Sorta related: We had a meeting yesterday to discuss titling a previously unpublished A. W. Tozer book on worship. I suggested The Chief End of Man, referencing the Westminster Catechism, and there were audible gasps. “Aly, you’re a feminazi! How could you suggest something so totally sexist?”

“Um…anyone who picks up a Tozer book and expects gender inclusiveness is a knucklehead, and anyone who doesn’t pick up a Tozer book because he’s not inclusive is a bigger knucklehead.”

So Gretchen were you offended by him refusing to?

I’m not convinced it was his religious reservation that made him refuse to shake Gretchen’s hand. Did you guys have ribs for dinner at BB Kings on Citywalk? Maybe Gretchen needs a manicure?

Don’t be so quick to judge his religious choice. Your wife’s hands just might have been covered in barbecue sauce. It’s quite a common mistake, Mike.

thanks Zack. Always the sensitive one.

I don’t think “offended” was my first response, more just surprise. I hadn’t thought, just reacted “normally”, and then felt very out of place. It was a strange feeling. I realized how long I’ve been comfortable in the “dominant culture” if you will, and surrounded by thousands of Orthodox Jews, I was very aware of being different. It was a good experience for me. I think I need to become more sensitive.

I felt a similar sort of awkwardness when some distant relatives from Sweden came to visit Christy’s parents. There we all (Americans) were, pigging out at Souplantation, while these two guys had tiny portions of food on their plate…when it came time for birthday dessert, they refused saying they, “didn’t like sweets”. (GASP!)

I suddenly became extremely self-conscious…for my whole civilization…

Well…in my head it seemed like more of a match.
So, did anyone catch Blade Runner: The Final Cut at theaters recently?

I have often gone to Canters Deli and other places right around the temples in LA, and every time I see hundreds of Orthodox Jews, but never really paid attention. This makes me realize I probably should be more sensitive. With all the times I have seen them not once have I really realized how different I am, or they are. I have noticed the obvious like their dress, but none of the cultural differences.

(sung in a low voice)

“BBQ sauce…”

Only 8 days until the BBQ sauce flows like milk and honey.

I went through a major Chaim Potok phase when I was in college so I’m familiar with that particular law, though I probably still would have forgotten myself and stuck my hand out. A reflexive friendly action does not a social boob make, IMO.

Aly, (quick subject change) did they actually call you a feminazi? Wow - seriously distressing association there. I know it’s pretty prolific, but I’m mystified why people think it’s OK to use the term…

They also call me Pinko. I’m pretty sure they mean it affectionately.

Oh, good. Calmed me right down.

What? Pink is loverly color; any chick should be glad to be called pink! I thought you gals loved that!

[laughing] Mike…

Now I have to watch Fiddler on the roof again. TRADITION!

I’m pretty sure the guy in the photo was Santa Claus at the Victor Valley Mall last year.

I’ve never really heard of a Jewish Santa, but…. I guess that’s why they call it the diaspora.

I wonder if this guy bought his carbon offset for this years hanukkia candles.

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1195546797524&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull

I twitch when I hear the word “gals”.

Phil, that’s a pretty histrionic article, on both sides of the argument. Where do you find this stuff?