thinking jewish

Em, Fire!

So I was half-asleep. Really, two-thirds asleep. But I kept hearing the pounding sound of rain hitting the window behind my bed.

Pat pat pat... pat pat pat... pop... pat pat pat.

Wow, that's some rain, I thought.

Then I realized that rain doesn't hit the window behind me. Nor does rain ever fall that loudly.

So, being the inquisitive mind that I am, I decided to open up my blinds and look out the balcony window. Was I in for a surprise - no water, just the building in my backyard alit in flames! I can definitely say I've never seen so many big flames so up close and personal.

In the end, I had a party with Crossley, the Fire Department came, and all's well and no one was hurt. I can say that I highly recommend that everyone now invest in a smoke detector. Apparently buildings in Israel do catch on fire.

Until the morning - l'hit!

Happy Chanukah!

Though a little delayed (understandably), Happy Chanukah to all!

In light of the fact that today I missed the first Singer-Family-Chanukah-Bonanza after a six-year sabbatical, I thought I'd post a little Chanukah joy.

Click here!

Why Cal Rocks Reason #89587

We may have been screwed over for the Rose Bowl, but at least some people still understand what a great place Cal is.

Seems that the London Times has rated UC Berkeley as the #2 University, no, not in the U.S., but, rather, IN THE WORLD.

Check this out.

GO BEARS!

Throw it Out the Window

Well, if you've been in touch with me at all this week, you'll know that pretty much it sucked. No better way of putting it.

But now, as Shabbat once again quickly approaches, it appears as if my troubles are on the retreat. I no longer feel faint or sick, and every moment I am less and less anxious and nervous. All I can say is THANK GOD.

But, just as importantly, I owe a lot to some great friends that I seem to have made here in Jerusalem. I never could have anticipated the unbelievable amount of support, both physical and emotional, that I was given at all hours by people here. THANK YOU ALL.

So, now I can just hope that there will be no more fainting, things will continue to get better, and that I will get some sleep tonight - it's well needed.

Shabbat Shalom!
David

Quote of the Day

"I've never had a guy thank me for my tools before..."

-Rachel Crossley

[P.S. Yes, I'm feeling better. Not healed, but almost there.]

Extra! Extra!

For those who've been doin the nagging, the pictures from our trip up to Haifa are now posted and conveniently accessible by the link on the right of this site.

Making Minyan

אלו דברים שאין להם שיעור
שאדם אוכל פרותיהם בעולם הזה
והקרן קימת לו לאולם הבא

These are the things that are priceless,
that yield interest during life,
while the principle remains for you in the world-to-come.

A minyan, ten people, a community, is what we strive for, but is it our goal? Without ten we are but strangers, many individuals in the face of God. Together, we are one. Once minyan is met though, are we set, fulfilled, in need no more?

A mourner, a friend, a colleague, is in need. This is our obligation. We will be there.

We do not come to fill a quota, nor do we leave if it's already been met. We come to support, to praise God, to fulfill an obligation. At least I hope. But I could be wrong.

In place of the traditional emphasis on observance, we progressives hold up gimilut chasidim and morality.

What happened to our flag waving today?