week, I've met people that I've connected with more than I thought possible. It's crazy that we've been here for 1/16 of our journey, and I already see my friends lasting far into the future. Just being around this amazing group of people has allowed me to be my best self, and I cannot wait for the rest of this life-changing experience.

Btw, I could not have found a more accurate picture to describe our new, yet wonderful already, relationship.

The Atmosphere I've Been Looking For

Translated into English, this poster reads:
         "The time to light the Shabbat candles is 4:35 on Feb 1, 2014. Shabbat ends at 5:50 on the night of Feb 2, 2014."

Coming from an area where the majority of people aren't Jewish, to an area where I'm surrounded by Jews is amazing. At home, nobody understands Shabbat. Nobody understands how special it is, and why we celebrate it. But seeing this poster at a bus stop makes it so surreal that I'm in the holiest of holy lands.

The feeling that I get from being around a Jewish atmosphere is hard to explain. It gives me such a sense of completeness. There's no way to describe the relationships that I have with my Jewish friends, and I don't know why that is. Maybe it's because we share such an amazing connection, and that connection is on such a deep level. I can't believe I'm finally in Israel, but it feels so right. I can't wait to share these next 4 months, the most amazing months of my life, with a group of people who allow me to be my best self.