u/AliceMerveilles

The US census has added a MENA census category. While we’re still 4 years away from the census it has started to appear on various forms that ask that type of information. So I guess this question is primarily for other ethnic Jews. Most American Jews descend from people who came here from the pale of settlement and other places in Eastern Europe roughly between 1880 and 1920. I personally don’t feel a connection with those countries as my ancestors were treated poorly. But I’m not sure what the best way to answer. Obviously this is a fraught issue. For me personally, I look very Mediterranean and this has very much affected how some people have treated me. But I don’t think it really compares to how women wearing hajib are often treated. Have you all run across this yet and if so how did you answer or plan to answer?

I have a 15-125 in cabinet #40 which had a felt band for pins around it for decades, it was so convenient and ergonomic. I have not found another way that even comes close. My machine is not scratched from that, however I know the risk of that probably increases over time, so what I’m wondering is there a way to do this that doesn’t risk damaging the machine? can something safe to the machine and not immediately pin blunting be put underneath the felt? I’m open to other suggestions or convenient ways to manage pins