“I think the point DK was trying to make was that she wasn’t going outside of her comfort zone — and that her conception of what is frum is out of wack.”

Yes, I am aware of the points DK is making
(I’m swift like that). I feel, however, that for this woman her experience at JTS was indeed out of her comfort zone. It was new and different and inspiring and religious. For the author, shutting off her cell phone, for instance, was huge. Being shomer shobbas for a few hours was something special and scary at the same time. We cannot make fun of her perceptions, especially since this is a first for her and she did not grow up with the knowledge of Torah on any level. It was also her perception, be it true or projected, that to divulge being Reform was somethings of a danger. She may have been right to trust her instinct, or at the very least be cautious in a new environment where she was a minority among strong Conservative men and women. Eventually, should she forge ahead religiously, she’ll figure things out.

Ask most Orthodox or Reform Jews about Conservative Jews, and unless they actually know observant ones, they’ll describe Reform Jews. Ask Reform Jews about Orthodox Jews, they’ll tell you about the nearest Chabad rabbi. Ask observant Conservative Jews about (non- black hat wearing) Orthodox Jews, they’ll come close to describing themselves. But ask them about Reform, and they’ll describe secular. So yes, it is believable (and understandable) that the JTS students made fun of Reform anti-halachic practice. The author doesn’t know how lucky she is that her friend didn’t take her to YU.

The author’s perception of how a Conservative Jew acts was pre-conceived. She was surprised at how different the JTS-ers were from the Conservative Jews she knew, who likely aren’t Jews who follow the Conservative movement’s ideology (just like many Orthodox shul-goers don’t actually follow lots of basic halachot, and I’ve personally known lots of Reform temple goers who they’re the same as Unitarians).

So she got a little educated. Good for her. She even opted to keep her phone off for the day. Something wore off on her. Unfortunately, most Jews don’t have the opportunity or the inclination to stretch a little and pick up new knowledge. Hopefully, a few of them will read that article.

I think the point DK was trying to make was that she wasn’t going outside of her comfort zone — and that her conception of what is frum is out of wack. Her hesitance to disclose her Reform identity is comical. What did she think they were going to do, throw acid in her face?

suitepotato, you’d be surprised. I know a number of Conservative Jews who can rattle off Tanach by heart effortlessly. Their knowledge of Halacha is very advanced, and I have even asked them shaylas.

DK,
I don’t really know why you are bringing this woman to light. There is nothing odd about what she is doing. So what if she knows nothing about Judaism and is going to JTS for a traditional meal? I am happy for her, that she is going outside of her comfort zone. At least she learned a lot about Shobbas and came out of it a proud Jew.

And JTS has a lot to offer. I may not agree with the Conservative view on the Divinity of the Torah, but most of the other stuff is in line with religious Judaism. As I said I know a few JTS people, Rabbincal grads who are top notch is their knowledge and practice. Many Conservative JTSers have way more passion about the Torah than I will ever have. I am almost jealous.