#in no way am i biologically practically or morally the parent of Tumblr

[demented-dukey]

"Reasons Why I Ship RemRom" Masterlist

(Companion to "Reasons Why I Shouldn’t Ship Remrom" Masterlist)

I keep getting asked why I ship Rem/Rom, or why anyone would ship Rem/Rom. So. Here’s a list of possible reasons (You can also find more information about why people ship fictional incest on Fanlore.org).

Some apply to me personally, some do not, but I will use the term “I/Me” in all of the following sentences (in no particular order, numbered for ease of reference):

1. Because Thomas likes the theory that all Sanders Sides ships are an expression of self-love. Thomas’s quotes from the live stream include him saying, "What are my thoughts on sides ships? Guys, I really don't care." "I think that, in the realm of fanfiction, you guys, like, you guys do what you're doing. I'm not here to squash or rain on anybody's parade." "I don't like to stifle people's creativity in that aspect. Fanfiction, you guys, do whatever creatively is in your heart."

2. Because it’s just conceptual. Joan said in a Tumblr post that they were brothers conceptually, NOT biologically, in the same way Patton is a dad or Logan is a teacher. It’s a concept or trope, like the phrase “brothers in arms”, so that Remus could allude to Thomas’s dreams and the biblical quotes.

3. Because they are NOT really brothers. It isn’t really incest. All the sides are equally fictional. They split from the same original idea, so technically that makes them clones, or selfcest. They might call themselves brothers, but it’s just a nickname, I don’t feel like they’re brothers. Thomas and Joan have said multiple times that the sides are not separate personalities - Character Thomas does not have DID - all of the sides are just aspects of a single personality, so any pairing of any of the sides is just elaborate masturbation or selfcest.

4. Because they ARE really brothers/twins. Yes, I think this is incest, and I ship it anyway. Twins are hot, and incest is kinky. There is a whole porn industry cashing in on the idea that siblings are hot, and twins are even hotter. Relationships are built on shared experiences, and brothers have that in spades!

5. Because it DOESN’T MATTER whether or not they are brothers. I don’t really care about whether it’s incest or not, I would still ship Remus and Roman either way. I like each of their characters, and I like exploring the dynamic of how they would match each other in a romantic relationship.

6. Because canon was made to be broken. Maybe they’re brothers in canon, but people write fanfic in all kinds of different AUs where the characters are all kinds of different creatures with all kinds of different relationships. Why can’t I write something where they aren’t related and they fall in love?

7. Because technically Remus and Roman are two halves of the same fusion. To borrow from “Steven Universe” for a second, Sapphire and Ruby form Garnet, and that’s totally acceptable. But what happens when you reverse it? What if Garnet was created first, and then they split into Sapphire and Ruby? Is it then Not Okay? Why? The basic premise is still exactly the same - Garnet is still a whole being/relationship/experience, and Sapphire and Ruby are what happens when you split Garnet up into separate halves. Why is combining a fusion okay, but splitting one is not? The fusion of Thomas was split to form Morality, Logic, Creativity, etc. We now know that Creativity was split again to form Roman and Remus. Therefore, shipping Roman and Remus is no more incestual than any other two sides.

8. Because Remus and Roman are literally ~soulmates~.  In Plato’s story of soulmates, the story goes that humans originally had four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces. Zeus split the humans in half, and each human would forever long for his/her other half; the other half of his/her soul. It’s fate that they are drawn to each other!

9. Because fuck you, that’s why. I don’t have to explain myself to you. Who do you think you are, the Purity Police? Fuck you.

10. Because of “Reasons” that I don’t feel comfortable sharing. I have my reasons, and I demand my privacy. I do not require anyone’s stamp of approval. My reasons are mine.

11. Because of petty spite. There have been so, so many anti-ship posts telling me not to ship them that now I ship them out of spite. I wasn’t even thinking about the pairing until the antis put it in my head. The more people tell me I can’t, the more I want to. I’m wacky like that.

12. Because RemRom is forbidden fruit. I’m attracted to things that are forbidden. If this is wrong, then I don’t wanna be right!

