DU group proposal: Jewish group

[Behind the Aegis]

I don't really have a mission statement, but my ideas were a group where Jews and others can discuss issues that face Jews, here and around the world, discuss issues surrounding Israel (not necessarily related to the Palestinian issue), holidays, language, culture, and anti-Semitism. We need ten donors and a mission statement to present to the moderators.

If you are interested, please chime in. Also, feel free to add a mission statement or something that could be included in that statement.

Shabat Shalom!

[Ellen Forradalom]

1. I'll join in

I think the mission statement should specifically redirect discussions of the Israel-Palestine conflict to the I/P forum. No need for two forums for I/P flamewars.

Oh, and Shabbat Shalom to you! My son and I baked this cake tonight:

[Behind the Aegis]

4. What nice cake!

Tell him he did a great job!!! You have any ideas for a mission statement?

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

3. Not special treatment

Simply a request for another space to discuss Jewish issues. There are several religious groups already, many from the same branch. I was unaware of any discussion on this topic, but it seems others may not feel the same.

[fujiyama]

7. There's also a Christian group

and Catholic group as well.

Why shouldn't Jews have a group?

[Behind the Aegis]

12. Can I "count" your star?

Would it be appropriate for me to count you as a supporter of this new group? If, not that is OK, I just wanted to be sure! :)

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

32. Raw nerve?

How does having special interest groups detract from the main DU? Are you suggesting that all special groups, such as, Book Lovers, World History, Re-frame the Debate, should be scrapped?

I see the special groups as a place where other democrats/liberals/progressives can discuss issues that also pertain to their special group. Where is the harm? Why haven't you expressed your outrage on the "Anti-war" group being proposed?

I see a group like this as somewhere were democratic Jews can discuss things about our religion, recipes, traditions, and not have them buried in 5 minutes. Is that so wrong?

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

38. if you were "G-d"

Wouldn't the religion forum be scrapped under your rule? When I log on, I see the main rooms and the special rooms I have set aside for myself. I have no problem navigating them, nor do I just post in one room only. What about the Democratic Party as a whole? Should we git rid of all the "special interest" groups? What happened to the big tent?

If you have no concern for my particular request, why have the other requests not being privy to your view of what DU should be?

I like DU. I like that I can participate in the many rooms it offers. I like that there are a variety of people with different experience I can learn from, even if I don't share that way of life or belief. So, for me, DU is a great place, not perfect, but a great place nonetheless.

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

42. Politics

I am not saying Jews shouldn't post politics in the main rooms! I am suggesting a room that deals with issues our group is having. IT may or may not be of interest to the body in general. Have you ever wondered why almost no post that includes the word Israel is in GD, GD-Politics or even Latest Breaking? Because it leads to discussions about the I/P situation! This is the rationale provided me by the administrators of this site! So why can't Jews discuss our culture and Israel without being relegated to the I/P room? You can't even start a thread there unless it is an editorial or article...not a way to discuss or ask questions about specific things!

A separate room seems a way that we can discuss a variety of issues. Would you really be that interested in building a Sukkos? How about a discussion on the Kosherate laws? Would you jump into a discussion about the ramifications of anti-Semitism on your personal life? A separate room allows for this.

In that big tent, there a number of poles holding it up, each as important as the next. Does it really matter what pole you stand by?

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[drdon326]

78. Really ? ....I must have missed that when....

the Catholics, Christians, Atheists, and Pagans groups were proposed.

Can you give me a link on your "protests" there ?

[sweetheart]

81. sorry i'n not omnipresent

I was not watching when they were proposed. Was i, i would have.
You're negative proof of antisemtism is a bit thin, mate.

The posts spoke for themselves. I've not been privy to one of these
"new group" threads at the getgo, and decided to write my peice.

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[Skinner]

87. Everyone cut it out.

I made my position crystal clear already. The purpose of this thread is to find out how many members are interested in participating in a DU Jewish Group. All other discussions are considered OFF TOPIC.

[Kerrytravelers]

103. Even though I am not Jewish, I support and would read the group.

I had plenty of support, but after 25 people said yes, a few had to come on and either slam me personally or say the idea is basically dumb.

