We have returning hot amazing Yenta Melissa Weisz on the pod this week!! Our episode starts with lesbian nail discourse and ends with an existential conversation about Judaism, marriage, control, and building a life after Orthodoxy. Obviously.

We discuss:

* the sociology of long nails in queer culture

* “baby gays” and queer experience requirements* whether putting on a strap is sexy or awkward

* why religious rituals can become control mechanisms

* how marriage changes your relationship to Judaism

* rebuilding Jewish practice on your own terms

* mikvah experiences ranging from magical to emotionally damaging

* Orthodoxy, OCD, and the illusion of control

* what happens when ex-Orthodox people try to create Jewish homes that actually fit them

Also:Melissa pitches lesbian finger condoms.

Antonia accidentally exposes all of us psychologically.

Raye realizes they may just want Judaism to be a group project.

Follow Melissa:https://www.instagram.com/melissaweisz

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00:00 Lesbian Nail Discourse

05:20 Being Queer Is Like an Entry-Level Job

10:02 The Bowling Manicure

17:58 Suddenly We’re Talking About God

21:40 Building a Jewish Home Without Losing Your Mind

27:05 Frozen Orthodox Time Capsules

31:20 Therapy Has Entered the Orthodox Chat

37:00 Mikvah Stories That Made Us Cry

41:10 Is Religion Just Control With Better Branding?

45:40 “I’m Not There Yet”

49:15 Judaism as a Group Project