#Peace on Earth

[medievalreligiousfanatic]

a solar halo over hexigten banner, inner mongolia, china

[beachf4gz]

idk. i got both the words wrong

[dinosaurwithablog]

Meowy Christmas 🎄 ♥️ be joyful!! They're watching you. I love blinking lights, don't you?

[nintendroid]

Poor, misguided folks. They missed the whole point. Lots of unhappiness? Maybe so. But doesn't Santa take a little bit of that unhappiness away? Doesn't a smile on Christmas morning scratch out a tear cried on a Saturday? Not much, maybe. But what would happen if we all tried to be like Santa and learn to give as only he can give of ourselves, our talents, our love, and our hearts? Maybe if we could all learn Santa's beautiful lesson, maybe there would finally be peace on earth and goodwill toward man.

-Special Delivery "S.D." Kluger (Santa Clause is Comin' to Town)

[andallshallbewell]

[takunwilliams]

Aaron Bushnell sacrifice for Palestine ,

I hope the powers that be hearts are not hardened to this call

RIP

[conceptofjoy]

[animalsoutloud]

[stephen-barry]

No Other Land, the Israeli-Palestinian documentary just won an Oscar.

The Palestinian people against ethnic cleaning.

The Israeli director criticized the Trump government.

And it all received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Times have really changed in the US of A.

#FreePalestine

[catalisst]

Thank you for your service. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

[jimslapass]

Feeling the Christmas spirit now that's joy to the world

[medievalreligiousfanatic]

[x-heesy]

𝗘𝗠𝗣𝝠𝗧𝗛𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗 <3

[bubblegumpopdefiance]

Speedrunning a Jewish Conversion

Please know this is said with the utmost respect to the Jews of the world. So, I have been doing a good amount of thinking on my Christianity and something broke in my head. Or fixed. Perspective is a marvelous thing.

So, I am converting to Judaism. I have found a rabbi who is willing to bear with me (the third one I reached out to funny enough). I set aside my feelings of insecurity, of being rejected for my Catholic upbringing, for feeling like "the Jews have been through enough," and finally realized that the path I was on *was* Jewish, even if I wasn't there yet. I did a lot of research--a LOT a lot of research--which included talking to another Jewish conversion student friend of mine.

I showed up to a workshop at this congregation. It's a Reconstructionist congregation. The listing on the course page *did* say all were welcome, but I definitely decided to be bold and inform the rabbi I was coming instead of asking for permission. I was aware of my potential gaffe so I showed up with a plate of cookies. After a deep breath, I walked in, set down the plate, and got settled. A few bits of idle chatter later, the rabbi introduced me and mentioned the cookies I had brought. In my insecurity, I blurted out "it's a bribe" and half the people present called back in eerie unison "you're in!"

Now, that was the miracle. If you're familiar with Jewish conversion practices, the Jews do not (usually) seek conversions. They usually are more than happy to accept converts. Your mileage may vary and do be patient with Jews who are simply hurting from 2000 years of antisemitism. It isn't you, but a bit of kindness can do a world of difference. When you seek conversion, you reach out to a rabbi and work with them on your journey. The time varies but it's usually 6 months to 2 years. Traditionally, when you're ready you stand in front of three rabbis and answer questions to test if you're a good fit. Once that is done AMAB individuals get circumcised (sometimes this is ceremonial and not real) and all converts (traditionally) are immersed in a mikvah (think of it like a Jewish baptism, but it's much more nuanced).

Now, less traditional rabbis--especially Reconstructionist rabbis--are much less strict on the technicalities of conversion. Circumcision and immersion are not always required and the Jewish dissertation defense is frequently informal. But you do need other Jews to tell you that you are a Jew. So *technically* I had done a long period of study and self reflection under the tutelage of another more experienced (potentially) Jewish person and been told by a group of more than three Jews that "I'm in." Hat trick complete! I've checked the boxes!

Of course, I'm not Jewish. Not yet, at least. The door might be open but I still need to be the one to walk through it. I need to believe it. Ultimately, the other Jews might have seen something in me that I am still nervous about. I came with earnestness and humility. I had a sense of humor. I was bold enough to swim against the current but humble enough to seek a way to minimize the potential hurt on these vulnerable Jews. I even brought food! And in the end, that is so very Jewish. And the insecurity is probably the most Jewish thing about me.

One day I'll believe it. Hopefully soon.

[thisisapaige]

us discussing the hotness levels of dean and cas beating each other up

[uwhe-arts]

fire in the sky . . . | uwhe-arts