Things Baalei Teshuva Say

I'm not really one for labels, but if you've ever met a Ba'alei Teshuva (returnee to orthodox Judaism), you can't help but notice a few patterns among them. These secular (or converted) turned religious/observant Jews often have a frantic approach toward observancy. Whereas an FFB (frum from birth) Jew may do things naturally, a Ba'alei Teshuva has to contemplate and think through each ritual, routine or mitzvah. They are often extra vigilant in their observance as what is second nature to an FFB, takes effort, contemplation and hard work. Relatives of newly observant Jews, new Ba-alei Teshuva, often find themselves annoyed and frustrated with their newly observant relatives and their constant vigil and rigidity. But this is often due to their lack of practice and knowledge and their newly found fanaticism with observancy. Having married one of these and being a psedo Ba'alei Teshuva myself, I find it amusing at times.  As my daughter heads off to Israel, she leaves behind her personal interpretation of just what a Baaeli Teshuva might say. Of course, my husband is the brains behind this production, as well, it takes one to know one: