Cut Rate Mohel
Conversion & the story of Sarai and Hagar
What does Ivanka Trump, Elizabeth Taylor, Patriots great Andre Tippet, and Sammy Davis, Jr. all have in common? That's right, they all converted to the chosen people, and that's the topic for our discussion today...conversion.
We'll talk about how things may have gone a lot more smoothly for G-d's chosen people if they had tried recruiting more, why so few people who start the conversion process end up completing it, the court that decides your Jewish fate, why Ruth converted, and why yes, if uncut men convert, they still have to get their tip snipped.
As for the Parsha this week, for the sake of continuity, we'll discuss why circumcision is so important, the somewhat messed story of Sarai and Hagar, and the birth of Ishmael.
This week's Parsha covers, Genesis 16:1–17:16
Distinct lack of Charlotte in Sex in the City converts! And she stays even when her engagement is on the rocks
Thank you for the lovely words for the converts. I forwarded this to a good friend who converted a few years ago (conservative, female, no bris involved but still a huge commitment in time and effort, and looks to me like a pretty thankless position). She’s a big ChayaLeah fan from AAJ but somehow didn’t know about EdJEWcation, so you have a new listener. I’ve pointed out to her a few times post-October 7 “see, being Jewish isn’t cool, do you regret your decision” and she just looks at me like I’m an idiot 🙃