[fujiyama]

37. Well

if you want to create a group on any of those topics, feel free on trying to do so.

I somehow doubt you'll find Baathist supporters on DU though, and it's likely you won't find many Christian fundamentalist DUers.

Why the hell do you care what groups are created? No one is forcing you to join any of them.

[Name removed]

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[fujiyama]

33. Sure

I'm not Jewish, but if other religious groups have DU groups, I see no reason why Jews shouldn't as well.

[Behind the Aegis]

34. Thanks!!

It is much appreciated!

[fujiyama]

35. No problem!

Maybe I'll drop in once in a while - learn a thing or two about Jewish culture and tradition!

[Enquiringkitty]

43. I agree! There are many other issues that Jewish people talk

about other than I/P. They can discuss what they did on holidays, their own family traditions, family history, items within Jewish community centers in their cities....lots of things! Things I don't know anything about. I might want to visit their group to learn more about the Jewish community in America and get their views on food, gardening and many other things.

[Behind the Aegis]

44. Our holidays

We do have some interesting holidays!!! We also have some yummy food. Who knows...maybe you'll get to pick up a recipe or two! ;)

[elshiva]

5. Plenty of room for Jews in the Dem party!

[Behind the Aegis]

6. Just checking...

but you are lending your "star" for the creation of the group? Correct? Thanks!

[elshiva]

8. How do I support the group?

I am half-Jewish and would love to have this group. Shalom Shabbat!

[Behind the Aegis]

10. You just did!

I wasn't sure if your first post was "support" for a new group, so I wanted to make sure. By having a donor star and stating you are interested in this group, you support its creation! I didn't want to "count" you if you were just making a comment..as that wouldn't be fair. Thanks for clearing it up! Your "vote" has been counted! You have any suggestions for a mission statement?

Shabbat Shalom!

[elshiva]

17. OK this is a rip-off of Skinner's Catholic statement:

"The DU Jewish Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions of Judaism's beliefs, share faith experiences, post prayer requests, discuss Jewish liturgies, traditions, religious heroes, etc., talk about Jewish education or organizations , or in any way positively explore issues having to do with Judaism.

Participants need not be practicing Jews but should be respectful of the beliefs and structures of the rites, especially in advocating any changes in religious practices.

This group is intended to be a venue for those who desire to discuss stated topics and is not intended as a forum to argue against Judaism or the State of Israel."

[Enquiringkitty]

46. Don't forget cooking. Medical research now says that traditional

Jewish cooking is a very healthy diet. I would like to know some recipes that families have enjoyed instead of getting a cook book. Families change cooking a bit. Adding this and that until they like it and that is what I would like to hear about. Books can't give you that kind of knowledge.

[Behind the Aegis]

48. Food

We do love our food! :) When you are sick, nothing beats a good bowl of Matzoh Ball soup! Well, maybe chicken soup..Jewish penicillin! :)

[mr fry]

11. half jewish? i always was taught

if your mother is jewish you are jewish, no

if not you are not, no

how do you get half?

[Behind the Aegis]

14. Half right!

Judaism is matrilineal. However, some see Jews as an ethnic group as well. It all depends on how the person defines him or herself. It is the same, at least to me, as someone who is half-Catholic and half Baptist. It doesn't have to be an "all or nothing" thing! Half a Jew is better than no Jew!

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

18. It was innocent

I simply meant, that in our Culture, being a half-Jew is just as important as being a full-blooded Jew. It was not intended to discount the other half or say that non-Jews are not important.

