jury's out

Yes We Can

2008-02-02T14:10:00.001-08:00

Slichot 5767

2007-09-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Elul arrives stealthily in the midst of the summer. For those of us who do not pray at the synagogue daily, we miss the shofar calls reminding us that the New Year is coming. Fall begins with school bells ringing and tightened work schedules; the looseness of summer slips away as the dusk steals our precious summer daylight earlier by minutes each passing day. Initially fall is deceiving for the leaves stay green and the ninety-degree days linger, but the season is somehow different. The wind blows with increased strength and whirl, while the air grows crisper, the dew on the grass colder in the morning. As small clumps of leaves begin to change from green to yellow, so too does Elul morph into Tisrei. Rosh Hashanah charges in demanding that we take notice of the world around us. Fall is here whether we are prepared or not. Rosh Hashanah reminds us we are not in control of our world.

We are forced to wish each other Shana Tova, a good year. This seems like a simple enough wish for one another: a year of good year of health and happiness, of good things not bad. This Rosh Hashanah greeting forces us to be forward thinking and overtly optimistic. For families facing a recent tragedy it offers a promise that the New Year will be a better one even if the same words were uttered the year before. The New Year’s greeting reminds us that goodness is not one dimensional, but complex and individual. As the weather changes and serves as our silent shofar, we control what we can. We take charge of our actions and determine how we can make this year a Shana Tova. And we hope and pray that 5768 will be truly a good year for those we love. Shana Tova.

Last year’s slichot post can be read here.

Time to meet the neighbors?

2007-04-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

Community gardens can transform groups of people from strangers into neighbors. Food or flowers can be grown allowing those of us city dwellers to return to our roots. Unfortunately for me, the community where I live is in the process of discontinuing their garden program and will not issue plots to new gardeners; rather, the village is seeding over those plots not used. They have no timetable for a new location although that sounds like the result the village would eventually like. For now, I’m stuck on how to proceed next. Park district elections are soon, letters to the editor are a possibility, but how does one organize in a city where you don't know anyone? Any thoughts?

Jesus Camp, The Book Thief, and PlayPumps

2007-03-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Three Unconnected Recommendations

Movie - Jesus Camp
I enjoyed Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth. I thought the documentary Who Killed the Electric Car? was compelling, frustrating and more entertaining and educational than An Inconvenient truth. However, neither of these two well done movies are in the same league with Jesus Camp. Jesus Camp is a must see for anyone regardless of their place on the religious or political spectrum. Glimpsing the zeal, organization, and momentum the evangelical Christians depicted in this movie posses, I felt concerned the future both of religious liberalism and this country as a whole ( the problem is I don't pray about it fervently). I can not stress the importance of seeing this film.

Book- The Book Thief
It is rare to find a young adult book as compelling as The Book Thief. The book is set during world war two; it's unique writing style distance it from the standard holocaust literature book. Use it for a book group or just for yourself; you won't be disappointed. It may be the best young adult book I've read ever and that includes the Harry Potter books.

Cool Invention- PlayPumps
This merry-go round cleans drinking wanter while kids play. Perfect for sub-Saharan Africa or anywhere else where clean drinking water is needed. Why did it take us so long to come up with this?

Orthomom, ShulShopper, Community Supported Agriculture

2007-02-22T15:04:00.000-08:00

When I first entered the world of blogging I discovered the well-written blog orthomom. This blogger is now snarled in a lawsuit where a school board member of the local school is suing google so they will release the identity of orthomom. Coverage in the local newspaper found here. Even though orthomom never struggled to keep her blog interesting, this will surly provide her with pleanty of new material.

Shulshopper is an innovative new way to do your synagogue scouting. You can review your shul worship experience and read other's comments. It will be intriguing to see if this takes off as an idea. They seem to still be working out some of the technical bugs.

CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Essentially it involves purchasing a share of farm produce now for the summer. This lessens farmers risk because you share in their bounty and their hardships. It also means you receive a full bag of produce every week all summer long making sure you eat your veggies. There are an assortment of CSA throughout the country that you can see here. We have decided to split a share to support Growing Home, a CSA which helps homeless and low income people in Chicago. Posting will follow with reports.

goodsearch.com

2007-01-31T19:07:00.000-08:00

Give back while you search. Check out goodsearch.com.

DA BEARS!

2007-01-27T17:38:00.000-08:00

Bears Inspire A City Still Reeling From Great Chicago Fire Of 1871

CHICAGO—As Brian Urlacher triumphantly hoisted the George Halas Trophy Sunday, it was a symbol of more than just the Bears' 39-14 victory over New Orleans—it was a symbol of hope to the thousands of Chicagoans who are still struggling...

Happy 2007!

2007-01-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

I didn’t send holiday cards this year. There was no smiling juryout family photo or even a greeting card wishing friends and family a merry Christmas or a happy Hanukkah. I didn’t even get my act together in time for the New Year’s cards, which provides the sender almost another full week of time to get to the post office for stamps. E- Cards seem too impersonal and usually end up in my bulk mail anyway; I don’t send them because most people don’t receive them. According to Hallmark, I’ve missed the card window for the next month until Groundhog’s day arrives or I decide that 2007 is the year I’m going to be celebrating National Mentoring Month. So instead of searching for a holiday to spur my social nature, I will write letters, make phone calls and send e-mails to all of the people that I normally only correspond with during this obligatory time of year. In an age where technology is prevalent in most (all?) aspects of life, and the pace of life continually speeds up (what would Einstein say about that?), again I will pledge to slow it down, by valuing and sustaining friendships and family relationships in old-fashioned person to person ways . Happy New Year!

Little People, Dwarfs or Midgets?

2006-12-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

Usually I feel savvy in tossing around politically correct terms. I generally know when to use what words surrounding issues of race or ethnicity; however, lately I’ve felt a bit stymied. I don’t know which words to use to describe people of smaller stature (I’m not talking about those who are petite), but rather what I think could be called midgets or dwarfs. I have no idea if those are the correct terms or if there are other words that better describe this population. All I do know is that there seem to be several TV shows right now making use actors with such stature. There is the TV show, Little People, Big World, a reality show about a family comprised of average sized people as well as little people. On the show’s website I learned one is considered to have dwarfism if one has an adult height of 4 feet 10 inches or less. Lest you think the use of “smaller” characters is limited to cable, actress Meredith Eaton performed in several Boston Legal episodes to detail a relationship between Denny Crane and Bethany Horowitz. Eaton also made an appearance on House, MD. She seems to be quite a talented actress (with no further explanation required). In case you are curious as to the correct terminology to describe those like Eaton, it seems midget is a pejorative term and should not be used; little people or those with dwarfism are preferred terms. I also would venture that one should not be referred to as a dwarf in the same way on shouldn’t be called autistic but rather a person with dwarfism or a person with autism. Clearly, I have been watching too much television lately.

