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July 07, 2005
Seraphic Blogosphere
There's a wonderful article in World Jewish Digest by Seraphic Friend, Sarah Bronson. She writes about Jewish blogs and has some nice things to say about Seraphic Secret. Thank you, Sarah.
Sarah also mentions a few other terrific blogs which I regularly read: Renegade Rebbetzin is a particular favorite of mine. My mother, AH, was a reluctant rebbetzin, and thus most everything Renegade writes strikes a chord.
By the way, Sarah Bronson has one of the best blogs around. In Chayyei Sarah, she writes with great honesty and elegance about living in Israel, being Orthodox and single, and unlike moi, Sarah is perfectly willing to admit when she is utterly confused about politics and does not have all the answers. A rarity in the Jewish blogosphere.
Also mentioned by Sarah is On the Fringe written by a self-described "tallit-and-tefillin-wearing woman in a traditional Conservative synagogue?! An unorthodox—and non-orthodox—perspective on Jews and Judaism from a perpetual misfit. This blog, welcoming the entire Jewish community, is dedicated to those who take Judaism seriously, but not necessarily literally." Whew.
Sarah highlights an anonymous blog written by a Jewish man who is trying to extricate himself from his ultra-Orthodox heritage. Da'as Hedyot authors a vivid piece about dancing in a mixed crowd. Don't miss his description of a frum girl who is not quite comfortable in her own skin.
A fascinating blog that I recently came across is written by the anonymous semgirl. She's 19-years-old, from South Jersey and anxious to share all her "nisoynos, challenges, and experiences, both positive and negative." Her language is unvarnished teenage-speak, which is to say, raw and honest. Be prepared for some frank discussion about where the frum kids in Monsey go to "French Kiss" -- Carlton Road.
Another blog that has captured my attention recently is margaritagirrl or From Williamsburg to Boro Park and Beyond. This young woman is, well, an original. Don't miss her post: Beauty or the Beast Revisited. It is one of the funniest He/She scenarios I have ever read. If my instincts are correct, this talented blogger has a book just busting to get out. I sincerely hope that Margaritagirrl will write it and send it to us here at Seraphic Press.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at July 7, 2005 08:10 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
Read the Beauty or the Beast Revisited...very clever...even for this "reformed" Jew...had to look up a few words...but, hey, I'm coming along!
Posted by: randi at July 7, 2005 09:54 AM
YOUR blog is at the top of my list. When your site was first recommended to me the recommender wasn't sure if I was ready for the raw emotional intensity you present. But that is what I appreciate most here. Thank you for this post. And thank you for the steady stream of honesty.
Posted by: rabbifleischmann at July 7, 2005 09:56 AM
Rabbi Fleischmann, I concur...Robert's blog is an emotional gift to all of us who read it. By the way, read your entry regarding your name...I know how you feel...having the name Randi, I've been called Mister, more times than I can count!
Posted by: Randi at July 7, 2005 10:08 AM
Rabbi Fleischmann, thanks so much for your kind words. I enjoy your blog too. I should have mentikoned it but I have been collecting blogs by Rabbis and am going to post it then.
Randi, you are definitely not a mister!
Posted by: Robert Avrech at July 7, 2005 12:06 PM
Thanks for the link to my blog and nice words about my article. I appreciate it.
Posted by: Sarah at July 10, 2005 06:59 AM
Thanks for the special mention.
Your blog has some of the most touching and heartfelt writing I've ever read.
Warmest wishes.
Posted by: The Hedyot at July 11, 2005 02:07 PM
Dear Hedyot:
Thanks so much. Keep up your fine work.
Posted by: Robert at July 11, 2005 02:11 PM
Thanks for the mention.
I hope you'll keep blogging about how you and your wife got together. The Punster and I were shul friends for so long before we started dating that we literally can't remember when we first met.
Posted by: Shira Salamone at July 15, 2005 03:37 PM
Don't worry, we will continue to blog the How I Married Karen Series. Judging by hits we get, it is very popular.
Posted by: Robert at July 15, 2005 03:50 PM
Just found this now via Google... Thanks for the plug..
Posted by: semgirl at September 10, 2005 09:09 PM