[elshiva]

15. Sigh! A long story here,

but there is a Half-Jew identity. We are not all religiously Jews, but we are proud of our Jewish heritage. The whole mom is Jewish, so you're Jewish is dated.
"Who is a Half-Jew?
A Half-Jew is someone who has one Jewish parent, and one non-Jewish parent. This is the simple answer to a complicated question: now it gets harder. According to halacha (the legal part of the Talmud), a Half-Jew doesn?t exist because a Jew must have a Jewish mother, or must have converted. So, conventional Jewish wisdom has long held, either you are a Jew (if your mom is, or you converted), or you aren?t. A Half-Jew, well, that just hasn?t been an option. Now, times do, of course, change. Some strains of Judaism (Reform, for instance) have altered their rules, and now say a Jew need only have a Jewish parent and upbringing. Still, an identity that acknowledges both the Jewish and the non-Jewish sides has not been well-explored?until now."
see this website:
http://www.halfjew.com/

[Name removed]

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[mr fry]

13. funny thing

preaching no religion and advocating no religion is by one of the accpted definitions a religion:

4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

49. So no problem

So, you have no problem with a Jewish DU group? You are OK with us having a small piece of DU bandwidth dedicated to our culture? After all, fair is fair.

[Behind the Aegis]

19. Why not?

Is there a threat to having the groups you listed at DU? If not, then why not have a place to discuss issues important to that sub-group?

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

24. Evolution is a great thing

Perhaps we will evolve to not needing to destroy others based on a variety of things, including faith. I really don't understand why you seem to have such disdain for the creation of a Jewish sub-group? How will it affect you and your experience at DU?

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

30. That clears things up!

If you hate all religions, I would think you would be more supportive of these groups as it might draw discussions of religion out of the main rooms. However, not everyone here shares your opinion, are those opinions any less valid? You have been to the Atheist and Agnostic group, haven't you?

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

23. Thank you

I don't think having a Jewish group will fracture the main structure of the DU forum. I am a "member" of a few different groups within DU, but I post all over the place.

Why should I or any other Jew have to go to another site? This is a democratic site, and we can discuss issues here as well. How does having a "specialty" group take away from the "whole" of DU? Should the "Book lovers group" be disallowed? What about "World History?" These rooms were created for people interested in very specific areas to discuss issues of those groups with OTHER democrats. Where is the real problem?

Thanks for the well wishes!

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

28. No nerve hit

I just asked why you saw it as a problem. I have a better understanding. Groups within DU should be welcoming of all DU'ers, except those that are just "starting shit." A sub-group allows those of us who are democrats/liberals/progressives and Jewish (or interested in the culture) a slower room to discuss issues. I fail to see a thread on "what makes a good Sedar" as being useful to the majority of those at DU and most likely the thread would be buried quickly, but in a Jewish group, it would last much longer and allow others, who don't post often or even log in often, to see the thread and participate with other democrats, who are also Jews.

I agree, all parties here should be able to participate in the larger groups and assert opinions and such. It doesn't always happen that way.

Anyway, thanks for the clarification. Best of luck to you as well!

[Kire]

61. there's already an Israeli/Palestinian Affairs group in Politics & Issues

but they have so many guidelines, like you can only post recent news and op/ed pieces, that a community, like what the Catholics have, is impossible


Here are "a few guidelines to supplement the general DU rules":
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x21970

:pals:

[mark414]

27. i'll support that

i'm not jewish but my roommate is and he says go for it!

[Behind the Aegis]

29. Mazel Tov!

Thanks for the "star!" Hope you pop in, should we get the room established!

[jdots]

39. count me in , I think we need a group for progressive Jews

[Behind the Aegis]

40. Awesome!

Thanks! Your post came at the right time! I really appreciate it!!

:hug:

[Name removed]

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[TWiley]

45. If your group succeeds, I hope some Jewish folks

will continue to post here. We all learn from each other; it is hard to predict where the next piece of the puzzle will come from.

Good luck with your new group if you decide to pursue it.

[Behind the Aegis]

47. Your star

Can I count your star to the creation of the group?

I suspect that Jews will continue to post all over DU. But, we will have nice group to discuss issues directly related to our group and won't have to worry about politics 'mucking it up!' :)

[TWiley]

64. I really don't know what counting "my star" means.

But, if counting my star will be helpful to you, then yes. Please do. If you need further action from me, please let me know.

[Name removed]

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[Behind the Aegis]

51. Why not?

Why not have groups where people can discuss various things that are not even political? Why not have a group where Jewish posters can congregate and discuss holidays, recipes, fun things with other democrats, who happen to be Jewish?

Anti-Semitism can be discuss to, but there is more to being Jewish than that, so the possibilities are endless at the discussions that could take place!

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

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[mogster]

52. Can't see why not?

DU already has a lot of groups of special interest, and it would be nice to have a Jewish group that wasn't so politically charged, but more culturally/socially related.

I'm mostly hanging out in gd, gd:p and the Lounge, but feel free to use my star if the group isn't already created. I'll pop in for a chat now and then :-)

Awesome! I forgot that the donation came with all this Power to create :D

[Behind the Aegis]

53. Tak!

I am sure I used the wrong word, but I think the Norwegian word for "Thank you" is not that far off! :) Please correct me! I will admit that I know NO Norwegian! :( Thanks for your "star" though!

[mogster]

55. That was close

It's a double k: takk :D
Don't mention it and good luck with the group creation.

And I don't know any Jiddish either, when we're talking about it. Except one word: shalom. Language is funny stuff ;-)

[Behind the Aegis]

56. So close!!

I apologize. I should have just looked it up. I have multilingual dictionaries in the house. Just so you know, there is a linguistic group here too!

I appreciate the goodwill...seems it will be a slight uphill struggle, but such is life.

God liv und god helse! (Good life and good health) :)

[mogster]

60. Yep

Walking uphill makes us all stronger :D

Have a nice day! Or evening, I'm not fully into this time difference stuff ;-)

[newyawker99]

62. I don't know if you have 10 stars or not but I

support this group. I am not Jewish
but I think it would be great to have
a group for Jewish issues.

[Lithos]

127. Yes, I support the creation of this group

And similarly, I would support the creation of a Muslim or Buddhist groups.

[Maiden England]

63. you can count me in too...

I'm jewish, married to a baptist, I don't get to talk very often with like minded Jews. I think it would be a wonderful idea.

[KittyWampus]

65. I Cannot Believe That DU'ers Decide To Protest The Forming Of A Jewish

group.

Did any of these posters object or bitch when the anti-war group or Daily Show group was formed?

And then to call the groups 'circlejerks'!!!

As if a group of Progressive Christians or Jews can't have differing or varied views on a topic related to their specific group.

The reason DU Owners created these groups is so that people interested in certain areas of life and experience can engage in dialog.

Dialog is very different than discussion.

And any fool who doesn't know the difference between dialog and discussion should look it up.

[Ellen Forradalom]

72. Yes, the more things change...

...the more they stay the same.

[Skinner]

66. We are deleting all the off-topic posts in this thread.

The purpose of this thread is to determine interest in the creation of a DU Jewish Group.

The purpose of this thead IS NOT to discuss why you hate the idea of groups in general.

I also think it is worth noting that we have created no fewer than 76 DU Groups before today, including groups for Catholics, Christians, Atheists, and Pagans. I am not going to speculate on any particular individual's motivation for posting here, but I would like to point out that it smells very bad that a few members decided to lodge their complaints about the groups when someone suggested this group. Frankly, I'm embarrassed and ashamed by it.

[Ellen Forradalom]

70. Thank you and well said, Skinner.

No one said anything negative when I proposed the Groupe Francophone, despite the fact that we would not even be posting in English.

[drdon326]

75. Frankly......I know EXACTLY what you are saying.

and I agree.

[FourStarDemocrat]

79. Well stated, thank you.

I support the forming of this group as well.

[justy387]

83. THANKS SKINNER!!

These undertones of anti-semitism are quite troubling. Thank you so much for your support, understanding, and expedience with which you delete inflammatory messages.

[Name removed]

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[foo_bar]

96. it's "gazpacho" not gestapo-pacho

Hitler is depicted as terrorising his enemies with his feared "Gespacho", a conflation of the Spanish soup, or gazpacho, with the dreaded Gestapo.

http://www.testmagic.com/forums/archive/index.php?t-394.html

[frictionlessO]

101. Thanks so very much Skinner but dont

be ashamed you have no claim to the shame. We all might be a wee bit caught off and thusly thoroughly embarassed by fellow DUer's reactions here. Please don't be ashamed though, its only your empathy.