Thanksgiving Confluence of Events

2006-11-22T18:14:00.000-08:00

One of my third graders raised her hand in class during a Sunday School discussion about the connections between Thanksgiving and Judaism and proclaimed that she was thankful that God split the sea. Profound. She understood that she couldn’t be sitting in suburban Chicago learning about being Jewish without that event in “her” history. This seemingly obvious point is consistently overlooked in the typical list of thanks that is uttered around my family’s thanksgiving meal. We always list being thankful for shelter, family, friends, health, education and food because those are critical items and we’re hungry and no one is interested in humoring my parent’s seemingly silly ritual. Maybe what we shouldn’t take for granted are the choices we’ve made, the geopolitical circumstances that have allowed us achieve success, and the decisions our ancestors made in reaction to situations they faced allowing us to sit around a beautiful dining room table and eat a thoroughly cooked turkey procured from the freezer section of the grocery store with no hunting or plucking involved. It’s a terrifying idea that the choices we make today influence not only our own future but also the current humanity and the future. Perhaps this is an oversimplification of life into a Choose Your Own Adventure novel, but I believe our decisions have an impact on the future, after all one match can start a forest fire one doctor can cure a disease. So on this Thanksgiving, I am grateful for both the choices I have consciously or unconsciously made and those decisions of my particular predecessors and the larger worldly forces that have allowed me to reach this day with delicious canned cranberries. Inspired by my wise third grader, I am thankful not only that God split the sea, but for all of the events that have transpired because of it landing me where I am today. I am truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Democracy- phone calls, Dan Seals, and protests

2006-11-06T04:22:00.000-08:00

Do phone calls make a difference for getting out the vote? I called 50 phone numbers for moveon.org. I actually spoke to 6 people, left a bunch of messages with the hopes that voters remember to vote and make a difference. The phone call system is pretty sweet, but with the barrage of phone calls, caller id, and “junk” mail everyone seems to be receiving, it is hard to determine if it is effective. Just in case it is… tonight’s a good night to call if you want to contribute in some way and the wallet is pretty empty.

I also passed out door hangers for Dan Seals the candidate for the House of Representatives in my district. We were given a list of the houses to give placards to, and we’ll hope for the best. As I posted previously, this could be a very close race, even though the nation has not given it much attention. It’s frightening how much information is out there in the public information realm including voter preference, age, address, and phone numbers.

A certain group of ultra-orthodox Jews are rioting in Jerusalem to protest a gay pride parade, which will pass through their neighborhood. For more details watch Haaretz and this blog for a more personal approach. This display reminds me that although we have huge problems in this county they are small in comparison to Israel’s challenges (identity, religious vs. secular, surrounded by enemies...). Can such a small county have larger problems then the United States?

Dan Seals and a close race in the 10th

2006-10-21T11:28:00.000-07:00

I thought I lived in a neighborhood that was predominately Republican. There are the telltale ceramic deer, lots of churches, and there were George Bush signs everywhere two years ago, leading me to believe I lived in a Republican stronghold. Imagine my surprise and excitement when Dan Seals for Congress signs began appearing throughout the neighborhood drastically outnumbering the Mark Kirk, Republican incumbent lawn signs. At least in this suburb it feels like people are ready for a change. The poll data corroborates my suspicion and this race is becoming increasingly close. The media is filled with stories about the 6^th and the 8^th district Congressional races of Melissa Bean and Tammy Duckworth, but be prepared for a close race in the 10^th district as well. As much as I would love a sweeping victory for Seals, it’s exciting to know how important every vote will be.

Slichot

2006-09-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

I’m not ready for summer to have ended. We are now two weeks past Labor Day and the tomatoes we planted are just starting to ripen; they went into the ground late. As if to mock our tardiness, the gourds that we didn’t plant are large and continue to grow all over the garden, a constant reminder that fall has arrived. It rained for four days last week and the crisp air blowing through the open windows smells like fall. I have even spotted the first tell tale colored leaves lying seemingly innocently enough on the still green lawn. The Jewish calendar seems to corroborate mother earth’s decision to change seasons. Tonight is Slichot the service that says: Hello! Wake up! Rosh Hashanah is less than a week away! Send out your cards! Figure out where you’re eating! Order the fish tray for Yom Kippur! And schedule the cleaning service! These, of course, are the superficial messages of the season. The real message is to evaluate myself.

Whom have I wronged a little by neglecting their phone calls or e-mail?
Whom did I wrong so badly that it makes my stomach wrench thinking about my egregious behavior?
What friends did I drop for no reason?
What family did I ignore?

How did I fail to support my spouse?
When did I fail to honor my parents?
When did I hurt those closest to me?
Did I apologize when I acted poorly to those I love?

How could I have been a better coworker?
When could I have been kinder to those I supervise?
How has my body language deceived me?
When have I been thoughtless with my words?

How did my actions fail to uphold my beliefs?
When did I make choices that compromised the things I value most?
When did I act greedily?
How did I overlook the blessings I have?

How did I fail others?
How did I fail myself?
How did I fail God?
For all these things, forgive me, pardon me, and grant me atonement.

Who knew gradschool could be this funny?

2006-08-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Meet some of the people I studied with this summer!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8415635620086567672&q=jeli

Revelations from a new garden

2006-08-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

1. One tiny seed if well nurtured can produce an entire huge tomato plant that produces tons of fruit. What an awesome world in which we live!

2. If one does not want to grow gourds, make sure the gourds from last year’s sukkah actually get composted before the squirrels deposit them around the yard in surprising places.

3. If I live in Illinois, why are the blueberries at the grocery from New Jersey and not some place closer like Michigan?

4. Organic produce is not expensive, conventional produce is just overly cheap.

5. It takes a lot of bean plants for one pot of chili.

6. It’s way more fun to shop at a farmer’s market than at the grocery store. It’s amazing what friendly people and a sweet peach can do to a community that hardly speaks to strangers.

7. One cherry tomato + one piece of basil= instant salad

How quickly things change

2006-07-14T05:11:00.000-07:00

I've been getting my Israel coverage either at muqata or Debka. A news analysis said that this is merely an attempt from Iran to deflect attention from them as the G8 summit approaches. I hope and pray that the atmosphere returns to the former status quo quickly.

Daniel Gordis Dispatch

2006-07-02T10:00:00.000-07:00

Read this

Israelis and Palestinians

2006-06-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

The majority of Jews’ historic existence has been spent trying to negotiate how to live in accordance with Judaism under the rule of another sovereignty. Being a small group without a homeland has its advantages: there is a dominant theme of returning home for everyone to concentrate/pray/yearn for; it is easy to complain about the ruling power and how life would be different if they were not living under these circumstances; and it is simpler for concerned external parties to speak out on behalf of the small and few. Since 1948, life for Jews has been either turned on its head or been righted. The establishment of the modern state of Israel gave the Jewish people the homeland that had been a dream for over two thousand years, but it also gave the leaders a new set of responsibilities. It no longer was permissible to complain about the lack of infrastructure that the British had neglected to create; it was time to take matters into our own hands.

The leadership of Israel has two responsibilities. Its primary duty is to the safety of its own people and secondly, it must look to the future and ensure that Israel will be safe and secure. The second task unfortunately is neither simple nor cut and dry. The responsibility to Israel’s future means looking at how the Palestinian neighbors are being treated. Destroying homes and bombing infrastructure continues to slow Israel’s prospects of ever having a true peace. However, the government of the Palestinians must also remember it holds the same responsibilities as Israel: to ensure the current and future safety and security of its land and people. It will take great leaders on both sides of the conflict who see that this fighting will continue until the end of time destroying both people unless there are those who are willing to compromise for the good of the Palestinians and Israelis today and tomorrow.

The wonders of the blogosphe: Raising Yousuf: a diary of a mother under occupation or the muqata.

What I've Been Doing

2006-06-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

my new site www.rachelsroots.com

School's Out For The Summer

2006-06-08T04:23:00.000-07:00

I do not know when it happened exactly, but I actually like my job. I mean, really like it and feel emotionally positive about the school year ending (not just because it means summer vacation). I’m sad that my colleagues are leaving, and truly proud of what my students have accomplished this year. After five years in the same place it really feels like home; I never would have expected that to happen. As a teacher it seems rare that students or parents concretely tell you when you have had a positive impact on their child. As a teacher, I hope that looking back in several years, my students will remember something of what they have learned or hold onto something they have thought about. Teaching is truly an amazingly powerful profession. I'm no longer a beginner anymore.