13. Because... I don’t know? I just kinda want to, and I don’t know why? Not everyone sits down and makes lists of justifications of why they ship what they ship. Why should I have to have a reason? Who decides what reasons are “valid enough”? I’m really a big ball of confusion as to the ‘why’, all I know is that I want to see the boys kiss. Isn’t that enough of a reason? I think, therefore I am?

14. Because the Prince and the Duke are both Royalty. Royalty and Incest go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly! Everybody knows royalty only marries other royalty, and all those generations of inbreeding makes it hard to find royalty that isn’t incest, am I rite?

15. Because Moxiety is an acceptable ship, but RemRom is “controversial”. Moxiety is as much incestual as RemRom. Patton/Virgil have a Father/Son vibe going for them. They’ve referred to each other in canon as “kiddo” and “popstar”, and multiple times Patton has called Virgil his “child”. But both platonic and romantic relationships are still combined under the same “Moxiety” tag, and it is accepted and welcomed in the fandom despite the incestual undertones.

16. Because it’s simple math. If Thomas Sanders is hot, then 2x Thomas Sanders is twice as hot, right?

17. Because of Rule 34 of the internet. If a thing exists, then porn of it is on the internet. Somebody’s gonna ship it, so it mineswell be me.

18. Because I have Intrusive Thoughts. I already have a little Remus in my head, and writing about the sick, twisted things he whispers to me is the only way I can tire him out so I can get some peace and rest.

19. Because I AM an Incest Survivor. I have been through a traumatic experience, and reading/writing about it in a fictional setting helps me process my trauma.

20. Because I am NOT an Incest Survivor. Science has proven that reading fiction can help boost your empathy by practicing your ability to see the world through other people’s eyes, whether it be the author's or a character's. I’ve never experienced incest, but I want to be better able to empathize with people who have. I also read Abusive/Unsympathetic!Character fanfic so I can recognize warning signs, and so I know how to act in order to not be abusive to others in Real Life.

21. Because Incest is bad/dirty/wrong/gross. I like dark topics, and I find it interesting to explore taboo subjects in fiction. Murder is wrong, child abuse is wrong, but fiction is still written about them. Topics that are “wrong” are still worthy topics to write about - nay, they are even MORESO worthy of being written about in fiction because they are so taboo and not talked about in real life!

22. Because Incest between Consenting Adults is NOT wrong. I don’t think it's “hot” or “kinky” or anything. I just think it's okay for two consenting adults who are related to be in a relationship if it's love.

23. Because Fiction does not equal Reality. Fiction is a safe space to explore topics that would be horrific in real life. Murder Mystery writers do not kill people in real life, and I don’t condone or commit incest in real life. 

24. Because too much self-censorship is exhausting and can be damaging over time. It stifles creativity when I’m constantly scrutinizing and discarding every idea for being immoral and problematic. I already have these thoughts, and repressing them doesn't help.

25. Because censorship is a slippery, slippery slope. Where do we draw the lines, and who gets to decide? Where does it stop? If the characters become step-siblings because their parents got married, is it still incest? How long do two people have to live in close physical and emotional proximity before it crosses that line? Is it okay to ship clones, because they are exactly the same person, and it’s basically just masturbation? How long do clones have to live separate lives and have separate experiences before they become indistinguishable from twins, and it’s no longer okay to ship them? Is it homophobic to take a slash pairing and genderswap only one of the people? What if I headcanon one of the characters as trans, does that make turning a slash pairing into a het pairing okay now? Is it okay to make a canon straight character gay, but not okay to make a canon gay character straight? What if I headcanon a gay character as bi, then is it okay to put them in a “straight” relationship? Can I ship same-age teenagers, or is that pedophilia? Or is it okay to ship them, as long as it’s not explicit?

26. Because Remus would ship it. Look me in the eye and tell me there is a single kink or taboo Remus, Duke of Unicorn Porn, wouldn’t be 100% in support of. I dare you.

I think I got the most popular reasons? If any pro-shippers have reasons I’m missing and want added to the list, let me know.

[progressivejudaism]

It's there a link for the faq in mobile? The Tumblr app is not letting me check it out :(

Hiya anon,

I’m not sure!  There is a good chance that it is, but it’s hard to find on mobile for some reason.  Check it out!  http://progressivejudaism.tumblr.com/faqs

Worse case, here is the text of the entire FAQ page as of right now.  (Every once in a while I will add a new question or two).