[newyawker99]

67. xxx

[Name removed]

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[coffeenap]

71. Do you still need a star? Mine is here and thanks for doing this.

Tikkun and other progressive groups and ideas can be shared here--maybe we will all learn how diverse the "Jewish perspective" can be. Besides, if we have 10 Jews in a room, we have 11 opinions, right??;)
(edited for punctuation)

[drdon326]

73. Thats easy. Count me in.

I cannot believe how many DELETED POSTS there are on this thread.

One wonders what was said....on second thought, maybe i dont want to know.

[Djinn]

125. read Skinner's post drdon

most were objections to groups not a jewish group.

[drdon326]

130. uhhhh...I was here......

before they were deleted.:eyes:

[Djinn]

146. so was I

and the vast majority were only saying the don't like groups at all and you know it - maybe a little inward :eyes: is in order

[Amaya]

74. Great idea!

count me in :)

[drdon326]

76. I think you have YOUR 10 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cONGRATULATIONS.

[foo_bar]

97. at the least you have a minyan

[justy387]

80. I don't have a star...

but I support the idea of the group, if that means anything.

[sweetheart]

85. In self defense, i ask your forgiveness.

Now that i'm branded an antisemitic, for discussing, and having
an open chat with yourself, what i felt was a genuine friendly chat
where you did indeed explain more in detail, that it was fun and
pleasant... at least what i felt, with the 2 of us.

If i offended, being responsible for some of these name-removed posts,
(not all, some), then i'm sorry.

I did in a deleted post, say that the forum sounded fine, after you
convinced me. Good luck.

[Ellen Forradalom]

88. I did find it awfully curious

that a proposal to create a Jewish DU Group should attract far more objections than any other group. One of the ways discrimination works is to hold up the group in question to extra scrutinity and criticism. It works that way for women, for African-Americans, for Jews, for lots of groups. Hence the aroma of anti-semitism to which I referred. I did not mean to "brand you an anti-semite" and I really feed bad about that. Please accept my apology.

If DU groups are divisive, then why no flamewars when I proposed a non-English language group, the Group Francophone? Some people expressed concerns about cliqueishness, the admins and I worked it out, and the group's been working fine since.

[Name removed]

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[Trajan]

86. Count my star in support of a Jewish Group in DU ....

Isn't freedom wonderful ? ...

No ... I am not jewish ... I am a mixed atheist ... But I know many jewish atheists and agnostics have graced the world with their clear thinking in the past .... We need that voice here as well ...

I would recommend a list of accepted definitions be presented in that forum, for us gentiles ... I know I have been educated here about the various groups, ideological and theological elements and factions in Jewish life .... so many people are confused about the terms 'Israeli' and 'Jew' and what they mean, as I was ....

I was given this star by a considerate DUer who has the "Worst Username Ever" ..... Perhaps I can use it to extend his/her goodwill ...

[fortyfeetunder]

89. Sure I'll support it!

I have always been interested in Judaism from the perspective of learning more about the Old Testament and what aspects spintered off into Christianity. So I'll be over there to learn about culture, and also pick up some recipes while I'm at it...

[Name removed]

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[southlandshari]

92. Add my support

I'm not Jewish, but I know I am really happy to have the discussion groups that focus on my religion, region and social interests. I'm sure the new forum will be a great place for many DUers!

[rockymountaindem]

93. I'm there.

I was kind of shy about doing this myself. Looks like you got some crap for it. Whatever. Jewish group? Where do I sign up and will there be bagels?

[drdon326]

110. Bagels, yes. Lox, no.

too expensive.

[drdon326]

94. According to my counting...I think we have 18.

.

[IndianaGreen]

98. It should stay away from I/P except

in how it affects the Jewish community in America.

We also have serious problems with assimilation.

[frictionlessO]

100. You can count my star as well...

Despite all the talk about fracturing and splitting DU. Which btw still hasn't happened though people have been saying it will ever since the groups and sub forums showed up. GD, GD:P, and the Lounge still churn threads faster then most could read them.