Wish List

2006-05-12T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have the chance to ask for anything I can dream of to perfect my Jewish Studies classrooms. This begs the question what would an ideal Jewish classroom look like?

Darfur and Immigrants in Chicago

2006-04-30T19:05:00.000-07:00

Who plans two important demonstrations on the same day in the same city? In Chicago, both a rally against violence in Darfur and a demonstration promoting the cause of immigrants are occurring on May 1^st. The news coverage will probably point out the racial/ethnic/religious disparities evident by which groups are supporting which rallies. Instead of lawmakers being able to focus their attention on one important event, they have to divide their attention, something our elected officials do not always do with ease. I hope the lawmakers in this county hear two important messages in surround sound: BOTH DISCRIMINATION AND SYSTEMATIC KILLING ARE UNACCEPTABLE. Intervene today to establish peace in Darfur and intervene at home to create reasonable immigration reform. We are all humans no matter our skin color, place of birth or nationality. Everyone deserves the basic human right to live safely, with reasonable wages, and the possibility that the dream of a better life may become a reality.

(Too bad it's supposed to rain all day)

Yom HaShoah and Darfur

2006-04-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

On Yom HaShoah, Holocuast Memorial Day, it is very easy to say NEVER AGAIN; what is harder is doing something about it. For those in Chicago, here’s a rally worth attending against the current genocide in Darfur.

Moral Conundrum

2006-04-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

For Jews: Which scenario is the best for the Jewish people? Which scenario is the worst for the Jewish people? Does gender matter?

a. Jewish boy marries non-Jewish girl (children will be raised with a little of each religion)

b. Jewish girl marries non-Jewish boy (children will be raised with a little of each religion)

c. Jewish boy converts to religion q to marry religion q girl (children will be raised religion q)

d. Jewish girl converts to religion q to marry religion q girl (children will be raised religion q)

(For non Jews substitute religion of choice for Jewish)

I’m not sure when I became so right wing about this issue. I would rather have the Jewish person convert out of the religion and raise a family with one religion than to have a person half-heartedly cling to a religion that has little meaning to them and will have less meaning to their children. I acknowledge that this removes the Jewish person from ever finding a greater connection with Judaism, or the non-Jewish spouse eventually converting, or the children having a Jewish connection and eventually continuing the Jewish people. Life was less complicated before the Jews Became White Folks. Ugh (bring on the hate-mail)

Matzah Mania

2006-04-10T19:38:00.000-07:00

When you have no time to post yourself and you're just too tired, is it terrible to post links to other's blogs? This is a very interesting matzah/redemption post that will make you appreciate your boxed cardboard matzah. It also is a quick demo of how amazing the blogsphere is. Who would have thought I'd know about someone making their own matzha half way across the world.

Seder in 60 Seconds

2006-03-31T05:31:00.000-08:00

http://haggadah.z-kit.com/h.swf

Inspiration Day

2006-03-08T17:09:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the long delay in posting. Real life seems to have gotten in the way of my cyber life.

The school where I work has a week long ritual to encourage school spirit by dressing in costumes in accordance with themes. This week is sponsored by student council and the middle school student council members choose, by voting, the themes for each day. Today was inspiration day- dress as who or what inspires you. There were very cute MLK Juniors, Kobe Bryants, lots of kids wearing their parents’ white doctors jackets or scrubs, and a several kids parading as their teachers complete with the ID badge. Although inspiration day is clearly not as easy to participate in as crazy hair day- it did allow for thinking. What does it mean to be inspired? Who inspires us positively or negatively?

Taking a moment to think about who influences our choices is an exercise in self-analysis. If you peel away all of the superfluous inspirations, you are left staring your core beliefs in the face. The choices we make in our lives are fully our own choices, but what guides us ultimately. Family, friends, religion, gut feelings? At least for the purposes of participating in spirit week my costume said, “I am inspired to do tikkun olam, repair the world, ” which is a principle through which I try to live my life. It’s a terribly sad comment that I need a day in spirit week to determine my inspiration and to remind myself what are my true beliefs.

Agudas Achim Vandalism

2006-02-17T07:24:00.000-08:00

See my post here.

Library Pornography

2006-02-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

Free speech is an American right even if we don’t agree with what we hear. Everyone is entitled make poor choices and be vocal about them using whatever medium they choose, baring breaking the law. Free speech seems to be checked when it is used as a hate crime, or if it is part of vandalizing someone’s personal properties, or when matters of church interfere with issues of state, aside from those (and several others I’m sure I’ve left out) the ACLU works hard to ensure that the Bush administration doesn’t take over everyone’s right to speech or blog freely.

Libraries, as institutions which keep printed speech, are constantly faced with the choices of what material to purchase, which periodicals to subscribe to, what books to keep on the shelves and what to discard. Should libraries keep material of holocaust deniers on the shelf? What about books describing the inferiority of Blacks as a race? One can argue that these are merely issues of free speech; this is America after all.

Librarians’ jobs become even more complicated because libraries provide free unrestricted access to the internet. As with all sources, internet sources must be evaluated for accuracy and bias; however, the internet at libraries does not have the built in filters of librarians deciding if materials is worthy of being part of the library’s collection. This can clearly be looked at as an issue of free speech; the internet merely being uncensored material.

Unrestricted internet usage at the library can also cause problems. Despite libraries’ best efforts to privatize what those browsing on the internet by sinking computers into private desks, one can look over someone’s shoulder and view whatever he or she is looking at. Whereas most libraries do not subscribe to Playboy or other pornographic magazines, pornography (and I don’t mean scholarly sex articles or sex-self help books) is now readily available at your local library. I suppose this a victory for the common man or woman. If you can’t afford to access your own porn-it is now available for free. This is truly a victory for the American way. I am proud to be an American, because I believe porn should be accessible to everyone for free, without the government or local libraries deciding which porn is appropriate for viewing.

With that said, here are 5 words of wisdom to those using the library for viewing pornography.

1. Please keep your hands out of your clothing.
2. Please be aware of other patrons in your area, who you may be affecting.
3. Please exit the screen when you are done.
4. Please do not say thank you to the librarian for your fantastic afternoon
5. Please use the library for pornography infrequently preferably when I’m not there

For the rest of us, my only advice is to wash your hands after using the keyboards at the public library. What kind of ads will google put on my site now?

From the Mouths of 4th Graders

2006-02-07T14:32:00.000-08:00

"If scientists say that when the dinosaurs lived there were no humans, how can that be?"

"Oh I get it… God must have told the story of Adam and Eve to Moses."

"How do we even know there was a guy named Moses? He could have just been some dude named Shikazuka."

"A man asked the Almighty how long is a second? The Almighty responds a million years."

"Can we go visit the Garden of Eden?"

Faith is hard to teach. Meaningful connection to Torah is hard to teach. Fourth graders are less inhibited than adults, but with the same questions.

Abortion: America's Hidden Genocide

2006-02-05T15:55:00.000-08:00

The board in question now reads Abortion: America's Hidden Genocide. I'm not positive it's such a great message, but I think it's a small improvement. Now we can debate over the word genocide.

Never Give Up???

