The Inquisition, etc.

[Guest guest]

:

I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not

as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history

that we were of " God's chosen people. " But that never made sense. I

used to think, " Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry

claiming to be of God's chosen people? "

Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring

program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was

blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition

still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in

secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us

to know that we were Jews.

Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German

ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is

French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist

of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish

ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a

Canadian Soldier).

In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful

of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And

OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most

beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover

Seder at a friend's home.

At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor

with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors

too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay,

lesbian, and straight friends. There was a whole rainbow coalition

of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.

Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said

something like this, " Here we come together as Jews, Christians and

Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We

come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths,

cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as

we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that,

while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect,

acceptance and love. "

You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions,

the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in

their soul.

Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot

to me!

Francisco

> :

>

> More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside

> you! (Hmmm... could it be " that " miracle baby?) That is sooooo

> wonderful!

>

> (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese

> surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish

> Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church

> has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi

and

> our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a

> keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I love the info about

> Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)

>

> I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this

really

> helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.

>

> Best to you and baby!

>

> Francisco

>

[Guest guest]

:

I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not

as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history

that we were of " God's chosen people. " But that never made sense. I

used to think, " Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry

claiming to be of God's chosen people? "

Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring

program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was

blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition

still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in

secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us

to know that we were Jews.

Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German

ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is

French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist

of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish

ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a

Canadian Soldier).

In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful

of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And

OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most

beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover

Seder at a friend's home.

At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor

with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors

too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay,

lesbian, and straight friends. There was a whole rainbow coalition

of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.

Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said

something like this, " Here we come together as Jews, Christians and

Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We

come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths,

cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as

we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that,

while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect,

acceptance and love. "

You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions,

the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in

their soul.

Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot

to me!

Francisco

> :

>

> More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside

> you! (Hmmm... could it be " that " miracle baby?) That is sooooo

> wonderful!

>

> (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese

> surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish

> Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church

> has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi

and

> our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a

> keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I love the info about

> Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)

>

> I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this

really

> helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.

>

> Best to you and baby!

>

> Francisco

>

[Guest guest]

I am telling you, life is so interesting! I was not always religious, and once again, I am grateful for that because it helps me understand things so much more clearly, and makes me realize that not only do I appreciate the beauty of the secular world, but the beauty of my community and life style, and it helps me keep an unique but vital balance in my life I am Hasidic, and many of my friends woh were born and raised into this lifestyle their whole lives might never have appreciated what you shared, but I do! And I am so grateful that you shared it with me! It makes me think back to my second marriage, to my beloved husband whose child I now carry, and please G-d will give birth to in late June. At my wedding, which was considered extremely unusual for Orthodix wedding, we had all types of Jews there, from totally irreligious to the most Hasidic ( where the ladies shave their heads bald and wear silk scarves and seamed stockings) and everything in

between. That was unique enough, but the fact was, EVERY single person felt totally comfortable and had a wonderful time. How does this relate to what you told me, and to us WLS'ers in general? Very simply, we have a unique way of looking of life, if we allow ourselves to. We had the opportunity to experience all types of foods and drink, and to overindulge if we chose, in essence living life to an excess, with a disregard for the actual reason why we ate and what purpose eating truly served. Now, if we are true to what we have accomplished with WLS, we truly appreciate food and drink, realize WHY we eat, how we eat, and appreciate the natural vitality of the actual things we eat. How we only hurt ourselves if we eat too much or incorrectly, and how wonderfully healthy we feel when we eat properly. I guess, it is like a spectrum. Just like that Seder Table, just like my wedding, just like our lives post WLS. More full and amazing than

any could ever expect. Much blessings!manisodream wrote: :I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history that we were of "God's chosen people." But that never made sense. I used to think, "Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry claiming to be of God's chosen people?"Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us to know that we were

Jews.Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a Canadian Soldier).In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover Seder at a friend's home.At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay, lesbian, and straight friends. There was

a whole rainbow coalition of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said something like this, "Here we come together as Jews, Christians and Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that, while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect, acceptance and love."You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions, the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in their soul.Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot to me!Francisco> :> > More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside > you! (Hmmm... could it be "that" miracle baby?) That is sooooo > wonderful!> > (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese > surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish > Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church > has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi and > our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a > keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I

love the info about > Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)> > I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this really > helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.> > Best to you and baby!> > Francisco>

" Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind

do not matter, and those who matter do not mind!" Dr. Seuss

"There is nothing more whole than a broken heart" (paraphrase) R'Simcha Bunim of Pershischa

Love, Klinkowitz RNY 8/17/04 315/190/185

-125

Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

[Guest guest]

I am telling you, life is so interesting! I was not always religious, and once again, I am grateful for that because it helps me understand things so much more clearly, and makes me realize that not only do I appreciate the beauty of the secular world, but the beauty of my community and life style, and it helps me keep an unique but vital balance in my life I am Hasidic, and many of my friends woh were born and raised into this lifestyle their whole lives might never have appreciated what you shared, but I do! And I am so grateful that you shared it with me! It makes me think back to my second marriage, to my beloved husband whose child I now carry, and please G-d will give birth to in late June. At my wedding, which was considered extremely unusual for Orthodix wedding, we had all types of Jews there, from totally irreligious to the most Hasidic ( where the ladies shave their heads bald and wear silk scarves and seamed stockings) and everything in

between. That was unique enough, but the fact was, EVERY single person felt totally comfortable and had a wonderful time. How does this relate to what you told me, and to us WLS'ers in general? Very simply, we have a unique way of looking of life, if we allow ourselves to. We had the opportunity to experience all types of foods and drink, and to overindulge if we chose, in essence living life to an excess, with a disregard for the actual reason why we ate and what purpose eating truly served. Now, if we are true to what we have accomplished with WLS, we truly appreciate food and drink, realize WHY we eat, how we eat, and appreciate the natural vitality of the actual things we eat. How we only hurt ourselves if we eat too much or incorrectly, and how wonderfully healthy we feel when we eat properly. I guess, it is like a spectrum. Just like that Seder Table, just like my wedding, just like our lives post WLS. More full and amazing than

any could ever expect. Much blessings!manisodream wrote: :I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history that we were of "God's chosen people." But that never made sense. I used to think, "Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry claiming to be of God's chosen people?"Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us to know that we were

Jews.Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a Canadian Soldier).In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover Seder at a friend's home.At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay, lesbian, and straight friends. There was

a whole rainbow coalition of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said something like this, "Here we come together as Jews, Christians and Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that, while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect, acceptance and love."You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions, the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in their soul.Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot to me!Francisco> :> > More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside > you! (Hmmm... could it be "that" miracle baby?) That is sooooo > wonderful!> > (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese > surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish > Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church > has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi and > our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a > keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I

love the info about > Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)> > I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this really > helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.> > Best to you and baby!> > Francisco>

" Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind

do not matter, and those who matter do not mind!" Dr. Seuss

"There is nothing more whole than a broken heart" (paraphrase) R'Simcha Bunim of Pershischa

Love, Klinkowitz RNY 8/17/04 315/190/185

-125

Relax. Yahoo! Mail virus scanning helps detect nasty viruses!

[Guest guest]

I am telling you, life is so interesting! I was not always religious, and once again, I am grateful for that because it helps me understand things so much more clearly, and makes me realize that not only do I appreciate the beauty of the secular world, but the beauty of my community and life style, and it helps me keep an unique but vital balance in my life I am Hasidic, and many of my friends woh were born and raised into this lifestyle their whole lives might never have appreciated what you shared, but I do! And I am so grateful that you shared it with me! It makes me think back to my second marriage, to my beloved husband whose child I now carry, and please G-d will give birth to in late June. At my wedding, which was considered extremely unusual for Orthodix wedding, we had all types of Jews there, from totally irreligious to the most Hasidic ( where the ladies shave their heads bald and wear silk scarves and seamed stockings) and everything in

between. That was unique enough, but the fact was, EVERY single person felt totally comfortable and had a wonderful time. How does this relate to what you told me, and to us WLS'ers in general? Very simply, we have a unique way of looking of life, if we allow ourselves to. We had the opportunity to experience all types of foods and drink, and to overindulge if we chose, in essence living life to an excess, with a disregard for the actual reason why we ate and what purpose eating truly served. Now, if we are true to what we have accomplished with WLS, we truly appreciate food and drink, realize WHY we eat, how we eat, and appreciate the natural vitality of the actual things we eat. How we only hurt ourselves if we eat too much or incorrectly, and how wonderfully healthy we feel when we eat properly. I guess, it is like a spectrum. Just like that Seder Table, just like my wedding, just like our lives post WLS. More full and amazing than

any could ever expect. Much blessings!manisodream wrote: :I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history that we were of "God's chosen people." But that never made sense. I used to think, "Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry claiming to be of God's chosen people?"Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us to know that we were

Jews.Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a Canadian Soldier).In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover Seder at a friend's home.At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay, lesbian, and straight friends. There was

a whole rainbow coalition of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said something like this, "Here we come together as Jews, Christians and Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that, while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect, acceptance and love."You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions, the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in their soul.Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot to me!Francisco> :> > More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside > you! (Hmmm... could it be "that" miracle baby?) That is sooooo > wonderful!> > (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese > surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish > Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church > has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi and > our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a > keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I

love the info about > Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)> > I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this really > helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.> > Best to you and baby!> > Francisco>

" Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind

do not matter, and those who matter do not mind!" Dr. Seuss

"There is nothing more whole than a broken heart" (paraphrase) R'Simcha Bunim of Pershischa

Love, Klinkowitz RNY 8/17/04 315/190/185

-125

Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

[Guest guest]

I am telling you, life is so interesting! I was not always religious, and once again, I am grateful for that because it helps me understand things so much more clearly, and makes me realize that not only do I appreciate the beauty of the secular world, but the beauty of my community and life style, and it helps me keep an unique but vital balance in my life I am Hasidic, and many of my friends woh were born and raised into this lifestyle their whole lives might never have appreciated what you shared, but I do! And I am so grateful that you shared it with me! It makes me think back to my second marriage, to my beloved husband whose child I now carry, and please G-d will give birth to in late June. At my wedding, which was considered extremely unusual for Orthodix wedding, we had all types of Jews there, from totally irreligious to the most Hasidic ( where the ladies shave their heads bald and wear silk scarves and seamed stockings) and everything in

between. That was unique enough, but the fact was, EVERY single person felt totally comfortable and had a wonderful time. How does this relate to what you told me, and to us WLS'ers in general? Very simply, we have a unique way of looking of life, if we allow ourselves to. We had the opportunity to experience all types of foods and drink, and to overindulge if we chose, in essence living life to an excess, with a disregard for the actual reason why we ate and what purpose eating truly served. Now, if we are true to what we have accomplished with WLS, we truly appreciate food and drink, realize WHY we eat, how we eat, and appreciate the natural vitality of the actual things we eat. How we only hurt ourselves if we eat too much or incorrectly, and how wonderfully healthy we feel when we eat properly. I guess, it is like a spectrum. Just like that Seder Table, just like my wedding, just like our lives post WLS. More full and amazing than

any could ever expect. Much blessings!manisodream wrote: :I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history that we were of "God's chosen people." But that never made sense. I used to think, "Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry claiming to be of God's chosen people?"Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us to know that we were

