Miracle isn't a word to be bandied about. People speak of miracles that are really not more than chance, or Hashem's guiding hand and truly short of a miracle. But our family seems to have experienced a true miracle.
My cousin's husband has been very ill for the past several years. It started with a car accident in which he hit his head. An MRI found that he had a brain tumor. It was inoperable. And growing. It caused seizures. He lost the desire to cook - a favorite pastime. His days became nights. He slept. A lot. My cousin was left to raise their three children virtually alone because her husband could not contribute to the family well-being. He could not be "trusted"(for lack of a better term) to stay coherent enough for her to leave the children in his care. Luckily, her parents were - and are - incredibly supportive and have helped them immensely with child care, chauffeuring, and just taking the kids so my cousin could have some time for herself or time to focus solely on her husbands needs.
It has been approximately four years since I have seen my cousin's husband. What a shock it was to see him walk into my mother's house for our family gift exchange!!
He said that one day he kissed his wife (something he has not done since this all happened) and he felt something go. Lift, release. Any combination of words.
He stopped taking his anti-seizure meds and also stopped having seizures. It's been nearly 14 weeks and he is feeling himself again. No more seizures, no more meds. He's cooking, playing with his kids, eating and enjoying life again. He has his life back.
He does, of course, have to return to the doctor, have another MRI and see what the state of things are, but for now, we're counting it as a miracle.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Kosher?
In my journey towards a more kosher lifestyle, and learning about the Halachas (laws) of a Torah-oriented lifestyle, one of the "rules" is to keep kosher. This means so much more than separating your milk and meat foods. It's a whole new set of rules, regulations, and dishes!
My husband was kind enough to purchase the second set of dishes, though we had originally planned on using my grandmother's old dishes.
We went to Ikea for cutlery and now we have a meat cutlery drawer, a dairy cutlery drawer - and yes, there's cutlery in it. I also have a crock full of meat cooking utensils and a set of dairy cooking utensils. Of course, nothing's been completely "kosherized" yet, but we've been separating dishes, food and cooking utensils.
Of course, simply having meat dishes and milk dishes isn't all it's about. There's the important part - the food!
Part One - mixing milk and meat.
I'm not going to go into the nitty gritty - I've tried to read some of the laws and it can be very, very confusing. But the main essential "rule" is to not mix milk and meat - that means no cheeseburgers, no chicken Kiev (which is a double whammy - not only does it mix milk and meat, it also contains ham, which as we all know is pork, and therefore another 'disallowed' foodstuff.
Part Two - Buying Kosher food.
One of the first questions someone asked me when we decided to go kosher was "but isn't Kosher more expensive?" In short - yes. And no. How's that? Many, many products these days are certified Kosher. Mostly through the Kashruth Council of Canada. Below is their logo
My husband was kind enough to purchase the second set of dishes, though we had originally planned on using my grandmother's old dishes.
We went to Ikea for cutlery and now we have a meat cutlery drawer, a dairy cutlery drawer - and yes, there's cutlery in it. I also have a crock full of meat cooking utensils and a set of dairy cooking utensils. Of course, nothing's been completely "kosherized" yet, but we've been separating dishes, food and cooking utensils.
Of course, simply having meat dishes and milk dishes isn't all it's about. There's the important part - the food!
Part One - mixing milk and meat.
I'm not going to go into the nitty gritty - I've tried to read some of the laws and it can be very, very confusing. But the main essential "rule" is to not mix milk and meat - that means no cheeseburgers, no chicken Kiev (which is a double whammy - not only does it mix milk and meat, it also contains ham, which as we all know is pork, and therefore another 'disallowed' foodstuff.
Part Two - Buying Kosher food.
One of the first questions someone asked me when we decided to go kosher was "but isn't Kosher more expensive?" In short - yes. And no. How's that? Many, many products these days are certified Kosher. Mostly through the Kashruth Council of Canada. Below is their logo
It can easily be found on the bottom of any label - even No Name products at No Frills.
There's also the Orthodox Union to name just two.
Meat is a bit more expensive, because the cost of koshering the meat is factored into the retail price. But otherwise, there's a lot of foods that are certified kosher. Recently, I found out that Golden Oreos are certified kosher!! Which made my white chocolate cheesecake completely kosher!! Hazzah!!
Now, toss in a dairy allergy to keeping kosher - sounds easy right? Well, in a way, yes. Soy milk can easily be substituted for most dairy additions, which means so long as there's absolutely no dairy in the cheese, I can have a cheeseburger (not my favourite meal, but hey, still means I can have it).
However, there are some recipes I haven't figured out how to kosher - or make without dairy. For example - will soy milk make mushroom soup taste as good? Because I have a lot of recipes that call for mushroom soup, but have yet to find concentrated soy mushroom soup. I guess that's my new challenge...
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Want To Hear Some Juicy Gossip?
How did you react to that title? What was the first thing that came to your mind? "OOOOH!! Yes!!"? "I wonder who it's about!?" "How juicy?"?
Continuing on the theme of "things I learned in Israel", we had a talk about gossip and lies by Lori Palatnik. We also continued this theme this week with our Rebbitzen, Paula Rand, who was also our City leader on the trip.
Did you know that it is worse in the eyes of Hashem to speak badly about someone than to hold your tongue? The Talmud tells us that the tongue is a powerful weapon. It is so powerful that it is protected behind two walls - your lips and your teeth.
This is how powerful our words are: We can build with our words, and we can destroy with our words.
Think of it this way: Imagine 2 scenarios - You are speaking to a child who has, after repeated requests, continued to throw a ball in the house. The child breaks a vase. It's not an expensive vase, but it was your grandmother's and you really liked it. It was very sentimental to you, and now it's shattered.
Building with words: "Oy!! The vase!! I am really not happy with what you did. I asked you to stop throwing the ball, and now the vase is broken."
Has the child been blamed in any way? No. Does the child feel bad? Most likely. And the child will most likely apologize. And feel badly for what happened.
Destroying with words: "Oy!! The vase!! You stupid clod!! I asked you to stop throwing the ball and you stupid idiot!! You broke the vase!!"
What's the difference? I'm sure it's glaring right at you. In the first scenario, you have admonished the child's action. In the second scenario, you have admonished the child's soul. They're very being. You have called the child stupid.
One thing we are taught in Judaism is to judge the action, not the person. People do dumb things - but that does not make people dumb.
But I digress and that's an entirely different post.
So, gossip. In Hebrew it's called "Lashon Hara". Which literally translated means "evil tongue" or "evil language".
There are always three participants in Lashon Hara - the person speaking, the person listening and the person being spoken about.
How do you know you're speaking Lashon Hara? There's a litmus test (and possibly an app - I haven't checked the App Store recently).
If you would be ashamed if someone were to speak about you in the way you speak to others, you're speaking Lashon Hara.
There are three Cardinal Sins that according to the Torah you should die rather than commit yourself:
1. Murder
2. Adultery
3. Sexual Immorality.
Lashon Hara is worse than all three of these put together!!
As a matter of fact, there are three people being morally killed when someone speaks Lashon Hara. The person speaking, the person being spoken about and the listener.
It is Lashon Hara even if it is true, even if the listener pressures you, even if names are left out and if it is about the speaker's own family.
So, now you realize, you've spoken Lashon Hara. What do you do? Can you take it back? Can you be forgiven? Yes.
One of the gifts we have from Hashem is that we have the ability to atone. But in order to properly atone, you must feel remorse for what you have done. You must verbalize and acknowledge the sin to Hashem - and to the person involved, unless this will cause a huge rift between you, the person and possibly someone else. And you must remove yourself from the sin. At some point, Hashem will test you by putting you in the exact same situation. If you don't speak Lashon Hara, then it is as if the first transgression never, ever happened in your life. T'shuva (repentance/atonement) is a process. It doesn't happen overnight.
What if the person doesn't forgive you? Well, the Torah tells us we must ask the person three times to forgive us. If, after three times they still don't forgive you, you have done what you can, and Hashem will forgive you.
But wait! Is it ever okay to speak Lashon Hara? Believe it or not, yes. Surprised!? I was too. So when is it possible to speak Lashon Hara?
1. If someone is about to go into business with someone and you know that person is fraudlent with money.
2. If it has to do with a shidduch (a matchmaking).
3. If the reason is to help someone to improve.
4. To prevent someone from being hurt by the subject.
5. To end a dispute that could escalate to the community.
However before you get excited, there are seven criterion that must be met before you can speak Lashon Hara.
1. It must be completely true and verified by the speaker - and witnessed if possible.
2. Must be a problem from an objective viewpoint. You can't speak Lashon Hara because someone wronged you - if you can't be objective, you can't speak Lashon Hara about someone.
3. You must rebuke the subject gently - don't go with a knee jerk reaction.
4. You can not exaggerate or embellish, even if only to get the listener to listen.
5. Your intention MUST be PURELY to improve the situation - not to cause further rift, even if it is to protect the listener.
6. If the constructive purpose can be attained WITHOUT resorting to Lashon Hara, that way must be used instead.
7. It must be for a constructive purpose.
So, you know how to repent and you know when it's possible to speak Lashon Hara. But why do we do it in the first place?
Well, words are power. We gossip for entertainment ("what's the latest on Tom and Katie?"). Human beings are arrogant. And we have bad habits.
So, do you still want to hear some juicy gossip? Yeah. Me too. But I'm trying to stop being a part of it.
Continuing on the theme of "things I learned in Israel", we had a talk about gossip and lies by Lori Palatnik. We also continued this theme this week with our Rebbitzen, Paula Rand, who was also our City leader on the trip.
Did you know that it is worse in the eyes of Hashem to speak badly about someone than to hold your tongue? The Talmud tells us that the tongue is a powerful weapon. It is so powerful that it is protected behind two walls - your lips and your teeth.
This is how powerful our words are: We can build with our words, and we can destroy with our words.
Think of it this way: Imagine 2 scenarios - You are speaking to a child who has, after repeated requests, continued to throw a ball in the house. The child breaks a vase. It's not an expensive vase, but it was your grandmother's and you really liked it. It was very sentimental to you, and now it's shattered.
Building with words: "Oy!! The vase!! I am really not happy with what you did. I asked you to stop throwing the ball, and now the vase is broken."
Has the child been blamed in any way? No. Does the child feel bad? Most likely. And the child will most likely apologize. And feel badly for what happened.
Destroying with words: "Oy!! The vase!! You stupid clod!! I asked you to stop throwing the ball and you stupid idiot!! You broke the vase!!"
What's the difference? I'm sure it's glaring right at you. In the first scenario, you have admonished the child's action. In the second scenario, you have admonished the child's soul. They're very being. You have called the child stupid.
One thing we are taught in Judaism is to judge the action, not the person. People do dumb things - but that does not make people dumb.
But I digress and that's an entirely different post.
So, gossip. In Hebrew it's called "Lashon Hara". Which literally translated means "evil tongue" or "evil language".
There are always three participants in Lashon Hara - the person speaking, the person listening and the person being spoken about.
How do you know you're speaking Lashon Hara? There's a litmus test (and possibly an app - I haven't checked the App Store recently).
If you would be ashamed if someone were to speak about you in the way you speak to others, you're speaking Lashon Hara.
There are three Cardinal Sins that according to the Torah you should die rather than commit yourself:
1. Murder
2. Adultery
3. Sexual Immorality.
Lashon Hara is worse than all three of these put together!!