2006-02-05T15:53:00.000-08:00

To the person who responded to my e-mail,
Thank you very much for your prompt response to my e-mail about my concern with the message on your board Abortion: America’s Hidden Holocaust. I, however, was not commenting on your pro-life message, but rather the insensitivity to those who died in the Holocaust of World War II. As a Jew who has engaged in programs through the Office for Ecumenical & Interreligious Affairs Department of the Archdiocese of Chicago and has seen your church represented at the interfaith Thanksgiving service of the Northwest Suburban Interfaith Council, I was surprised at how little sensitivity you showed toward the possibility that the word holocaust could be offensive to the memory of those who were killed during the second World War. It seems irrelevant to me that the phrase America’s Holocaust is popular within the movement; I am appealing to you as a person of faith who understands the concept of “Love your neighbor as yourself.” I do not speak for anyone other than myself, when I tell you that I am offended by the use of the word holocaust to describe anything other than the Holocaust of World War II. I encourage you to be thoughtful about your use of this word in the future and the implications it has for Jewish-Christian relationships moving forward. I would also be curious to know with whom I am corresponding.

Not America's Hidden Holocuast-Part 3

2006-02-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

I believe that everyone has a right to his or her own opinion. I had not intended my letter to the church to spur a debate about the merits of either side of the abortion argument. Instead, I found myself offended by the choice of the word holocaust to describe abortions taking place in America. I spent much of yesterday deciding how I would respond besides posting the response to my blog. After considering several alternatives I e-mailed friends and family so they would be aware of the situation. I also e-mailed directly the person who responded to my e-mail. I understand the term holocaust to describe abortion is commonplace within the pro-life community and that I am not going to be able to change that usage. I only hope to help this one person understand how the use of the word could be offensive.

The Response

2006-01-31T13:18:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your Email! I am sorry you took offense at the pro-life message on our board and find "interesting" the messages you read being taught to our parishioners. I hope they are helpful.
Even though you are not a Christian, I hope and pray that Abortion which is the "killing of the innocent un-born babies" is as repulsive to you as it is to all people of conscience whether they be Jews, Christians, Muslims or others. What was "legal" like the Holocast, slavery and abortion did not make these crimes against humanity moral before God or mankind.
Secondly, forty-five million aborted babies in the U.S.A. is certainly a shameful "American holocaust". You should be proud to stand with other Jews, Christians and Muslims against the curse upon our country and aberration against our Constitution to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" for all. How much more if you are a Jew and experienced a Holocaust in your family under the Nazis.
Thirdly, I noticed you also excluded Catholics and Christians when you described the Nazi Holocaust but included other groups. In my own missionary society, we have four "Blesseds" and nineteen more Polish priests and brothers to be beatified by Our Holy Father the Pope. These men along with millions of others died in camps such as Auchwitz, Baden, etc. Evil is evil no matter who perpetrates it and we must all stand together in solidarity against it.
The word "holocaust" has both denotations and connotions. It certainly has to do with all who were slaughtered by whatever means in Poland and German, etc., because or Race, Religion, and prejudicial hatrest. To say one cannot use this word for the slaughter of the unborn because no "fire" is used is not your prerogative to redefine or limit. Incidentally, have you ever seen a "salted out or saline solution" aborted baby? Their skin is burned from head to toe as if an acid solution were poured on them. They certainly were burnt out of their mother's womb. Furthermore, not everyone who died in the Holocaust died by "fire". They were shot, decapitated, starved, injected, poisoned, gased, etc. Where is the "fire" you want to limit Abortion holocausts to? As you well know, we also have freedom of speech in this country and are not in Nazi Germany now. That there is no disrespect to the Jewish comunity by using the word holocaust unless you are looking and finding it where none was intended is your personal problem. As to removing the sign "promptly" I probably would have to remove "Merry Christmas" too next December if I take this one down. The "Abortion holocaust" is a common sign among pro-lifers througout the United States. It describes one of the greatest sins, holocausts and tragedies of our world today. So please stand with us for all life, past, present and future.
Have a pleasant day and I hope you are pro-life even if abortion is still legal. Just remember, there is never a "right" to murder and it will never be moral or just before the Judgement seat of God no matter what country allows it. May I invite you to join the pro-life cause which is a righteous and non-denominational organization all over the world. Incidentally, Rabbi Shalman a reformed German Jew was one of my great professors in Old Testament studies.

A letter I wrote

2006-01-29T16:32:00.000-08:00

To Whom It May Concern:

As a Wheeling resident, I drive by your church regularly and I often read the message on your board that faces Dundee Road. I am not a Christian and I am well aware that many of your messages are not applicable to my religious beliefs; however, I find it interesting to read the type of messages that are being taught to your parishioners. I also appreciate that in America you are free to exercise the right of freedom of speech guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Today’s message, “Abortion: America’s Hidden Holocaust” went beyond what I felt was appropriate and I found myself offended by it. To use the word “holocaust” to describe abortions in America is grossly inaccurate and demonstrates a lack of sensitively to true holocausts. According to Webster’s Dictionary, the word holocaust is either: “a sacrifice consumed by fire;” “a thorough destruction esp. by fire;” or “the genocidal slaughter of European Jews by the Nazis during World War II.” As I understand it, it would be impossible to burn a fetus out of a mother or use fire to perform an abortion, thus rendering the statement on your public board false. In the future when using the word holocaust on your board I encourage you to be thoughtful of those Jews, Roma, and homosexuals who were systematically executed often by means of fire during World War II. To compare abortions, which happen in this country by choice, to a forced slaughter of a people is strictly inflammatory. I hope you will take these words to heart and change your board’s message promptly to something less offensive.

Hamas- No Mas Paz?

2006-01-26T19:14:00.000-08:00

When I was in high school I participated in a retreat with a Middle East peace process theme. The programs during the retreat focused on each of the participants being divided into respective countries and then coming together for a mock negotiating session. I was assigned to represent Egypt’s interests, and in retrospect knew very little about the history of politics in the Middle East. What I do remember about this program was that in addition to Israel negotiating with Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinians, Syria, and Lebanon; the planners of the program had included Hamas as one of the groups at the table. I remember the “delegates” to Hamas being steadfast in their inability to cooperate or even participate in dialogue. The lesson of this mock trip to Camp David was that there could never be peace if Hamas was in the picture. Fiction has become reality.

I appreciate the Palestinians frustration with Fateh and support the people feel for the local charities Hamas runs; however, the outcome of the current elections is frightening. In the long run it is possible that Hamas will disarm like Fateh and will be willing to sit at the bargaining table with Israel, but until then I fear it will be a bumpy ride.

In many places it is customary to offer prayers for the congregation, the country and Israel. It is also time that we add a prayer for our enemies; that they may are guided towards good, reasonable choices. For until there is peace between both children of Avraham, Yishmael and Yitzhak, there will not be shalom or salaam.

Yakov ben Rivka or Yakov ben Yitzhak—(Alternatively Titled: Duped Again)

2006-01-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

Do you ever have those moments where you discover something that you should have learned long ago? As a liberal Jew I was always taught that traditionally one’s Hebrew name was one’s name i.e. Sara or Yakov, followed by ben or bat depending on one’s gender, concluding with one’s father’s name. As I mentioned before I was brought up in a liberal context, so the common practice of naming reclaimed the mother’s name and added it with a v’ to the father’s name: creating Sara bat Avraham v’Rivka. What I didn’t understand was that naming practices are different when saying someone’s name for a Mishebeirach for healing. In this instance one replaces the father’s name with the mother’s.

As a genealogist naming rituals and Jewish naming practices are important for tracing roots and heritage. As a female brought up in the post-feminist era, I can also understand the drive to add a mother’s name to one’s Hebrew name. What troubles me is the perception I had that mother’s names were completely forgotten even though Jewish lineage traditionally passes maternally after the Bible. Why did the feminists not embrace the usage of the mother’s name during prayers of healing?