Jews.Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a Canadian Soldier).In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover Seder at a friend's home.At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay, lesbian, and straight friends. There was

a whole rainbow coalition of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said something like this, "Here we come together as Jews, Christians and Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that, while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect, acceptance and love."You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions, the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in their soul.Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot to me!Francisco> :> > More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside > you! (Hmmm... could it be "that" miracle baby?) That is sooooo > wonderful!> > (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese > surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish > Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church > has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi and > our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a > keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I

love the info about > Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)> > I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this really > helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.> > Best to you and baby!> > Francisco>

" Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind

do not matter, and those who matter do not mind!" Dr. Seuss

"There is nothing more whole than a broken heart" (paraphrase) R'Simcha Bunim of Pershischa

Love, Klinkowitz RNY 8/17/04 315/190/185

-125

Yahoo! Mail Use Photomail to share photos without annoying attachments.

[Guest guest]

I am telling you, life is so interesting! I was not always religious, and once again, I am grateful for that because it helps me understand things so much more clearly, and makes me realize that not only do I appreciate the beauty of the secular world, but the beauty of my community and life style, and it helps me keep an unique but vital balance in my life I am Hasidic, and many of my friends woh were born and raised into this lifestyle their whole lives might never have appreciated what you shared, but I do! And I am so grateful that you shared it with me! It makes me think back to my second marriage, to my beloved husband whose child I now carry, and please G-d will give birth to in late June. At my wedding, which was considered extremely unusual for Orthodix wedding, we had all types of Jews there, from totally irreligious to the most Hasidic ( where the ladies shave their heads bald and wear silk scarves and seamed stockings) and everything in

between. That was unique enough, but the fact was, EVERY single person felt totally comfortable and had a wonderful time. How does this relate to what you told me, and to us WLS'ers in general? Very simply, we have a unique way of looking of life, if we allow ourselves to. We had the opportunity to experience all types of foods and drink, and to overindulge if we chose, in essence living life to an excess, with a disregard for the actual reason why we ate and what purpose eating truly served. Now, if we are true to what we have accomplished with WLS, we truly appreciate food and drink, realize WHY we eat, how we eat, and appreciate the natural vitality of the actual things we eat. How we only hurt ourselves if we eat too much or incorrectly, and how wonderfully healthy we feel when we eat properly. I guess, it is like a spectrum. Just like that Seder Table, just like my wedding, just like our lives post WLS. More full and amazing than

any could ever expect. Much blessings!manisodream wrote: :I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history that we were of "God's chosen people." But that never made sense. I used to think, "Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry claiming to be of God's chosen people?"Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us to know that we were

Jews.Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a Canadian Soldier).In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover Seder at a friend's home.At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay, lesbian, and straight friends. There was

a whole rainbow coalition of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said something like this, "Here we come together as Jews, Christians and Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that, while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect, acceptance and love."You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions, the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in their soul.Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot to me!Francisco> :> > More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside > you! (Hmmm... could it be "that" miracle baby?) That is sooooo > wonderful!> > (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese > surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish > Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church > has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi and > our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a > keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I

love the info about > Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)> > I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this really > helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.> > Best to you and baby!> > Francisco>

" Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind

do not matter, and those who matter do not mind!" Dr. Seuss

"There is nothing more whole than a broken heart" (paraphrase) R'Simcha Bunim of Pershischa

Love, Klinkowitz RNY 8/17/04 315/190/185

-125

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[Guest guest]

I am telling you, life is so interesting! I was not always religious, and once again, I am grateful for that because it helps me understand things so much more clearly, and makes me realize that not only do I appreciate the beauty of the secular world, but the beauty of my community and life style, and it helps me keep an unique but vital balance in my life I am Hasidic, and many of my friends woh were born and raised into this lifestyle their whole lives might never have appreciated what you shared, but I do! And I am so grateful that you shared it with me! It makes me think back to my second marriage, to my beloved husband whose child I now carry, and please G-d will give birth to in late June. At my wedding, which was considered extremely unusual for Orthodix wedding, we had all types of Jews there, from totally irreligious to the most Hasidic ( where the ladies shave their heads bald and wear silk scarves and seamed stockings) and everything in