What is Judaism?

Judaism is an ethnoreligion, which can be described as a a people with a rich culture, history, a land, languages (Hebrew, Jewish-Aramaic, Yiddish, Ladino…), literature, and a theology/philosophical tradition.

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What is Progressive Judaism?  What is Reform Judaism?

Progressive Judaism is an umbrella term that can be used to describe Jews who understand Jewish tradition from a more progressive perspective (note: not all Progressive Jews self-identify as Progressive politically).  The World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ) is the ‘international umbrella organization’ for liberal, Reform, Reconstructionist, and Progressive Jewry worldwide.

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is the governing body for North-American Reform Jewry. According to URJ.org, Reform Judaism “maintains faith in the Covenant between God and Israel as expressed over the generations in the teachings of an ever-evolving Torah and tradition. Stirred by the mandate of tikkun olam, Reform Judaism seeks to be the living expression of those teachings. It welcomes all who seek Jewish connection to pursue a life of meaning as inspired by the Divine and proclaimed in the truths grasped by Jewish teachers throughout time.”

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Who is considered Jewish?

Jewish identity is an incredibly tricky and charged subject.  There are two basic lines of thought in regard to ‘who is’ and ‘who isn’t’ a Jew.   According to Orthodox, Conservative, non-North American WUPJ Congregations,  and other traditional branches of Judaism: one is Jewish if their biological mother was/is Jewish or if they went through a formal conversion. According to the North American Reform Movement (the URJ), one is a Jew if they have at least one Jewish parent and was raised as a Jew in a Jewish household or through conversion.

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I’m not Jewish.  Can I follow this blog?

Absolutely.  I welcome all people to follow, ask questions, and interact with content!

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Is antisemitism still a problem?

Absolutely.  Antisemitism mainly exists in far-left and far-right communities. While the far-left typically hides their anti-Jewish hate under the masks of being “anti-Zionist” or “anti-Israel,” the far-right (often connected with white supremicists) often uses insane logic to dehumanize the Jewish people.

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How can we combat anti-Semitism?

From our modern perspective, we are living in a truly scary time in our people’s history as anti-Semitism is rising in the United States and around the world.  There are many ways that we as Jews can stand up against this bigotry.  While it is true that we can fight, punch neo-nazis in the face, and spread our anger at these outrageous offenses… I believe that our first task is to, [paraphrased in the words of Michelle Obama] “go high, when they go low”.

Our sage Elie Wiesel wrote: “I know and I speak from experience, that even in the midst of darkness, it is possible to create light and share warmth with one another; that even on the edge of the abyss, it is possible to dream exalted dreams of compassion; that it is possible to be free and strengthen the ideals of freedom, even within prison walls; that even in exile, friendship becomes an anchor.” (source)

By spreading our warmth, our compassion, friendship and our joy, we can create hope within our communities.  When they go low, we must go high. The Jewish people are a special beacon of light throughout the nations and it is our duty to remain moral and upright, even in the face of darkness.  

Although at times it seems like the whole world is against us, we need to realize how far we have come and how the power of the modern Jewish experience has over our autonomy and freedoms around the world.

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When you say message directly, do you mean send a message to this blog?

Yep!  I prefer if people send me a direct message so that we could have a nice conversation.

If anyone ever sees a question that they would like to chat with me about, regardless if you originally asked the question, please feel free to send me a message.  I would love to support you.

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What is the difference between a ‘shul’ a ‘temple’ and a ‘synagogue’?

Jews pray, study, and dwell in Synagogues (a Greek word which means “meeting place”), and called a  (Beit Knesset) בית כנסת in Hebrew.  “Shul” is simply the Yiddish translation of Synagogue. “Temple” is another translation of “Synagogue” that was popularized by the early ‘reformers of Judaism’ (reform as a verb, not the contemporary Movement).  These early maskilim (adherents to the Jewish Enlightenment) felt that it was important to embrace living in the diaspora, and that longing to return to Israel and rebuild the Temple was silly.  They believed wholeheartedly that their Synagogue WAS their own Temple.  The term stuck and we are left with three words interchangeable in English-speaking Jewish communities for the same term!

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Can one be Jewish and agnostic (or an atheist) at the same time?

Many Jews acknowledge that there is more than one way to understand the inner workings of the universe and how God can or cannot play a part in it. Many agnostic theologies fit very cleanly into Jewish philosophy.

But regardless of that, Judaism is a people with a culture, a history, a land, languages, foods… and we happen to have a religious theology.  It is entirely possible to not believe in God and still be a Jew- and an active Jew in the Jewish community!  

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Someone I know is ill (in the mind, body, or spirit) and/or is going in for surgery and/or is having a rough time.  Is there a prayer that I can say for them?  

The Mi Shaberach prayer can be said for anyone in your life, including yourself, who you feel needs a healing of mind, body, and/or spirit.

Mi Shebeirach avoteinu v’imoteinu,Avraham, Yitzchak v’Yaakov, Sarah, Rivkah,Rachel v’Lei-ah, hu y’vareich et hacholim[names]. HaKadosh Baruch Hu yimaleirachamim aleihem, l’hachalimam ul’rapotamul’hachazikam, v’yishlach lahem m’heirahr’fuah, r’fuah shleimah min hashamayim,r’fuat hanefesh ur’fuat haguf, hashtabaagala uviz’man kariv. V’nomar: Amen.

May the one who blessed our ancestors, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, bless and heal those who are ill [names]. May the Blessed Holy One be filled with compassion for their health to be restored and their strength to be revived. May God swiftly send them a complete renewal of body and spirit, and let us say, Amen.

Source

If you would prefer to sing the words (or sing them in addition to reciting this version of the prayer), you can use Debbie Friedman’s version as well.

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Are LGBTQA+ folks welcome in Progressive Jewish communities?

Absolutely. As Progressive Jews, we believe that because every human being was created  (Betzelem Elohim - in the Image of God) בצלם אלהים (Gn. 1:27), we must treat everyone with the same respect and compassion that we give to God.  We recognize the wisdom that scientists and researchers of gender and sexuality have given us in order to enhance our society and thus understand that an individual’s sexuality, romantic identity, gender, and gender expression are individual, given by God, and are intrinsic parts of the human experience.  Progressive Jews do indeed believe that LGBTQA+ folks are “born this way.”  

In most major movements, LGBTQA+ families are welcomed into the Jewish community with open arms, same sex/gender couples are married, and rabbis and cantors of all genders and sexualities/romantic identities are ordained.

Although Israel has a long way to go in the name of equality (namely in adoption and marriage rights), she is one of the greatest places on earth for LGBTQA+ folks.  Beyond holding yearly Miss Trans Israel, and Tel Aviv Pride, legislation often favors the LGBTQA+ community.  

In more traditional communities, sexuality and gender identity are charged topics due to two lines in the Torah.  If you are interested in learning about my own personal interpretation of the texts, feel free to check THIS out.

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I’m not cisgender.    What Jewish resources are out there for someone like me?

·       Transtorah (which also has some fantastic resources for various genders) and Keshet (general resources for LGBTQ+ folks) are both fantastic resources.  Unfortunately, there is not a similar resource for nonbinary folks.  Here are two articles that I really like:

·       The Six Genders of Classical Judaism

·       Gender Diversity in Jewish Tradition

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I’m Jewish and I am in a relationship with non-Jew.  Are we welcome in Progressive Jewish spaces?  Can we get married by a rabbi or cantor?

You and your children are absolutely welcome in most Progressive Synagogues and spaces.  Before entering a new community, please contact them beforehand!  Due to anti-Semitism across the United States and around the world, Jewish communities must be careful.  Many non-Jewish spouses get very involved in Synagogue life!

Many Reform and Reconstructionist clergy will marry a Jew to a non-Jew- but everyone feels slightly different about the practice.  For example, many will argue that they will only perform ceremonies for couples who seek to build a Jewish home, based on Jewish values where children will go through Hebrew School and have their Bar or Bat Miztvahs.

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Jews and tattoos: what’s the deal?