As a matter of fact, there are three people being morally killed when someone speaks Lashon Hara. The person speaking, the person being spoken about and the listener.
It is Lashon Hara even if it is true, even if the listener pressures you, even if names are left out and if it is about the speaker's own family.
So, now you realize, you've spoken Lashon Hara. What do you do? Can you take it back? Can you be forgiven? Yes.
One of the gifts we have from Hashem is that we have the ability to atone. But in order to properly atone, you must feel remorse for what you have done. You must verbalize and acknowledge the sin to Hashem - and to the person involved, unless this will cause a huge rift between you, the person and possibly someone else. And you must remove yourself from the sin. At some point, Hashem will test you by putting you in the exact same situation. If you don't speak Lashon Hara, then it is as if the first transgression never, ever happened in your life. T'shuva (repentance/atonement) is a process. It doesn't happen overnight.
What if the person doesn't forgive you? Well, the Torah tells us we must ask the person three times to forgive us. If, after three times they still don't forgive you, you have done what you can, and Hashem will forgive you.
But wait! Is it ever okay to speak Lashon Hara? Believe it or not, yes. Surprised!? I was too. So when is it possible to speak Lashon Hara?
1. If someone is about to go into business with someone and you know that person is fraudlent with money.
2. If it has to do with a shidduch (a matchmaking).
3. If the reason is to help someone to improve.
4. To prevent someone from being hurt by the subject.
5. To end a dispute that could escalate to the community.
However before you get excited, there are seven criterion that must be met before you can speak Lashon Hara.
1. It must be completely true and verified by the speaker - and witnessed if possible.
2. Must be a problem from an objective viewpoint. You can't speak Lashon Hara because someone wronged you - if you can't be objective, you can't speak Lashon Hara about someone.
3. You must rebuke the subject gently - don't go with a knee jerk reaction.
4. You can not exaggerate or embellish, even if only to get the listener to listen.
5. Your intention MUST be PURELY to improve the situation - not to cause further rift, even if it is to protect the listener.
6. If the constructive purpose can be attained WITHOUT resorting to Lashon Hara, that way must be used instead.
7. It must be for a constructive purpose.
So, you know how to repent and you know when it's possible to speak Lashon Hara. But why do we do it in the first place?
Well, words are power. We gossip for entertainment ("what's the latest on Tom and Katie?"). Human beings are arrogant. And we have bad habits.
So, do you still want to hear some juicy gossip? Yeah. Me too. But I'm trying to stop being a part of it.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
I'm a Chaim Bracha and Proud of it!!
On my trip to Israel, we had several lectures as part of the trip.
One of the lectures/classes was called "The Kabbalah of You". In this class, we were told about the three personality types. Lori Palatnik spoke about the three types: Chaim, Bracha, Tov. Each one correlates to the three Fathers of Judaism - Issac, Abraham and Jacob.
Each personality type has a soul manifestation and a body manifestation and everyone has some of all 3. However, there is one soul manifestation and one body manifestation that is sort of your 'default'.
Lori also has this lecture on CD, which I've been listening in my car.
So I'll give you basics - because Lori really does this much more justice than I can.
Chaim corresponds to Life and to our Father Yakov (Jacob)
Soul Manifestation of Chaim
Chaim people are highly intelligent and 'out of the box' thinkers. They have a hard time with rules, structure and authority. They like to just think and tend to be introverted. they are the least socially adept an often feel like the odd person out. Even in their family. Chaims also have wonderful long-term memories (sound familiar?)
Body Manifestation of Chaim
A Chaim body is a thinking body. They are like walking barometers and are very aware of people. They are the type of person who will go into a shiva or to a funeral and you can practically wring the pain and emotion out of them. They sleep as an escape and can often become addicted to drugs or alcohol to dull the pain of the world around them.
Bracha corresponds to Blessing and to our Father Abraham.
Soul Manifestation of Bracha
Bracha is heart. They tend to be extroverted and see the glass as half full. They are not complex people and people are drawn to them because Brachas are drawn to people. They don't overthink and tend to skirt along the top of things.
Body Manifesation of Bracha
Bracha bodies are pleasure bodies. They are happy to sit in a hammock and watch the sun set for four hours. Brachas sleep for the pleasure of sleeping. They are one with the couch. Often late, they don't wear watches. Often described as lazy people (natch).
Tov corresponds to Good and our Father Isaac.
Soul Manifestation of Tov
Tovs get pleasure from doing the right thing. They follow rules because it's the right thing to do. There are two types - Judgemental and non-Judgemental. They are hard on other people and especially hard on themselves. They are leaders who stay in the game. They arrive exactly on time. They are tense and their children are often tense. They "invented" rules and regulations, structure and authority. Tovs run the world (Yep, Stephen Harper, Barak Obama, the Chancellor of Germany - all Tovs) People respect Tovs.
Body Manifestation of Tov
They are action people. They are accomplishers. They get pleasure from doing and are easily bored. They like to accomplish things and view sleep as a necessary evil - almost as a punishment.
So, where do I fall into all of this? I am a Chaim Bracha.
Anyone who knows me knows I am sarcastic, cynical and can have a dry sense of humour - however most people I know appreciate that (mostly). I do overthink things and often feel like the "odd one out". And don't get me started on my memory. Just ask my husband about it. That's my Soul.
My body is a Bracha. I am totally a Bracha body. I love sleep. I could spend an entire day with a book in a hammock and then stay and watch the sun set. Although I tend to be more or less on time, I don't wear a watch. (I think my timeliness has to do with my Chaim Soul and the little bit of Tov - since we have all 3 in us).
Where are you?
One of the lectures/classes was called "The Kabbalah of You". In this class, we were told about the three personality types. Lori Palatnik spoke about the three types: Chaim, Bracha, Tov. Each one correlates to the three Fathers of Judaism - Issac, Abraham and Jacob.
Each personality type has a soul manifestation and a body manifestation and everyone has some of all 3. However, there is one soul manifestation and one body manifestation that is sort of your 'default'.
Lori also has this lecture on CD, which I've been listening in my car.
So I'll give you basics - because Lori really does this much more justice than I can.
Chaim corresponds to Life and to our Father Yakov (Jacob)
Soul Manifestation of Chaim
Chaim people are highly intelligent and 'out of the box' thinkers. They have a hard time with rules, structure and authority. They like to just think and tend to be introverted. they are the least socially adept an often feel like the odd person out. Even in their family. Chaims also have wonderful long-term memories (sound familiar?)
Body Manifestation of Chaim
A Chaim body is a thinking body. They are like walking barometers and are very aware of people. They are the type of person who will go into a shiva or to a funeral and you can practically wring the pain and emotion out of them. They sleep as an escape and can often become addicted to drugs or alcohol to dull the pain of the world around them.
Bracha corresponds to Blessing and to our Father Abraham.
Soul Manifestation of Bracha
Bracha is heart. They tend to be extroverted and see the glass as half full. They are not complex people and people are drawn to them because Brachas are drawn to people. They don't overthink and tend to skirt along the top of things.
Body Manifesation of Bracha
Bracha bodies are pleasure bodies. They are happy to sit in a hammock and watch the sun set for four hours. Brachas sleep for the pleasure of sleeping. They are one with the couch. Often late, they don't wear watches. Often described as lazy people (natch).
Tov corresponds to Good and our Father Isaac.
Soul Manifestation of Tov
Tovs get pleasure from doing the right thing. They follow rules because it's the right thing to do. There are two types - Judgemental and non-Judgemental. They are hard on other people and especially hard on themselves. They are leaders who stay in the game. They arrive exactly on time. They are tense and their children are often tense. They "invented" rules and regulations, structure and authority. Tovs run the world (Yep, Stephen Harper, Barak Obama, the Chancellor of Germany - all Tovs) People respect Tovs.
Body Manifestation of Tov
They are action people. They are accomplishers. They get pleasure from doing and are easily bored. They like to accomplish things and view sleep as a necessary evil - almost as a punishment.
So, where do I fall into all of this? I am a Chaim Bracha.
Anyone who knows me knows I am sarcastic, cynical and can have a dry sense of humour - however most people I know appreciate that (mostly). I do overthink things and often feel like the "odd one out". And don't get me started on my memory. Just ask my husband about it. That's my Soul.
My body is a Bracha. I am totally a Bracha body. I love sleep. I could spend an entire day with a book in a hammock and then stay and watch the sun set. Although I tend to be more or less on time, I don't wear a watch. (I think my timeliness has to do with my Chaim Soul and the little bit of Tov - since we have all 3 in us).
Where are you?
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Israel.
I can't believe my trip is over. It has been a truly whirlwind trip. We landed early in the morning on October 23. From the airport we headed to Tiberias where we spent a good part of the day at a spa hanging out at the natural hot springs. It was so relaxing and a perfect start to the trip.
That night was a dinner at Decks, which is on the Sea of Galilee. We were so warmly welcomed.
The next morning, after a lecture by Ken Spiro, we headed to Tzfat, which is a very holy and also very arty place. We saw a glassblower at work and I bought some of her painted art.
We had a tour of the city and saw some synagogues (NOTHING like at home!!). We learned a little of the history of the city, that it is where the Kabbalah was born, and that Jewish Mysticism is NOT what Madonna practices.
We were then treated to a late lunch at The Red Khan.
From there it was onto the busses for the 3 hour drive to Jerusalem. Once there, we got checked in, then we're on our own for the evening.
Wednesday morning, we got up and had breakfast at the hotel, then headed to the Aish building for the start of our lecture series in the old City.
We had lunch on our own and then returned to go to the Kotel.
There were lectures every day, and they were all inspiring.
One of our trips was to Yad Vashem, the holocaust memorial, and from there we went to an orphanage that is so much more than an orphanage. They run a day care program and an after school program for girls who can stay at home, but whose parents may not be able to provide some of the necessities. The girls made us prayer mats - laminated mats with the candle lighting blessing and blessing for children. The girls decorated them, and with my limited Hebrew and her limited English, we made a nice mat.
We got to tour the old city and we tools tour of the tunnels under the Kotel.
Saturday was Shabbos, so while there were lectures, we were also treated to a bit of a lie in and also the Third Meal on the rooftop of Abba and Pamela Claman's beautiful home overlooking the Kotel and the old city. We ate with soldiers who are all being sworn in as officers this week. I met Estie, a shy seeming and cute girl. Amazing to think that after this week, she will be in charge of a group of soldiers!!
On Monday we went to Masada and the Dead Sea. What a trip!! When they say you float, it is IMPOSSIBLE to describe, unless you actually experience it. From there we want to Eretz Bereshit, where we rode camels and had dinner at Sarah and Abraham's tent. Probably the funniest part of the night was when "Abraham's" cell phone rang!
Before we knew it, it was time for the final banquet and to say goodbye to our new friends from Minneapolis and Cleveland.
So now, I am contemplating lunch and what to do with the next seven hours.. A whole day in Jerusalem with no schedule to keep lies ahead of me!!!
That night was a dinner at Decks, which is on the Sea of Galilee. We were so warmly welcomed.
The next morning, after a lecture by Ken Spiro, we headed to Tzfat, which is a very holy and also very arty place. We saw a glassblower at work and I bought some of her painted art.
We had a tour of the city and saw some synagogues (NOTHING like at home!!). We learned a little of the history of the city, that it is where the Kabbalah was born, and that Jewish Mysticism is NOT what Madonna practices.
We were then treated to a late lunch at The Red Khan.
From there it was onto the busses for the 3 hour drive to Jerusalem. Once there, we got checked in, then we're on our own for the evening.
Wednesday morning, we got up and had breakfast at the hotel, then headed to the Aish building for the start of our lecture series in the old City.
We had lunch on our own and then returned to go to the Kotel.
There were lectures every day, and they were all inspiring.
One of our trips was to Yad Vashem, the holocaust memorial, and from there we went to an orphanage that is so much more than an orphanage. They run a day care program and an after school program for girls who can stay at home, but whose parents may not be able to provide some of the necessities. The girls made us prayer mats - laminated mats with the candle lighting blessing and blessing for children. The girls decorated them, and with my limited Hebrew and her limited English, we made a nice mat.
We got to tour the old city and we tools tour of the tunnels under the Kotel.
Saturday was Shabbos, so while there were lectures, we were also treated to a bit of a lie in and also the Third Meal on the rooftop of Abba and Pamela Claman's beautiful home overlooking the Kotel and the old city. We ate with soldiers who are all being sworn in as officers this week. I met Estie, a shy seeming and cute girl. Amazing to think that after this week, she will be in charge of a group of soldiers!!
On Monday we went to Masada and the Dead Sea. What a trip!! When they say you float, it is IMPOSSIBLE to describe, unless you actually experience it. From there we want to Eretz Bereshit, where we rode camels and had dinner at Sarah and Abraham's tent. Probably the funniest part of the night was when "Abraham's" cell phone rang!
Before we knew it, it was time for the final banquet and to say goodbye to our new friends from Minneapolis and Cleveland.
So now, I am contemplating lunch and what to do with the next seven hours.. A whole day in Jerusalem with no schedule to keep lies ahead of me!!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
19 days!! My itinerary
I can't believe it's almost here! I remember when I found out and it was in the area of 70 days. Now it's a mere 19 days away!! Yes, my concentration at work has been awesome! Because who would ever get excited about a trip to Israel!?
My itinerary is below...
Monday Oct 24
6:05 am, arrive in Israel.
8 am - to be announced (ooh!)
12:30 transfer to Israel's North (Tiberias)
2:30 - check in at hotel.
5:30 - welcome: "Gossip, Lies and Lessons" with Lori Palatnik
6:30 - depart for welcome dinner
7:00 welcome dinner at Decks
8:30 - depart for hotel
Tuesday Oct 25
Breakfast opens at 7
Check out, bring suitcases to lobby, breakfast, pack lunch.
9:15 am - "World Perfect" with Ken Spiro
11:00 am - depart for Tzfat
12:00 am - tour of Tzfat
Tour, Shop, Snack
3:00 pm - Meet back at bus to depart for lunch (hence the snack, I suppose)
3:30 pm - Lunch at the Red Hahn (A Musical, Ethnic Culinary Experience)
6:00 pm - Depart for Jerusalem
9:00 pm - Check in to hotel in Jerusalem.
Wednesday Oct 26
6:30 am - Breakfast opens at the hotel (I am going to be expected to be up for breakfast at 6:30 in the morning. gah!!!)
8:15 am - Walk to the Aish HaTorah World Center opposite the Western Wall in the Old City.
9:00 am - Welcome to Aish HaTorah
9:30 am - Breathtaking view from the roof of Aish HaTorah World Center
Group Photo
10:15 am - "The Kabbalah of You" Lori Palatnik
11:15 am - Break and opportunity to buy Judaica Art by Rebecca Shore
11:45 am - Meet your Aish Hosts
Rabbi Noah Weinberg Tribute Film
History of the building film
JWRP Film
1:00 pm - Visit the Kotel
Lunch on our own
2:30 pm - "Next Year in Jerusalem"
4:00 pm - Depart for Old City Tour
6:20 pm - Western Wall Tunnel tour
7:45 pm - Free Evening
Thursday Oct 27
6:30 am (AGAIN?!) - Breakfast opens at the hotel
8:15 am - "Why the Jews" Ken Spiro
10:00 am - Depart for Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Memorial
10:30 am - Visit Yad Vashem
1:00 pm - Salad Lunch (huh?)
1:45 pm - Depart for Chesed Project
2:15 pm - Visit Shalva
4:15 pm - depart for Hotel
5:00 pm - Free Evening
Friday Oct 28
7:00 am - Breakfast opens at the hotel
8:15 am - depart for Old City
9:00 am - "Light up your Life - the Mitzvah of Candle Lighting" - Lori Palatnik
10:00 - 12:00 A Mitzvah of Body and Soul: Challah Baking Class
Time to prepare for shabbat - don't forget to buy wine - Friday Night Dinner is BYOB
2:30 pm - Depart for walk to Old City from hotel lobby
3:00 pm - Pre-Shabbat Concert with Yom Tov Glaser
4:20 pm - Candle Lighting
Dancing at the Kotel (Western Wall)
5:30 pm - Meet back at the back of the Kotel Plaza by flag poles.
Shabbat Dinner at the Aish HaTorah World Center
Bring your own bottle of wine and share with "Lone Soldiers"
8:15 pm - Walk back to the hotel
Shabbat Oct 29
6:30 am - Breakfast opens at the Hotel
Optional walk to Yemin Moshe Synagogue, Kotel or Great Synagogue
10:30 am - Putting the "Jewish" into values - Lori Palatnik
11:30 am - Shabbat: Heaven on Earth - Rabbi Gavriel Friedman
12:30 pm - Shabbat Lunch at the hotel
2:30 pm - Depart for Old City
3:15 pm - The Four Things you Never Knew About Judaism Lori Palatnik
4:15 pm - Depart for Claman's
4;30 pm - Seudat Shlishit - the Third Meal of Shabbat
Havdala
7:15 pm - return to the hotel
Enjoy the nightlife on Ben Yehuda
Sunday Oct 30
6:00 am - Breakfast at the Hotel
7:15 am - Depart for Masada
8:30 am - Cable Car up Masada
Naming Ceremony
11:30 am - Depart for Dead Sea
Lunch and Shopping for Dead Sea Products (hmmm)
Dead Sea Swim
3:00 pm - Depart for Erets Preishit
4:50 pm - Camel Rides and Festive Dinner in Abraham and Sarah's Tent
7:00 pm - Return to Jerusalem
8:00 pm - Judaica Sale Rav Gil Eisenbach
Monday Oct 31
6:30 am - Breakfast opens at the hotel
7:30 am - Depart Hotel for the Old City
8:30 am - Letter to Myself
9:15 am - "The Inner Beauty of the Jewish Woman" - Chana Kalsmith
10:15 am - Love, Intimacy and Soul Mates - Lori Palatnik
11:15 am - Lunch on your own
1:00 pm - Bus departs for Givat Shmuel
2:45 pm - Mikvah Tour
3:30 pm - Depart for Army Base
4:00 pm - Meet "our" IDF Soldiers (and present them with care packages)
5:00 pm - Depart for Jerusalem.
5:45 pm - Arrive in Jerusalem
8:15 - Optional but highly recommended - Israel Advocacy: How to answer difficult questions
Tuesday Nov 1
6:30 am - Breakfast (again with the 6:30 am breakfasts!!)
8:30 am - Bringing it all home How to share your inspiration with friends and family without blowing it
Opportunity to purchase CDs and JWRP t-shirts
9:30 am - Survival Kits and Evaluations
10:00 am - Story and Departing Words Pamela Claman
10:15 am - Our Mother Rachel: Shepherding Us Along the Way
10:30 am - Check out, Load the bus and free time
3:30 pm - Depart Hotel
4:00 pm - Rachel's tomb
5:15 pm - Final Banquet at Gavna(you'll have to translate the page - it's in Hebrew)
Depart for Ben Gurion Airport
However, apparently the flights are arranged for my group that we are actually staying over Tuesday night and flying out on Wednesday night - so apparently I have the entire day to myself on the Wednesday.
And that's it in a really, really huge nutshell.
My itinerary is below...
Monday Oct 24
6:05 am, arrive in Israel.
8 am - to be announced (ooh!)
12:30 transfer to Israel's North (Tiberias)
2:30 - check in at hotel.
5:30 - welcome: "Gossip, Lies and Lessons" with Lori Palatnik
6:30 - depart for welcome dinner
7:00 welcome dinner at Decks
8:30 - depart for hotel
Tuesday Oct 25
Breakfast opens at 7
Check out, bring suitcases to lobby, breakfast, pack lunch.
9:15 am - "World Perfect" with Ken Spiro
11:00 am - depart for Tzfat
12:00 am - tour of Tzfat
Tour, Shop, Snack
3:00 pm - Meet back at bus to depart for lunch (hence the snack, I suppose)
3:30 pm - Lunch at the Red Hahn (A Musical, Ethnic Culinary Experience)
6:00 pm - Depart for Jerusalem
9:00 pm - Check in to hotel in Jerusalem.
Wednesday Oct 26
6:30 am - Breakfast opens at the hotel (I am going to be expected to be up for breakfast at 6:30 in the morning. gah!!!)
8:15 am - Walk to the Aish HaTorah World Center opposite the Western Wall in the Old City.
9:00 am - Welcome to Aish HaTorah
9:30 am - Breathtaking view from the roof of Aish HaTorah World Center
Group Photo
10:15 am - "The Kabbalah of You" Lori Palatnik
11:15 am - Break and opportunity to buy Judaica Art by Rebecca Shore
11:45 am - Meet your Aish Hosts
Rabbi Noah Weinberg Tribute Film
History of the building film
JWRP Film
1:00 pm - Visit the Kotel
Lunch on our own
2:30 pm - "Next Year in Jerusalem"
4:00 pm - Depart for Old City Tour
6:20 pm - Western Wall Tunnel tour
7:45 pm - Free Evening
Thursday Oct 27
6:30 am (AGAIN?!) - Breakfast opens at the hotel
8:15 am - "Why the Jews" Ken Spiro
10:00 am - Depart for Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust Memorial
10:30 am - Visit Yad Vashem
1:00 pm - Salad Lunch (huh?)
1:45 pm - Depart for Chesed Project
2:15 pm - Visit Shalva
4:15 pm - depart for Hotel
5:00 pm - Free Evening
Friday Oct 28
7:00 am - Breakfast opens at the hotel
8:15 am - depart for Old City
9:00 am - "Light up your Life - the Mitzvah of Candle Lighting" - Lori Palatnik
10:00 - 12:00 A Mitzvah of Body and Soul: Challah Baking Class
Time to prepare for shabbat - don't forget to buy wine - Friday Night Dinner is BYOB
2:30 pm - Depart for walk to Old City from hotel lobby
3:00 pm - Pre-Shabbat Concert with Yom Tov Glaser
4:20 pm - Candle Lighting
Dancing at the Kotel (Western Wall)
5:30 pm - Meet back at the back of the Kotel Plaza by flag poles.
