My friend Sindy rocks.  She is a loving mom, a power attorney, a fellow blogger (she inspired this blog), and an insatiable learner.  I’m a big fan of hers.  Definitely check out her blog.  And Sindy says:
I’m new to this observant Judaism stuff.  Less than a year ago I had my first ever exposure to “Orthodox” Jews.   I had literally never met one before.  Which is kind of strange, given that I’ve been Jewish my whole life.  Temple on the high holidays, bat mitzvah at age 13, a ketubah when I got married, the whole nine yards, at least in my community.  When it came to Orthodox Jews, though, I thought they were totally different from me.  Why did I think this?  Lack of exposure probably, more than anything.  And making silly assumptions based on superficial things, like the way we dress.

This past year I’ve come to know differently.  The observant Jews I’ve had the pleasure to get to know are funny, smart, cool, and care about the same things I do: family, friendships, loving relationships, personal growth.  What’s more, they know way more about how to cultivate these things than I ever have.  So I’m learning.  A lot.  I’ve even been inspired to start a blog based on my Mussar learning.

One more thing I should point out, and interestingly enough, this relates to the theme of Ruchi’s last guest blogger: the Orthodox Jews I’ve come to know are incredibly accepting and non-judgmental.  I’ve never felt like my lifestyle choices are being judged.  I’ve shared intimate and not at all flattering details of my personal life, only to be met with understanding and assistance in my quest to grow, do better, and be better.  I feel privileged to be on this spiritual journey under the tutelage of wise and loving teachers, and I’m grateful for the fact that my eyes have been opened to this essential truth: we are far more alike than we are different.