Can Jews with tattoos be buried in a Jewish cemetery? Although each burial society can make up their own rules, their is nothing inherently written in Jewish law prohibiting it. (Source)

So where did this rumor come from and why are tattoos in Judaism taboo? It derives from the line: “You shall not make any cuts in your body for the dead nor make any tattoo marks on yourselves: I am the LORD.“ (Leviticus 19:28). This pasuk was written among other laws such as shaving and agricultural laws. The Mishneh Torah argues that it was to differentiate the ancient Israelite from Pagan neighbors. The Sifra (Halachic interpretation on Levicius) argues that this law only pertained to the kohanim (ritual priests). But many ancient and medieval scholars (and many contemporary ritually observant scholars) had negative opinions about Jewish tattoos.

But the most important scholar here is you, and how you use the text to understand the narrative (through the lens of other scholars).

For instance, my interpretation of this section of text (which is only my interpretation) is that it was inserted much later than during the time of Moses.  These were laws to keep the community cohesive and ultimately to make their perception of God happy. I believe that this line is incredibly important for learning about ourselves, but I do not necessarily believe that it is banning tattoos in 2016, but rather a communal law for ancient Israel.  

As Reform Jews, we believe that everyone can make choices based off of the information that they know.  I invite you to dive deeper into this issue.

For instance, there is a wonderful understanding that one should only get a tattoo if it makes them feel whole, such as this incredible breast cancer survivor in this article.  The author of *this* article, a rabbi from Texas, has the shema and v’ahavta tattood around his arm like t’fillin and has a very interesting point of view. And *this* is another fascinating understanding of a positive view on tattoos in Judaism from another rabbi.

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Marijuana and Judaism: what do Reform/Progressive Jews believe?

The CCAR as of this moment has only made decrees regarding medical marijuana.  For example in the “Resolution of the Medical Use of Marijuana,” the rabbis (and the Women for Reform Judaism) overwhelmingly taut the benefits of medical marijuana.  This article from Reform Judaism Magazine might be of interest to you as well about its use from the perspective of a Jewish doctor.

Reform Jews believe that all should be done to remove one’s pain or illness (may that be physical or psychological), but that we should not take advantage of drugs that we do not need.  

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How do Reform Jews feel about sex before marriage?

Obviously a contentious issue, we can see the evolution of Reform Jewish thought throughout time via the CCAR Responsas (many are linked here, i highly recomend skimming through them!)

Some of the earliest rabbinic responsa are from the 1970s and 1980s. In “Jewish Attitude Towards Sexual Relations Between Consenting Adults,“ the rabbis prohibit casual sexual relationships and make mention that those who are engaged (to be married) probably also should not engage in sexual intimacy (personally, I think that this is left vague for a reason).  

A few years later in 1984, a fascinating study appeared regarding the language on a ketuba (Jewish wedding contract) referring to the bride as a “virgin” (although she may or may not be a virgin) in “Virginity and the Ketuba”. The rabbis rule that this is an archaic wording choice and that “it would be wise either to refrain from any kind of designation of status for the woman in the ketubah“.  Ultimately, the rabbis understood that not all couples are virgins on their wedding night.  

In the responsa: “Long-Term, Non-Marital Relationships,” the rabbis argue flat out that “marriage should be the goal for our sexuality” because “it is within marriage that the sexual union finds its true home of kedushah” (holiness).  Although the rabbis are not condemning premarital sex, in this instance they argue its aid in creating a marriage.

The latest responsa regarding sexuality (similar to the examples above) comes in the form of the Reform Movement’s commitment to Sex Education in the “Resolution on Sex Education” in 2001.  Again, it does not condemn premarital sex, but encourages comprehensive sex education.  

Ultimately, it seems to me that the CCAR promotes healthy relationships between couples.  Although they do not condemn premarital sex in the later responsas, one can infer that they are hoping to form positive Jewish relationships that will become marriages.  

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Is evolution combatable with Judaism?

Absolutely! Although some more traditional Jews would disagree, I firmly believe that God can only fit within a framework that includes scientific discovery.  Evolution and the Big Bang Theory fit very cleanly into my own theology as I do not believe that the entire Torah was “from Sinai,” thus not entirely Divine.  We have too much evidence that suggests that the Torah was written by various human sources.  

That isn’t to say that there aren’t certain Divine sections.  But who is to say which sections were or weren’t written by God?  

Our Creation accounts  (Genesis 1 and 2) are extremely important as teaching tools, but not necessarily as accurate scientific understandings of the creation of the world. These two accounts were most likely, originally oral stories that taught people how the world functioned, for example why snakes slither and have a split tongue.  

Our ancestors were so curious about how the world was created and functioned on a daily basis.  It is incredible that now we are still trying to understand the origins of life and the universe and that we can continue their vision of understanding how it all works.

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What is Zionism? What is Progressive Zionism?

Zionism is the desire for the Jewish people to have peaceful, sovereignty and/or autonomy in their historic, ancient homeland.  Zionism is an ancient tradition that lives in Jewish liturgy and literature that only became a reality for the Jewish people in the 18th - 20th centuries.   Zionism can be considered a political force, a social force and/or a religious force.

Just like there are many ways to understand various political issues in any country, there is a spectrum of what it means to be a Zionist in the 21st century.  From radical left-wing, right-wing to centrist opinions, there is a tangled political web of different ideas regarding Israeli politics just like those that exist in other countries.

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Isn’t Zionism racist?  

It is not racist to argue for the existence of a Jewish State with a Jewish majority, with laws based on Jewish values, and where holidays and Shabbat are honored.  It is an antisemitic statement to argue any different.

But that being said, it is important that we continue to use our voices against the furthering of the Occupation.  It is clear that we have two nations living in Israel/Palestine.  One could very easily argue that ethnic cleansing is a tremendous component to the Occupation- and the rhetoric that claims that Israel has the sovereign right to the entire land mass is troubling for the future of the Palestinians, the Democratic character of Israel, and the destruction of Jewish values in the Jewish State.  Although Israel does need to defend herself against terror and bigotry, it is important that we reach a solid solution.  The only solution is some form of a two-state solution.  But to get there, we have a lot of work to do.

Zionism is not racist because the Jewish people deserve sovereign control in their historic homeland, just like the Germans, the French and the Turks all have sovereignty in their historic homelands.  The Palestinians ALSO deserve that same dignity.  The core tenet of Zionism (being free in our homeland) must be extended to our Palestinian brothers and sisters.

There are many paths to peace and several end solutions, but my favorite solution is the Confederation model. It is not a true one-state nor two-state solution AND its building blocks require Israelis and Palestinians to find common grounding and humility in one another.

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How does one deal with people that argue that Israel does not have a right to exist and that they stole land from Palestinians?

This is an incredibly important issue that I have a lot of trouble with.  For me, I see two options to your question:

1. Prove Israel’s right to exist using historical information.  Explain to them how the destruction of the 1st Temple (586 BCE), the 2nd Temple (70 CE) and the final expulsion following the Bar Kochba Rebellion (135 CE) transformed Jewish life.  Describe various persecutions throughout our history in the diaspora and our longing to return to our ancient homeland so that we could live a peaceful life.  Discuss how the early immigrants to the Yeshuv purchased land from Ottoman landowners in swampy, infertile areas.

But don’t lie about issues on both sides of the “Conflict” and be extremely transparent about how you feel about the issues and beautiful accomplishments of both sides.

But I warn you: this option can be dangerous. Sadly, there are people on both sides of the Conflict who are very extreme in their views.  For instance, there are some people who only look to the American media (which usually poorly describes the conflict) and view Israel as horrific people.  There are so many arrogant people in the world who do not understand the plight of the Jews or the history of the State of Israel.  But on the other side of the coin, there are those who want to build the Third Temple on the Temple Mount, thus destroying Muslim Holy Sites.  There are those that want there to be a 1-State solution resulting in the displacement of the entire Palestinian population living in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza or a 1-State solution resulting in the displacement of the entirety of Israel.  

There are extremes on both sides that are very scary.

2. This option is the more difficult one, but it is the one in which you stay out of the conversation because your spirit is more important than their ignorance. But for some people who are extreme, this may have to be the answer unfortunately.

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Why is learning Hebrew important?  Where can I learn Hebrew?

Hebrew is the ancient language of the Jewish people.  Not only is it a language of the State of Israel, but also the Hebrew Bible, Jewish prayer and much of Jewish literature.  Once you begin learning Hebrew, you begin to unlock the meaning behind who we are as a people.

