StrawberryAlarmClock and NIP in Israel

eisenberg0814

I wanted to answer your question about nursing in Israel.

the picture yesterday in my post was taken in Central Park when we still lived in NYC. We moved 8 months ago. In the beginning I was very uncomfortable, because I always dress modestly and cover my hair. What would people think?

But Israel is a super children friendly country!

A few weeks after our move I was already sitting in IKEA on a couch where everyone walked by nursing my toddler because its just so accepted here. Once I was in our synagogue and I asked one of the ladies where I could nurse and she said anywhere, even in the sanctuary because I am sustaining life and that is a mitzvah (a good deed). I am sure the ultra-orthodox would disagree with that one, but everyone is super accomodating. I have to say though that I did not see women pop out their boobs like in central park, they nurse more discreetly, but when they are out of newborn stages then without cover.

This is my experience, maybe other people feel differently about it.

StrawberryAlarmClock

Thanks for the post. The park in your PIP did look very Northeast USA that's so good to hear that Israel is child friendly. The comment about sustaining life doesn't surprise me at all. I'm Jewish and one thing I love about our faith is that we are all humans. We are not expected to force our bodies to fulfill regimented doctrine. If we are too sick/old/young to fast, we don't, etc...What a great picture for you to cherish! Thanks again for the story about Israel!

eisenberg0814

you guys should come visit! Its such an amazing country!

Quazel

StrawberryAlarmClock:

Thanks for the post. The park in your PIP did look very Northeast USA that's so good to hear that Israel is child friendly. The comment about sustaining life doesn't surprise me at all. I'm Jewish and one thing I love about our faith is that we are all humans. We are not expected to force our bodies to fulfill regimented doctrine. If we are too sick/old/young to fast, we don't, etc...What a great picture for you to cherish! Thanks again for the story about Israel!

I have to completely agree with this!  I was raised Jewish and feel very strongly that my values are in line with Judiasm.  I find Jewish celebrations to be such happy occasions.  Every Jewish wedding I have been to has been a funny, happy celebration of life.  My personal jury is still out on the existence of g-d and sometimes I wish I could just believe because I want to be more involved in my religious culture, I think it is wonderful.

StrawberryAlarmClock

Quazel:

StrawberryAlarmClock:

Thanks for the post. The park in your PIP did look very Northeast USA that's so good to hear that Israel is child friendly. The comment about sustaining life doesn't surprise me at all. I'm Jewish and one thing I love about our faith is that we are all humans. We are not expected to force our bodies to fulfill regimented doctrine. If we are too sick/old/young to fast, we don't, etc...What a great picture for you to cherish! Thanks again for the story about Israel!

I have to completely agree with this!  I was raised Jewish and feel very strongly that my values are in line with Judiasm.  I find Jewish celebrations to be such happy occasions.  Every Jewish wedding I have been to has been a funny, happy celebration of life.  My personal jury is still out on the existence of g-d and sometimes I wish I could just believe because I want to be more involved in my religious culture, I think it is wonderful.

I think that wanting to believe is huge. Jews are encouraged to question. I remember sitting at our Rabbi's dinner table for hours every shabbat ( our synagogue was out of town so we drove in before dusk and stayed over night) questioning and analyzing. He never once discouraged us or said we were disrespectful or sinful for doubting/wondering. I hope you find something you're comfortable with that works for you. Don't feel guilty or disheartened if you still aren't *sure* 60 years from now. It just means you're not a mindless lemming.