The concept that each of us is one person with many names is a powerful one. The fact that healing in Judaism comes through the mother’s side of our families harkens back to the moment of our birth or prior to our birth when despite our father’s role in the process it is from our mother’s body that we emerge. It makes sense to me that in a moment when we may be on our way out of this earth, we again reclaim our connection to our mother. I am a supporter of feminist ideology and what it has helped illuminate about Judaism; however, at the same time when we have elevated our mothers’ names in the calling of boys of the Torah, we have deflated them by excluding their place of honor in times when we are in need of healing.

Blog without Backspacing

2006-01-19T15:37:00.000-08:00

I look a horrible art class in college, with a professor who was very into exposing her untalented students to a variety of “modern” art techniques. One of the assignments involved creating a drawing without lifting up the pencil from the page. More simples, everything had to be one continuous line.

If one were to try that in blog terms it would probably look like this…

The West Wing is a great television show although there are those who do not think it has writing that is nearly as good as it once did-----it’s difficult to write iwt without using the backspace key or puncution or spell check----I feel light or like more accurately that I have completely lots (lost) control of my ability to tryp (type t) quickly and I am feeling greatfly f(greatful for Microsoft word’s ability to auto correct. Ooops, I started using puncution inadvertently. However, I digress will there be a time in which blogs need to be analyzed for what they are? Online journals and random thoughts that often do not have linear thought. Will ther ebe a time when like art, blogs need to be re written, or is the blog more like the one line drawing than actual art. Is this clear to anyone?

New Line

Now that I am more experienced in the realm of creating a blog posting without using the backspace key I will type more slowly and think more carefully before continuing. Is it worth continuing activities won (one) is not excellent at? AS students we are often forced to take math or science even if it is not our best area, while as adults it is much easier to peg ourselves into something wea re good at. With that. I will continue to conclude. The end. You try it. The rules are you may not backspace or spell check while blogging.

Goals for '06

2006-01-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

-To not worry so much about the future (things will work out)

-To not be a bitter 20 something (it’s not cool)

-To not whine about my job or healthcare (the job pays the bills, and the healthcare serves my needs despite the price)

-To keep better in touch with those I care about (if my great aunt can send birthday cards to all of her nieces and nephews- I can pick up the phone and call people who are out of town)

-To count my blessings (for I am rich in blessings)

-To thank those who support me and to work to support them (life is all about give and take)

-To smile more often especially at strangers (reduce wrinkles and spread joy)

(*After I post my next grouchy, cynical e-mail please remind me to reread my goals for this year. Thanks)

Israel- A Lesson in Tempered Optimism

2006-01-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

I used to believe that anything was obtainable. Now I believe, that achieving that entirety of what one desires is beyond challenging, and that I must learn to be content instead with what is obtainable in reality. The establishment of the State of Israel in many senses was a move of great faith in humans (or at least the Almighty) however, the death and tragedy that plagues its inhabitants has been and continues to be horrific. Do the positive aspects of the existence of the State of Israel counterbalance the negatives of the lives that have been lost to secure it? It is a miraculous thing that the Jews have a place to call home, that is truly their home. The establishment of the modern State of Israel may be viewed either as the outcome of crafty politics between the British and the early Jewish settlers, a prize won by war or the actualization of a Divine promise. What remains unclear is what would the Jewish population look like now if Israel had not been established? What would Israeli Jews, (Jews living in what would be called Palestine?) be like if they did not need to serve in an army or worry constantly about security? Would there still be Jews living happily in Arab lands? What would Jews living in America be feeling? I acknowledge that I have no concept of what it means to be a Jew without the Sate of Israel. I do not know the yearning for a “home.” I do not even know what it means to be persecuted, so in some senses I cannot appreciate the reality of Israel. Instead I have been brought up with the yearning for peace. What I wonder is why God permitted a set-up which has allowed so many people on all sides of the Arab-Palestinian-Jewish-Israeli conflict to give their lives to this fight with no end in the near future. In any conflict ethical dilemmas force impossible choices to be made. I am optimistic that there will be a time when everyone in the Middle East can find a way to live together in peace that is obtainable in reality. I only hope that lasting peace will not cause us to settle for too much less than what is desirable.

Orthodoxy Quiz

2005-12-23T06:40:00.000-08:00

Here is an interesting quiz on where one fits in the Orthodox Jewish spectrum. What is most amazing to me is the language in it. Different branches of Judaism speak in different terms… perhaps this is one of the reasons for the communication breakdown between movements.

(In caase you are curious, I discovered this quiz on Orthomom's blog- as I have said before an excellent read.)

Converts' Christmas

2005-12-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

This is an amazing post by Rocky. Don't miss this response to it at BethEmet2030's blog.

Holiday Cards I Didn't Get

2005-12-19T16:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit it. I really enjoy the holiday newsletters, photos and notes. I know they can be cheesy to see the same people in from of the tree or with their pets, but it’s nice to know how acquaintances/friends are doing and what is happening in their lives. Of course, ideally, there would be no need for the news note because we would know all about everyone’s lives already; yet, we seem to be just too busy for that. I like the notion that we care about friends and family even if we are not always up to date with their lives.

My problem is that I seem to be in the wrong generation for the classic card exchange. I didn’t send holiday cards to my friends and I didn’t receive any (so I have nothing to complain about in that regard). I will inevitably receive a few “guilt” cards back from my relatives once they receive mine. I hate the idea of losing touch with people who were once important in my life, only because they or I lack the skills to communicate frequently and effectively. Perhaps next year, I will end out the cheesy impersonal letter to a flood of people, and then maybe the people I care about and don’t care so much about will respond in kind. (Maybe I’ll even include my blog address in my letters to increase my hit count- the possibilities are endless.)

JIB Awards

2005-12-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Don't miss the nominations for the JIB Awards.

(By the way JIB = Jewish Israeli Blog)

Syriana, Tuki Williams, and Snow

2005-12-14T04:13:00.000-08:00

The movie Syriana is a well-acted thought provoking film. It reminds the American public that our government’s interests in other countries may not always be either ethical or in the best interest of the people living in that country.
The death of Tookie Williams is a clear sign that the correctional system in the country is antithetical to its name. The system does not care if one has changed or been corrected; only that judgment is served. The death penalty, maybe the most cost effective solution when compared to life in prison, allows the court to commit murder. What a civilized country the United States of America is.
The 5 inches of snow expected today will inevitably clog traffic, cause accidents, and be an utter hassle. In spite of these inconveniences it will be beautiful and remind us that we may believe we are powerful, but nature checks that thought easily.

Teacher Gifts

2005-12-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

It's the time of year to start thinking about gifts for teachers. Below are some helpful suggestions.

5 Teacher Gifts to Avoid

1. Mugs

2. Apple Paraphernalia

3. Accent pillows

4. Snow globes

5. Stuffed animals

5 Gifts Teachers Appreciate

1. Gift card or gift certificate (avoid obscure stores)

2. Thoughtful thank you note from a student or parent.

3. Note cards (avoid the cube of little paper)

4. Nice pen

5. CD or book either for them or for their classroom.

5 Teacher Gifts That Can Either Be Fabulous or a Failure

1. Lotion or other smelly bath/shaving products

2. Picture Frames

3. Food

4. Candles (avoid scents for a better success rate)

5. Any gift not already categorized on this list

Disclaimer- I do not claim to speak for any teachers beside myself. Each school has its own gift-giving climate and of course all teacher gifts are appreciated and unnecessary. I apologize in advance to any teacher who hates note cards or loves mugs. Happy Holidays!

Fee for Service

2005-12-02T04:20:00.000-08:00

How valuable is time? At some moments time seems priceless, while at other times it seems it feels like it should go into the bargain bin. In the world of multiplayer games, this notion of the value of time has a dollar value attached to it. In certain games, one of the necessities is gold pieces, which one can now purchased on E-bay or other sanctioned places. On the surface it seems amazing that real dollars can be used to purchase something that is useful only in the virtual realm; however, on closer examination it is merely a fee for service endeavor. I’m a busy person and don’t have enough time to slay enough enemies to loot, so I can just pay a fee to someone who to collect the gold for me. Playing video games all day- not a bad career path. More detailed information can be found from NPR about this topic.

525,600 Minutes

2005-12-01T04:31:00.000-08:00

The lyrics for the song "Seasons of Love" from the movie Rent begin by reminded us that there are 525,600 minutes in a year. For those doubters, the songwriters did successfully compute the number; there are indeed 525,600 minutes in a year of 365 days. The interesting question the song asks is how do we measure a year. With 30 days left in the year, only 43,200 minutes remain (depending on the hour you are reading this). How will the year 2005 be remembered globally and locally? What makes 2005 distinct from 2004 or 2006? Is it possible to categorize time in our memories in a year format? Globally it doesn’t seem too challenging. 2005 will be remembered as the year of the Hurricane. Katrina, Rita, and Dennis will mark to many the year their homes were destroyed and their lives began anew. For others it may be the riots in Paris, earthquakes or the 525,600 minutes of worry about a child who is a solider in Iraq that make 2005 memorable. For Chicago White Sox fans, it is the year of the long awaited victory. For Chicago Cubs fans, it remains another year of “maybe next year.” Individually we measure time by change in family structure. The year of papa’s death, the year mom broke her hip, the year baby Joey was born, and the year Julia went away to college or started a new job, are all symbols of remembering the 525,600 minutes. As our 43,200 minutes tick away, there is still time for the year to become distinct in our minds. I hope that 2005 will be a year measured by happiness and smiles as opposed to sadness and tears, or maybe as the song suggests 2005 will be remembered to you as a season of love.

Systematically Challenged

2005-11-30T04:21:00.000-08:00

It is hard to fathom that there are those who still believe that the healthcare system is not broken. There are those who think it is acceptable for people living in the 21^st century to be uninsured and not have enough money to see a doctor or pay medical insurance premiums. If you have employer based health coverage now, project ten year into the future. Will your employer still be paying your premium? Will they be unable to afford to provide you will coverage at all? As healthcare costs continue to climb upwards, fewer and fewer employers will be able to financially provide insurance to their employees, leaving more and more of the middle class (maybe even the upper-middle class) forced to find their own coverage. Families USA: The Voice for Healthcare Consumers has a comprehensive website devoted to the complexities of these issues. This is an issue our elected representatives need to hear about in droves, both on the federal and state level. As citizens it is important to help the politicians understand the need for innovative solutions for the healthcare challenges facing America sooner rather than later.

Teacher Cheerleaders

2005-11-29T04:28:00.000-08:00

Teachers often believe that anyone can learn anything (within reason). The child with dyslexia can learn to read; the bouncy kid with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can learn his multiplication tables; and the anxious little girl can learn to understand her anxiety and develop strategies to cope with it. There are of course limits to that notion that learning is infinite to all; the child with muscle problems may never be able to learn to walk; the child with autism may never learn to speak, and the child with Downs Syndrome may never be an agile user of scissors. Teaching is about persistence: having faith in the student’s abilities, having patience when they fail, and the willingness to try new methods so each child succeeds. Teachers are the ultimate cheerleaders. They are underpaid, under appreciated and overworked, but despite that they persist and many are phenomenal educators and impact the lives of those they teach. So channel your inner teacher cheerleader today; be patient with your children, laugh at your colleagues bad jokes, listen to your parents and have a wonderful day. Class dismissed.

Hamotzi

2005-11-23T04:20:00.000-08:00

The notion in Judaism that people are partners with God is on our lips before the eating of a meal. In Hamotzi, the blessing praising God for bringing bread forth from the Earth begins each full meal. Obviously bread does not sprout from the ground, rather any of the grain that one would grind into flour to produce bread is what we harvest. Theoretically, God could have chosen to have loaves of bread in the fields. When the Jewish people entered the land of Israel and the manna from heaven ceased to fall, God stopped feeding the Jewish people single handedly; instead, God provided enough food on the Earth for everyone, if we work together to distribute it. We are partners with God in regards to both making the bread and then making sure everyone has enough to eat.

My students are quick to understand this concept arguing that God creates fruits and vegetables, but we need to help take care of them. They understand that a sweater that was knitted demonstrates our partnership with God because God created the cotton for the yarn, but people knitted the sweater. This year, however, my savvy third graders raised two points that I had never considered before. Who created fire, God or humans? And do words represent a partnership with God? The students explained that fire was created by God (although I wonder if this could be argued by looking for textual examples), but humans need to use the fire responsibly, which seems to make sense. In terms of words one third grader was adamant that even if God created words, God does not decide what we say, that is our jurisdiction; therefore words are another example of our partnership with God. According to the Torah, God creates the world by speaking. Does that also mean that God taught Adam to speak? God also babbles our language after the Tower of Babbel, so I suppose my third grade student was correct-- the words we use also represent a partnership with God. I suppose then we must be careful to use our words to do God’s bidding. Hamotzi lechem min haaretz, we give thanks to God for bread, but really we do much more—we constantly remind ourselves of our partnership and responsibility.

This I Believe

2005-11-22T04:24:00.000-08:00

I believe that moral fiber needs to be developed in everyone. There are those who are just born with the good-natured will to help others, be empathetic, and stand up for what they believe in, but, for the rest of the population, it’s easier to be selfish or take the easy way out. The school I work at has a “No Bullying” policy, which means that even though there are cute posters all around the school reminding everyone that the school is a no bullying zone, kids still are picked on at recess, and in the bathrooms and in hallways. What’s important about the anit-bullying campaign, is that the students are taught to identify bullying behavior and also how to stand-up to it. But, it’s hard. Standing up to people who are doing the wrong thing is always a challenge. Adults are rare to put themselves on the line if their employer is a bully of if they see a group of teenagers ganging up on another. Even as adults we become afraid of those who have more power than we do, or at least seem to. Teaching students that always getting the most awkward kid out everyday during the game of four-square because it is easy, isn’t the nicest thing to do, seems to go against our human nature. Why are we so willing to do what’s easy, but not what’s ethical? Teaching empathy is challenging, especially to those who are self-centered stuck in the early elementary grades. It is concerning to me that this needs to be taught in schools. Why are parents not working hard to develop moral thinkers? How do parents let their adolescents believe that all homeless people are drunks and that we should never help them? It seems outrageous, but as an adult society, maybe we need an anti-bullying policy or a few classes on developing our own empathy.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is wonderful time to evaluate on our behavior. Are we only thankful one day of year for the blessings of friends, family, food or home? How do our feelings of gratefulness play out? Do we spread our feelings of thanks to others, or do we circle the wagons and hope that no one can ever take the warm feeling away. The first Thanksgiving marks a mixed blessing of survival and of destruction. It is a reminder that in our effort to have plenty, we also must share with others, and take care of our fellow inhabitants in this place we call home.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2005-11-21T04:08:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was a well-done movie according to many reviews. However, in an effort to make an enjoyable movie that was not as long as Lord of the Rings, someone made significant alterations from the original book. J.K. Rowling, many not be hailed as a supreme writer, yet her books are woven together. All characters prove to be essential, and subplots yield details that ultimately connect to the larger workings of the plot. Thematically, these subplots and minor characters reinforce the larger theme, making them essential for the story. Within the first five minutes of the story, scenes do not happen as they were written in the book, details are not explained to the viewer who has not read the book, and events happen that do not make sense for those who have read the book. I hope that the creators of this movie are prepared for what they have gotten themselves into for the making of the next movie, for each book in this series is increasingly complex and simplification of the plot will ruin the next movie as well.

