(I at one time believed that the Orthodox had sex through a hole in the sheet. (Probably false.))

There are some Orthodox Jews who are shomer negiah and do not casually touch members of the opposite sex ever, unless they are related (and only certain relations are okay) or married. The Duggar “side hug” would be a scandal among certain members of the Orthodox community.

I’m a rabid atheist but I’m a bit surprised by this story. A synagogue in my town is hosting a Planned Parenthood fundraiser soon, and that contributes to my generally expecting better from Judaism. But I guess not.

I wasn’t being specific enough when I first wrote it, but I really meant that my dual surprise/jadedness was due to his shitty behavior, not that law occurring in PA (though I do find it sad that it’s in the majority).

I’ve heard it explained as “Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west, Mississippi in the middle.”

Plus, he turned off her mic because she said something he didn’t like? This guy has been watching waaaay too much Bill O’Reilly.

I’m a third-generation survivor. I’m a practicing Jew. I live with the aftermath of the Holocaust every f-ing single day. Its horrors didn’t end when my grandparents were liberated. Everything wasn’t hunky-dory again. And I’m here to say I’m ready to move on. What do we get out of prosecuting a 91 year old admin?…

Two things come to mind - first off, there’s a difference between prosecuting and sentencing. It could be (and I’m not entirely familiar with German law) they can prosecute her but not send her to jail, something along the lines of a suspended sentence or probation. Secondly - I think prosecution IS important, if only…

Sorry, I was too sharp earlier. Touchy subject I guess.

This is particularly funny coming from Pennsylvania, a state which once had one of the biggest population of German speakers and whose largest tourist draw for populations is from a group that still speaks English as a second language.

My main problem with your commentary here is that you and raisedbycats, neither of whom are ethnically Jewish/have family that has been affected by the Holocaust, are talking like you seem to think that you know better for the Jewish community than those of us who have dealt with this our entire lives. Honestly, I’m…

Especially when they apparently have only a rudimentary understanding of the language themselves. “are” “offical”

Come on, thats ludicrous. Simply because something is an atrocity which should revolt all, does not mean all opinions should be equally privileged. The notion that african americans don’t have a privileged position when discussing reparations for slavery would be considered down-right regressive. Similarly the notion…

But how would we know for a fact what someone did witthout a trial? If the DA is thinking of prosecuting it's because they feel something criminal was done and think a jury might agree. Who are we to assume that second hand participation doesn't warrant punishment. Often a trial isn't about the direct victims as it is…

I imagine it would have to be part of her defense. I think there is merit in not letting people who had even minor roles off the hook. The Holocaust was not just pulled off by a select, monstrous few; it also involved the tacit acknowledgement and approval of the many. Establishing that being one of these many who…

I don’t know what Karyn is going on about. My family is Jewish - though not religious - and I’ve lived with Jews my whole life. I don’t know anyone who is that concerned about “opening wounds that should be left to heal,” that “wants to move toward healing” or that thinks “we must learn to let go of the anger.” It’s…

What’s being suggested is a trial not an execution. I’m for letting a jury decide who knew and did what and what it deserves.

I’m absolutely not torn at all. People defected from the party all the time. They had a choice, and they chose to keep their homes and livelihoods in exchange for the deaths of 7 million people.

I don’t really see how you being a Jewish convert has any bearing how you should feel about the Holocaust. Any person would feel horrified to the core by this event, I don’t get whether you being a Jewish convert gives you more of a stake? I’m sure you know that Jews were persecuted for their ethnicity moreso than…

Let’s not pretend like she wouldn’t scream bloody murder if she wasn’t given that “piece of paper” because she had divorced.