Well, Yom Kippur has come and gone for another year. As I said earlier this week, I couldn’t observe Yom Kippur this year in the way I wanted. Ironically, it was the busiest day of my week and to outward appearances, the day went unmarked. Actually, that wasn’t the case. I did as I said I would and drank no coffee, succumbing instead to camomile tea. I ate less. It was on my mind all day. And I studied my Hebrew on both train journeys to and from work. I did what I could. Next year, I will do more. I will go to synagogue, hear the shofar and feel it more. It will come.
So, I have mentioned my Hebrew studies yet again this week. For why? Well, between you, me and the gatepost, I feel as if I have come on in leaps and bounds. I believe that tomorrow, I will be able to join in the congregation responses better than before and will be able to read at least some of the Siddur with no need to resort to transliteration. At this point, I can just see my partner’s eyes roll in an ‘oh no, not again’ manner. I do this thing. I get deeply involved. I don’t stop until I’ve mastered something. I am driven – and even more so now, because of the heart-strings Judaism is pulling within me. I am even happier since realising that my study texts (and yes, I already have Book 2 ready and waiting!) reference the prayers, biblical Hebrew, cantillation, tropes……
Do you see where I am going with this? Chavi, if you’re reading this, I think you might. This rings bells for you, perhaps? Oh the enthusiasm!
Shabbat Shalom, everyone.
Posted by jewwishes on October 10, 2008 at 4:53 pm
“Oh, the enthusiasm!”. I feel it loud and clear!
Posted by Chaviva on October 12, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Yes, I am so with you on that
The drive keeps us alive!