My new Jewish neighbor

[Hærfest Leah]

Well one of my christian neighbors knows were Pagan and because shes studied it she could care less. Rachels nice like that it seems. Now I have met the wife of one of my husbands coworkers who lives behind us. She's 10 yrs or so older than I I think. But we have begun talking and she is going to watch the kids for us on Saturday so hubby and I can go to 6 flags and have fun together for once. Last night she stopped by and when we were talking she mentioned she was jewish. Has been all her life I think. I have no problem with that but she doesn't know we're Pagan. I have a big wreath with a pentacle on it hanging in our livingroom that you can't miss when here so I'm sure shes seen it since shes been here twice. I already feel the question will come up and I plan on being honest, I just hope she doesn't react badly. I have my fingers crossed.

[SacredWithin]

Well Seapearls, it seems you've already got it cut out for you. As they say, "Honesty is the best policy" and "Don't ask, don't tell". Just go with those. :)

[AmbivalentMirage]

Mmm... the reaction depends on the individual and their sect of Judaism. For the most part, the Jews that I know, do not mind Paganism... they simply do not agree with all of its beliefs. As long as you're not trying to be Jewish and Pagan at the same time, I don't see a particular problem. (not that this isn't acceptable in certain circles - but Conservative/Orthodox situations are not so open-minded). Now, if they are Orthodox Jewish, there may be considerations I am not aware of. I am sure they might have questions, but I think everything will be fine. :)

[Pure Ahimsa]

Mmm... the reaction depends on the individual and their sect of Judaism. For the most part, the Jews that I know, do not mind Paganism... they simply do not agree with all of its beliefs. As long as you're not trying to be Jewish and Pagan at the same time, I don't see a particular problem. (not that this isn't acceptable in certain circles - but Conservative/Orthodox situations are not so open-minded). Now, if they are Orthodox Jewish, there may be considerations I am not aware of. I am sure they might have questions, but I think everything will be fine. :)

I am both Pagan and Jewish (by culture and spirituality). I used to be a Conservative, but now I like the Jewish Renewalist movement. :wave:

[BlueMoon13]

I agree, I think everything will be fine. Since she's volunteering to babysit on Saturday, she's PROBABLY not Orthodox......and......I can give you a bitchin' recipe for kugel (sweet noodle pudding) that will alleviate any concerns (the way to the heart is throught the tastebuds) _twohorns_

[Pure Ahimsa]

Well one of my christian neighbors knows were Pagan and because shes studied it she could care less. Rachels nice like that it seems. Now I have met the wife of one of my husbands coworkers who lives behind us. She's 10 yrs or so older than I I think. But we have begun talking and she is going to watch the kids for us on Saturday so hubby and I can go to 6 flags and have fun together for once. Last night she stopped by and when we were talking she mentioned she was jewish. Has been all her life I think. I have no problem with that but she doesn't know we're Pagan. I have a big wreath with a pentacle on it hanging in our livingroom that you can't miss when here so I'm sure shes seen it since shes been here twice. I already feel the question will come up and I plan on being honest, I just hope she doesn't react badly. I have my fingers crossed.

Most Jews that I have talked with about my Pagan beliefs are confused. "How can you be two religions at once?". Once I explain that I believe all Paths lead to the same Divine, they agree. Every Rabbi and Hebrew Teacher that I have came across accepted my beleifs, and I am still recognized as a member of Judaism by the Orthodox Congregation of London. Just explain your beliefs, and they will probably understand. In Hebrew School, once, we got a paper by a Rabbi about tatoos.
"Have no pagan symbols on your body, if you even dare to destroy your body". I wrote the guy and petitioned it as being a part of my school. _happydanc Once I explained to everyone they accpeted. Whereas in Sunday Schools they may be filled with anti-Pagan propaganda, Jews don't focus on converting others or bashing others, so don't worry. Though I cannot say this for all Jews. :crazyman:

[BrigidMoon]

I feel good about it :)

[Hærfest Leah]

I agree, I think everything will be fine. Since she's volunteering to babysit on Saturday, she's PROBABLY not Orthodox......and......I can give you a bitchin' recipe for kugel (sweet noodle pudding) that will alleviate any concerns (the way to the heart is throught the tastebuds) _twohorns_


I've never had Jewish food before and kugel on tv always looks good, I'll have to ask her what she makes and try some.

Thanks everyone else for your replies and input. I'll have to update if and when the topic arises with her and let you all know how it went.

[tensen]

I am both Pagan and Jewish (by culture and spirituality). I used to be a Conservative, but now I like the Jewish Renewalist movement. :wave:


Aye.. the fun thing with being Jewish...
I don't think you can stop being Jewish culturally...
20+ years of being pagan... and I still don't think it is possible.
However, I am not a Jew-witch. Since my religion is not Jewish in any way shape or form.