Shabbat Dinner at the Aish HaTorah World Center
Bring your own bottle of wine and share with "Lone Soldiers"
8:15 pm - Walk back to the hotel
Shabbat Oct 29
6:30 am - Breakfast opens at the Hotel
Optional walk to Yemin Moshe Synagogue, Kotel or Great Synagogue
10:30 am - Putting the "Jewish" into values - Lori Palatnik
11:30 am - Shabbat: Heaven on Earth - Rabbi Gavriel Friedman
12:30 pm - Shabbat Lunch at the hotel
2:30 pm - Depart for Old City
3:15 pm - The Four Things you Never Knew About Judaism Lori Palatnik
4:15 pm - Depart for Claman's
4;30 pm - Seudat Shlishit - the Third Meal of Shabbat
Havdala
7:15 pm - return to the hotel
Enjoy the nightlife on Ben Yehuda
Sunday Oct 30
6:00 am - Breakfast at the Hotel
7:15 am - Depart for Masada
8:30 am - Cable Car up Masada
Naming Ceremony
11:30 am - Depart for Dead Sea
Lunch and Shopping for Dead Sea Products (hmmm)
Dead Sea Swim
3:00 pm - Depart for Erets Preishit
4:50 pm - Camel Rides and Festive Dinner in Abraham and Sarah's Tent
7:00 pm - Return to Jerusalem
8:00 pm - Judaica Sale Rav Gil Eisenbach
Monday Oct 31
6:30 am - Breakfast opens at the hotel
7:30 am - Depart Hotel for the Old City
8:30 am - Letter to Myself
9:15 am - "The Inner Beauty of the Jewish Woman" - Chana Kalsmith
10:15 am - Love, Intimacy and Soul Mates - Lori Palatnik
11:15 am - Lunch on your own
1:00 pm - Bus departs for Givat Shmuel
2:45 pm - Mikvah Tour
3:30 pm - Depart for Army Base
4:00 pm - Meet "our" IDF Soldiers (and present them with care packages)
5:00 pm - Depart for Jerusalem.
5:45 pm - Arrive in Jerusalem
8:15 - Optional but highly recommended - Israel Advocacy: How to answer difficult questions
Tuesday Nov 1
6:30 am - Breakfast (again with the 6:30 am breakfasts!!)
8:30 am - Bringing it all home How to share your inspiration with friends and family without blowing it
Opportunity to purchase CDs and JWRP t-shirts
9:30 am - Survival Kits and Evaluations
10:00 am - Story and Departing Words Pamela Claman
10:15 am - Our Mother Rachel: Shepherding Us Along the Way
10:30 am - Check out, Load the bus and free time
3:30 pm - Depart Hotel
4:00 pm - Rachel's tomb
5:15 pm - Final Banquet at Gavna(you'll have to translate the page - it's in Hebrew)
Depart for Ben Gurion Airport
However, apparently the flights are arranged for my group that we are actually staying over Tuesday night and flying out on Wednesday night - so apparently I have the entire day to myself on the Wednesday.
And that's it in a really, really huge nutshell.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
3...2...1... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Wednesday September 28 is what we call "Erev Rosh Hashana", or New Year's Eve. But unlike December 31, we won't be revelling and drinking champagne, putting on masks or watching a ball drop in the Western Wall Plaza in Jerusalem.
Nope. Many Jews will be in their synagogues, praying for redemption and forgiveness for their sins and transgressions(yes, that is done on Rosh Hashana as well as Yom Kippur - more on that later).
I, personally, will be with my family having dinner at my aunt's house. It's a tradition and if I were to go to shul, I would miss out on the family dinner.
This year we will likely go to my inlaw's shul for the first day and our shul for the second day.
The theme of Rosh Hashana, besides being one of asking forgiveness is roundness. By that I mean, we eat a lot of round stuff - apples, round challahs. This symbolizes fullness and completion - we have live through and completed the last full year - we are ready for the next one!
Why two days?
Why two days? I used to ask this all the time - but now I know.
We observe two days in the Diaspora (anywhere that is not Israel) because of the possibility of misinterpretation of dates. The times are different, the planets have aligned differently than they did 5700 some odd years ago (5772, by the way). We want to make sure we don't miss the boat and celebrate the wrong day. Therefore, we celebrate/observe for two days (only one for Yom Kippur - thank goodness! 27 hours of fasting is more than enough for me, thankyouverymuch!)
The New Year is an obvious time for judgment (which is why Rosh Hashana is also called Yom HaDin, literally "Judgment Day"). Every creation we make, whether it is in art, business or even cooking, is judged by us. At some point we will step back and evaluate our creation. Does it live up to expectations? Are we pleased with it? What are its faults? On this, the anniversary of our creation, God does the same with us. We are evaluated, hence the "Day of Judgment".
This day is deeply spiritual because on judgment day, not unlike what happens when a person is waiting to hear a court sentence, we are forced to reflect on ourselves. Did I live up to God's expectation of me? Is God pleased with me? What are my faults? Because of the intense mood of the moment this day presents the most powerful spiritual opportunity available -- the opportunity for us to reflect on how we can elevate ourselves to a higher plane. What does God want from me? He wants me to be on His team. How am I judged? Have I lived my year pursuing self-gratification, or have I grown closer to God in thought and deed? Am I making this world a better place to live in?
This is the judgment on Rosh Hashana, these are the questions, and with this understanding the opportunities for spiritual growth are unparalleled. Dig in and enjoy the potential. Rosh Hashana is the spiritual world's prime time (from Aish.com)
So yeah - no revillrie until after midnight. No glowing ball of lights dropping in a public square. But lots of friends, family, food and fun. (hee hee - f-words!! HA HA HA!!) And some praying just to let G-d know we thank and appreciate him for all that he has given us and that we promise to do better throughout the coming year.
Nope. Many Jews will be in their synagogues, praying for redemption and forgiveness for their sins and transgressions(yes, that is done on Rosh Hashana as well as Yom Kippur - more on that later).
I, personally, will be with my family having dinner at my aunt's house. It's a tradition and if I were to go to shul, I would miss out on the family dinner.
This year we will likely go to my inlaw's shul for the first day and our shul for the second day.
The theme of Rosh Hashana, besides being one of asking forgiveness is roundness. By that I mean, we eat a lot of round stuff - apples, round challahs. This symbolizes fullness and completion - we have live through and completed the last full year - we are ready for the next one!
Why two days?
Why two days? I used to ask this all the time - but now I know.
We observe two days in the Diaspora (anywhere that is not Israel) because of the possibility of misinterpretation of dates. The times are different, the planets have aligned differently than they did 5700 some odd years ago (5772, by the way). We want to make sure we don't miss the boat and celebrate the wrong day. Therefore, we celebrate/observe for two days (only one for Yom Kippur - thank goodness! 27 hours of fasting is more than enough for me, thankyouverymuch!)
Rosh Hashana, "The New Year" in Hebrew, is a deeply spiritual holiday. The New Year commemorates the creation of the world (Adam and Eve were created on Rosh Hashana) and each year the world's existence is extended for another year, created anew, as it were. Mankind is also included in this new creation every year.
This day is deeply spiritual because on judgment day, not unlike what happens when a person is waiting to hear a court sentence, we are forced to reflect on ourselves. Did I live up to God's expectation of me? Is God pleased with me? What are my faults? Because of the intense mood of the moment this day presents the most powerful spiritual opportunity available -- the opportunity for us to reflect on how we can elevate ourselves to a higher plane. What does God want from me? He wants me to be on His team. How am I judged? Have I lived my year pursuing self-gratification, or have I grown closer to God in thought and deed? Am I making this world a better place to live in?
This is the judgment on Rosh Hashana, these are the questions, and with this understanding the opportunities for spiritual growth are unparalleled. Dig in and enjoy the potential. Rosh Hashana is the spiritual world's prime time (from Aish.com)
So yeah - no revillrie until after midnight. No glowing ball of lights dropping in a public square. But lots of friends, family, food and fun. (hee hee - f-words!! HA HA HA!!) And some praying just to let G-d know we thank and appreciate him for all that he has given us and that we promise to do better throughout the coming year.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Israel.... Is Real!!!
So last night I attended my JWRP Orientation meeting. OH MY GOODNESS!! I can not wait to go on this trip!!!!
The ladies all seem so fabulous and we will be sharing a bus with the Minnesota contingent. My roommate Sheri seems like a really sweet woman - I think we'll have no problem sharing a room.
I will post my itinerary later, but here are some of the highlights:
*A visit to an orphanage
*A visit to an army base
*A trip up Masada and a naming ceremony
*A trip to the Dead Sea.
*Shabbat dinner at Aish, and visits to the Kotel (The western wall)
*Lori Palatnik is going to be there!!!
For those of you who don't know who Lori Palatnik is, she's a woman who is very involved with Aish Ha'Torah. She speaks frequently and has a video blog on Aish.com. She always has inspiring things to say in her blog and I can't wait to meet her and speak with her and listen to her speak to and inspire us!!!
I got my JWRP knapsack last night, too and already it contains my passport, my itinerary and my notebook. I, of course, will journal my trip and if I can use the computers in the business centre at the hotel, I hope to be able to upload some photos onto the blog, Facebook, etc.
It seems so real now that we've gotten our itinerary!! 32 more days!!!!!!
The ladies all seem so fabulous and we will be sharing a bus with the Minnesota contingent. My roommate Sheri seems like a really sweet woman - I think we'll have no problem sharing a room.
I will post my itinerary later, but here are some of the highlights:
*A visit to an orphanage
*A visit to an army base
*A trip up Masada and a naming ceremony
*A trip to the Dead Sea.
*Shabbat dinner at Aish, and visits to the Kotel (The western wall)
*Lori Palatnik is going to be there!!!
For those of you who don't know who Lori Palatnik is, she's a woman who is very involved with Aish Ha'Torah. She speaks frequently and has a video blog on Aish.com. She always has inspiring things to say in her blog and I can't wait to meet her and speak with her and listen to her speak to and inspire us!!!
I got my JWRP knapsack last night, too and already it contains my passport, my itinerary and my notebook. I, of course, will journal my trip and if I can use the computers in the business centre at the hotel, I hope to be able to upload some photos onto the blog, Facebook, etc.
It seems so real now that we've gotten our itinerary!! 32 more days!!!!!!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Passports, Notary Publics and Baloney
So, I alluded to the passport issue in my previous post.
Since I didn't discuss it in my post prior to my previous post, let me tell you the story of my Passport and my journey to renew it.
After finding out I had been accepted on the JWRP trip in October, I was advised that I would need to send a copy of my passport to my city leader, Paula. Okay. No problem. Just got to find the passports we just used in December... easy peasy... right?
WRONG!!
Somehow we have managed to lose the folder with ALL FOUR passports in it. In our house. Now, our house is definitely not clean. It's not Hoarder messy, but it's "we have two kids, a lot of stuff and work full time" messy. But it shouldn't have been so hard to find one little black folder (from "Black's") with four passports in it.
We ransacked the house. We looked in the suitcases. We emptied the safe. We emptied boxes we haven't accessed in the 3 years we've been in the house We turned drawers upside down. Matthew emptied his shelves in the wardrobe. We looked under the TV in our bedroom. I looked in the dresser, our night stands, in the closet. You name it, we looked in it. Even in places we should not have to look because we wouldn't have put our passports there.
No passports. The MOST annoying thing about having to renew my passport? I JUST RENEWED MY PASSPORT LAST YEAR!! I still have 3½ years left on my 5 year passport!!!
So, I had to reapply. Ran down to the passport office with my old passport (yes, I could find an OLD passport!), ID, birth certificate, photos, guarantor (thank you Rhonda) signature, and application. Oh - and the form filled out that said my old passport was "inaccessable".
I stood in a loooong line for about a half an hour, approached the desk and the person (the ONE person working in a government office on a Friday in August) said "oh. You need to get this form signed by a notary public." A WHAT!? WHY!? Well, okay. I could go to the notary publics in the area of the passport office and pay 40 dollars. No. I decided I'd go home, since I wouldn't have time to run back to the office and wait, (we were going away that Friday afternoon) I would do it the following Monday since I was on holiday that week, anyway. I found a Notary Public in my neighbourhood and went over there to have him sign it. This is where the Baloney part of the post comes in.
