Abe Solomon

Hello and Happy Saturday!

First up I wish to thank Ryan for sharing his voice with us. I very much enjoyed reading his interview. Great job Ryan!

This week YMR has a new post! Please welcome Abe Solomon.
Abe is Jewish and I know you're going to enjoy his post as well.

Here Is Abe's Introduction:

Abe Solomon is is an Orthodox Jew from NY who recently moved to Houston.
He is a musician who performs Jewish wedding music and helps businesses with credit card processing in Houston and across the nation.

My blog sites are http://jewishmuzic.blogspot.com and http://ethicalmerchantservices.blogspot.com
My business website is http://www.prestigemerchantservices.com

1) What religion do you practice?
Judaism

2) Did you convert or were you born into this religion? If you converted, what did you need to do to convert? And what did you practice prior to converting?
Born Jewish - If your mother is Jewish then by Jewish Law so are you

3) Would you consider yourself a moderate, conservative or other.
Conservative

4) In your opinion, what makes you moderate/conservative/other?
Anti-big government, pro private industry

5) In your opinion, what makes someone conservative? What makes someone moderate?
Conservatives believe in free markets, moderates take both liberal and conservative positions

6) What's your heaven/paradise like?
Getting rid of all physical pursuits and living a totally spiritual one

7) In your opinion, does everyone make it into heaven/paradise? If they do not, why?
If they don't follow in the way g-d commanded they will not

8) What makes your religion a good fit for you?
Community, sense of purpose etc.

9) What are your holy days and what do you do to celebrate them?
Too many to mention and I celebrate all of them: Passover, Succos, Rosh Hashanah , Yom Kippur, Hannukah Purim, etc.

10) Do you consider people of other faiths to be your friends?
Yes

11) Would you ever join people of another faith to celebrate one of their holy days? Please explain why?
No it's against my religion

12) What are your thoughts on the burka, and Shariah Law?
I understand the concept but believe it's extreme.

13) What are your thoughts on women not being allowed to become priests?
I don't have a problem with it since it's not my religion. Women should be priests too.

14) Does your place of worship segregate? If yes, how does this make you feel?
My synagogue has seperate seating for men and women. I think it's a good idea.

15) How much does your religion affect your daily life and how much thought do you give it when making a decision? Does it affect in any way your decision on abortion, gay marriage, etc?
It affects many decisions especially with food as I eat only kosher.

16) How would you react/feel if your child wished to marry outside your religion?
Very upset

17) In your opinion, if someone is not of your faith, will they go to hell?
No

18) Who do you think is not a practicing ----- in your religion and why? ie who in the public domain claims to speak for your religion? Do you agree with them or not?
Anyone who is not orthodox i.e. reform, conservative, reconstructionist are not true practicing Jews as they may not be keeping the important Jewish laws i.e. keeping the sabbath or eating strictly kosher.

19) Have you ever been the target of a hate crime? Please explain.
I have had racial slurs thrown at me in my lifetime. I wear a head
covering that makes me known as a Jew.

20) Do you ever feel like your religion devalues you?
No

21) Does your religion give you peace of mind?
Yes at times

22) Do you believe in reincarnation? Why or why not?
Yes it's part of our belief.