Wendy Belzberg
By Wendy Belzberg
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Israel News We Should All Be Proud
Yes, I am a Jew, but why am I not called a Hebrew? In Israel, they speak, write and read Hebrew. In the Bible, our forefathers were Hebrews. Why aren’t we called Hebrew-Americans? — A Hebrew at heart According to Rabbi Harlan Wechsler of Manhattan’s Congregation Or Zarua, though the Bible on occasion refers to…
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News Scared Blind Date Might Lead to Pulpit Marriage
I am a 30-year-old single man. A friend of mine wants to set me up with a woman who is studying to become a rabbi. She sounds like a wonderful person in every way — bar the career she has chosen. When I asked her if she intended to teach, she informed me that she…
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Israel News You Are Entitled to Exactly What You Want
I am expecting my first child, and for medical reasons my doctor has already scheduled my delivery date. With no mystery about when the baby is coming, both sides of our family have already booked their plane tickets and are planning to show up en masse. I want to have some time alone with my…
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News Confronting In-Law’s Mean Streak
I converted to Judaism 12 years ago when I married my husband. Still, my mother-in-law never misses an opportunity to refer to me as “the shiksa.” Enough is enough. How do I let her know that her remarks are hurtful and offensive? — The convert’s lament If she weren’t your mother-in-law I might suggest responding…
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News Girlfriend-Pianist’s Lovesong Needs Tuning
— Looking for lessons For the past six months I have been dating a woman I am seriously considering marrying. She is an accomplished pianist, and I spend many evenings at her house listening to her play while I read. I thought it would be nice if I also learned to play. My girlfriend has…
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News Reading the Fine Print of Parental Authority
The sleep-away camp where we send our sons offers optional Friday-night Sabbath services. The camp director has asked me to let him know in advance if I would like my sons to attend. If I say yes, he will remove the word “optional” from my children’s schedule. I am torn about whether I should “force”…
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News How Far for Distant Relative?
A distant relative (the mother of my wife’s elderly uncle) — whom I have never met — recently died. My wife informs me that unless I travel to pay a shiva call, I will henceforth be looked at askance by her extended family. I have a very taxing job and have limited free time for…
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Israel News Don’t Make Your Groom Abandon China
My sister-in-law has generously offered to throw me a baby shower. I have always thought that, according to Judaism, baby showers are prohibited. Also, I thought I was supposed to wait until the birth to bring any baby gifts into my home. What is the proper etiquette, and how do I address this diplomatically with…
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