Its good for the culture and our own lil' diaspora here on DU. Though honestly I dont practice this faith the culture is very important to me.

[Behind the Aegis]

102. Well...this was an experience

I was up until 6am CST...then, I went to bed, I couldn't sleep because I was worried about this thread. Seems my worries weren't completely unfounded. I thank Skinner for his work.

We have enough stars to start the group, but need a working mission statement. Elshiva has borrowed another groups, which I can rework. And I would like to add some of the things from my original post. Is there anything else?

I will not let this go on much longer since we have our stars. I just want to get a mission statement that is appropriate and built by the group.

ON EDIT: Here is a mission statement: The DU Jewish Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions of Judaism's beliefs, share faith experiences, post prayer requests, discuss Jewish faith, traditions, religious heroes, etc., talk about Jewish education or organizations , or in any way positively explore issues having to do with Judaism. It will also be a place to discuss issues such as holiday preparations, food, and other fun things! We would welcome discussion about Israel and her role in the world, but be mindful that a group has already been established for issues revolving around Israel and Palestine.

Participants need not be practicing Jews but should be respectful of the beliefs and structures of the religion, especially in advocating any changes in religious practices.

This group is intended to be a venue for those who desire to discuss stated topics and is not intended as a forum to argue against Judaism or the State of Israel."

[drdon326]

104. kick it.

.

[Kerrytravelers]

105. I stated it earlier, but I"ll do so again...

I'll back your Jewish Group. I'm working on the Anti-War one right now. Most have been extremly supportive, except for the ones that slam me personally (:shrug:)

I would love you to count my star in support for this group. While I'm a Scot-Iriah Catholic without a drop of Jewish blood (that I know of) but I'm always up for learning new things!

T

[Behind the Aegis]

106. Much appreciated!

I already counted your star, friend. ;) I have supported a number of groups of which I am not a member, but I have popped into them to explore. Oddly enough, I supported the creation of the Atheist and Agnostic room and pop in there from time to time. I would have lent my support, but you had your 10 stars in 16 minutes! I look forward to having two new groups added to the pot here at DU! :)

On edit: why oh why does minuet have to be a word?!?! :)

[Kerrytravelers]

107. why oh why does minuet have to be a word?!?!

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are way too clever my friend!

[Name removed]

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[Sgent]

109. Here's another star

If it helps. There's a lot to discuss, and I look forward too it.

[Behind the Aegis]

111. Proposal has been sent

I have sent the administrators the proposal! This is the mission statement:

"The DU Jewish Group is for those who wish to hold respectful discussions of Judaism's beliefs, share faith experiences, discuss anti-Semitism, post prayer requests, discuss Jewish faith, traditions, religious heroes, etc., talk about Jewish education or organizations , or in any way positively explore issues having to do with Judaism. It will also be a place to discuss issues such as holiday preparations, food, and other fun things! We would welcome discussion about Israel and her role in the world, but be mindful that a group has already been established for issues revolving around Israel and Palestine.

Participants need not be practicing Jews but should be respectful of the beliefs and structures of the religion, especially in advocating any changes in religious practices.

This group is intended to be a venue for those who desire to discuss stated topics and is not intended as a forum to argue against Judaism or the State of Israel."

If there is ANYTHING that needs to added or changed let me know, so I can let the administration know as quickly as possible!

Shabbat Shalom!!

[drdon326]

113. First thread ."Bagels,..regular cream cheese or flavored cream cheese"?

.

[Meshuga]

123. DU & Judaism is like a manaja troix for me!!!!

Hey, I've been away from DU for a while because I've been turned off by politics since the results of the last election.

I left and spend my time converting to Judaism and the day I come back to DU I see a thread to create a group about what I've been doing instead of DU: Judaism!

I left my favorite message board (by far) months ago and I was really busy with books about Judaism and now you guys are getting me hooked on DU again!

A Judaism group at DU? That's the best of both worlds! To me it's like being in a manaja troix... :-)

Shabbat Shalom!!!

[Behind the Aegis]

126. It is a sign!

Welcome to the club! What do you think of the mission statement? It is posted a few posts back? Seems we are well on our way!! I think this will a positive new group and add lots to the mix! Welcome back!

