Homosexuality, really?!

[Edit: welcome, Montreal weblog readers.]

So there I was, on Ste-Catherine, coffee in hand, waiting to jay walk, looking at the traffic somewhat annoyingly, as I was late for class. And I was getting more annoyed as I could have crossed if that red city of Montreal car, you know, the kind that traffic ticket writers drive, had sped up a little. But instead, he slowed down and then stopped right in front of me. Blocking his lane of traffic.

He rolled down the window and said, “Eh, juif!” (“Hey, Jew!”)

I looked into the car at him.

“Parles-tu français?” (Do you speak French?)

I said I did. Then, in French, we had the following conversation:

Him: “My buddy tells me that Jews can be homosexuals is that right?”
Me: “Sure.” (I thought this better be it; after all, I was late for class and growing increasingly annoyed.)
Him: “Rabbis can be homosexuals?”
Me: “In most denominations, yes. Your buddy must have seen this in the newspapers; it’s been in the news recently.”
Him: “No, no newspaper. … Wow, really? Rabbis really can be homosexuals?”
Me: “In Reform, Reconstructionist and Conservative, yes. But not Orthodox.”
Him: “Bwah?!”
Me: “Different types of Judaism… Like… Catholics, Episcopalians, and Anglicans are all different types of Christians, but with different beliefs and practices. There are different types of Jews: different beliefs and practices.”
Him: “And they allow homosexuals to be rabbis?”
Me: “All do except Orthodox. Um… you know those guys in Outremont with the black hats and black coats, those are Orthodox. They do not allow homosexuals to be rabbis.”*
Him: “But the others do? They can be homosexuals before and during the seminary?”
Me: “Yes.”
Him: “Really? They can be homosexuals before and during the seminary? And still be homosexuals after the seminary?”
Me: “Yes, they can be gay before, during, and after the seminary. But not if they are going to an Orthodox seminary.”
Him: “Wow. Really? Wow.”

This went on for about five minutes, as he kept reiterating his disbelief that Jews could allow homosexuals to be rabbis. He then asked if the same thing was true in Israel, and I explained that it was mostly the same, but in Israel Orthodox nor Conservative allowed homosexual rabbis. He was still in disbelief and asked if I knew of a French website that could tell him about something to do wtih the small towns in Israel (I can’t remember what the “something” was). I said I couldn’t, and my classmate and I finally jay walked our way to class.

One the one hand, what the heck was that about?! On the other, I should be getting used to this sort of run in, what with the taxi driver and other such conversations. But on the other hand (yes, that’s three hands for those keeping score at home), I really wonder if other Jews have these sort of random run ins, and just never talk about it… Because I’m starting to think I have a giant sign, or a homing device, for these things. I mean, really, that was random. And I don’t mind the discussions; if it helps bring understanding, or bridge the (oh so wide) gaps between the different communities in Montreal, I’m all for it. I just wonder: why me?

*As I said, I was late for class, and wanted to keep this as quick, and simple, as possible. Also, no need to get into gay Orthodox rabbis like Steve Greenberg.

Filed under: judaism, queers, random, wtf?

Old Mother Hubbard

Food.

When I shop for food, I prefer to buy locally grown produce. Failing that, I try to go for organic produce from a slightly larger radial distance. (Organic and local is even better.) If at all possible, I try to avoid buying produce from other continents (where Mexico and Hawaii are included in “other continents”). This is a difficult accomplishment in Montreal, especially in the winter; there are only so many root vegetables I can eat before I crave veggies with brighter colours. (Thankfully, spring and spring produce are just around the corner. Spinach, asparagus, and snap peas, oh my!)

I also prefer to only have food in the fridge that I will be using within a few days (condiments notwithstanding). I feel I eat more healthily, and shop more sparingly and conscientiously, if I only buy enough for for a few days at a time.

The result of these practices can be, however, slightly alarming to house guests. This week, between being sick and stressing over school, I didn’t have time to do my usual shopping. And, as I said above, I prefer to buy only enough food to last a few days. So, quite literally, my fridge is empty. A friend, who stopped by to borrow some books, helped herself to my fridge in hopes of finding juice. She was quite alarmed to see the contents of my fridge: a brita filter, condiments, and three shelves of emptiness. I see it as a sign of success – that I haven’t purchased any food that’s so overly processed, additive-laden, or synthetic that it could last.

Sometimes a bare fridge is a very good sign.

Filed under: good eats, politics, seasons

Do you 'tute?

Who’s going to the NHC’s Summer Institute this year?

Last year was great fun, with amazing people, classes, workshops, learning, and dancing. And this year’s workshops and classes [pdf] look just as wonderful! If you’re reading this, you should consider applying to go. Especially if you’re Jewish. ;)

And if the price is a little beyond your grasp, there’s an Everett Fellowship program “for young adults who have demonstrated their potential to be advocates for Jewish causes and who are actively engaged in defining their post-college participation in the Jewish community. Fellows participate in the full Institute programming and in daily workshops designed specifically for them. They receive a scholarship for tuition, room, and board, and are expected to pay for registration and dues.” I was an Everett last year, and highly recommend it as a way to get to the ‘tute.

Hope to see you in Rindge, NH, August 6-12!

Filed under: nhc 'tute