The Jewish calendar can be a funny thing. I chose to label this post with a little extra - the year, 5774 since the creation of the world. (I know, I know). The reason for that is that last year's #BlogElul 3 was also Bless. I was a little surprised at first, until I realised … Continue reading #BlogElul 3: Bless, 5774 Edition
Category: Judaism
#BlogElul 2: Act
Ooooh, tricky, Rabbi Sommer! First Do, then Act? Aren't they the same thing? Clearly she doesn't think so. Obviously something I need to think about, too. So how is acting different from doing? That's got to be pretty subtle. So of course I turned to the wise and all-knowing Rabbi Google to help me figure … Continue reading #BlogElul 2: Act
#BlogElul 1: Do
Wow, Rabbi Sommer has started us off with a bang! Elul is definitely full of doing, especially for me this year. The preparations for the Downstairs Alternative Services are in full swing! I spent a good two hours last night talking with my co-conspirators about the order of the service and who is doing what. … Continue reading #BlogElul 1: Do
Preparing for #BlogElul!
I am so excited. One of the absolute highlights of my blogging year is coming up. It's almost time for #BlogElul! Every year, my friend Rabbi Phyllis Sommer sets up a schedule for blogging, tweeting and Instagramming (is that a verb?) about the Jewish month of Elul. Elul is the final month of the Jewish … Continue reading Preparing for #BlogElul!
The Alternative Minyan Lives!
Just over a year ago, I published in this space a guest blog post by Carol Rose, about the Rose Family Alternative High Holiday Minyan and its illustrious 35 years of operation. My family and I have been honoured to be participants in this minyan for over a decade. This year, however, is different. Due … Continue reading The Alternative Minyan Lives!
Six Weeks Until I Break the Streak
I've got a great streak going on 750words.com. As I've boasted previously, I'm really doing well there right now. I've written at least 750 words every day for the past 124 days. I'm not sure what changed, but somehow it has built itself into the fabric of my days. Even when I was so desperately … Continue reading Six Weeks Until I Break the Streak
How the Lily Capital Made Us Happy
It's Christmas Eve. My family and I are driving back from the ski resort at Asessippi, near Russell, MB. We've had a good couple of days there, but now it's time to head home. The resort will be closed over Christmas, so there's no point for us in hanging around. Everything is festooned in lights, … Continue reading How the Lily Capital Made Us Happy
The Superman Passes
I am so sad. The beautiful, courageous, wonderful Sam Sommer is no longer with us. According to the Times of Israel, Sam passed peacefully away at home, with his loving parents at his side. I cannot imagine what it is like to be Phyllis or Michael Sommer right now, and all I can do is … Continue reading The Superman Passes
Where September Went
So, in August I inundated you with posts every day, and in September I was absent for three days of almost every week. What's going on? The Jewish holidays are on a curious schedule, strictly tied to the seasons of the Northern Hemisphere (the Torah clearly did not envision Jews in Australia or South Africa). … Continue reading Where September Went
#BlogElul 29 – Return
Here it is. It's Erev Rosh HaShana. The last #BlogElul post of the season. I am both relieved and sad to have made it this far. I'm very proud that I did not miss a single day (although some were close!). But I am sad to bring this series to a close - it forced … Continue reading #BlogElul 29 – Return