Shavua Tov and another quick word on place.When Jews lost the Temple, they also lost the only structure they had for communication with God around which their continuity as a people depended. Encouraged by the Rabbis in Roman Palestine, who reinterpreted Judaism to save its religious culture, Jews began bestowing holiness on places in other ways—a minyan for prayer, a seder with aspects of temple worship to remind Jews not only of the Pesach sacrifice but also of God’s role in redemption symbolized by liberation from enslavement in Egypt. No wonder that מקום makom, the most common Hebrew word for place, is also a term for God.
Some group recorded Eishet Chayil to the tune of John Lennon's 'Imagine' a few years ago. I tried to find it to post here, but it looks as if it was taken down perhaps because of copyright issues. It was wonderful.
Your sharings are a surpassing gift to our people. Heschel said: "Thinking without roots will produce flowers but not fruits." Your messages are SO fruitful. And, yes, BASE is awesome!!
Over all the moves we've made, including away from family to Pittsburgh 26 years ago, the transition has been relatively easy. The cast of characters might change (and leaving people is never easy), but the rhythm of our lives is exactly the same: Shabbat, holidays, weddings, bar mitzvahs, shiva calls. I never thought of all that, the familiarity, as "home" before reading your piece. As you say, through millenia, the portable nature of Jewish life has saved the Jewish people. You're so right, any traditional Jewish home, or shul, in the world is home. Thank you.
It’s been so nice to follow your journey so far, thank you for being so candid! Your point about Hebrew fluency being a way to connect with the Jewish community around the world made me smile. I’m curious to hear more about your experiences learning Hebrew and how it has fit into your process so far.
It's not been the easiest for me. I'm doing Duolingo but I'm honest with myself and what level of proficiency I'll likely achieve, my brain well locked in at 32. But I'm very determined for our kids to be fluent!
Well, that's why Chabads do so well - they're open for Shabbat dinner and you can find one almost anywhere.
And as for SF, I always found it so odd that there was no Jewish community in the City. I think the historic neighborhood is where the JCC is but until recently, it was a city devoid of delis.
Shavua Tov and another quick word on place.When Jews lost the Temple, they also lost the only structure they had for communication with God around which their continuity as a people depended. Encouraged by the Rabbis in Roman Palestine, who reinterpreted Judaism to save its religious culture, Jews began bestowing holiness on places in other ways—a minyan for prayer, a seder with aspects of temple worship to remind Jews not only of the Pesach sacrifice but also of God’s role in redemption symbolized by liberation from enslavement in Egypt. No wonder that מקום makom, the most common Hebrew word for place, is also a term for God.
Some group recorded Eishet Chayil to the tune of John Lennon's 'Imagine' a few years ago. I tried to find it to post here, but it looks as if it was taken down perhaps because of copyright issues. It was wonderful.
Oh send it if you ever stumble on it. Love that
Your sharings are a surpassing gift to our people. Heschel said: "Thinking without roots will produce flowers but not fruits." Your messages are SO fruitful. And, yes, BASE is awesome!!
Bill this is so kind!
Over all the moves we've made, including away from family to Pittsburgh 26 years ago, the transition has been relatively easy. The cast of characters might change (and leaving people is never easy), but the rhythm of our lives is exactly the same: Shabbat, holidays, weddings, bar mitzvahs, shiva calls. I never thought of all that, the familiarity, as "home" before reading your piece. As you say, through millenia, the portable nature of Jewish life has saved the Jewish people. You're so right, any traditional Jewish home, or shul, in the world is home. Thank you.
I love that. Thank you for reading!
So glad that Bari posted about your blog!
It’s been so nice to follow your journey so far, thank you for being so candid! Your point about Hebrew fluency being a way to connect with the Jewish community around the world made me smile. I’m curious to hear more about your experiences learning Hebrew and how it has fit into your process so far.
It's not been the easiest for me. I'm doing Duolingo but I'm honest with myself and what level of proficiency I'll likely achieve, my brain well locked in at 32. But I'm very determined for our kids to be fluent!
Well, that's why Chabads do so well - they're open for Shabbat dinner and you can find one almost anywhere.
And as for SF, I always found it so odd that there was no Jewish community in the City. I think the historic neighborhood is where the JCC is but until recently, it was a city devoid of delis.
Yeah, SF's Jewish community needs a boost! But at the same time: The Kitchen is a gem, and it's there, so...