i've been no longer an 'ish' for over a year

it is hard to believe it, but may 18th marked one year of being no longer an 'ish'. it seems strange to think that it was basically a year ago that i was packing up and leaving la-la without a clue as to what would lie ahead. i have seen tremendous growth in myself in the last year, i am not sure if that is entirely due to the whole not being an 'ish' or just not being in school or just being another year older, but generally speaking, i like myself. i happened to move to one of the most difficult cities in north america to meet people but that doesn't stop me from trying. i am working more than i thought humanly possible and simultaneously i am attempting to find some semblance of a social life.

one thing that i am profoundly grateful for is the love of my family and friends. when the going has gotten tough, which unfortunately has happened more than i might like, so many people have been just a phone call away. i am very blessed.

in a few weeks i will leave on my first ever grown-up vacation. i can't wait to get away and disconnect from the world a little bit. it will be a really incredible time away and i will come straight back and head to camp which is pretty much my ideal way to head back into work after two weeks in paradise.

one of the things i hope to do is get better at blogging and actually keeping up with whomever reads this and if it is no one, it is still worth it to me to keep writing.

the sun is shining!

after what seems like an eternity, mostly because it was, i am back on the tennis court. all of that knee rehab from the acl injury in 2006 has paid off and i can play as i once did. it is also helpful that i have been working out so much since moving here. it is as though i do not know my own body and am re-learning all of my strokes. this of course is fine and is what should be happening after almost three years off the court.

on another note, i went to the homeland for ordination. it was amazing to think about all that has transpired in the past year, how much i have changed, and what it really means to be a rabbi. it is my intention to constantly be in a process of considering what it means to be a rabbi as i do it for longer and i learn new things about myself, about working with all different types of people, and learning new skills. there is a lot more to say but i am really tired after two hours on the tennis court today.

i'm a little famous'ish'

click here for my article in the canadian jewish news.

i'm kvelling!

check this out!

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?