Living with the Host Majority
Two experiences in the past three days remind me that we are so in the cultural/religious minority.
Seeing my hat, the barista greets me.
Barista: Hello Raa-bee?
{{Raa-bee?? Really?}}
FrumeSarah: It’s Rabbi.
Barista: Is that your name?
{{Come on…my name? Really??}}
FS: It’s my title.
**********************
While fixing my computer, the tech guy tries his hand at small-talk.
Tech Guy: So what is it that you guys do here.
FrumeSarah: It’s a synagogue.{{{Silence}}}
FS: You know. Like a church. But for Jews.
********************
It just gets so tiresome. Having to explain. Guess this is why Beernut tells people that his parents force him to go to “Christian” school.
Which is why I am such an advocate for JewCamp. Providing an environment where our kids are in the majority, rather than in the minority, is a precious gift.
Forty-one days and counting…
Frume Sarah is Shabbos-observant -- in a Reform way, that is. Please note that from Friday afternoons until one hour after sundown on Saturday evenings, Frume Sarah will be unavailable, in observance of the Jewish Sabbath.
Comments made during this time will be held in a queue, to be moderated afterwards.
Thank you for your understanding...and gut Shabbos!!! 
Frume Sarah's World 
My mom calls it Jew Church.
It’s all good.
Oh my. Really?? Is she ready for this week???
Yep – got asked by a friend “are you still really active at your church?” I just said yes, easier than explaining.
Yeah, I usually don’t bother correcting people. There are times that I just don’t feel like getting into it.
“Raa-bee… Is that your name?” Priceless. And who goes into a synagogue and says, “What is it that you guys do here?” I agree – it gets tiresome!!
The computer tech guy who got a work order from his boss. That’s who.
I was being sarcastic… I knew it was the computer guy. The downside to blogging/e-mailing, etc. is that it can’t pick up inflection. 🙂
I was being sarcastic too 🙂
A few years ago I was at Rite Aid looking for Hanukkah wrap but couldn’t find any so I asked someone working there where it was. He checked with his manager then came back and told me Hanukkah had been discontinued. I began explaining that Hanukkah was a holiday and was obviously NOT discontinued but then I just gave up.
I seem to recall you sharing that story. Discontinued…harumph!
{{ahem}}
How about commin’ over here and being part of the host majority?
Easier said than done. PC is not (yet) an ardent Zionist. He’s more like a beginning Zionist.
One day… Bs”D
I have had some joyful discussions courtesy of the majority.
I can only imagine…
An article was recently written in a local newspaper about our rabbi who marked 20 years leading our congregation. He spent the entire day with him and went on to write a piece that described us as a church and not a synagogue. Even his editor didn’t catch it! Now, when reporters from secular papers come in to talk to us, we make it a point to say that these words are not interchangeable! At least we can make sure it is on public record and in the papers correctly – even if we have to deal with things like this in our personal lives.
Wow. I mean…wow.
Truth be told I always LOVED being in the minority. I relished opportunities to educate my friends. It made me feel like I was in on some great secret, a member of an elite club. I wonder as the girls grow up whether I (and/or they) will feel the same…
Interesting.
It isn’t that I mind being in the minority. I am just regularly shocked as to the cultural ignorance.
Amen about JewCamp. I love the description that Jewish summer camp is like Hogwarts. It’s where we realize that there are lots of other people *just like us* and that is an awesome feeling.
All kids should go. Seriously. 27 days til my oldest is a CAMPER!
It’s like Hogwarts. But with GaGa instead of quidditch 🙂
as a Jew in Utah – well, I hear you.
I can only imagine….
thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave your thoughts 🙂
so excited to be going to camp with you guys again!! i can’t believe it’s so soon!
I know 🙂 Yay!!!
To bad there’s no JewCamp for adults… I’d be the first to sign up!
But there is! Last year, I went to Club Getaway (http://pepgiraffe.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html) for a weekend away. It’s basically camp for adults. I went on the trapeze, a zip line, tennis lessons, swing dancing lessons, hiking, etc. And two weekends a year, they do a J Weekend.
you handled yourself well in both situations. those moments can be, well– tiring i guess is the right word. my favorite experience with that? “so, what *do* you guys do for christmas?” *sigh* go jew-camp! 🙂
I remember (from 40 years ago) how tiring it is to be in the minority. You have a choice though, one that our people didn’t have for 2000 years. Come home to Israel and you will be in the host majority.