It cost me $30 cash for the notary public to sign and stamp my form. The whole meeting took about 5 minutes. This guy (very nice lawyer, by the way) looked at my form, said I was supposed to sign it in front of him (I'd already signed it), had me sign a Post-It so he could compare the signatures, asked no questions about my lost passport, took my $30, stamped it with his embossing stamp and wished me a safe trip.
Now - he was friendly and I have no complaints about this gentleman. In fact, if ever I need the services of a notary public again, I will likely call upon him. Just the Baloney (and yes, I do mean another word there, but there might be young children about when people are reading this - and I'm trying to swear less) part is that this guy doesn't know me from Eve and basically took my word for it and signed a form for a complete and total stranger for a cash price. That is the Baloney. The government requires this form to be signed, but to they realize that probably 9 times out of 10, the notary public hasn't a clue on the veracity of the story the person who needs a notary?
Oh well.
The best part of the whole thing? My passport was to be mailed on August 23. I received it on August 21! YAY!!!
Since I didn't discuss it in my post prior to my previous post, let me tell you the story of my Passport and my journey to renew it.
After finding out I had been accepted on the JWRP trip in October, I was advised that I would need to send a copy of my passport to my city leader, Paula. Okay. No problem. Just got to find the passports we just used in December... easy peasy... right?
WRONG!!
Somehow we have managed to lose the folder with ALL FOUR passports in it. In our house. Now, our house is definitely not clean. It's not Hoarder messy, but it's "we have two kids, a lot of stuff and work full time" messy. But it shouldn't have been so hard to find one little black folder (from "Black's") with four passports in it.
We ransacked the house. We looked in the suitcases. We emptied the safe. We emptied boxes we haven't accessed in the 3 years we've been in the house We turned drawers upside down. Matthew emptied his shelves in the wardrobe. We looked under the TV in our bedroom. I looked in the dresser, our night stands, in the closet. You name it, we looked in it. Even in places we should not have to look because we wouldn't have put our passports there.
No passports. The MOST annoying thing about having to renew my passport? I JUST RENEWED MY PASSPORT LAST YEAR!! I still have 3½ years left on my 5 year passport!!!
So, I had to reapply. Ran down to the passport office with my old passport (yes, I could find an OLD passport!), ID, birth certificate, photos, guarantor (thank you Rhonda) signature, and application. Oh - and the form filled out that said my old passport was "inaccessable".
I stood in a loooong line for about a half an hour, approached the desk and the person (the ONE person working in a government office on a Friday in August) said "oh. You need to get this form signed by a notary public." A WHAT!? WHY!? Well, okay. I could go to the notary publics in the area of the passport office and pay 40 dollars. No. I decided I'd go home, since I wouldn't have time to run back to the office and wait, (we were going away that Friday afternoon) I would do it the following Monday since I was on holiday that week, anyway. I found a Notary Public in my neighbourhood and went over there to have him sign it. This is where the Baloney part of the post comes in.
It cost me $30 cash for the notary public to sign and stamp my form. The whole meeting took about 5 minutes. This guy (very nice lawyer, by the way) looked at my form, said I was supposed to sign it in front of him (I'd already signed it), had me sign a Post-It so he could compare the signatures, asked no questions about my lost passport, took my $30, stamped it with his embossing stamp and wished me a safe trip.
Now - he was friendly and I have no complaints about this gentleman. In fact, if ever I need the services of a notary public again, I will likely call upon him. Just the Baloney (and yes, I do mean another word there, but there might be young children about when people are reading this - and I'm trying to swear less) part is that this guy doesn't know me from Eve and basically took my word for it and signed a form for a complete and total stranger for a cash price. That is the Baloney. The government requires this form to be signed, but to they realize that probably 9 times out of 10, the notary public hasn't a clue on the veracity of the story the person who needs a notary?
Oh well.
The best part of the whole thing? My passport was to be mailed on August 23. I received it on August 21! YAY!!!
44 More Days!
That's right. In 44 days I will be on a plane high above the ocean, winging my way to the beautiful land of Israel.
My Passport issue has been solved (have I mentioned my passport issue? The fact that all four of our passports from our trip to the US in December are all lost - but inside our house!? That I had to apply for a replacement and it came 2 days before they told me it was even going to be mailed? Of course, it now has a nice sticker in it that will let any immigration people know that my original was lost. I suppose it's more to say "this is the REAL passport and anyone travelling under the other passport number is a fraud!!)
I will be participating in the Jewish Women's Renaissance Project "Transform and Grow" (T.A.G.) trip, October 2011!! (for more info go to http://www.jwrp.org/)
So this has made me reflect. What does the Land of Israel mean?
For Christians, it is the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. For Muslims, the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount is where Mohammed ascended to Heaven and where the mosque is decorated with verses from the Koran. For Jews, Temple Mount is where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac.
It's amazing to think that the Christians, Jews and Muslims all have such significant ties to the land, yet, there is always so much struggle, strife and conflict in the nation.
What am I looking forward to about my trip? Well, for starters, it is my first trip to the Holy Land. I've never been to Israel!
I can't wait to see the Western Wall The Kotel, and to pray there and put notes from my family and friends in the wall.
I can't wait to see Jerusalem. As much of it as I possibly can.
I can't wait to see Tiberias and the Jordan River! And Tsfat!
I can't wait to climb Masada (okay - take a cable car up Masada).
I can't wait to float in the Dead Sea.
I can't wait to eat in Sarah and Abraham's tent.
I can't wait to meet the 58 other people going on this trip from Toronto and the other two cities in the US that will be on the trip.
I can't wait to spend Shabbat in the Holy Land
I can't wait to find out what our Madrichim have to teach us women about our culture, our religion and our values.
I can't wait to bring all these lessons home and teach them to my family and friends.
I can't wait to see what transformation I will undergo on this trip.
I can't wait to see what I will learn. There is so much!!
I can't wait to spend an evening on Ben Yehuda Street and eat gelato and go to Aroma!
I can't wait to SHOP!!! I want to get some skirts and tichels!
I'm sure there are a million other things I can't wait to do that I don't even know I can't wait to do until I get there and realize I couldn't wait to do those things!!
44 more days!!
My Passport issue has been solved (have I mentioned my passport issue? The fact that all four of our passports from our trip to the US in December are all lost - but inside our house!? That I had to apply for a replacement and it came 2 days before they told me it was even going to be mailed? Of course, it now has a nice sticker in it that will let any immigration people know that my original was lost. I suppose it's more to say "this is the REAL passport and anyone travelling under the other passport number is a fraud!!)
I will be participating in the Jewish Women's Renaissance Project "Transform and Grow" (T.A.G.) trip, October 2011!! (for more info go to http://www.jwrp.org/)
So this has made me reflect. What does the Land of Israel mean?
For Christians, it is the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem. For Muslims, the Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount is where Mohammed ascended to Heaven and where the mosque is decorated with verses from the Koran. For Jews, Temple Mount is where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac.
It's amazing to think that the Christians, Jews and Muslims all have such significant ties to the land, yet, there is always so much struggle, strife and conflict in the nation.
What am I looking forward to about my trip? Well, for starters, it is my first trip to the Holy Land. I've never been to Israel!
I can't wait to see the Western Wall The Kotel, and to pray there and put notes from my family and friends in the wall.
I can't wait to see Jerusalem. As much of it as I possibly can.
I can't wait to see Tiberias and the Jordan River! And Tsfat!
I can't wait to climb Masada (okay - take a cable car up Masada).
I can't wait to float in the Dead Sea.
I can't wait to eat in Sarah and Abraham's tent.
I can't wait to meet the 58 other people going on this trip from Toronto and the other two cities in the US that will be on the trip.
I can't wait to spend Shabbat in the Holy Land
I can't wait to find out what our Madrichim have to teach us women about our culture, our religion and our values.
I can't wait to bring all these lessons home and teach them to my family and friends.
I can't wait to see what transformation I will undergo on this trip.
I can't wait to see what I will learn. There is so much!!
I can't wait to spend an evening on Ben Yehuda Street and eat gelato and go to Aroma!
I can't wait to SHOP!!! I want to get some skirts and tichels!
I'm sure there are a million other things I can't wait to do that I don't even know I can't wait to do until I get there and realize I couldn't wait to do those things!!
44 more days!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
ISRAEL!!
Throughout the journey I have undertaken, I have desired to go to Israel. Of course, that's a lofty plan and expensive!! Along came JWRP - the Jewish Women's Renaissance Project (http://www.jwrp.org/). At first, I was told I didn't qualify - that I was actually too religious (I'm not shomer Shabbos, yet). My sister in law and some friends went on the trip and I will admit - I was somewhat jealous. I wanted to go. The JWRP trip is like Birthright - but for women only. They do emphasize that their trip is geared towards women with school-age children.
Then I got an "invite" through Facebook to go on the October JWRP trip. My Rebbetzin asked if I had applied and I said that I didn't qualify, based on what someone had previously told me. She said she'd call the Rebbetzin in charge of the trip and find out for me. Lo and behold, I qualified!! I immediately applied, interviewed and began the arduous task of waiting to hear if I'd been accepted.
I am happy to report that on October 23, 2011, I will be heading to Pearson Airport to board a flight to Israel as part of the JWRP Transform and Grow Mission trip!!! Nine days in Israel - an action packed trip. The one "gulp" factor - the morning we have to be at breakfast for 6AM. I don't do early morning very well. I am so honoured to be among those who will be able to experience this incredible program.
89 more sleeps...
Then I got an "invite" through Facebook to go on the October JWRP trip. My Rebbetzin asked if I had applied and I said that I didn't qualify, based on what someone had previously told me. She said she'd call the Rebbetzin in charge of the trip and find out for me. Lo and behold, I qualified!! I immediately applied, interviewed and began the arduous task of waiting to hear if I'd been accepted.
I am happy to report that on October 23, 2011, I will be heading to Pearson Airport to board a flight to Israel as part of the JWRP Transform and Grow Mission trip!!! Nine days in Israel - an action packed trip. The one "gulp" factor - the morning we have to be at breakfast for 6AM. I don't do early morning very well. I am so honoured to be among those who will be able to experience this incredible program.
89 more sleeps...
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Heartfelt Thanks to Sarah and Harvey.
This past Saturday, as I try to do every Shabbos (though the stress at work has made it hard to get up on Saturdays) we went to Shul. Matthew took the day off as June 17 is our anniversary and this year is our 10th!
I found out that Matthew had sponsored the kiddush lunch in our honour, though it was late, so kiddush was cookies, crackers, cake, wine and sodas. Oh, and chips - hmm. A lot of C food. (I do not apologize for the bad joke)
At Shul, Sarah came up to me and invited us to her home for Shabbos lunch. It was so nice to be invited and of course, we agreed! She hadn't been expecting to invite us, and said "we'll make do with whatever I have, I know it's impromptu."
After Shul, the four of us, Sarah and her husband Harvey, Adam and David - two other members of our Shul - along with a few other members who live in the same street, walked home.
Sarah and Harvey are so welcoming, warm and friendly, we were put instantly at ease. Sarah served such a lunch!! There were salads, dips, challah (of course), gefilte fish. And just when we thought we were done, there was roast chicken, cholent, more salads - everything was so delicious!! And la piece de resistance? DAIRY FREE ICE CREAM!! This dairy-allergic girl was in heaven!!