[Meshuga]

134. Yes, It's meant to be!

Thanks for the welcome! The idea is excellent and I like the mission statement! The people who are negative about the creation of the group are going to like it. They just don't know it yet. :-)

[0rganism]

112. I support your proposal

My star used to be a Star of David, but I had it circumcised. ;)

Seriously, though, Jews are an important component of the Democratic party and the American liberal tradition. I'd wager the DU group will be a popular one.

[sabra]

114. I am in!

Shalom Chaver...

[ultraist]

115. I'm not Jewish but I am very interested in having this group

I think it's a great idea!

[Cleita]

116. I'm not Jewish but sometimes I feel like I was in a former life.

Sounds like a plan.

[foo_bar]

117. Live Long and Prosper

(abbreviated Jewish blessing)

Leonard Nimoy went to this synagogue in Boston (now Beacon Hill, was the West End):


If you look closely at the top, you'll notice two hands making the Vulcan salute, right below the Romulan eagle.

I'm not making this up:
http://www.bcjh.org/contact_page.htm

[Spinoza]

118. Jesus,

I've never seen so many "Name Removeds". Apparenly, "jews" hits a hot, hot button with a lot of people.

[Behind the Aegis]

119. So it would seem

I was a little taken aback. But, thankfully, we have administrators who did a good job!

[tishaLA]

120. Count me in!

[Meshuga]

121. Shabbat Shalom!

Great idea! Count me in.

We can discuss not only issues that faces Jews but also talk about Jewish social action and ways to help our fellow human beings. ;-)

Take care!

[Darranar]

122. Excellent idea. Count me in. n/t

[drdon326]

124. kick

.

[rman]

128. two groups maybe: one pro-zionist, one anti-zionist?

should make for some interesting discussions on anti-semitism.

[Behind the Aegis]

129. One group should do the trick

Although not part of the "mission statement," should people wish to discuss Zionism and its implications in a mature manner, then I can see it as productive. It also might provide an opportunity to educate people about the complexity of Jewish culture and its genesis throughout time.

[usrbs]

131. I'll join.

I'm looking forward to latkes tips, and pointers to progressive congregations.

[Name removed]

132. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Meshuga]

133. I/P is about the conflict

A group about Judaism would be about culture, customs, history, thought, etc.

Use the I/P group to discuss the political baggage... ;-)

[Name removed]

135. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Meshuga]

137. What do you mean?

I/P is a very divisive issue and I understand people's feathers getting ruffled. But why blame Judaism if someone does not agree with your opinion on the I/P issue?

You are right, perhaps it is crucial for DU to create the Judaism group so people will not let their political beliefs turn to anti-Semitic feelings.

[Name removed]

141. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Meshuga]

143. Why would anyone say you are a Holocaust denier?

I've seen people who advocate peace say some hateful things about Jews in general just because of the I/P conflict. I'm not saying these people are bad BTW. They are perhaps misinformed about Judaism. The Jewish group will help a lot and it will educate people! Nothing wrong with that! I bet you are going to love the Jewish group and find it interesting!

When the debate is so polarized the emotions take over, the name calling takes place and the bad feelings make people angry at the group they are debating against. We are all humans and we feel some bad things once in a while and at times we generalize.

People I love dearly show anti-Semitic feelings once in a while but that doesn't mean they are bad, or that they are Nazi sympathizers , or Holocaust deniers. They are just good people who are misinformed and need to be shown that they are doing something wrong so they can correct their errors.

Shalom Aleichem! :-)

[Name removed]

139. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ikojo]

136. I read the mission statement and I like

it. Just because it mentions prayer does not mean it excludes non observant Jews.

[UncleSepp]

138. I'm in!

Count me in. IANAJ but I am learning. My Hebrew's worse than nonexistent - last Friday night at dinner I accidentally blessed hedgehogs when I meant wine :-D

[Behind the Aegis]

140. Hedgehogs need blessings too!

Knowledge of Hebrew is not needed, but you can sure share your experiences!

