Hi classicalmusic.

I dont think having a facebook adds up to a “three strikes and you are out”.

There are many frum businesses and organizations that have a facebook account, as well as camps, etc., too.

I can tell you there are a lot of frum people who have facebook

accounts with nicknames or alias names. Whether it is harmless fun and keeping in touch with friends, or they are up to no good; depends on the individual.

Hi WIY.

Thank you for sharing that. : )

Don’t expect anything from Gingrich.

The fact that people forget things with time is his only asset.

Prior to running for the presidency, there are quite a few unsavory quotes from him about Israel and America’s [challah] role [roll] with Israel.

He is more the chameleon than a newt.

lol @ yentingyenta “very low” 20’s.

Hi skiaddict.

I am sorry you had to experience that. Sadly, there are people around us who are too blunt

for their own good, and the insult to injury is they give themselves permission to be blunt

in the name of righteousness, when it is really arrogance.

I am sure we all experienced the same kind of thing.

Refuah Shelayma!

I will also say tehillim for her, iy’H.

Hi yngerman1.

Original JDL would complement Shomrim by taking things to a higher level of protection.

For starters, JDL would create a deterrence by a strong presence of individuals who would go into high risk areas on foot patrol. These individuals would be skilled, capable, and inclined to engage in self defense. This would be much like what is now taught in anti-bullying classes; strong presence and ability to physically defend. Such a presence is proven to work against criminals who are prone to, c”vs, assault, vandalism, mugging, theft, and burglary.

I liken their role similar to what we think of today with the Guardian Angels.

Hi BrainwasheD.

I dont think the person is doing an aveirah on ‘your behalf’, meaning it is something you asked them to do.

We can be only so responsible for where any one person is holding, especially when it comes to how they observe Judaism. All of us have to stand before Hashem for doing wrong on Yom Kippur. I would say if they dont do something right or dont understand what they are doing wrong, but they intended to do something nice, then they deserve a “thank you”.

If there is a way to enlighten the person a little, then do so. But you know that matter is a very delicate thing to take on in this case since the person thinks they are observing properly.

Or tell them how you hold and the way they are holding is not how you hold and that you feel their efforts would be more effective by doing things differently. But again, this is a touchy thing to do.

I can appreciate your predicament. I have heard it said many times, that if someone does something wrong, but their rebbe told them it is ok to do, even though it is wrong, the very fact that they are listening to their rebbe, is a mitzvah for them. This presents interesting possibilities in this case that a rabbi has to address for you.

Hi alizachava.

I was born in the United States and live in Jersey. I am not from Germany, but if I were, I would tell you and have no problem with your request.

Hi The Goq.

Can we turn down the overly enthusiastic hallway monitor tone?

Hi Feif Un.

You make a great point!

I see attitudes, sadly, so prevalent, that limud chol may as well be called limud treif. The hypocrisy of this is that if someone is a wealthy, successful professional, in the very same community, they get tremendous kavod.

This lack of standardized secular education is nonsense, dangerous, and has crippled many of the finest minds among our youth. I see this first hand year after year after year.

Hi MindOverMatter.

Hatzlacha and G-d bless you for taking this on!

Hi sillyqueries.

Hatzlacha!

Hi Jothar.

You did not need a second reason. lol The “Firstly” should do the trick.

Hi Jothar.

My grandparents lived in Lakewood from way back in the day and I often spent time there. But how many “real” Lakewood old timers have you spoken to? And they all hold the same? Are they different from the ones I am in contact with everyday? Are you in Lakewood yourself?

Bezalel WAS the only game in town as you admit. As far as who would send their kids their today is a moot point since it is closed down. But your original point, I believe, was talking about Lakewoods’ origins. Throwing “today” into the mix was not in the context of what you were stating. You are making this an apples and oranges kind of thing.

As far as your conclusion, I have to respectfully disagree. The mere presence of other types of Jews, if we have to go there, does not mitigate the presence or quality of an “ir HaTorah in Lakewood at all times. In fact, it’s a good thing, in my opinion.

Hi Half.

I learned a lot from the responses to your question. Thank you for being honest and brave enough to confront this challenge of human nature. I have to say this is a great thread.

Hi DenimGirl.

