Tag: Summer

Summer Reading, 2019

What are you reading this summer? Here is my current list, always subject to change when a bright and shiny object appears:

Elizabeth Zimmerman, Knitting Without Tears (rereading – a beloved favorite)

Sofie Hagen, Happy Fat

Allan Levine, Seeking the Fabled City: the Canadian Jewish Experience

Rabbi Amy Sheinerman, The Talmud of Relationships

Rachel Mankowitz, Yeshiva Girl. (Recently finished and highly recommended.)

Catherine Bell, Ritual Theory, Ritual Practice

As you see, it’s a mix. What’s on your list? Is there anything you’ve read lately that you recommend?

Jewish Plans: What’s Next?

Image: Fred Isaac, my first study partner, and I look over a Torah scroll. Photo by Linda Burnett.

Tonight I had my last meeting for the year with my Wednesday night Intro class. Every class has its own personality, and I always hate to see them go.

Besides talking about Jewish American food customs (a fun topic, which is why I use it for the last night of class) we talked a bit about “What next?”

Some of them are moving on to conversion programs, or weddings, or some other preset project under the wing of a rabbi or congregation. I want to be sure that the others get the support they need to take whatever is the next step for them. Next steps could take many forms, including:

  • Another formal class (Hebrew perhaps? Maybe via an online class?)
  • A commitment to attend services weekly for several months to learn the service?
  • Develop and commit to a no-matter-what Shabbat routine?
  • Join a Torah Study group?
  • Chevruta study [study with a partner] on a course of reading or maybe films?
  • A Jewish book club?
  • Learn how to blow the shofar?
  • A bagel making class or other Jewish cooking program?
  • Search for and join a synagogue?

And you, dear reader: do you have any Jewish plans for the summer? Feel free to share them in the comments where they can inspire others, and where I can cheer for you!