[AlienGirl]

144. Actually, it was "fruit of the hedgehogs"!!

[drdon326]

145. I'll bite....

what is the "fruit of the hedgehogs" ??

[AlienGirl]

147. Strawberries?

http://www.recipezaar.com/101031

[AlienGirl]

142. Count me in!

[Behind the Aegis]

148. UPDATE

Skinner and I are fine-tuning the mission statement, and, G-d willing, we may see a new group soon! I will personally PM each of you (who expressed interest) when the room is created!

[Meshuga]

149. Excellent! n/t

[newyawker99]

151. This is great news!

:thumbsup:

[leftynyc]

150. Count me in and if you still need stars, please use mine (eom)

[SharonRB]

152. If you need another star, you've got mine

I just had a chance to read part of this thread today -- I've never seen so many deleted messages. Sorry you had to take so much heat.

[Colorado Blue]

153. I'll join! nt

[Name removed]

154. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Behind the Aegis]

155. What is your point?

Hindi Jews who praise Buddha would just as welcome. How is asking for a Jewish group "specializing" and more than having an "Atheists and Agnostics" group or other religious group?

A Palestinians ONLY group would not be tolerated. It would be exclusionary. The proposed Jewish group will not discount anyone from posting, except anti-Semites!

On edit: If you are serious about proposing another group, which I doubt, then you are free to do so by posting a request in GD or the Lounge.

On 2nd edit: Starting a DU group

[Name removed]

157. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Behind the Aegis]

158. That is not the definition of anti-Semitism

No one has to participate in group think any more then they do here. By your "reasoning," all of DU must be totalitarian as we can only post progressive thought. However, I feel that being able to discuss things doesn't always mean disagreeing or agreeing. People can post in the Jewish group as long as they don't denigrate, ridicule, or otherwise "bad-mouth" the entire religion or group of people. As long as DU'ers follow the established rules of DU, there shouldn't be a problem.

On edit: To help you out, anti-Semitism is defined as:
1. Hostility toward or prejudice against Jews or Judaism.
2. Discrimination against Jews.

OR

1. the intense dislike for and prejudice against Jewish people

from: www.dictionary.com

[Name removed]

159. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Behind the Aegis]

160. Perhaps this is why...

Post 87. By Skinner: I made my position crystal clear already. The purpose of this thread is to find out how many members are interested in participating in a DU Jewish Group. All other discussions are considered OFF TOPIC.

Therefore, I would suggest Ask the Administrators as your next stop.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

161. Fair enough. Sorry to jump to conclusions... n/t

JB

[DoveTurnedHawk]

156. Find Ten Hindi Jews for Buddha Who Are Interested Enough to Post

And I'm sure you'd have your group.

I'm sure a well-devised Palestinian-focused group would be approved, too, if you mustered the numbers.

What's your problem with a Jewish interest group?

BTW, count me in for the Jewish group, even though I'm not Jewish. :-)

DTH

[Colorado Blue]

162. Ummm - actually that pretty well describes me:)

In any case I'll be looking forward to the new Jewish group, which sounds like it will include lots of people of all different backgrounds, which is awesome; and I hope other DU'ers will take the opportunity to drop in and participate once it gets rolling.

I think the focus groups are great, I drop in on several including the artists, the I/P forum and the Christians. Isn't that the beauty of being a liberal - that we aren't afraid to enjoy each other's background, religion or political philosophy? Meanwhile if there are Muslims among us, why shouldn't they participate? Aren't we are all "Children of the Book"?

Even if some of us are part-time Pagan Wiccan Hindu Buddhists too, except when we are in a Bad Mood, when we are aetheists:)

Am I the only person who is glad spring is coming? Maybe we will find some love in our hearts for each other, now that the sun is glowing warm and the green things are pushing through the soil. The diversity of our heritage is part of what makes America so unique, so rich - I hope we can celebrate, share, enrich one another, and learn something about each other's heritage too.

Personally I think we'd better. This is a very small world and open minds, open hearts, are our ONLY hope.

And if somebody has a recipe for fat-free latkes - give already.

Shalom!