Taking the #BlogElul Challenge

One of the ironies of working professionally in a congregation is that often times that should be the most meaningful (like the High Holy Days) are eclipsed by logistics, programming, and working to ensure that others have a meaningful experience. This is usually the case for me as I simultaneously prepare for the opening of the school year and running HHD experiences for 300+ children and teens. I am somewhat surprised when I find myself sitting in Rosh Hashanah services and not feeling ready.

That's the purpose of Elul - to get ready for the High Holy Days. It is much easier to do deep-introspection on one's self for the duration of a HHD service (3 hours MAX) than it is to reflect for a whole month. To critically look in the mirror and see where you missed the mark, whether intentionally or not, is tough work. But it is important work.

This year Rabbi Siegal, one of my colleagues, is including in her Elul preparation the Food Stamp Challenge - shining a spotlight on the issue of hunger in our country and the inequity that exists between social classes. I've decided to take the #BlogElul challenge.

I see this as a way to begin personally working on Temple Judea's study theme of Mindfulness. I rarely take the time to stop, to focus on myself, to quiet my mind, and to be present. In fact, I hate stillness and silence. As I write this it is weird that the television isn't on. The radio is always on in my car - even if I hate the song. I fall asleep whirring about events of the day and wake up with a to-do list already in mind.

So this is my challenge to myself - to spend a part of each day in the month of Elul thinking about the year that has passed and preparing for the year ahead. Tomorrow's topic...return. Better start thinking about what I am going to write...

Getting Ready for Rosh Hashanah!

One of my students recommended this one - with the month of Elul beginning in just a few days it is definitely time to start thinking about the High Holy Days. (And brushing up your dance moves!)

Chapter 5, Exercise 6

Chapter 5, Exercise 4

Yodio & Google Voice Links

Yodio:
Tutorial: Yodio’s instructions – several chapters
Video: How to register cell phone on Yodio. This user has several videos on how to use Yodio.
Review: Explanation with examples of how to use in classes


Google Voice:
Overview: Google Voice explanation page
Video: How to add a Google Voice widget to your website
Blog: Ideas for using Google Voice in your Classroom

What does it mean to be a Reform Jew?

It was great to teach in the adult education class last night on what it means to be a Reform Jew. Really enjoyed how students answered the question BEFORE we got into our discussion!

What does it mean to be a Reform Jew?

• I can live Jewishly without certain restrictions – a more modern lifestyle.
• Have the ability to choose which mitzvot are most meaningful to me – and perform those.
• That I can form my own opinions about theological matters.
• Choose the personal way of practicing
• To be able to express my Judaism in my own way.
• Believe that the Torah was written by man based on his experiences with God
• To be progressive and accepting
• To be able to experience my Jewish beliefs in a liberal environment that allows freedom of thought
• To be proud of the culture but free to raise questions.
• Willing to question the rituals of tradition
• Willing to question if God wrote/created the Tanach and so how “binding” is it?
• Question everything
• I can experience accessible worship – easier to understand
• I am happy to come to minyan almost every Saturday both for the service, the music, the camaraderie, and the great baked goods.
• It means that I enjoy going to High Holiday service and understand what it means
• It means that I can feel comfortable in a synagogue
• It means I have found a place to be peaceful with my higher power
• That I am more concerned about doing justice to others than about rules which confine me.
• That the substance of my religion, i,e, social justice is more important than the form – i.e. sitting apart from men in temple.
• I have the right to participate equally in religious discussions
• I can sit with my husband in services.