After lunch, Adam and David along with Harvey led us in some bentching songs, Adam delivered a D'var Torah (thoughts on this week's Torah portion), and shortly thereafter, we left to go home, taking a meandering route through the neighbourhood and walking partway home with David.
I somehow managed to pull a muscle in my back, so shortly after we got home, I fell asleep.
As an aside: This week's portion was the same portion I read at my Bat Mitzvah when I was 12!
I found out that Matthew had sponsored the kiddush lunch in our honour, though it was late, so kiddush was cookies, crackers, cake, wine and sodas. Oh, and chips - hmm. A lot of C food. (I do not apologize for the bad joke)
At Shul, Sarah came up to me and invited us to her home for Shabbos lunch. It was so nice to be invited and of course, we agreed! She hadn't been expecting to invite us, and said "we'll make do with whatever I have, I know it's impromptu."
After Shul, the four of us, Sarah and her husband Harvey, Adam and David - two other members of our Shul - along with a few other members who live in the same street, walked home.
Sarah and Harvey are so welcoming, warm and friendly, we were put instantly at ease. Sarah served such a lunch!! There were salads, dips, challah (of course), gefilte fish. And just when we thought we were done, there was roast chicken, cholent, more salads - everything was so delicious!! And la piece de resistance? DAIRY FREE ICE CREAM!! This dairy-allergic girl was in heaven!!
After lunch, Adam and David along with Harvey led us in some bentching songs, Adam delivered a D'var Torah (thoughts on this week's Torah portion), and shortly thereafter, we left to go home, taking a meandering route through the neighbourhood and walking partway home with David.
I somehow managed to pull a muscle in my back, so shortly after we got home, I fell asleep.
As an aside: This week's portion was the same portion I read at my Bat Mitzvah when I was 12!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
I have not abandoned the road.
Just taking the scenic route.
So, living a kosher life is both not as difficult as I feared and not as easy as it looks.
There are a lot more foods available that are kosher and not terribly expensive. Even No Name brands are kosher. Though some of the foods I loved aren't - like silhouette yoghurt, which I can't eat anyway since I'm allergic to dairy.
Speaking of dairy, this year we observed Shavuot somewhat. Shavuot is when the Jews were given the Torah and the Ten Commandments by Gd and Moses (as himself - no Charlton Heston in this version)
It is traditional to eat dairy foods (especially cheesecake!!) on this holiday. So this year I tried my hand at making blintzes (cheese filled crepes) and s
Found a recipe for cheeseless cheesecake. I must say, both attempts were successful!! Matthew said my blintzes were better than his bubie's - high praise indeed!! And I must mention - when I say I made them, I mean from scratch. Crepe batter and all! Though I did not milk a cow to make the cheese, nor cream a soy bean to make tofu cream cheese, I did make the batter from scratch and not a mix.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Reflections on a Tuesday Night
(written on a Wednesday afternoon).
Last night was my Mikvah night. As I prepared for my immersion in the Mikvah, I became aware of a few things.
1) Half an hour (or more) in a nice warm bath is a wonderful way to contemplate all of life's little foibles. A great way to relax, unwind and let the things that have been bothering you go.
2) I can hear my heartbeat when I put my ears underwater.
3) There is nothing more serene than the quiet of a preparation room at a Mikvah. No children come knocking on the door - then barging in - to ask inane questions ("Jordana took a toy to school today without permission! Can I take one tomorrow?") No husband to come in and break the silence and serenity ("I just need to poo/take out my contacts/do an interpretive dance with the dog, you don't mind, do you? You're just taking a bath"). The Mikvah preparation room is all yours. You can take as long as you like (though you should keep in mind that other people may want to use the Mikvah and the attendant likely doesn't want to be there ALL night).
4) The Mikvah really does make sure you are completely prepared - since yesterday I went straight to the Mikvah from school - and I forgot to bring my own little personal kit that I put together, containing my toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, flosser, etc..., I had to rely on the Mikvah's supplies. I really like the smell of their shampoo (shoulda brought the rest of the bottle home! Darn!!) and their single use, cellophane wrapped toothbrushes come PREPASTED! How cool is that? You can't see the paste, but when you brush your teeth, they get all foamy - and it doesn't taste half bad.
5) Those single use Crest floss strips are really difficult to open. Clearly made by engineers for engineers. How was I supposed to know the ends are actually GLUED into those packets!!
6) They make earrings that aren't really earrings!! It's just a post, that you put through your earring hole to make sure there's no schmutz in there. Tres cool. And for someone who doesn't wear earrings - it was a little gross to find some schmutz.
7) Single use combs are not made for people with wild thick hair. I nearly broke the darn thing trying to get it through my hair, which brings me to...
8) I REALLY need a haircut!! After nearly a year of covering my hair, I can't remember the last time I had a haircut - maybe 8 or 9 months ago!! I mean, I knew it was getting long, just based on the fact that I can tie it up into a ponytail. But trying to wash/rinse/brush my hair in the tub - I realized how desparate my need for a haircut really is!!
9) I found out last night I can say the blessing all the way through without needing help - yes it's posted on the wall, and yes I still need to read it - but I can read the blessing in Hebrew without any help!!
And finally...
10) It's darned hot in the Mikvah!
While Mivkah is something many women don't discuss in public - it's not that it's secretive or anything, just personal - it's something I look forward to every month. Sure, sometimes it's a drag to go out - especially in winter when their hours are earlier and the air is cold, and sometimes in summer when it's open later, but you're already ending your day, but once I'm there, it's so relaxing. Almost as relaxing as going to a spa, and in some ways more, because the gates of Heaven are open to your personal prayers when you are done.
Last night was my Mikvah night. As I prepared for my immersion in the Mikvah, I became aware of a few things.
1) Half an hour (or more) in a nice warm bath is a wonderful way to contemplate all of life's little foibles. A great way to relax, unwind and let the things that have been bothering you go.
2) I can hear my heartbeat when I put my ears underwater.
3) There is nothing more serene than the quiet of a preparation room at a Mikvah. No children come knocking on the door - then barging in - to ask inane questions ("Jordana took a toy to school today without permission! Can I take one tomorrow?") No husband to come in and break the silence and serenity ("I just need to poo/take out my contacts/do an interpretive dance with the dog, you don't mind, do you? You're just taking a bath"). The Mikvah preparation room is all yours. You can take as long as you like (though you should keep in mind that other people may want to use the Mikvah and the attendant likely doesn't want to be there ALL night).
4) The Mikvah really does make sure you are completely prepared - since yesterday I went straight to the Mikvah from school - and I forgot to bring my own little personal kit that I put together, containing my toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, flosser, etc..., I had to rely on the Mikvah's supplies. I really like the smell of their shampoo (shoulda brought the rest of the bottle home! Darn!!) and their single use, cellophane wrapped toothbrushes come PREPASTED! How cool is that? You can't see the paste, but when you brush your teeth, they get all foamy - and it doesn't taste half bad.
5) Those single use Crest floss strips are really difficult to open. Clearly made by engineers for engineers. How was I supposed to know the ends are actually GLUED into those packets!!
6) They make earrings that aren't really earrings!! It's just a post, that you put through your earring hole to make sure there's no schmutz in there. Tres cool. And for someone who doesn't wear earrings - it was a little gross to find some schmutz.
7) Single use combs are not made for people with wild thick hair. I nearly broke the darn thing trying to get it through my hair, which brings me to...
8) I REALLY need a haircut!! After nearly a year of covering my hair, I can't remember the last time I had a haircut - maybe 8 or 9 months ago!! I mean, I knew it was getting long, just based on the fact that I can tie it up into a ponytail. But trying to wash/rinse/brush my hair in the tub - I realized how desparate my need for a haircut really is!!
9) I found out last night I can say the blessing all the way through without needing help - yes it's posted on the wall, and yes I still need to read it - but I can read the blessing in Hebrew without any help!!
And finally...
10) It's darned hot in the Mikvah!
While Mivkah is something many women don't discuss in public - it's not that it's secretive or anything, just personal - it's something I look forward to every month. Sure, sometimes it's a drag to go out - especially in winter when their hours are earlier and the air is cold, and sometimes in summer when it's open later, but you're already ending your day, but once I'm there, it's so relaxing. Almost as relaxing as going to a spa, and in some ways more, because the gates of Heaven are open to your personal prayers when you are done.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
My First Passover
Okay - I know it's not exactly my FIRST Passover. I mean I have been observing/celebrating Passover to some extent my entire life. But this is the first Passover I have actually observed much more than I ever have before. This year we switched pots and pans, dishes, I emptied my pantry, I even sold my chametz through the shul.
The seders were the same - though this year I had a discussion with my uncle that was far more theological than we have ever had in a discussion. We were able to converse on a whole different plane. I have a much better understanding and appreciation of my uncle.
I will admit I'm looking forward to getting back to eating a regular diet - but considering we were quite lacking in left-overs, I actually have had to cook, and believe me - it's nice to have to!! Last night I made chicken fingers which I dipped in eggs and mazto meal, which I flavoured, and potato wedges. We cleared the plate! (well, actually, we left two fingers on the plate)
I also made a beef pie. I had leftover potatoes from the first seder - so I used that as the crust. It is literally just mashed potatoes and beef stew. Yummy yummy!!
Just a couple more days and we're back to normal.
The seders were the same - though this year I had a discussion with my uncle that was far more theological than we have ever had in a discussion. We were able to converse on a whole different plane. I have a much better understanding and appreciation of my uncle.
I will admit I'm looking forward to getting back to eating a regular diet - but considering we were quite lacking in left-overs, I actually have had to cook, and believe me - it's nice to have to!! Last night I made chicken fingers which I dipped in eggs and mazto meal, which I flavoured, and potato wedges. We cleared the plate! (well, actually, we left two fingers on the plate)
I also made a beef pie. I had leftover potatoes from the first seder - so I used that as the crust. It is literally just mashed potatoes and beef stew. Yummy yummy!!
Just a couple more days and we're back to normal.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Shabbos Nap
One of the integral practices on Shabbos is the Shabbos Nap. After returning from Shul, and having lunch (well, we ate well at the Kiddush lunch today, so we didn't need lunch at home), one should indulge in the Shabbos Nap.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Fifteen Steps of the Seder - Part One
Did you know there are 15 steps to the Seder? In reality, your Seder should not start until sundown (18 minutes before because of Yom Tov and having to light candles). And it shouldn't end until sometime after 1AM!!! Especially if you follow all 15 steps.
I don't see my family ever following the Seder to the letter, but what I learned with my Rabbi tonight so far was interesting.
We covered the first 7 steps of the Seder. The next 7 come next week.
Step 1:
Kadesh- Sactifying the Holiday.
Kadesh also means to separate - to set apart. This is the part where you are making the effort - you are worth making that effort.
This is the first step to personal freedom
Step 2:
Urchatz - washing hands
Why do we wash our hands at this point in the Seder? Especially since we're not eating bread - or in this case Matzah - yet?
At this point, we wash our hands in anticipation of the Karpas - the bitter vegetable. Hands are our tools of action and water is purifying. We pour water on our hands to ensure that our actions are done with pure intention.
Step 3:
Karpas - vegetable dipped in saltwater and consumed.
Here we bless G-d for creating fruits from the ground.