Others' views vary in agreement.

Magen David Adom

2005-11-18T04:13:00.000-08:00

The International Red Cross is on its way to accepting Magen David Adom, the Israeli equivalent into the international movement. This seemingly obvious connection has been delayed for decades based on a challenge with the 6-pointed star on the Magen David Adom ambulances, as opposed to either a red cross or a red crescent. It seems as if an agreement is in the near future which would allow Magen David Adom to receive financial support from the International Red Cross. Despite this seemingly positive news, I do not find any information about it on the International organization’s web site.

Google AdSense

2005-11-16T04:07:00.000-08:00

I added the Google AdSense banner to my blog, not because I wanted to make money, but rather to satisfy a curiosity factor. I wanted to know what kind of ads my blog would feature. So far the ads have ranged from White Sox memorabilia, to abortion provider ads and adoption services, to standard public service announcements. I do, however, think because of the AdSense banner, Google web crawls my page much more frequently than before thus increasing the hits on my page through Google searches.

The advertisements also spawned another idea. What if a group of at least 50 bloggers agreed that all of their AdSense earning would be donated to charity? Every three months, there could be an application non-profit groups could fill out to apply for the “blog grants” and then each blogger donating his or her profits could vote on which cause to support. Through this method, blogging could be improving the world tangibly. There would need to be a special tax-id number for this group and perhaps Google would even lower the number of hits needed on ads for this group to earn money. I clearly do not generate enough hits on my blog to make this a financially viable option, but in theory it seems like it could work. It is of course possible, that it is already happening and I am just unaware of it. I wonder if this post will generate an ad for AdSense.

Heatlhcare Crisis

2005-11-15T04:10:00.000-08:00

Below is a letter from my doctor (who will soon be my former doctor). This is symptomatic of the profound healthcare crisis in this country. Does Barak Obama get letters like this?

Dear Patient:

It is after great deliberation that I write this letter to you once again. AS you are well aware, malpractice costs have risen to exorbitantly high premiums for physicians in Illinois, a state with recent, but ineffective tort reform (ceilings on liability claims.) Despite a perfect record, without a single claim against me, my malpractice liability insurance has risen 12-fold in the last six years. In this very same climate, insurance companies are economically gouging physicians further with declining reimbursement, despite rising overhead costs.

The physician response to this healthcare crisis has taken on many faces. There has been an exodus of physicians who have chosen to physically move their practices out of Illinois to Indian or Wisconsin, where there are limits of liability. Some have even elected to eave the field of medicine altogether. Many of my colleagues have responded to the outrage with decisions to accept cash paying patients only and dissolve their contracts with healthcare providers, including PPOs. Others have opted for concierge or boutique medicine in which patients are charged fees from $2,500-10,000 per year for unlimited access to their physician, obviating the need for healthcare insurance companies. Still others have decided to charge an out-of-pocket retention fee to patients ranging from $150-600 per year, for patients whishing to remain with their physicians and to continue billing through their current healthcare provider.

As you know, six years ago I left a large hospital-owned group practice to establish a small [name of city]-based practice, dedicated to excellence in patient care. I pride myself on always having enough time to provide same-day appointments, with rare exception o, on those days you are in need. Likewise, my calls are always returned the same day and I have maintained a high quality, user-friendly office with your best individualized healthcare and personal interests at heart.

In order to me to preserve the culture of my practice and not return to high volume “factory” medicine where patients are seen every 10 minutes, I have elected to institute an annual retention fee of $200, not billed through your insurance, due by December 1, 2005. This influx of income into my practice will be used to offset the escalating cost of malpractice insurance while maintaining what I perceive to be the only way to deliver to you healthcare and timely medical services of the highest quality. I will continue to bill your visits through your current insurance carriers and continue to practice as I have done. I believe this is the most cost-effective solution to our healthcare crisis, without making you, my patient, a victim to outrageous fees, or worse still, poor quality care that ultimately jeopardizes your health. Such choices are never easy ones and I trust that you understand the difficult thought processes that continue to factor into my decisions.

Sincerely yours,
Illinois Doctor, MD

*If your insurance carrier was Blue Cross Blue Shied or Medicare for the full 2005 calendar year, please disregard this notice.

Shameless Plug

2005-11-14T13:13:00.000-08:00

Vote for my cousin's film, Violet Flower, here. Feel free to watch it too.

Dahn Yoga

2005-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

A Dahn Yoga has recently opened near my home. I have heard great things about this facility and also that is a storefront for a cult. Does anyone have any personal experience with Dahn?

Generosity

2005-11-10T04:27:00.000-08:00

I don’t believe that as a global community we are generous enough, specifically those of us dwelling in the United States. When we hear of a natural disaster or a terrorist attack we are quick to empathize with the victims and we are thankful for our blessings. However, even when we make a donation either of money, time or a physical good are we really being generous enough? When the money was raised for the victims of Katrina how many us really looked deep into our pocketbooks and thought about what we could afford to contribute. Is there a way to measure generosity? If there were, would we use the Biblical notion of tithing and contributing 10% of our income? That’s a lot of money! Imagine if we all strived to be generous looking for ways to improve the world. If we kept food in our cars for the man who is homeless and hungry standing with the sign asking for food on our way to work. Imagine if we really analyzed our finances not simply looking for the tax deduction, but rather how close we could get to giving 10% of our income to those who need it. Imagine if everyone challenged himself or herself to be the most generous they can be. Today is a good day for a generosity self-evaluation; I know that I will fail. I hope your day will be filled with generous moments.

Photo Musings

2005-11-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

There is a photo from my grandparents’ photo album. It is a picture post card addressed to a family name that was changed once we arrived in the United States. We do not know who the people in the picture are. It is a reminder that family relations are finite; death, distance and events are quick to separate families. It is also a gentle nudge to label photographs. For those attempting to rediscover or reconnect with their family, this type of picture can give a clue into an entire new branch of the family. Without any written or oral history these are just faces of the many people whom we assume had some impact on history, but left no legacy. How will we, today, be remembered in several generations? What does it take to be remembered as someone who accomplished something important? And, most importantly does it really matter at all?

Abortion kills a life every 24 seconds

2005-11-08T04:15:00.000-08:00

Abortion kills a life every 24 seconds. That was the message on the church’s billboard near my house. I understand clearly the church leadership needs to take a stand to its members on this issue. However, I am puzzled by why the church feels it’s their responsibility to spread their beliefs to all passers by. If one believes that abortion is murder then is it not it that person’s responsibility to do everything in their power to prevent murder from happening? If a life is a life no matter how developed, then where is the outcry about saving the lives of those who are on death row? I don’t see “Save the death row inmates, they are God’s children” on the billboards.

Despite being bombarded by pro-life propaganda, I feel a deafening silence from the pro-choice community. I want the pro-choice community to articulate that yes, loss of life is terrible no matter how small, but it must be a legal right in this country for a women to make that choice herself. In these times of an influx of religious language, the pro-choice community needs to adapt to survive. Arguing that a fetus is not a life is not going to combat the pro-life machine. The pro-choice community needs to present a clear articulate message that one can have religious views and believe strongly in a women’s right to choose, if not the future will look very different then the present.

