Just don’t become a Zionist. He said it with a slight measure of concern. My husband and I laughed about it. We know they’re afraid we’ve completely lost it…we know they don’t like the path we’re on. Where he comes from the word ‘Zionist’ is dirty. It means cutting off peyot and slipping pork into … Continue reading So Your Son Married a Zionist
Category: Leaving Orthodoxy
The Meaning Of Mumcha
"There should be a movie about it. With characters like Motti, Duvy…Shmully…not Chasidish, no Joels - just real Boro Park Yeshivish kids." I nod. I'ver heard this before. "We were punks. I don't get it. What was wrong with us?" "It wasn't that bad. There weren't turf wars or crack houses." "Yeah - but we … Continue reading The Meaning Of Mumcha
The Fear Factor
My heart was pounding furiously, my limbs tense and waiting, as I slowly placed the headphones over my ears. Carefully, I slid deeper into the cave I had created with blankets and pillows, hiding alone in my locked room with a chair propped against the door. I was ready. My sweaty palms held the Walkman … Continue reading The Fear Factor
You Menuval You
Guest post from the amazing husband who rants really well and doesn't realize that if he can dictate awesomeness, there's nothing stopping him from writing it out, except maybe horrible spelling. 🙂 This past week we leined Parshas Kedoshiim, where Hashem gives us the command Kiddoshim Ti'hiu. Many of us know the Rambam's commentary on … Continue reading You Menuval You
Off The Derech
I went off the derech, you know. I walked it a couple of times. I kicked the ground where it was soft and beat it where it was hard. I turned over stones to reveal long-forgotten imprints. I lifted logs and marveled at the slime and grime. I stepped in crap, cursed the asshole who … Continue reading Off The Derech
Colloquially Speaking 