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Hopes and Fears – A Glimpse Inside

By on November 16, 2012
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From The Desk Of New

The conversation briefly continued, during which my mom warned me not to tell my Oma (grandmother) about the project.

“Why not?!” I exclaimed.

“Look, she’s been supportive of your circus arts and she’s even come around on the RV…” My mother proceeded to list a number of unconventional activities that I had taken on – each of which my Oma eventually embraced. “But this is just too much. She’s not going to like it.”

I have always been a respectful, loving and even dutiful daughter… but this was a challenge! I found myself at Oma’s apartment the next day, where I cautiously and mischievously broached the subject.

“Oma, I’m going to need to take a phone call for about fifteen minutes. I’m doing an interview for my new project.”

“Oh, bubbelah, that’s great! Who’s interviewing you and what is your new project?”

“Well, I’ll be speaking with the Forward.” (At this point, she makes a bit of a fuss because what Jewish grandmother hasn’t read the Forward?)

“My project might seem a little bit ‘out there’ to you… I am founding an online community for Jewish sexual expression. We’ll be featuring sexual education pieces, reflective essays and Jewish text studies, but also… confessions and Jewish erotica. It’s called Jewrotica. I was nervous to tell you. What do you think?”

I realized that I was holding my breath and biting my lip. I looked up to make eye contact and barely a moment passed before my Oma broke out into a big smile and pronounced: “Bubbaleh, I’m on the last six pages of Fifty Shades of Gray. I’m no prude. This is great!”

Oma proceeded to call me her mazik (troublemaker), my lifelong nickname in the family, and I gave her a tour of the site. She is now one of our regular subscribers.

We often assume that people are more prude than they actually are. Perhaps we should feel more comfortable talking about these things with our friends and family instead of assuming that they are off limits. And, who knows? Maybe your Bubbe and Zayde, Oma and Opa, Nana and Papa, or Grandma and Grandpa will love Jewrotica, too!

So, to be totally transparent, I still very occasionally experience doubt or feel daunted by what a tremendous undertaking I’ve taken on, but now that I have Oma’s approval, I know that we’re moving in the right direction!

Wishing everyone – especially our brothers and sisters overseas – a safe, peaceful and restful Shabbat.

Light and Love,
Ayo

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Founder and editor of Jewrotica, Ayo spent the past two years full-time RVing North America with her Jewish educational film program. Ayo alternates between intensely pursuing fun new experiences and equally intensely trying to do good by people. She would love to hear from you.
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