between. That was unique enough, but the fact was, EVERY single person felt totally comfortable and had a wonderful time. How does this relate to what you told me, and to us WLS'ers in general? Very simply, we have a unique way of looking of life, if we allow ourselves to. We had the opportunity to experience all types of foods and drink, and to overindulge if we chose, in essence living life to an excess, with a disregard for the actual reason why we ate and what purpose eating truly served. Now, if we are true to what we have accomplished with WLS, we truly appreciate food and drink, realize WHY we eat, how we eat, and appreciate the natural vitality of the actual things we eat. How we only hurt ourselves if we eat too much or incorrectly, and how wonderfully healthy we feel when we eat properly. I guess, it is like a spectrum. Just like that Seder Table, just like my wedding, just like our lives post WLS. More full and amazing than

any could ever expect. Much blessings!manisodream wrote: :I found out about my surname by mere coincidence. Or maybe it's not as you say. In my father's family, there was always an oral history that we were of "God's chosen people." But that never made sense. I used to think, "Why are these Puerto Ricans of Portuguese ancestry claiming to be of God's chosen people?"Then I was paired up with a Portuguese Professor in a mentoring program in college. She told me the history of my surname. I was blown away. She told me that many Jews converted by the Inquisition still hold elements of Judiasm near and dear, but have kept them in secret for some 500 years. Amazing! My Jewish ancestors wanted us to know that we were

Jews.Part of my Mother's family (from Canada) were Jews of German ancestry. But there's an interesting mixture of cultures--my Mom is French-Canadian, German (Jew), and ish. And in a bizarre twist of fate, my maternal grandfather, my Mother's Father (of ish ancestry) was killed in WWII by the Nazis in Germany (he was a Canadian Soldier).In regards to faith, my family is Christian, but we are very mindful of the fact that Christ was indeed a Jewish prophet and rabbi. And OK, I'm going on and on, but I have to tell you one of the most beautiful and meaningful religious events I've been to was a Passover Seder at a friend's home.At one end of the table was Emanuel's Mother, a holocaust survivor with her aunts and uncles, all elderly Jews and holocaust survivors too. At the other end of the table was Emanuel, a gay man, with gay, lesbian, and straight friends. There was

a whole rainbow coalition of ethnicities--black, white, latino, asian, european.Emanuel's mother started the Seder with a speech in which she said something like this, "Here we come together as Jews, Christians and Buddhists, young and not-so-young, gay, lesbian and straight. We come together in love and peace bridging gaps of generations, faiths, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. May God bring us together as we remember the Passover. May our example teach the world that, while differences exists, our common humanity unites us in respect, acceptance and love."You can't imagine how wonderful it was. The history, the traditions, the songs, practiced by all, explained for everyone to feel deeply in their soul.Anyway, I'm so glad you shared part of you with us. It means a lot to me!Francisco> :> > More power to you! AND MAZELTOV! A miracle baby is growing inside > you! (Hmmm... could it be "that" miracle baby?) That is sooooo > wonderful!> > (As an aside, my last name is known as one of several Portuguese > surnames of Jews who were converted to Catholicism by the Spanish > Inquisition. My Mom's family also has Jewish roots. And my church > has a partnership with a synagogue in San Francisco and the rabbi and > our senior minister swap pulpits from time to time. So there is a > keen interest in me for all things Jewish. I

love the info about > Jewish culture and pregnancy. Thanks for sharing it.)> > I love your way of dealing with this. Getting input like this really > helps me, and I sincerely appreciate it.> > Best to you and baby!> > Francisco>

" Be who you are and say how you feel, because those who mind

do not matter, and those who matter do not mind!" Dr. Seuss

"There is nothing more whole than a broken heart" (paraphrase) R'Simcha Bunim of Pershischa

Love, Klinkowitz RNY 8/17/04 315/190/185

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