July 21, 2011 | 8:30 am

Is Tahl Leibovitz The Greatest Jewish Athlete You’ve Never Heard Of?

Posted by Ilana Angel

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Tahl Leibovitz

My son called me last night from back east to ask if I had ever heard of Tahl Leibovitz.  I asked if he was someone I should check out on iTunes.  When he was done laughing, he let me know he had discovered Mr. Leibovitz while flipping through the channels and was so impressed, he Googled him to learn more.

Leibovitz was born in Israel, and now lives in Queens, NY.  He has been playing professional table tennis since 1995 and has been competing in the Paralympics since 1996.  He has won medals in every Paralympics table tennis category, as well as nine gold medals at the Parapan American Games since 2003.

Leibovitz discovered table tennis when he was 14 years old at the South Queens Boys and Girls Club.  He saw some kids playing and enjoyed the sound of the ball.  He competed in able-bodied table tennis for many years, and was then introduced to Paralympic Table Tennis through a friend.

What is his disability?  He has benign bone tumors in most areas of his body, including his playing arm, as well as problems with his toes, knees and spine. Despite this, he competes and wins at the world-class level year-round.  This guy is amazing and I am incredibly impressed by him.

My son said Tahl won his match last night, which is what they stumbled upon when clicking through the channels.  This man is remarkable and I’m not sure why I’ve never heard of him.  Granted table tennis is not a huge sport in the world, but his story should transcend his sport.

I can’t find any recent articles about Mr. Leibovitz so if you have anything to share,  please do.  I love that not only did my son stop to watch his match, but that he called to say I needed to blog about him because he is amazing.  Leibotvitz inspired my son with his ability to keep the faith.

July 20, 2011 | 9:30 am

Rules of Dating & Sex

Posted by Ilana Angel

Monday was a great day.  I was a guest host on the Keeping It Real Radio Show with Aaron McCargo Jr. and Robert Flutie.  I had the best time and thanks to all my readers who tuned in to the show, and took the time to write me about it.  It was really wonderful to hear from all of you.

Keeping it Real is a weekly show hosted by Robert and Aaron where they talk about anything and everything, in a real and honest way.  They were brave to welcome in a woman’s perspective and it was so interesting for me to hear their position on some of the things I write about here.

They are fun, and I recommend that you listen to them on Monday nights.  I look forward to doing the show again and if you have things you’d like to hear me talk with them about, let me know.  The best part of the show is that nothing is off limits in terms of topics, or their willingness to share.

The “Keeping It Real” Radio Show with Robert Flutie and Aaron McCargo Jr. airs on Monday nights at 4:00 PST - 7:00 EST.  You can listen in Florida on WTAN-AM 1340 / WDCF-AM 1350.  You can also listen online at “Keeping It Real” and I recommend tuning in.  I will be sure to let you know when I’m back on, and hope you will call in, say hello, and give me and the boys a chance to keep it real with all of you.

I wrote a blog last week about the man I met online who wanted to talk about sex in a way that I was not completely comfortable with.  I got a lot of emails about whether I should go out with him and it was suggested by most, including Robert and Aaron, that I not go.  My intention was to pass until I got one particular email.

A lovely man named Nick, who is a regular listener to the radio show, wrote to say I needed to give this man a break and go on a date.  Nick was divorced after 23 years and when he reentered the dating world, he was unsure how things went in terms of sex and stumbled a few times.

He offended some women in his attempt to get a groove going, and figuring out at what speed to approach women with the topic of sex.  It was an honest and enlightening email and it inspired me to go on a date with the gentleman who had I had been speaking with.

So, last night we met for dinner.  We went to a restaurant that I am very familiar with and feel comfortable at.  He arrived and I recognized him right away which is always a pleasant surprise when online dating.  He is tall and handsome, and looked younger than 59.

We spent about two hours at dinner and it was fascinating.  We talked about our kids, work, and life in general.  The main thing we talked about however, was sex.  We spoke of my blog, which he read, and the conversation was much more comfortable in person than on the phone.

When I could see his face, and that he was not aggressive, it was more interesting than scary.  He has strong views what he is looking for in a partner, the most fascinating one bring, if a woman was not willing to have oral sex by date two, he would not continue dating her.

If she cannot determine she wants to be intimate with him after one date, then she was not passionate enough for him.  It was shocking.  He honestly believes that the only way to get to know someone is by having sex with them.  Without sex there is no reason to go forward.

I’ve often spoken with my friends about the 6 date sex rule.  Many women feel that having sex after the 6th date is the way to go.  I’m quite certain however, that if I took a poll, 10 out of 10 women would not agree with the 2nd date oral sex rule, and he is insane to think that will fly.

I imagine he is a one date wonder.  If he is sharing this information with women on a first date, he’s probably not getting a lot of second dates.  In fact, I asked him during our first conversation how match.com was working out for him, and let me know he had had a lot of first dates.

I’ve had a lot of first dates so it was not a big deal, but now having met him, it’s clearly a read flag.  Aside from his ridiculous sex rule, was the fact that once he knew for sure it was not happening with me, he was rude, mean spirited, and went out of his way to hurt my feelings.

When we spoke about sex and when it should happen in a relationship, I said that at this stage of my life I preferred to be in a relationship before having sex, and he said he needed sex to determine if he wanted to have a relationship.  He then likened me to a prostitute.

If he spent money on dinner, didn’t I owe him something?  He was much smoother in how he said it, and then tried to bury the insult and make a joke. Was he telling me I owed him for the money he spent?  He actually asked me how much he would need to spend before sex.

I of course offered to pay for dinner, but he insisted.  Perhaps he thought he still had a chance.  He also paid for my valet parking, which normally is such a sweet and chivalrous action, and instead of thinking it was lovely, I wondered if it was a desperate last attempt at a little action.

If dating means that I need to agree to have oral sex by a second date, then I think I will simply get another cat, take up knitting, and call it a day. I am going to die alone with 18 cats waiting for my grandchildren to come visit if this is what it means to be dating at this stage of my life.

I think sex is important, and at 45 I am not shy to share that I have had sex with someone on a first date.  I actually slept with my ex-husband on our first date.  There was an instant chemistry and connection.  We had a great date, and were together and a couple from that moment on.

I had a three year relationship after my divorce and we dated for almost 3 months before we had sex.  There was chemistry, but I was gun shy and we took our time to get to that place.  We made out, a lot, but I took my time, he let me go at my own pace, so it was safe and wonderful.

The most shocking thing was that he called me to make sure I got home safely, and let me know that while he thought I was lovely, we were clearly not a match, and he wished me luck.  This man had the balls to call and wish me luck? Do I need the luck here?

He determined that there was no way in hell I was going to give him oral sex the next time I saw him, so I was sent on my way and wished good luck. Good luck!  I don’t need luck.  He is telling women without their participation in oral sex he is not interested, and I need luck?  Really?

In the end I stand by the choice to go on the date and thank Nick for his great email.  That said, one of the best things about writing a daily blog about my life and experiences, is that there are so many people who read daily, sincerely wish me well, and care about my choices.

I want you to know I love your support, read your comments and emails, and wish I would have listened to you on this one and not gone.  Thank you for reading, listening, sharing and caring. You’ve got my back and in the end it’s through all of you that I am keeping the faith. 

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July 18, 2011 | 12:12 am

A Dating Question:  When is it Okay to Have a Conversation About Sex?

Posted by Ilana Angel

I met an interesting man online this weekend.  He was funny, educated, Jewish, handsome and charming.  He was married for 25 years and is now divorced.  We emailed, and then spoke on the phone.  It was good, until we got to the topic of sex, and I’m not exactly sure how we even got there.

We should talk about sex. We are older, experienced, and aware of its importance.  For some it’s not a big deal, and for others it’s the key to a successful relationship.  I think it’s important, and I want to be with someone who is on the same page as me in terms of its value.

I’m just not sure I want to talk about it before I’ve met the person.  It was a good talk and I learned a lot about him.  He was respectful while still clear on what he is looking for.  I admired him for jumping right in, and at the same time was turned off.  I felt intimidated by the conversation, not sure how to participate.

It could be, God forbid, that I am simply not as evolved as I thought I was. I feel self-conscious, which is ridiculous because we have not met. I know details about him, which I find odd.  I was looking forward to meeting him, but now I’m not sure.  The realization that I am not cool, sucks.

I’m not a prude, but it turns out I’m conservative in terms of what I am willing to talk about.  You wouldn’t know it from this blog, but I am a little shy one on one. There is a time and a place to discuss everything and I think a talk about sex should not happen before you’ve met someone.

What’s the harm in meeting first, seeing if there is a connection, and then worrying about the sex? I spoke with the gentleman again this evening and we discussed that I was writing this blog. He was flattered that I was intimidated, which I found both charming and unattractive.

He might be a pervert, or it could also be that he is just a grown up who is comfortable in his own skin.  He is 14 years older than me so it could be an age thing.  At almost 60, he is perhaps just better able to articulate his opinions.  Not to be shocking, but to simply be honest.

I feel a little unsettled.  I want to be free and open, and at the same time I want to be respected, and this conversation blurred the line for me.  I like him and tonight we laughed and talked about a lot of things, but I kept thinking he would jump to sex at any minute and it was weird.

I could be over analyzing the whole thing, and he’s probably not thinking about it all.  I could be trying to sabotage him before I even meet him, which could mean that I like him.  Our conversation made me wonder, when is it okay to talk about sex with someone you are dating?

More importantly, is it okay to discuss sex with someone you have never met in person?  Furthermore, can you have sex without a relationship, or a relationship without sex?  Does sex naturally become important to a couple, or do we make it important based on our desire?

Sex is important, but not something to talk about before meeting.  If you meet, and want to spend time together, it’s still not something to talk about. I sound like an old lady, but at the end of the day, that’s what comfortable.  I’m fine with what I said and didn’t say, but he crossed a line.

It was not a lewd or graphic conversation.  It was simply in poor taste.  I can be tough, and if I get in a situation that is uncomfortable for me, I get myself out of that situation.  I’m good at keeping myself safe and that is the issue.  Will I feel safe if I meet with him in person?

I’m not sure I want to meet him anymore, which is silly.  Nothing he said was threatening, it was just too much, too soon.  I’m an independent woman, but still old fashioned.  He was not offensive, but I was a little offended.  Does that make sense to anyone other than me?

I’m on the fence with this one.  I need to stop thinking about it, which we know I won’t be able to do.  Sex needs to be talked about at the right time. By right time, of course I mean when I decide it’s cool.  Will I meet this man in person?  I don’t know, but I’m keeping the faith.

** Tonight I will be a guest on the “Keeping It Real” Radio Show with Robert Flutie and Aaron McCargo Jr. at 4:00 PST - 7:00 EST.  It will be interesting to get men’s perspectives on this blog. Robert and I met in classic LA fashion and will share that story.  Aaron and Robert are a fun pair, so it promies to be a lively conversation.  You can listen live online at Radio Show or on the radio at WTAN-AM 1340 / WDCF-AM 1350 TAMPA BAY.  I am looking forward to it and hope you can join.

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July 17, 2011 | 12:09 pm

Michele Bachmann Has Chutzpah To Think She Can Be President

Posted by Ilana Angel

Michele Bachmann

I find Michele Bachmann’s ignorance to be entertaining.  Since she has no shot in hell of ever being elected President, rather than being afraid of her politically, I simply find her ridiculous. The woman is a whack job and I will her prove my point by sharing some of her most hilarious statements.  By hilarious of course I mean crazy.

Bachmann once said, in terms of the “normalization” of being gay: “A very effective way to do this with a bunch of second graders, is take a picture of ‘The Lion King’ for instance, and a teacher might say, ‘Do you know that the music for this movie was written by a gay man?’ The message is: I’m better at what I do, because I’m gay.”

In speaking about singer Melissa Etheridge: “Unfortunately she is now suffering from breast cancer, so keep her in your prayers. This may be an opportunity for her now to be open to some spiritual things, now that she is suffering with that physical disease. She is a lesbian.”  Interesting take for a woman who might be married to a gay man.

When Bachmann returned from a visit to Iraq, she said: “There’s a commonality with the Mall of America, in that it’s on that proportion. There’s marble everywhere. The other thing I remarked about was there is water everywhere.”  Seriously, how can anyone take this woman seriously?  Is it a joke that she is running for President?

One of my favorites is: “Carbon dioxide is portrayed as harmful. But there isn’t even one study that can be produced that shows that carbon dioxide is a harmful gas.”  I dare Bachmann to sit in a room for 20 minutes and breath in some fresh and fabulous carbon dioxide.  If she is willing to do that, I will vote for her in the Presidential election.

The best one was this week when in an attempt to throw down some Yiddish, Bachmann mispronounced the word “chutzpah” by saying “choot spa”.  Poor thing.  If she was trying to score my Jewish vote she was wasting her time because she never had it, and never will.  In addition to thinking she is crazy and unstable, I am now laughing at her.

With over a year to go until the election, it’s going to be a long road to the White House. The good news is the freak shows will keep us entertained while we listen to the real contenders.  Will I be able to continue laughing and not get scared by the possibility of people this stupid running our country?  I’m keeping the faith.

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July 14, 2011 | 9:34 am

A Conversation with Jewish Reality Star Jill Zarin

Posted by Ilana Angel

Jill and Bobby Zarin

Jill Zarin is a reality television star from The Real Housewives of New York City.  I have wanted to talk to her for a while because she has become a lightening rod for my blog.  I was going to write about our conversation on my “Keeping it Real” blog, which is all about reality television, but in the end, felt the conversation belonged here at “Keeping The Faith”.

I like Jill on her television show and have written as much.  She is very popular and has a lot of fans who write to tell me they agree she is fabulous. That said, for every person who comments on my blog in support of Jill, there are a couple of people who refer to her as “the Jewish one”, and make it very clear that they do not like her.  Is it faith based?

As a Jewish woman who writes about my Jewish life for a Jewish website, I found the comments disturbing.  I have never mentioned Jill in a blog and not received anti-Semitic comments of some kind.  I dig it when I am referred to as “the Jewish one”, but when it was Jill, I take it personally and it hurts my feelings.  I reached out to Jill to get her take on her fame.

I sent Jill an email, links to my blog, and asked if we could have a chat.  I heard back from her office right away to say they read my blog, knew the Jewish Journal, and she would love to talk.  I was excited to talk to Jill for a lot of reasons.  I like the show and so I was talking to her as a fan, but I also admire her Jewish self, and wanted her advice and wisdom.

Some will be disappointed that I did not go deep about the show.  The thing is, I did, and decided not to include any “dirt”.  I am not a gossip columnist, nor am I a TV critic.  I am writing about Jill, not her show, so there was need.  I asked her questions, she answered them all, and some answers were juicy, but just for me, so I’m sorry if it’s not what you wanted.

Important to note that Jill gave me no restrictions about what I could ask her.  She was open to everything, and answered everything.  She answered quickly, but thoughtfullly, and nothing was off limits.  The only thing she politely asked me not to print,  was the name of the college her daughter is attending, which she let slip while kvelling. 

Jill called me this week and we chatted for almost an hour.  I can now say, with firsthand knowledge, Jill Zarin is fabulous.  She was funny, open and kind.  If you know anything about Jill, you will find it entertaining to know that Ginger participated in the conversation as well.  She barked when the doorbell rang and went a little nuts.  It was classic Jill Zarin.

She was home, living her life, just chatting with me like I was a girlfriend who she talks to all the time.  I’m not one of the bottom feeders who meets a reality star or celebrity and immediately think we’re friends, but there was a comfort in talking to her that made me feel like I knew her.  Maybe it was our Jewish sisterhood, or maybe it’s just because Jill is a nice girl.

Jill was married in her early 20’s.  She had a little girl, and was divorced after 10 years.  She was single and dating for about 3 years when she met and married Bobby Zarin.  If you read my reality blog you know I am not shy about saying that I love Bobby Zarin.  He appears to be a charming and lovely man and I want someone to love me like he loves Jill.  He is a mensch.

Bobby has three children from his first marriage, and he and Jill are grandparents.  Jill’s first husband is a big part of their lives and they have a wonderful and full family.  They work in the family business, Zarin Fabrics, and are all close.  Jill’s success is just another layer to a very tightly woven group.  I found myself not only liking Jill, but admiring her also.

Jill and Bobby put the needs of their children first, and interestingly, the kids put their parents first also.  Jill is closer in age to Bobby’s oldest child than to Bobby.  That could be stressful for some kids, but his children love him and want him to be happy.  How this family has embraced each other is really lovely and says a lot about who Jill and Bobby are as people.

There are problems in all families of course, and I imagine they have had struggles in combining their families, but where they are now, is inspiring to me and while I cannot imagine it will ever happen in my situation, I take comfort in knowing that it could happen, because it has happened.  Jill loves her husband, respects his children, and lives with an open heart.

Jill does not read any of the negative things that are written about her. She ignores it.  Her feeling is why bother?  People are going to have their opinions, so let them talk.  At least they are talking about her, which is good for business.  She feels her life is blessed, she has a man who loves her and has her back, so why let people she does not know have control?

We are different in this regard as I take negative things directed at me very personally.  Perhaps if I had a partner, who I knew was in my corner and defended my words as much as I do, I would not care as much.  Jill and I talked about that, and she did not hesitate to share her opinions.  Her advice was to get myself a Bobby Zarin. Seriously, I dig this chick.

She is a fan of JDate, but thinks meeting men through friends is always best.  It’s how she met both her husbands.  She was very funny is giving me love advice.  Don’t give up she told me.  Ask everyone I know to set me up, and if someone says they know someone for me, don’t let it go.  Nudge until I meet him.  I need to be proactive and always be looking.

I’ve written as much in my blog for years.  Seek and you shall find.  It’s all in where you are looking and how much you look.  The universe will send you what you want, and you need to be aware of what you put out there because that is what you will get back.  Jill suggested I go back on JDate, and let all my friends know they need to set me up.  Just like a good Jewish mother.

Jill describes herself as spiritually Orthodox and religiously Reform.  She celebrates all the Jewish holidays, goes to Temple on high holidays.  She thinks marrying someone of your own faith is important, especially if you want to have children.  She hopes her daughter will marry a Jew, as that is their heritage and her legacy to her children and grandchildren.

Sidebar: I asked Jill why there is not more of her Jewish life on the show and was surprised to hear that she films a lot of it.  The Jewish holidays, Shabbat dinner, all of it has been filmed, but not made it onto the show.  Andy Cohen, the Bravo genius behind the housewives shows, and also a Jew, needs a kick in the tuchas.  Get your Jew on Andy!

Hanukkah is Jill’s favorite holiday.  She makes killer chocolate chip cookies, and fabulous potato latkes.  She is a master at cooking chicken and makes her own salad dressing. She also loves to shop at Costco and takes Ginger just about everywhere.  She is friendly with all the other housewives, but very good friends with Kelly, Cindy, and LuAnn.

She loves being on the show and when asked if she had any regrets about the show, she shared that she wished Bobby would have gotten involved in the situation with Bethenny.  She did not realize it was as bad as it was and truly felt she and Bethenny would be fine.  By the time she realized how far things had gone it was, it was too late to have Bobby step in.

Bobby supports Jill, but does not get involved, and while he certainly has her back and is stepping in more this season, he too thought it would all work out.  Jill says she loves Bethenny, and wishes her well now, as she always has.  She was gracious and spoke honestly about Bethenny, but her voice softens and you can hear both the love and disappointment she feels.

Jill has no time or tolerance for hate.  To those who speak ill of her or her faith, she feels bad for them, not herself.  What will people think of the haters?  Is hate what they really want to put out into the universe?  Jill Zarin has been attacked, labeled a bitch, and the target of anti-Semitism, but it has not broken her spirit, her faith, or her belief in herself.

From a reality television perspective, she does a good job of being “the Jewish one”.  The show determines what they show us, and so with no control over what we see, I think she’s doing just fine.  On a personal level, I admire Jill Zarin’s view on family, faith, love and life.  I don’t know Jill, we are not friends, and I am not on her payroll as many reality fans claim.

I am a single Jewish mother, looking for love, who likes reality television, and thinks Jill Zarin is fantastic.  She has been a divorced single mother and come out on the other side with a wonderful marriage and a healthy and kind relationship with the father of her child.  She loves her family, supports her friends, and wishes no ill will on anyone, even those who wish it upon her.

In an attempt to embrace my inner Jill Zarin, to Jill I say this: I love Robbie Williams and want a signed picture that declares his love for me.  I also want him to call my cell phone and leave a message.  I want you to tell Bobby I think he is delicious and I love how he loves you.  I want a picture signed by Bobby, with a sexy message, and I want you to find me a nice Jewish man.

Completely doable list Jill, so let’s go sister.  To all the people who think I am in fact Jill Zarin, writing a love letter to myself, get a life.  To the Housewives fans who refer to my blog as “the Jewish one”, damn right.  I am the Jewish one, I love Jill Zarin, and at the end of the day rather than obsess over a TV show, I’m just going to do my job, and keep the faith.

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July 13, 2011 | 10:18 am

Rest in Peace Leiby Kletzky

Posted by Ilana Angel

Leiby Kletzky

My heart is broken this morning having awoken to the news that Leiby Kletzky, the 8 year old boy from Brooklyn, who has been missing for two days, has been found dead.  I have been praying for him to be safe and it is so sad that this beautiful child has passed in such an inhuman way.

Leiby went missing on Monday while walking home from his first day camp.  Early this morning his body parts were found both in a dumpster and in the refrigerator of a man who is now in custody.  I cannot wrap my head around how someone is able to hurt a child in this way.  It makes me sick.

The NYPD did a brilliant job of finding this man and the little boy.  After suspect Levi Aron was arrested early this morning, he led the police to the little boy’s body.  He said things that implicated himself, but did not know why he did it.  How do you cut up a little boy as if he were nothing?

The Kletzky family lives in an Orthodox neighborhood in Brooklyn.  A safe place where people look out for each other.  This crime is shocking and makes you question the world and what a human being is capable of.  As a mother, this story makes it hard for me to catch my breath.

My heart breaks for the Kletzky family.  It was the first time Leiby was allowed to walk home by himself, and it was only half way.  His parents walked to their meeting spot and he never came.  He must have gotten turned around as he was last seen several blocks off course.

It is sad when a child dies, but this is beyond sadness.  Who kills a child this way?  The beautiful little boy, who wanted to be grown up and walk by himself, has lost his life in a way that shows him no respect as a human being.  It has ripped my heart open and I don’t understand.

I will forever remember this little boy and his desire to be independent and a grown up boy, and every time I hug my son I will be hugging Leiby also.  I cannot stop crying.  I want this little boy back.  I want this man to tell us what happened, then I want to kill him myself.

Rest in peace Leiby.  To Mr. and Mrs. Kletzky I send you my heartfelt condolences.  I wish I could do something or say something to ease your pain.  I am sending you love and compassion.  I shall remember your beautiful son always.  Rest in Peace beautiful boy.  We are keeping the faith.

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July 11, 2011 | 8:35 pm

Carmageddon: Hitler is Not Funny

Posted by Ilana Angel

As those of us in Los Angeles are painfully aware, the 405 freeway is going to be closed this coming weekend.  For a city where people drive across the street instead of walking, it shall be hell on earth.  I plan to stay within 4 miles of my home over the weekend, in addition to not getting on any freeway. It might be more horrible than when it rains which is unimaginable.