[tensen]

Most Jewish people don't have a problem with Pagans... it is mostly because the religion doesn't chose to tell other their beliefs. Jews are supposed to be responsible for their beliefs only. No need to convert people, since you are one of the chosen people. Most of those that would have problems with Pagans are the ones that have a problem with anyone not of their own level of Orthodoxy (meaning they'd bother you just as much as they would say a Reformed Jew).

[Silverfire Darkmoon]

If you're pagan and Jewish does that mean you're Druish?

[Valerie]

If the topic ever came up, I would simply say that I'm more spiritual than I am religious, and the Pentagram very much appeals to me because of what it represents - all the elements and each of them is connected with each other and with Spirit. ;)

[Djiril]

If you're pagan and Jewish does that mean you're Druish?
Where did the D come from? :huh:

[Hærfest Leah]

If the topic ever came up, I would simply say that I'm more spiritual than I am religious, and the Pentagram very much appeals to me because of what it represents - all the elements and each of them is connected with each other and with Spirit. ;)


That would be a very good reply, thankyou. She said the kids were decent enough for her yesterday. Good I guess if you consider they both acted their ages, LOL I will post about our 6 Flags day in another thread when I get time today. What a friggin let down from society that was, but we still had fun.

[Queenorivers]

have you told her yet?

[Hærfest Leah]

have you told her yet?

No, her and her husband left for a weeks trip to go see their new granddaughter. We plan to have dinner together when they get back. if it comes up then we'll see. I did ask her what Jewish dishes she makes that I'd like to try some and she sounded happy I was interested since she said shes put up with a lot of people not liking her because of her religion.

[Gen]

she sounded happy I was interested since she said shes put up with a lot of people not liking her because of her religion.

Something all too many pagans can relate to. :sniffsnif

I wonder if she knows how to make challah bread. Wouldn't that be wonderful for Lughnasadh?

[tensen]

If you're pagan and Jewish does that mean you're Druish?

Only if you are a Druid..
but no Druish princesses around here. only in spaceballs :)

[tensen]

Something all too many pagans can relate to. :sniffsnif

I wonder if she knows how to make challah bread. Wouldn't that be wonderful for Lughnasadh?

Thats my standard fare for it. Can't make the challah myself, but find a good Jewish bakery... definitely worth it.

[AmbivalentMirage]

Thats my standard fare for it. Can't make the challah myself, but find a good Jewish bakery... definitely worth it.

Mmmm.. challah. Now I want to bake!

By the way, tensen, you should try making challah. It's a beautiful experience that can be made into a wonderful ritual. If you'd like any tips or anything, let me know. I also have a really good recipe that I use. It's fool-resistant, that's why it works for me. ;) :lol:

Also, as tigerlad said, Judaism does not have an "evangelism" aspect to it. Conversions are always completely voluntary and are NOT easy to come by. (trust me...!)

[thirstforknowledge]

From my interaction with Jews, they are really liberal people. I doubt she will care, I've never found one Jew that has anything bad to say when it comes to people of other religions.

[Djiril]

Also, as tigerlad said, Judaism does not have an "evangelism" aspect to it. Conversions are always completely voluntary and are NOT easy to come by. (trust me...!)
Traditionally, potential converts are rejected the first three times they ask.

The only potential problem is what the Torah says about Pagans, which I am not as well versed in as I should be, but perhaps you should specify exactly what you believe to clear up any misunderstandings.

[Allegra2]

Well I don't know any Jew's personally, but I do know that unlike christians they don't really make a point of converting people, so at least that's one thing you won't have to worry about.

[Hærfest Leah]

Thanks for your opinions. I think you all may be right on how this will turn out. I don't have a good female friend local to go do stuff with and she already mentioned going shopping together so I'll take her up on that one, I need to go buy business clothes for going back to work here this fall.

[tensen]

Mmmm.. challah. Now I want to bake!

By the way, tensen, you should try making challah. It's a beautiful experience that can be made into a wonderful ritual. If you'd like any tips or anything, let me know. I also have a really good recipe that I use. It's fool-resistant, that's why it works for me. ;) :lol:

Also, as tigerlad said, Judaism does not have an "evangelism" aspect to it. Conversions are always completely voluntary and are NOT easy to come by. (trust me...!)

I tried making Challah once when I was much younger. I should probably like to try it again sometime.. so I'd be happy to see that recipe.

[AmbivalentMirage]

I tried making Challah once when I was much younger. I should probably like to try it again sometime.. so I'd be happy to see that recipe.

Wonderful! I will PM it to you later. :) :hugs:

[Hærfest Leah]

Oh I forgot to update you all on how her reaction was, just fine. She even tagged along with me at a luncheon for a local witch group one Sunday last month that I didn't want to go to alone and had no problems with it. We've become really good friends, but I don't think she has an interest in the craft. lol