She Said Yes

Some guy in New York publicly proposes at the Israel Day parade. What? He couldn't afford the Jumbotron in Times Square? Very cute.

Sheitelheit 451

Over the past two weeks or so, a contraversy has arisen over whether sheitels (wigs) from India are made out of hair cut in an idol worshipping ceremony. Many Orthodox Jewish married women, for reasons of modesty, cover their hair with a hat, a snood, or a wig. This has led many women to stop wearing their wigs, or based on the recommendations of some rabbis, to burn them (just when you thought that Lag B'Omer was over). I heard of a case here in Toronto where a woman got rid of five sheitels. Considering that they were worth around $1500 Can. that is not a insignificant amount. My wife recently found out that her sheitel is on one of the "banned lists". We have opted to put it away until this sorts itself out. It is not entirely clear that the ceremony the hair is cut in is what would be halachicly (according to Jewish law) a donation for idol worship. Also, some have pointed out that the overwhelming majority of hair from India used to make wigs is not from these ceremonies. Whether that makes it permissible or not, I do not know. I will leave that to those who are experts in this regard.

Blessed Be the True Judge

My grandmother (father's mother) passed away today at the age of 93. She was born here in Toronto and lived here her whole life. May her memory be for a blessing.

The Outside World

I just recently finished reading The Outside World by Tova Mirvis, a novel about a young Orthodox Jewish couple, their marriage, and their families. One family comes from the so labeled "ultra Orthodox" side and the other comes from the so labeled "modern Orthodox" side (I've never been completely comfortable with those labels). The book gives an interesting portrayal of Orthodox Jewish life in modern times and is quite accurate for the most part. There was a veiled reference to the kosher Sobey's here in Toronto.