Ooh, see, I wasn't even aware that there was a Jewish Queer scene - I think I assumed that there must be but wasn't sure how to find out about it. That is definitely relevant to my story - my MC is a gay guy, though his partner-to-be is not Jewish. For various reasons he doesn't go out much, but it is probably something he'd be aware of, so it'd be great to get an idea that, or some resources I can read about.
I'm also trying to figure out a denomination (if that's the right word?) for his family. This feels like an odd question to me because it seems like something that would probably go back generations rather than being a conscious choice for anyone, but then I have to make a conscious choice as the author, so. My character grew up (and still lives) in Oxfordshire, and the only synagogue I could find in the area is the one in Oxford, which appears to run mostly Orthodox services with some Masorti ones too. But I'm not sure if the information I found online is accurate. If it is, maybe I can assume that Joel's family is Orthodox or Masorti, on the basis that they'd probably move somewhere that had a place they could worship. On the other hand, maybe moving somewhere for a good reason like a job offer and travelling further afield to worship would also make sense. I have no idea, and I'm a bit adrift here. This is a mad ramble but I'd love to hear any thoughts you have?
And, okay, so this last one is pure intellectual curiosity. I was reading an article on the Jewish Chronicle web site and it mentioned in passing that it's not appropriate to call a Sephardic synagogue a shul. Is that because 'shul' is a Yiddish word and therefore that's not a word Sephardic Jews would use? Or is it more subtle than that?
Thank you again for this! (And you're right, I generally try not to act as if other people's lives are my $minority 101 class. I really do appreciate you taking the time to help me out! <3)
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I'm also trying to figure out a denomination (if that's the right word?) for his family. This feels like an odd question to me because it seems like something that would probably go back generations rather than being a conscious choice for anyone, but then I have to make a conscious choice as the author, so. My character grew up (and still lives) in Oxfordshire, and the only synagogue I could find in the area is the one in Oxford, which appears to run mostly Orthodox services with some Masorti ones too. But I'm not sure if the information I found online is accurate. If it is, maybe I can assume that Joel's family is Orthodox or Masorti, on the basis that they'd probably move somewhere that had a place they could worship. On the other hand, maybe moving somewhere for a good reason like a job offer and travelling further afield to worship would also make sense. I have no idea, and I'm a bit adrift here. This is a mad ramble but I'd love to hear any thoughts you have?
And, okay, so this last one is pure intellectual curiosity. I was reading an article on the Jewish Chronicle web site and it mentioned in passing that it's not appropriate to call a Sephardic synagogue a shul. Is that because 'shul' is a Yiddish word and therefore that's not a word Sephardic Jews would use? Or is it more subtle than that?
Thank you again for this! (And you're right, I generally try not to act as if other people's lives are my $minority 101 class. I really do appreciate you taking the time to help me out! <3)