Salt is a preservative, but it also has a sting. Bitterness (the vegetable) represents lost remorse. We are supposed to remember the sting of the past and the bitterness of failure, but also to remember the accomplishments from the past.
Step 4:
Yachatz - Breaking the middle matzah - the Afikomen
The middle matzah is supposed to be broken in two unequal half. The bigger half - the Afikomen is the bigger half. It represents the "big picture". While we have the big picture to be concerned with - we take the Afikomen and hide it, while leaving the smaller piece covered under the matzah cover and reflect on the 'baby steps' towards freedom.
The Afikomen needs to be eaten by Halachic midnight. What time is Halachic midnight this year? 1:18 AM!!
Step 5:
Maggid - as my Rabbi says - this is the part where people start to get annoyed.
This is where we retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
On Seder night, we use our gift of speech for the central part of the Haggadah: telling the Passover story. The very word "Pesach" is a contraction of the wordsPeh Sach, meaning "the mouth speaks." The Hebrew name for Pharaoh, on the other hand, is a combination of Peh Rah, meaning "the bad mouth." For just as speech has the power to build, it also has the power to destroy. Gossip and slander drive apart families and communities.(from Aish.com)
Step 6:
Rachtza - washing hands in preparation of eating Matzah.
Water in this case represents the Torah. Here we are saying "I'm ready to move - ready to learn Torah and what the Torah wants me to do".
We "wash our hands" to cleanse and distance ourselves from unhealthy influences. Freedom is the ability to say: "I choose not to partake." (from Aish.com)
Step 7:
Motzi Matzah -
We are talking direction to the Almighty here.
I don't see my family ever following the Seder to the letter, but what I learned with my Rabbi tonight so far was interesting.
We covered the first 7 steps of the Seder. The next 7 come next week.
Step 1:
Kadesh- Sactifying the Holiday.
Kadesh also means to separate - to set apart. This is the part where you are making the effort - you are worth making that effort.
This is the first step to personal freedom
Step 2:
Urchatz - washing hands
Why do we wash our hands at this point in the Seder? Especially since we're not eating bread - or in this case Matzah - yet?
At this point, we wash our hands in anticipation of the Karpas - the bitter vegetable. Hands are our tools of action and water is purifying. We pour water on our hands to ensure that our actions are done with pure intention.
Step 3:
Karpas - vegetable dipped in saltwater and consumed.
Here we bless G-d for creating fruits from the ground.
Salt is a preservative, but it also has a sting. Bitterness (the vegetable) represents lost remorse. We are supposed to remember the sting of the past and the bitterness of failure, but also to remember the accomplishments from the past.
Step 4:
Yachatz - Breaking the middle matzah - the Afikomen
The middle matzah is supposed to be broken in two unequal half. The bigger half - the Afikomen is the bigger half. It represents the "big picture". While we have the big picture to be concerned with - we take the Afikomen and hide it, while leaving the smaller piece covered under the matzah cover and reflect on the 'baby steps' towards freedom.
The Afikomen needs to be eaten by Halachic midnight. What time is Halachic midnight this year? 1:18 AM!!
Step 5:
Maggid - as my Rabbi says - this is the part where people start to get annoyed.
This is where we retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt.
On Seder night, we use our gift of speech for the central part of the Haggadah: telling the Passover story. The very word "Pesach" is a contraction of the wordsPeh Sach, meaning "the mouth speaks." The Hebrew name for Pharaoh, on the other hand, is a combination of Peh Rah, meaning "the bad mouth." For just as speech has the power to build, it also has the power to destroy. Gossip and slander drive apart families and communities.(from Aish.com)
Step 6:
Rachtza - washing hands in preparation of eating Matzah.
Water in this case represents the Torah. Here we are saying "I'm ready to move - ready to learn Torah and what the Torah wants me to do".
We "wash our hands" to cleanse and distance ourselves from unhealthy influences. Freedom is the ability to say: "I choose not to partake." (from Aish.com)
Step 7:
Motzi Matzah -
We are talking direction to the Almighty here.
We make the "hamotzi" blessing to thank God for "bringing forth bread from the ground." Which is odd because God brings wheat from the ground ― and man turns it into bread! In truth, God gives us two gifts: 1) the raw materials, and 2) the tools for transforming it into life.
Today, technology has pulled us away from seeing the beauty of God's creation. We fine-tune our environment with air-conditioning, synthetic foods, cosmetic surgery, and genetic engineering. Mankind is perilously close to "playing God." But in truth, man cannot create anything perfect; man can only tune into God's ultimate perfection. Which is more awesome to behold ― the world's biggest super-computer, or the human brain? Between your two ears are 10 billion nerve cells ― a communication system 100 times larger than the entire communications system on Earth.
When we make "hamotzi," we hold the Matzah with all 10 fingers – reminding us that while human hands produced this food, it is yet another gift from the Creator and Sustainer of all life.(from Aish.com)
So - those are the first 15 steps of the Seder. Is it any wonder why they go so long!!!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Happiness is...
A supportive family and friends.
Truly.
This past Sunday, my mum and dad were over for my dad's birthday and mum and I went to pick the girls up from Hebrew school. My mum asked me a few questions regarding my conversion process, whether I would be upset if the roadblock (mentioned in an earlier post) becomes permanent and that I am unable to convert through the Bais Din. I replied that I really didn't know. But I do know that her questions were not out of animosity, but rather concern that I might not be able to 'handle' bad news. I do understand where her concern lies and I appreciate it.
To that end, she has also been extremely supportive. She does not keep a kosher home, and I don't expect her to start. However, whenever we come over, she tells me if we're having dairy or meat, and does not mix them anymore.
She also told me that my sister asked for 'beef casserole' for her birthday (turkey, not beef, though) so that I would know that I can't eat it. Beef casserole has cheese in it along with the meat. So I sent her home with some leftovers so that that Sunday I would be able able to eat.
My friends are always asking if they come over, what they can bring. My sister in law, who is coming for dinner tomorrow, with her family, is bringing a salad, and asked whether we'd be having meat or parve or milk. (Meat - chicken soup, etc.)
So, that's that then.
Truly.
This past Sunday, my mum and dad were over for my dad's birthday and mum and I went to pick the girls up from Hebrew school. My mum asked me a few questions regarding my conversion process, whether I would be upset if the roadblock (mentioned in an earlier post) becomes permanent and that I am unable to convert through the Bais Din. I replied that I really didn't know. But I do know that her questions were not out of animosity, but rather concern that I might not be able to 'handle' bad news. I do understand where her concern lies and I appreciate it.
To that end, she has also been extremely supportive. She does not keep a kosher home, and I don't expect her to start. However, whenever we come over, she tells me if we're having dairy or meat, and does not mix them anymore.
She also told me that my sister asked for 'beef casserole' for her birthday (turkey, not beef, though) so that I would know that I can't eat it. Beef casserole has cheese in it along with the meat. So I sent her home with some leftovers so that that Sunday I would be able able to eat.
My friends are always asking if they come over, what they can bring. My sister in law, who is coming for dinner tomorrow, with her family, is bringing a salad, and asked whether we'd be having meat or parve or milk. (Meat - chicken soup, etc.)
So, that's that then.
My Path Continues - and Seems to Lengthen in the Process
I hadn't realized it's been almost three months since my last post!!
So, what's happened on my journey since January 15?
I finally got in touch with the Bais Din (the Judaic court) and got my intake forms. I filled them out and went over them with my rabbi. Seriously - the list of 'recommended reading' books is longer than an undergrad med student with a minor in poli.sci!! But my rabbi went through the list and gave me an idea of which books would be most beneficial, which books were good to have just to have regardless, and which books are so outdated or so out of the scope of what is really needed for conversion.
Following that visit with my rabbi, I submitted my forms...
And then I hit a roadblock.
Originally, the rabbi at the Bais Din wanted to meet with me the week of April 4-7 (next week) until he read through my intake form and realized that my husband - who is not in the process of converting - works on Saturdays and therefore does not observe the Sabbath. He said he would then like to wait to meet when my husband stops working on Saturdays.
That's probably never going to happen. Matthew works for his dad and I doubt he would accept "observing the Sabbath" as a reason for Matthew not working on Saturday. Let alone the guilt factor that would be laid on thick. So I mentioned this to my rabbi. I don't have a problem with him working on Saturdays. I can accept it and respect his decision to continue to work on Saturdays. I don't work Saturdays and I will continue to observe the Sabbath with the girls. So now I'm just waiting for my rabbi to give me some idea of how to proceed from here.
On the home front - we have switched over to dairy and meat cutlery (the girls now love being kosher because we get to use the cool blue cutlery when we're having dairy meals!!) I haven't switched dishes yet, but I do have grandma's set as my second.
Passover is going to be a whole different deal this year! I have determined we will use paper products and plastic cutlery for the week. I am not buying a set of dishes specifically for this holiday. Paper will work well enough. I do want to get a pot and pan or two for the holiday - but we'll see. Maybe I'll hit Ikea and get a small pan and a pot. I also have a lot of work to do getting rid of "the Chametz" and all the stuff that is not Kosher for Passover, and simply not kosher (like Cream of Chicken Soup).
Oh, here's a funny observance I made - I think you'll find it humorous as well....
I was looking at my V-H Butter Chicken sauce in my cupboard. Lo and behold - it's kosher - kosher dairy. Well, guess what - you can't use V-H Butter Chicken sauce on CHICKEN!! It has cream in it - therefore it can not be served with chicken. Soooo.... what to do? Well, my decision is tonight will be "butter tofu" as part of the indian meal I am going to cook - we'll have butter tofu, aloo ghobi (pototatoes and cauliflour), naan and roti. It'll be mostly dairly and vegetarian, but that's okay.
So, I think that's about it for now. If I think of anything else (and hey - it's been almost 3 months - I'll probably think of something!!) I'll post more.
Have a wonderful day!!
So, what's happened on my journey since January 15?
I finally got in touch with the Bais Din (the Judaic court) and got my intake forms. I filled them out and went over them with my rabbi. Seriously - the list of 'recommended reading' books is longer than an undergrad med student with a minor in poli.sci!! But my rabbi went through the list and gave me an idea of which books would be most beneficial, which books were good to have just to have regardless, and which books are so outdated or so out of the scope of what is really needed for conversion.
Following that visit with my rabbi, I submitted my forms...
And then I hit a roadblock.
Originally, the rabbi at the Bais Din wanted to meet with me the week of April 4-7 (next week) until he read through my intake form and realized that my husband - who is not in the process of converting - works on Saturdays and therefore does not observe the Sabbath. He said he would then like to wait to meet when my husband stops working on Saturdays.
That's probably never going to happen. Matthew works for his dad and I doubt he would accept "observing the Sabbath" as a reason for Matthew not working on Saturday. Let alone the guilt factor that would be laid on thick. So I mentioned this to my rabbi. I don't have a problem with him working on Saturdays. I can accept it and respect his decision to continue to work on Saturdays. I don't work Saturdays and I will continue to observe the Sabbath with the girls. So now I'm just waiting for my rabbi to give me some idea of how to proceed from here.
On the home front - we have switched over to dairy and meat cutlery (the girls now love being kosher because we get to use the cool blue cutlery when we're having dairy meals!!) I haven't switched dishes yet, but I do have grandma's set as my second.