·       How to learn Hebrew (MyJewishLearning)

Beginner

·       Hebrew letter chart

·       Learning how to write the Hebrew Alphabet

·       Cartoon Hebrew Letters (fun resource for learning your letters)

·       Hebrew vowels

·       Learn how to read Hebrew online

·       The Aleph Beit Song (Debbie Friedman)

Advanced

·       Duolingo now has Hebrew!

·       Hebrew Learning Masterpost

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What is Birthright and how can I sign up?

Birthright is a free, 10-day trip to Israel for young adults between the ages of 18 and 26.  On the trip, participants have a chance to explore the country while also understanding their Jewish identities as emerging Jewish adults.  Almost all Birthright trips go to the following locations:  the Old City of Jerusalem and the Western Wall, Yad Vashem- Israel’s memorial of the Holocaust, Tel Aviv, the Mystical City of Tzfat, Masada, and the Golan Heights.

Participants for Birthright trips must have at least one Jewish birth parent, was raised Jewish or must have had a formal conversion through one of the major Jewish denominations.

According to their website:

The Birthright Israel gift is open to all Jewish* young adults, ages 18 to 26 who have not participated on a peer educational trip since they turned 18 nor lived in Israel past the age of 12.*Eligible individuals are those who identify as Jewish and are recognized as such by their local community or by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism. Applicants must also have at least one Jewish birth parent, or have completed Jewish conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination. PLEASE NOTE: Those applying for trips leaving from the Former Soviet Union are eligible if they have at least one Jewish birth grandparent. The accuracy of information pertaining to the heritage of an applicant for a trip leaving from the Former Soviet Union is also verified by a local Consul before an applicant is considered eligible.            

If you would like to read some more Frequently Asked Questions, please feel free to check this page out.      

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What expenses does Birthright cover?

Birthright covers everything: a round-trip flight, two meals per day, museum fees etc.

The real question is: what do will you need to pay for? (btw it is all completely worth it!

There is a $250 refundable deposit (upon return to the states)

You will have to pay for 1 meal per day (typically around $10-$15). The only exception is on Shabbat.

Money for souvenirs

Money for snacks and extra food

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Can converts take advantage of Birthright?

Yep!  Assuming they have finished their conversion by the trip and are between the ages of 18-26, a Jew-by-Choice is eligible!

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I’m thinking about conversion.  Where do I begin?

Before contacting a rabbi, I would personally explore and learn as much as you can.  One of the best books on conversion is:  “Choosing a Jewish Life” by Anita Diamant.  There are several free resources online that I highly recommend checking out as well (below).  As always, please feel free to ask me as many questions as you might have.

·         “10 Things to Know Before Conversion”

·       Some recommended reading    

·       “Branches of Judaism”

·       “A Brief History of the Jewish People”      

·       How to pick a Hebrew name

·       When can I call myself a Jew?

·       How do I convert officially?

·       What does a Rabbi expect a convert to know before converting?

·       There isn’t a Synagogue near me, what do I do?

·       What is Reform Judaism?

·       “What to Expect at a Reform Shabbat Service”  

·       A non-Jew attending Shabbat Services

·       Various advice on Conversion

·       How can I convert if I don’t agree with the government of Israel?

·       LGBTQ people in the Reform Movement

·       Conversion for a non-binary person

If you send me a direct message, I would love to help you further with locating a Synagogue to begin conversations with a rabbi or cantor who can help guide you.

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Are Jewish communities welcoming to converts?

Absolutely.  Not only are we welcoming, but we do not see a difference between a person born a Jew and a person who converted.  If anything, we are in awe of the passion and love for Judaism that our convert friends have!

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About how long does it take to convert?

Although every community is different, it will typically take someone anywhere between a year and two years in the Progressive world.

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Where can I learn about the different branches of Judaism?

  Modern Orthodox (The Orthodox Union)

  Conservative Judaism (The United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism)

  Reconstructionist Judaism

  Reform Judaism (The Union for Reform Judaism)

The World Union for Progressive Judaism (representing all Reform and Reconstructionist Congregations around the world)

“ReformJudaism.org” is a fabulous resource

Religious Action Center, the “social justice hub” of the Reform Movement

  Humanistic Judaism

  Jewish Renewal