You bring up a good point about what the issue is. I guess it is a very special event and it shows you recognize it is not an ordinary thing. I would say by the second or so date, one can begin to show their preferred style of dress.

I am not a suit guy. I prefer denim, a nice shirt, leather jacket (not anymore), a bandana reppin’ my gang affiliation (not anymore) ..lol. But when my Rabbi said there is someone he wants me to meet, he kinda nudged me and said I should wear a suit and a hat. The irony is the lady I was meeting told me she told him I dont have to dress up. lol Ultimately, who knows? Take in the advice and come to your own consensus, and have a fantastic time on the date. It is exciting!!

Hi zahavasdad.

What do you mean by mixed? Which communities are not mixed, and is that an advantage? I am interested in knowing.

There are numerous homogenous groups living, davening, learning side by side and together in Lakewood, which other communities lack.

While I dont know all the goings on of each part of Lakewood, there are shuls/communities that are Litvish, Chassidic, a combo of Litvish and Chassidic, so-called Modern Orthodox (where one should not be surprised to find more black hats than anything) – although I dont want to detract from those who work and start their day with Daf Yomi at 5am, a host of Ashkenaz, Sphard… as well as a Yemeni shul, the BMG……etc..etc…etc. They are separate communities, yet together. It is awesome!!

I would say not appropriate but that is based on me being told not to wear mine. Cerealously, I would say no because when I was set up on a first date, I was told to wear a suit and my hat, and I dont wear a hat….yet.

Hatzlacha!!

Hi Jothar.

I dont know about this situation or trust any one source in the media, and I know there is always more to the picture than anyone will ever know, but in regards to your general questions, Jews are certainly not above the law.

Still, I am not the one who is going to cheer on law enforcement (except for what happened in Bklyn this past summer) when they are in pursuit of a Jew. There are enough of the other people to do that.

Mazel Tov in your move to Lakewood. You could not have picked a finer place outside of Yerushalayim. Lakewood is beautifully awesome place to live!!

I am sure all your concerns will fall into place. All the ladies in Lakewood will be very happy to help answer your questions and give recommendations.

Hatzlacha!!

Hi Anonano,

It depends on the individual. If their profession requires a serious commitment to study, then we better be grateful people who will charge money for their professional services have been educated in their respective field.

Knowledge is a good thing and the rigors and challenges one takes on in college does make them a more skilled and capable person in the workplace than had they not had the experience of completing degree requirements. I see this all the time. There is a stronger foundation that workers have who have completed college degree requirements. Those who have succeeded at earning a degree will know what I am talking about.

Is there a lot of fluff and expense that is not necessary? Are there some professors who are less than professorial? Sure! But I would not throw out the baby with the bath water on this.

But overall, no matter what degree someone takes on. To me, it’s common sense: Imagine a smart person. Now imagine that same smart person with 132 credits and a BA/BS degree in any respective field. How can they not be seen as a more competent person at any job they take on?

Whether they use the specific details of all their classes or not, they will be more resourceful, better problem solvers, have more objectivity, etc., if not only because they completed the requirements of a degree program.

Hi golden mom and Syag.

It is not easy, but it has to be done.

I certainly remember the LONG hours devoted to homework and even the last minute, “Oh, I have a report due tomorrow.” And I did the typing at 5am..on numerous occasions. Not only that, but it is not good for the children as they start to get dark circles under their eyes by Wednesday and you can tell what goes in one ear comes out the other.

Syag…we are waiting on the revamping. .lol

Fantastic post! Thank you!

Hatzlacha!!!

Hi nsfrum.

It is good you are doing the footwork to get information.

I just want to suggest you then take the info and discuss it with your husband. Please do not make this a YOUR background versus HIS background situation, as has been suggested.

Hatzlacha!

Hi feivel.

I have a problem with the wording, right off the bat (although not the actual wording, “Right off the bat.”

You said, “A tropical fungus has adapted to infect ants and force them to chomp, …..”

Actually, it is just as valid to say the fungus is infecting ants, and the ants are chomping….”

The use of the word “adapted” is biased and used to mislead. Additionally, the idea of the plant

“forcing” anything, whether ants or whatnot, in what is merely a response/reaction/action, also is a bias and misleading.

Sadly, it is nearly impossible these days to have pure knowledge which is truthful anymore without misdirection or speculation, at best.