There is a video circulating that features Hitler talking about “Carmageddon”.  While some might argue it is entertaining, I think it’s offensive.  It is in bad taste and I am not going to post it on my blog, but you can certainly Google it, and forever have a search of Hitler on your computer.

These videos are cute and more entertaining than Hitler.  It’s going to be an interesting weekend in LA.  I wish everyone who normally drives on the 405 good luck.  I will be home, watching the collapse of civilization.  Take a deep breath, control your road rage, and keep the faith!

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July 11, 2011 | 1:04 am

Yoga, Jill Zarin, Jaycee Dugard & Missing My Son So Much It Hurts

Posted by Ilana Angel

Jill Zarin

I took a two hour yoga class on Sunday.  It was a great class and I left feeling very calm and relaxed.  I learned a lot about the practice of yoga, and pushed myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.  It is amazing what emotions are felt if you listen to your own breathing.

Take five minutes to listen to the breath going in and out of your body.  Breathe deeply, and release it slowly.  Listen.  It’s quite great.  I took my class at Yogaworks in Tarzana. and I recommend it.  It’s new and beautiful and is attached to a Whole Foods with a wine bar.  Win win.

I write two blogs for The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles.  This one, Keeping The Faith, is about me, my life as a mother and a single woman, the world, and pop culture.  Basically I write about whatever I want.  My other blog is called Keeping It Real and it is about reality television.

I watch reality shows I like and recap them in an honest, and I like to think, funny way.  I write a lot about the Real Housewives franchise on Bravo.  I have been writing about the ladies of New York City.  It is a horrible show but I watch it, and am a little ashamed to say I love it.

There were a lot of comments on my last blog about the RHONYC.  I wrote that I liked Jill Zarin who is one of the featured women.  If you don’t watch the show, I won’t bore you with the details, but will share that Jill Zarin is a Jew.  That fact alone has inspired hate mail that is heartbreaking.

When I wrote I liked her, people responded that the only reason I liked her, was because she was Jewish, and “dirty Jews” stay together.  She was not referred to as Jill Zarin, but rather Jill the Jew.  It made me sad and, sucked the peace out of my yoga practice.

I wonder if there will ever be a day when Jews are not attacked simply for being Jewish.  I write about a lot of things, and push a lot of buttons, and whenever someone does not agree with me, my opinion is useless because I am Jewish.  I am judged by my faith, which is crushing.

So now I’m pissed off, heartbroken, not at all calm and relaxed, so I open a bottle of wine, poor myself a rather large glass, and start watching the Jaycee Dugard interview with Diane Sawyer.  After about 5 minutes I started weeping and then cried uncontrollably.  I love this girl.

I want to hug her and hold her tight.  I am in awe of her strength and find her mother to be an inspiration.  Her love for her child is as it should be, and I wish I could somehow take away their pain.  They are both remarkable women and I respect and admire them so very much.

My son has been on holiday for over a week and it’s hard for me, which could seem silly to some.  We talk on the phone, iChat so I can see his face, and text a lot.  I cannot compare 8 days to 18 years, but I miss him and I think Jaycee’s mom, Terry Probyn, would agree.

It’s not about the pain of loss, but about a mother’s heart missing her child.  She reminded us we must prioritize our children.  She did not kiss Jaycee goodbye on the day she was kidnapped and it has haunted her for 18 years. Her advice was to take the time with your kids.

I love my son, miss him so much it hurts, and am not ashamed to say it. He is my baby and that will remain the same whether he is 15 or 55.  I miss him a little more with each day that passes and I am counting the days until he comes home so I can smooch him.

I am very happy that Jaycee is home safe and sound with her mother and beautiful daughters.  I hope that other parents whose children have been taken get to have their children back soon.  I hope my son stays safe and happy, and I look forward to seeing him in 21 days.

I am going to interview Jill Zarin this week for my Keeping It Real blog, and it will be interesting to get her take and the anti-Semitism that she and I seem to generate.  Will there be a time when I am not hated for being a Jew, and a day I don’t cry because I miss my kid?  I’m keeping the faith.

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