Passover is going to be a whole different deal this year! I have determined we will use paper products and plastic cutlery for the week. I am not buying a set of dishes specifically for this holiday. Paper will work well enough. I do want to get a pot and pan or two for the holiday - but we'll see. Maybe I'll hit Ikea and get a small pan and a pot. I also have a lot of work to do getting rid of "the Chametz" and all the stuff that is not Kosher for Passover, and simply not kosher (like Cream of Chicken Soup).
Oh, here's a funny observance I made - I think you'll find it humorous as well....
I was looking at my V-H Butter Chicken sauce in my cupboard. Lo and behold - it's kosher - kosher dairy. Well, guess what - you can't use V-H Butter Chicken sauce on CHICKEN!! It has cream in it - therefore it can not be served with chicken. Soooo.... what to do? Well, my decision is tonight will be "butter tofu" as part of the indian meal I am going to cook - we'll have butter tofu, aloo ghobi (pototatoes and cauliflour), naan and roti. It'll be mostly dairly and vegetarian, but that's okay.
So, I think that's about it for now. If I think of anything else (and hey - it's been almost 3 months - I'll probably think of something!!) I'll post more.
Have a wonderful day!!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A Tale of Two Shuls (okay, 3 really)
So, I was thinking about the different shuls I have attended over my lifetime and how varied they are.
I grew up in the Reform movement. We went to Temple Sinai for the High Holidays and I remember not being all that excited to go. But the services were mostly in English and they were only about an hour and a half long. I do remember liking the Rabbi, and I enjoyed my Bat Mitzvah lessons with both my tutor (Murray) and the Cantor. I also remember disliking Hebrew and Religious School until my last year. I had decided that I did not want to continue after my Bat Mitzvah.
Then I got married and started attending my husband's family's shul. The Lodzer Centre Congregation was founded by Holocaust survivors from the town of Lodz, Poland. Matthew's Zaidy was a founding member and the family has been attending forever.
Now, on my journey, I have been advised by the Beit Din (the Jewish Court) to attend an Orthodox shul for a few weeks. So, this brought me to "The Country Shul", where I spent last Shabbat (see previous post).
Here are some observations I have made.
At Temple Sinai, the only families we knew were the families we were already friends with. I liked the Rabbi, but he would probably not have known me had he run into me on the street. We never stayed for Kiddush after services, because we never went to a weekend service.
At Lodzer, the only family we know is our own and our girls' dentist, really. The Rabbi hasn't a clue who we are, really. The one time I stayed for Kiddush someone stole my seat, even though my jacket was on it and my daughter's belongings were on the table.
At the Country Shul, the Rabbi welcomed me the first service I attended. We stayed for the Kiddush lunch and participated in celebrating a Bar Mitzvah. The food was plentiful and someone made sure I had a seat with my daughter.
Now, that's not to say any one is worse or better than the other, but it's interesting that in just one visit, I felt more comfortable than I have in nearly 10 years in my husband's family shul.
Now, I should have gone to shul today, it being the Sabbath, but it was snowing and I was absolutely exhausted. I feel bad because I was looking forward to it.
And that's that for today.
I grew up in the Reform movement. We went to Temple Sinai for the High Holidays and I remember not being all that excited to go. But the services were mostly in English and they were only about an hour and a half long. I do remember liking the Rabbi, and I enjoyed my Bat Mitzvah lessons with both my tutor (Murray) and the Cantor. I also remember disliking Hebrew and Religious School until my last year. I had decided that I did not want to continue after my Bat Mitzvah.
Then I got married and started attending my husband's family's shul. The Lodzer Centre Congregation was founded by Holocaust survivors from the town of Lodz, Poland. Matthew's Zaidy was a founding member and the family has been attending forever.
Now, on my journey, I have been advised by the Beit Din (the Jewish Court) to attend an Orthodox shul for a few weeks. So, this brought me to "The Country Shul", where I spent last Shabbat (see previous post).
Here are some observations I have made.
At Temple Sinai, the only families we knew were the families we were already friends with. I liked the Rabbi, but he would probably not have known me had he run into me on the street. We never stayed for Kiddush after services, because we never went to a weekend service.
At Lodzer, the only family we know is our own and our girls' dentist, really. The Rabbi hasn't a clue who we are, really. The one time I stayed for Kiddush someone stole my seat, even though my jacket was on it and my daughter's belongings were on the table.
At the Country Shul, the Rabbi welcomed me the first service I attended. We stayed for the Kiddush lunch and participated in celebrating a Bar Mitzvah. The food was plentiful and someone made sure I had a seat with my daughter.
Now, that's not to say any one is worse or better than the other, but it's interesting that in just one visit, I felt more comfortable than I have in nearly 10 years in my husband's family shul.
Now, I should have gone to shul today, it being the Sabbath, but it was snowing and I was absolutely exhausted. I feel bad because I was looking forward to it.
And that's that for today.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sabbath at Aish
So, yesterday I went to my first Shabbos morning service at the Aish near my house - and walked. Samantha came with me, Jordana stayed home with Matthew who had taken the day off (and still only got half a day off). Samantha enjoyed the service mostly because there was a Bar Mitzvah and we got to throw candies at the Bar Mitzvah boy over the Mechitza (divider that divides the women from the men).
Once upon a time, I thought the Mechitza was a patriarchal way of keeping women out of men's view. Now I understand the meaning of the Michitza is two-fold. It's so both men and women can focus on their prayers and their devotion to G-d without the distraction of one's spouse. When you're in services you are not supposed to focus on anything besides your prayers (and making sure your children are behaving).
During his sermon, the Rabbi made sure to stand at the front where he could be seen by both the men and the women. And, he also introduced me to the congregation. During the services, several of the women helped me find where we were in the service. I felt so welcome and comfortable.
After services Samantha and I stayed for the Kiddush lunch, which consisted of cholent (a bean stew, slow cooked overnight, as we are not supposed to 'light a fire' during the Sabbath), kugel, which I assume was also 'slow-cooked', but was burnt a bit - still yummy, though!, cookies, cake and because of the Bar Mitzvah, a chocolate "tfillin" cake (tfillin, are phylacteries - small boxes with leather straps that are bound around the arm and the head of men during specific prayers - morning prayers, usually. The boxes have prayer scrolls in them).
After lunch, we helped tidy up, then Samantha and I walked home. Not once did my little girl complain about the walk (it was windy, cold and snowy). She enjoyed the service, got to have some of the candy we threw at the Bar Mitzvah boy, and enjoyed meeting the Rabbi and Rebbitzin's daughter Ayelet. (she's 2). I am looking forward to next Saturday's services!
Once upon a time, I thought the Mechitza was a patriarchal way of keeping women out of men's view. Now I understand the meaning of the Michitza is two-fold. It's so both men and women can focus on their prayers and their devotion to G-d without the distraction of one's spouse. When you're in services you are not supposed to focus on anything besides your prayers (and making sure your children are behaving).
During his sermon, the Rabbi made sure to stand at the front where he could be seen by both the men and the women. And, he also introduced me to the congregation. During the services, several of the women helped me find where we were in the service. I felt so welcome and comfortable.
After services Samantha and I stayed for the Kiddush lunch, which consisted of cholent (a bean stew, slow cooked overnight, as we are not supposed to 'light a fire' during the Sabbath), kugel, which I assume was also 'slow-cooked', but was burnt a bit - still yummy, though!, cookies, cake and because of the Bar Mitzvah, a chocolate "tfillin" cake (tfillin, are phylacteries - small boxes with leather straps that are bound around the arm and the head of men during specific prayers - morning prayers, usually. The boxes have prayer scrolls in them).
After lunch, we helped tidy up, then Samantha and I walked home. Not once did my little girl complain about the walk (it was windy, cold and snowy). She enjoyed the service, got to have some of the candy we threw at the Bar Mitzvah boy, and enjoyed meeting the Rabbi and Rebbitzin's daughter Ayelet. (she's 2). I am looking forward to next Saturday's services!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Skirts!!
Okay, so as serious as my journey is, there is some funny stuff to report.
For example - anyone who knows me knows that I never, ever voluntarily wore skirts (right, Mom??). Even my husband recently made a comment about how much I used to loathe wearing skirts. I don't think it was the skirt so much as the nylons underneath. I hate nylons. I still do.
Now for the funny part - every day, I dress in a skirt. By choice. Part of living a kosher life is to dress modestly. Cover my hair, wear long sleeves and a long (below the knees) skirt. I recently went through my closet and pulled out all my tight (as in no longer fit) shirts and my pants. Okay, I kept some sweat pants, but that's for around the house and when I'm not expecting anyone over. And to sleep in. But in public, unless I'm in my scrubs for work, I'm in a skirt.
So, yes - me, Gayla, loather of dress clothes, wears a skirt and usually a sweater or long sleeved t-shirt.
You can laugh now.
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Okay - you can stop now.
For example - anyone who knows me knows that I never, ever voluntarily wore skirts (right, Mom??). Even my husband recently made a comment about how much I used to loathe wearing skirts. I don't think it was the skirt so much as the nylons underneath. I hate nylons. I still do.
Now for the funny part - every day, I dress in a skirt. By choice. Part of living a kosher life is to dress modestly. Cover my hair, wear long sleeves and a long (below the knees) skirt. I recently went through my closet and pulled out all my tight (as in no longer fit) shirts and my pants. Okay, I kept some sweat pants, but that's for around the house and when I'm not expecting anyone over. And to sleep in. But in public, unless I'm in my scrubs for work, I'm in a skirt.
So, yes - me, Gayla, loather of dress clothes, wears a skirt and usually a sweater or long sleeved t-shirt.
You can laugh now.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Okay - you can stop now.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Path is LONG
So, recently I met with a Rabbi from Aish HaTorah to discuss this journey I'm on (I've spoken with several Rabbis). He asked me whether or not I knew for certain that my birth mother was not Jewish. So, when my parents were here on Thursday for dinner, I asked, point blank - did they know, or could they help me find out? Turns out they knew - and she definitely was not Jewish. So I will need to go through the conversion as a convert, even though I was raised Jewish.
The Rabbi introduced me to another Rabbi at Aish, who runs the Country Shul (or will, or something along those lines), and this Rabbi introduced me to his wife. I felt so warm and welcome and comfortable with these people, that I am certain that this is the right path for me to be following.
I am doing a lot of reading, and have started reading "Gateways to Judaism" by Rabbi Blacher (please excuse me if my spelling is wrong - I don't have the book beside me. I'll edit it later. I am also reading "How to Keep Kosher" by Lise Stern. It's very interesting as it discusses the laws but doesn't go TOO much into detail.
My kitchen isn't 100% kosher (it's not even 50% kosher yet), but it's getting there. We buy kosher food, we separate milk and meat, so we're on the way.
This journey is going to be long, but it's going to be so worth it in the end.
The Rabbi introduced me to another Rabbi at Aish, who runs the Country Shul (or will, or something along those lines), and this Rabbi introduced me to his wife. I felt so warm and welcome and comfortable with these people, that I am certain that this is the right path for me to be following.
I am doing a lot of reading, and have started reading "Gateways to Judaism" by Rabbi Blacher (please excuse me if my spelling is wrong - I don't have the book beside me. I'll edit it later. I am also reading "How to Keep Kosher" by Lise Stern. It's very interesting as it discusses the laws but doesn't go TOO much into detail.
My kitchen isn't 100% kosher (it's not even 50% kosher yet), but it's getting there. We buy kosher food, we separate milk and meat, so we're on the way.
This journey is going to be long, but it's going to be so worth it in the end.
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