judaism

The Quest

The Quest

Conversion to any religion is an awesome decision demanding extensive soul-searching and thought. Changing one's faith has profound implications from Above and below.Couples who deem spirituality, worship and religious devotion of high importance, often endure much stress in choosing a common expression of faith. Strong-willed people with sound religious sentiments do not compromise easily, nor should they be compelled to do so. It is far better to go through this "soul-searching" in the early
community conversion
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
A Twisted Thing: An Interfaith Story

A Twisted Thing: An Interfaith Story

Issue of the week #5 Note: The following letter was sent to us by a visitor to our site in response to an earlier "issue". We invite others to share their viewpoints with us. The pasuk (verse) says: A twisted thing cannot be straightened, and that which is missing cannot be numbered. (Koheles 1:15). My story is a different sort of an interfaith story. It does not include struggling with the December dilemma or deciding whether the children should go to church or temple, or Christmas trees and
christian interfaith
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Respect

Respect

Dear Rebbe, I have a story for you. The following letter was sent to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson ZT'L Exactly ten years ago, I met my soulmate. Without going into great detail about our religious backgrounds, I will simply tell you that I was raised a Protestant and later joined Catholicism, and that my partner in life was raised agnostic but was born Jewish. Each of us had undergone great trials in our personal lives and had each sought God in our own way. For two year
jews judaism
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Inside Hollywoods Hottest Cult - The Kaballah Center: Part Four

Inside Hollywoods Hottest Cult - The Kaballah Center: Part Four

How did a family of middle class mystics end up with matching mansions in Beverly Hills? Our final installment examines how the Kabbalah Centre is pouring millions into a network of businesses controlled by the Bergs and their minions. The public image of the Kabbalah Centre is a mishmash of celebrities, $26 red string bracelets, and bottled water imbued with curative powers. But there is another side to the organization the public never sees. In the last part of our series about the Kabbalah C
hollywood judaism
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
5 Surprising Facts About Judaism

5 Surprising Facts About Judaism

What are some of the facts about Judaism that we don't know. Let's find out. 1. We are meant to savor the pleasures of the world: The Jerusalem Talmud says that God will take us to task for not partaking in permissible pleasures of this world ((Kiddushin, 4:12)). God didn't put the delights of this world here to tease us. Enjoy that hot fudge sundae, but do it mindfully, like a connoisseur, savoring each mouthful. That way you’re controlling the physical and it’s not controlling you. Towards
judaism surprising facts
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
My Journey Home to Judaism - Part 1

My Journey Home to Judaism - Part 1

This is part 1 of the 11 part series on the writer’s journey back to Judaism. For the other parts, read this. Casey Kasem played on the radio.  His smooth voice announcing this week’s Top 40 hits on the New York radio.  It was the 1980s and Madonna and Michael Jackson ruled the airways. The countdown was always left on a cliffhanger as we pulled up to Reform Temple, my Long Island congregation where I attended each week with my big sisters.  Styled in the poshest outfit my mom could dig out of
journey home to judaism judaism
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
My Journey Home to Judaism - Part 2

My Journey Home to Judaism - Part 2

This is part 2 of the 11 part series on the writer’s journey back to Judaism. For the other parts, read this. Fast forward . . . It was finally Bat Mitzvah day!  Like every Long Island girl of the 80’s I styled my hair in a three-inch fan that would that would make Aqua net proud.  Words of Torah were read, the family celebrated and tears were shed, of how this little girl was now becoming a woman. We played limbo and danced, danced, danced at the local restaurant that proudly displayed a lob
conversion journey home to judaism
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz