I found your blog because of your articles on the CTA, but became a regular reader (you’re on my blog roll) because of your articles on Judaism – the articles are always well-written, informative and humorous (when appropriate).

I think it’s great that you’re focusing your work exclusively on Judaism.

I’ve learned a lot from reading your blog – I’m an atheist and know very little about religion, nor do I know many folks who would share their personal experiences with faith, so reading this blog gives me some insight – and has gotten me to read other articles as well.

Good luck!

Rick, exactly, I totally get that! In fact, I plan to eventually legally change my middle name. From Thaddeus–the Catholic saint name that my mother gave me–to Benami. And I am honored to have been a resource and positive influence in your conversion process.

As far as blogging, Rick and Violet [note to readers--good friends with whom Ryan and I have shared secular and Jewish holidays--we all know each other!], yasher koach! GO for it! I’d love to read your stories. I always say, everyone can blog. The only people who can’t write their stories are the ones who think they can’t. And EVERYONE’s interesting!

So, get going yet?

I love this post! I like that your blog will now be exclusively dealing with Jewish issues and Jewish topics. And I love that you’re going to be using your Hebrew name exclusively when you’re online. I’ve thought of doing the same thing, so I might as well begin now, eh? It’s kind of fun to create that “persona” only to realize that this IS you, that your life now revolves around THIS (whatever that “this” may be).

I keep toying with the idea of blogging; have been for several years. Ever since I became a Jew, it just seems logical to want to document my ongoing adventures as a Jew, and I’d love to combine that with my love of cities, and love of Chicago specifically. This post has given me renewed motivation to start doing that, so thanks. As I mentioned to you before, your blog was very helpful to me in my conversion process, and that hasn’t changed. Your wisdom does make a difference out there, but you know that already.

Have you considered changing the name of your blog to reflect its new approach? Just a thought.

Thank you for your insight and Yasher Koach!

Ariel

(aka Rick)