baruch dayan ha'emet

when a jewish person learns that someone has died this is the prescribed formula to recite. today those words seem wholly inadequate. a dear family friend died last night from the treatments related to his recently diagnosed tongue cancer. this person was in his late 80s and prior to the diagnosis was definitely slowing down though full of life. a significant philanthropist, a generous soul i cannot even imagine what it will be like to go to MN without seeing him.

maybe it is good that there is this phrase to say since right now i don't have the words.

baruch dayan ha'emet.

awesome article about my friend here.

one year ago

i am not sure if it is exactly one year ago today, but today the fifth year students at huc found out whether or not they would be going for callback interviews. it was one year ago that the phone didn't ring. i remember sitting at my desk simultaneously in shock and excited for my classmates whose dreams were coming true. to go down the road less traveled within a system that doesn't benefit rabbis or congregations is a walk in uncharted territory. i am glad that things for me worked out the way that they did. some days i get frustrated for sure. i know that i am doing what i am meant to do and i know that i am making a difference in the world.

due to the recession the word was that this year would be even more difficult than in the past as congregations attempt to remain financially viable. there is nothing like the feeling of waiting for the phone to ring and then having to tell people that it didn't and then end up consoling them when feeling completely numb. i know it sounds trite but it is going to be okay. one just has to have faith.

she might be on her way

today was the holiday of tu b'shevat, the birthday of the trees. there is a famous story about a man who is planting a tree and learns of the messiah's arrival as people pass by. the man continues to plant the tree and then goes to greet the messiah, from this we learn we are to do the same. friendly readers, you should be on the lookout for the messiah today after you plant your trees. my mazda 3, the car which has been sitting in my parking garage since november is finally registered in the province of ontario.

anyone want to buy a 2004 silver mazda 3s sedan with black leather interior, 6-disc in dash cd changer, and moon roof?

back in the groove

my good buddy, fairychimneysrevisited has inspired me to do several things including blog more.

i am also focusing on things that makes me happy. here are a few of them.

1. i got this new water bottle. i like it because i drink a lot without noticing because of the straw. i also like that it says, "choose to reuse" on it. it is a catchy saying.
   
2. good friends like fairychimneysrevisited make me happy.
   
3. my new hair regimen is awesome. for the first time in a long time my hair looks great and it is so easy.
4. the google reader is new to me and i don't know how i lived without it.
5. i recently purchased seasons 1-4 of the west wing. i forgot how wonderful a show it was and that it relates to everything that is happening in the world at all times.
   

so there you have it readers. see how simple happiness can be?

funny, i didn't try to look like a flapper

picture it. shabbat at ts. the older women are walking past me wishing me a shabbat shalom. i am speaking to a congregant. random older woman, we'll call her 'night' says, "you look like you are a flapper today, rabbi!"

i am wearing a brown/taupe skirt with a slight flare at the bottom and an off white silk blouse.

does this happen to anyone else?

twitter

i just joined. i don't understand the point. can anyone explain it to me? all of a sudden, i feel so old!

quote of the day

"rabbi, i guess i can start pimping you out for funerals."

oh monday mornings!