I have a question about my trip last week - any Jewish people out there?

[jfranklyn]

Last week I was waiting on line for Maelstrom with my family, and there was a group of 5 or 6 woman waiting in line directly in front of us. They did not speak English. From their clothing I know that they were Orthodox Jews.

Anyway, they seemed very stressed and uncomfortable while they were waiting on line. They had a little baby in a stroller with them, which is at first what I thought their obvious angst was about (they should have parked the stroller outside - long before this point). I thought they were worried about what they were going to do with the stroller or baby when they went on the ride. Anyway, as they approached the ramp down to Maelstrom, they were frantically trying to get the attention of the cast member who was loading the boats. When they did, they took a good 5 minutes trying desperately to explain something to this cast member, and ended up getting put in a boat by themselves, and we were told that we couldn't go in that boat, but had to wait for the next boat.

I didn't care about waiting for the next boat, but it occured to me at that point that they seemed to be trying to arrange a boat with no other people on it. And I don't think it was because they wanted to "spread out" or anything, because they all sat closely huddled together.

Does anyone know what this would be about? I'm really just curious, but I've thought about it alot since we got home and wondered what was troubling those woman so much that day....

 

[chesirekate]

Hmmm. I know nothing about Orthodox Judaism, but perhaps they were afraid they would be sat with strange men and that is not allowed in their religion? I haven't been on Maelstrom in years, is it dark any of the time? My best guess would be that they were uncomfortable with the idea of sitting in a boat in the dark with a male stranger. Hopefully someone will know.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Don't know the answer, but just wanted to give a shout out to a neighbor. Hi from Wayne...I'm in Pines Lake.


It's asmall world after all....

 

[debkorb1]

I am Jewish, although not strictly Orthordox, but I think I know what was going on here.

There is something in Judaism known as 'Shomer Negia', which is a rule that states a Jew should not touch a member of the opposite sex until marriage and once married should only touch his/her wife/husband.

So I don't think they were scared of strange men, but rather did not want contact with a member of the opposite sex! A rather outdated idea perhaps, but when girls seem to wear skirts the sizes of belts and guys are lurching all over them it makes you wonder. Frankly, somewhere in between is probably most sensible.

I should also add that Judaism makes clear that you should not embarass anyone in keeping to this rule - so you should shake somebody's hand rather than say to them 'I'm not allowed to touch you'. I am sure they did not mean to make any fuss!!

Hope that clears it up for you.

 

[twinmomplus2new]

The woman are not allowed to be unaccompanied with members of the opposite sex.

My Dad owns a resort in New Hampshire. Were orthodox familysspend several weeks in the summer. They are not allowed to be unchaperoned with other men. In addition when they swim. Noone can see them in thier bathing suits. For one hour each morning. 8-9 I think... By my Dad's agreement. The pool is only open to the women in this group. My father has made alot of accomadations for them. In addition they want us to cover the security cameras so that the male employees don't watch them VIA camera.

 

[punkin]

having a chaperone is not an issue in orthodox judaism. It is the matter of touching that is he only problem.

As an aside, how do you know they were orthodox jews? I know you can tell the men from their clothes, but the women generally wear long skirts or dresses so how would ou know?

 

[jfranklyn]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I figured it was probably something like that.

To answer your question, punkin, I knew that they were orthodox jews from their clothing, including long skirts, long sleeves shirts, and "fancy" hats (that's not the right word for it, but I can't come up with anything else at the moment) - despite the fact that it was 85 degrees out. I work in a hospital that is in the center of an extremely Jewish area, with many accomodations made for those of the orthodox tradition. I also commute through 3 towns that include numerous orthodox Synogogues, and often admire their dedication to their faith when they walk through rain, sleet, snow or anything else the weather can throw at them - and never waiver in their belief that they should not work on the Sabbath. After a while, though, you do recognize them - even if you can't understand their language!

Anyway, thanks for the responses everyone - I'm glad to know the answer, anyway!!!


Hi Snow White Rabbit - I was just over at Pines Lake School dropping something off yesterday!! It is a small world.....

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Originally posted by SnoWhiteRabbit
Don't know the answer, but just wanted to give a shout out to a neighbor. Hi from Wayne...I'm in Pines Lake.


It's asmall world after all....

NO WAY!!!! I grew up in Pines Lake!! I was born at Chilton, and lived in Pines Lake from then until I moved out at age 24 (or so?)! My parents lived there for 31 years. We all live in NC now, but I have very fond memories of Pines Lake. I wonder if I know you??????

Diana

 

[jfranklyn]

OK now this is getting weird...... I was born at Chilton too......

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Originally posted by jfranklyn
OK now this is getting weird...... I was born at Chilton too......

::::insert Twilight Zone music here::::

I was born in 1972. You??? Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post too much personal info.

Diana

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by NCDisneyMom
::::insert Twilight Zone music here::::

I was born in 1972. You??? Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post too much personal info.

Diana

Born in 69 here...Went to Pines Lake School for K - 5...I'm sure we must know some of the same teachers! Mr Zanetti just died this year. PM with your family name, if you want. Looks like you are 3 years younger, but our paths may have crossed!

I wasn't born at Chilton (moved to Wayen when I was 3), but 2 of my 3 children were born there

 

[NCDisneyMom]

Originally posted by SnoWhiteRabbit
Born in 69 here...Went to Pines Lake School for K - 5...I'm sure we must know some of the same teachers! Mr Zanetti just died this year. PM with your family name, if you want. Looks like you are 3 years younger, but our paths may have crossed!

I wasn't born at Chilton (moved to Wayen when I was 3), but 2 of my 3 children were born there

I have PM'd you!!!

Diana

 

[jfranklyn]

I was born in 65, one of the first babies born at the "New Chilton" building. I went to James Fallon, not Pines Lake, but I did know Mr. Zanetti because I worked at the board of ed for years in high school and college, and my mother was a substitute secretary for years in Wayne and liked Mr. Zanetti very much. I'm sorry to hear that he passed away.

It's pretty weird that 3 people from the same area should all be on the boards yesterday .....