"Jewish Women...Dirrty?" - Jew in the City, Episode 5

[stars1836]

great message, and great way to refresh the relationship while focusing on other areas like communication between the two

[truelie2011]

Good Video!!!

[RoxyRocksChannel]

I have a question. I know that Orthodox Jews do not touch members of the opposite sex unless they are married or part of their immediate family. I have Orthodox cousins who will hug me when they see me and stuff but I have this one cousin who is not any more Orthodox than my other cousins and he doesn't ever touch or hug me. Does this not count for cousins? P.S. I am not Orthodox. I am Jewish, though.

[jewinthecity]

@RoxyRocksChannel good question! So technically we don't hug people who are not in our immediate family - the cousin that doesn't hug is doing the most correct thing. But what ends up happening, practically speaking, a lot of times is that religious family members are afraid of offending the non-religious family members, so they hug them even though they probably shouldn't. there's an idea that you can shake someone's hand to not embarrass them. (i don't THINK this applies to hugging though).

[32Avraham]

Thank you for your videos. The world would be better off if we were to follow these instructions. In my research of Judaism, I hear much about obligation and requirements. What I read in the Torah is that we observe mitzvos out of love for Hashem. Ask yourself, would I want my children to heed my instruction because they are obligated to do so or because they love me and want to please me? I am a father and can tell you I would prefer the latter. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Basram]

I've always liked the jewish philosophy, but it's really hard to meet jewish women :S I'd love to get in contact with one and learn more about the jewish religion. I'm a swedish man, age 20 :)

[MinnieMouse1975]

Ok I understand your explanation but why is it that if I go into a shop and an orthodox Jewish male is behing the counter, he won't place the change in my hand but on the counter, and when I deal with most orthodox Jewish male patients at work (in a hospital) they won't shake my hand?

[jewinthecity]

@MinnieMouse1975 what you're referring to is called "shomer negia," There's a Torah law that prohibits touching members of the opposite sex in an affectionate way, outside of one's immediate family, lest the touching lead to something more. Different communities have slightly different standards of what kind of touching is considered OK (in my circles people shake hands with a person who has extended a hand as to not embarrass him or her).

[stars1836]

To have a break for a short time is definitely a good way to refresh the relationship. Plus it's a time the couple can work on other things like just communicating and listening or going a date for dinner etc. And it allows the woman to have her space when she needs it

[rudabeh]

I observe Niddah. Most Sephardic/Mizrachi women seem to, at least in my circle of friends and acquaintances.

[BigJalapeno]

I'm Sephardic, and I'm just learning at the moment, I have to thank you for this videos, you throw some knowledge in 2 minutes when if you ask a Rabbi he'll take at least 4-5 hours explaining the same thing lol. you're good! keep them coming!

[ThumbsUPifUMakeMeLOL]

... which is pretty hard to do these days! - I guess you could say that I'm ALWAYS on a quest to find the "absolute"... the reason(s) behind the reasons, if you will ... (whatever that is). - I'm sorry for ranting... I just really wanted to know if it's inappropriate to want to do a "spiritual/purity" Mikvah... even though I'm NOT Jewish? - I've been doing some research the last few days and it sounds like a truly beautiful experience.  : )

[jewinthecity]

@ThumbsUPifUMakeMeLOL you should look into the Noahide laws, that might answer your question. Mikvah is not required of you, but it might be permissable to do.

[ThumbsUPifUMakeMeLOL]

Is it considered "disrespectful" to want to do/try a Mikvah.. if you're not Jewish? I was raised Catholic, but it's been probably 10+ years since I've stepped foot into any church. - I find myself to be "somewhat" lost in what belief(s) I want to stand behind 100%. ... I'm pretty open to many religions/belief systems out there... though I've found it extremely hard really dial in + focus on any ONE. - Mainly, I want to believe in what expresses the most love + peace for everyone ....(cont'd)

[bennettcullen]

@ThumbsUPifUMakeMeLOL i also thought about that!

[gilkich]

Caught this vid by accident - funny and good.

[leilarojas]

..."we've been programmed by society to believe that the greatest excitment come from no rules or regulations but if you think about it, it's only when you combine freedom along with restrain that a true desire can be created"... good words, I will post it on my facebook status

[JGT318]

This is the 2nd of your videos I have watched. Very entertaining and informative. I'm not Jewish at all, I'm an African American southern girl. I love learning about people because when we take the time to learn about each other, we get rid of ignorance and prejudice. Thank you again.

[Theblackbarbie698]

judaism is an intresting religion how do u just become a jew like in muzlim religion u have to say these words.?

[jewinthecity]

@Theblackbarbie698 converting to Judaism is pretty involved. Anyone can do it, but it requires years of studying, agreeing to perform all the commandments, and an immersion in a mikvah (or ritual bath).

[Theblackbarbie698]

@jewinthecity good :)if u dont mind me asking what made u drawn to the jewish religion ?

[jewinthecity]

@Theblackbarbie698 I was born Jewish, but didn't have too much knowledge of it (like your average Jew), but an existential crisis at the age of 8 made me wonder what the meaning of life was. I never thought I'd find worthwhile answers within in Judaism, but I happened to meet some Orthodox Jews as a teenager who started teaching me about the Jewish perspective on these issues and the more I learned the more sense it made.

[Theblackbarbie698]

@jewinthecity intresting :)

[luckypennyshine]

thank you so much, I finally know how to explain this practice to my pessimistic friends!

[HAZIDEAD]

Words of wisdom passed in a light-hearted manner. Very positive and successful way of passing a message. God bless.

[primadonna101]

I really enjoy these segments! They're so succint, funny, and intelligent.

[Rudziewicz]

@primadonna101 Me too!

[videomission]

G*d has always had the best ideas. haha! Such a smart fellow. :)

[queskribes]

It does make sense when you think about it, but people often just assume things, which is when they get everything wrong!

[steelfury455]

hmm...im non religious but found this one practice very interesting. it makes total sense, especially the "desire" part in the end you mentioned. i may try this.

[flowernesta]

I LOVE YOUr VIDEOS , keep up the good work. your videos must take a lot of time? thanks kisses from sweden

[snaillady]

Mmm. I'm not Jewish at all but a Christian. I just stumbled on your videos and just wanted to say [though i weirdly never ever comment] how interesting I found it!

Hope you continue on! Your maturity and confidence is inspirational!

[lexka222]

that was a really good video.

[y2rock]

I love your videos.

I wish more Jewish girls would be so connected yet so down to earth.

And SOAP is most certainly used (right before), and should be! Other wise you'll be physically dirty and spiritually (why should someone have too use a Mikva that was used by an unclean person.)

But I got your drift, and I love it.

[swim888]

This explains a lot.

[stars1836]

great video I heard that the reason why a person is spiritually impure during her monthly is b/c a potential life just dropped. But on the bright side though, a new embriyo can start again.

I agree that the separation during this time helps the couple to refresh their marriage and bring back the spark

[ronennachman770]

You're doing an amazing job breaking stereotypes that are associated with the orthodox Jewish world.

This is indeed a most important task.

May G-d Almighty bless you to continue to put out these videos and in everything that you do.

[rivpom]

agreed. and you do a pretty good job yourself!

[codej0]

More! More! More! People need to be educated on these and many other aspects of Orthodox Judaism.

[gotveggieoil]

It may also have something to do with the fertile period that is about 14 days after the start of a womens "cleansing" cycle.

I love your videos (even though I am Catholic).

[VlaDude91]

This was great, as a Reform Jew, it's very interesting to understand Orthodox Jews' perspectives on life

[b5kalad]

Good points all the way around.