What a very lovely time I had. Maury and I chatted with my sisters in-laws. Spent time with my nephew and my cousin/his “little” frat brother. Seder was fun. Playing charades, adults vs. kids, trying to guess Passover-related words. Talking about “free will”. Lots of thought-provoking conversation. I loved singing many of my favorite songs– Dayenu, Adir Hu, Had Gadya, B’Shana Haba B’Yerushalyaim. PLUS from Hallel Ki L’olam Hasdo and Yevarech. The food was delicious. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
Judaica
Archived Posts from this Category
May 28, 2007
On Saturday, June 9, I will be Bat Mitzvahed along with 15 other men and women. We have been studying together monthly (sometimes bimonthly) for the past two years.It has been a wonderful experience for me. I have learned to deliver D’Vrei Torah (sermons on the weekly Torah portion)–and for my Bat Mitzvah, I will be reading Numbers 15:11-16 in Hebrew.
Forty years ago, I was “confirmed” with 2 other girls. I recited the “Shma” and another prayer from the Morning Service in Hebrew, led a responsive reading in English and read a sermon originally written by an older woman who had converted to Judaism.
At that time I had mixed feelings–I was proud at being able to recite prayers in Hebrew (a little nervous at possibly making a mistake and being corrected by one of my grandfathers — it didn’t happen); a little sad and resentful that in the Orthodox shul where I attended Hebrew School, only the boys could read from the Torah. I also did not “get” the sermon I was being asked to read.
Now, having friends and classmates who have converted, I can understand the relevance of what the other woman wrote –”what it means to be a Jew”. It takes alot of dedication and conviction –not only to the rituals but in my thoughts and actions toward other people.
Very often, over the past few years, sitting in the my Temple’s sanctuary, I think about my Mom’s dad, my Grandpa Glass, who explained things to me at the services. He was a very learned man.
I will first read my Torah portion next Saturday evening at the “Mincha” service. It will be a trial run for the following Saturday. Next Sunday, we will have our final class. It is so nice to see my classmates. We have a very good rapport. We have shared a lot together.