Blockbuster pulls Paper Clips

2005-11-05T15:37:00.000-08:00

Blockbuster may have no more late fees, but they also seem to have no more movies on Saturday night. For those of us who can’t seem to plan ahead and rent our movies on Wednesday, and there seem to be many of us, the shelves are sparse. Luckily for me, there is Blockbuster TV showing previews of movies available for rent in the store. This evening, a preview for Paper Clips appeared; when I couldn’t find it on the shelf I went to inquire of its whereabouts. I was informed that it was pulled off the shelf because there is a Blockbuster emblem with many jagged edges around its circumference announcing Blockbuster special features on the DVD case, which someone took objection to. According to Blockbuster.com it is still available at my local store. I wonder what the complete story is. Did the emblem tinge of the Star of David many Jews were forced to wear, or was this merely a commercial contract problem with Blockbuster? Unfortunately for me, the evening will end without Paper Clips to watch, this of course assumes it would have been on the shelf available for checkout anyway.

Update: Paper Clips will be back at Blockbuster December 8, 2005. It seems this situation was all about exclusivity rights.

Ode to Baseball

2005-10-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

People who aren’t baseball fans have no appreciation for the roller coaster of emotions that occurs during a game. The adrenalin rush that engulfs you when a ball sails off the sweet spot of the bat; the utter devastation, approaching tears, at striking out at a critical moment and letting your team down; or the moment of pride when your team wins a game and you were a part of it- these are aspects of the game that only true fans understand. True fans empathize with all players even ones not their team; at times they even may appreciate the opposing team’s play or feel a tinge of empathy when watching an error. Baseball when played masterfully is art painted on the backdrop of green grass of uniform height, mowed into symmetrical stripes and brown clay dotted with white bases. Baseball is beautiful.

I am not a White Sox fan and don’t pretend to be one. I do, however, hope they continue to play great baseball throughout the conclusion of the World Series and I hope they win the pennant, because despite my loyalties on the North side of the city, I am a fan of both my city Chicago and the fabulous game of baseball. I don’t expect those of you who aren’t baseball fans to understand.

Divorce

2005-10-19T06:31:00.000-07:00

I recently heard about two different couples getting divorced. The first I heard about, was sad: sad, for the kids, sad for the loss marriage, but not really that surprising. The news of the second couple breaking up was shocking to me. They had been married for a long time (as had the first couple), have wonderful kids (the same applies to the first couple, as well), but their divorce felt like a blow to the institution of marriage. If couple #2 could not get it right, then who could? What makes a couple that seems utterly like a great match throw in the towel? Was someone unfaithful? Was their happy, perfect couple act so good that no one had any suspicions? I felt like I wanted to send a divorce card: “Good luck on your individual lives!” or “Please be nice to each other for the sake of your children.” or “Monogamy’s for dummies.” Hallmark hasn’t picked up on these card ideas, as of yet, so I’ll probably say and do nothing, but feel sad for all of the hurt and loss of these families.

Lulav Shortage

2005-10-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

Why my lulav and etrog cost an extra 10 bucks.

Shana Tova

2005-10-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

I don’t understand what compels liberal Jews who don’t show up to shul any other time of the year to come in droves for the High Holidays. Is it the guilt? If we can instill this feeling of necessity into the Jewish population in general, how come we can’t instill anything else besides lighting Hanukah candles and going to a seder (with or without a Haggadah. The liberal Jewish community depresses me.

To any I have offended or hurt, please accept my sincere apologies. Shana Tova.

Customarily Speaking

2005-09-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

I only have time for one post a day. Here it is.

Sunday Evening Blues

2005-09-18T18:01:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like time is slipping between your fingers like grains of sand? No matter how hard I prioritize and plan I can never seem to get everything done. The weekends are always busy and never allow enough time to make it through my to do list. Perhaps this is because I’m too tired to do many of the things on the list and resting is a far more appealing option than taking out the garbage or weeding the garden. So here I sit on a Sunday evening, not very excited about going to work in less than twelve hours and wishing that it were Friday afternoon already so I could go on with my next weekend. How sad this is to wish away time. Maybe the real sadness is the rat race we all run. Here’s to a wonderful week!

This is the best I can do

2005-09-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

What’s the name for a person with a blog, but no time to post?

Brain Rot or Stimulation?

2005-09-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sudoku – how I spent my Labor Day.

Speechless about Katrina

2005-09-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

I feel speechless.

Emory University, where I graduated from, has offered to use the gym to house 150 people temporarily.

Churches are helping... I feel like maybe I should call the summer camp I attended and see if they would be willing to temporarily house people. (The word refugee seems hard to utter.)

This website, www.katrinahousing.org along with craigslist and others has postings of available housing.

The missing persons postings on craigslist are terrifying.

Humankind is remarkable sometimes, but mother nature is all powerful.

Indulgence

2005-08-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last year for our anniversary, my husband bought me an 80-minute massage at a hoity-toity spa. So, almost a full year later, I finally made the appointment, trotted into the spa, got introduced to my massage therapist, and was ushered into the room complete with a heated bed dimly lit with candles while relaxing music of waves and synthesizer played softly in the background. Somewhere around minute forty, while the eye pillow was blocking out the light, I began to think about the ridiculous nature of massages. The ridiculous factor was not only high because massage therapists make their living by rubbing out tension with shea butter, but because lots of people get massages all the time. To me this massage was a total indulgence, lying on a table while someone else massages you and then offers you a choice of apricot or pineapple juice when it is over is a bit unbelievable.

I seem to have highly conflicted feelings about indulgence. Sure, I think some indulgences are great; wine and cheese, eating out in general, eating out at expensive restaurants, laying around all day and not doing anything; however, spending a considerable amount of money to have someone massage you and then leaving with little more to show for it than shiny skin and a relaxed neck is difficult for me. So, as a lay on the heated bed with the music of the “Dance of the Raindrops” seeping into my conscious, I encouraged myself to let the indulgence baggage drift away, and to simply indulge.

Wow

2005-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

check this out!

Labor Smabor

2005-08-24T15:40:00.000-07:00

It’s all over the news that labor unions are having trouble determining their identity and what their next path should be. If I were a labor big shot I would use labor’s negotiating leverage to fight for reasonable costing health care. Image if the entire AFL-CIO worked on healthcare. It would be un-American not to offer good health benefits. Now, I understand that labor can’t focus on health, because giving employees quality health care insurance (not to mention dental) is highly expensive in this day and age. This would inevitably force hardships on some of labor’s biggest industries, which would then force the tough issues about downsizing to increase benefits. Are good health benefits for some better than jobs and wages for many? I realize this is pie in the sky, because labor unions have much bigger issues on their plate including securing wages, safe work environments and pensions. I just can’t help thinking that the fight for healthcare could unify the labor unions and help American’s union workers stays healthier and happier.

Job Junk

2005-08-22T15:06:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance for the whiney pathetic nature of the following post. For a more interesting post, please read the Nachamu post.

I complain frequently that I’m ready for a job change. I’m not sure what the driving force behind the need to try something new is since I enjoy my job teaching and the students are respectful. I do know, that I spend over two hours in the car each day to get to and from my current job and the pay is not great. I constantly read the job postings in my field, but I consistently talk myself out of applying for most of them. Just like many people, I don’t want rejected. Fear can be a big deterrent-laziness another. So, instead of updating my résumé and writing a cover letter, I’m posting to my blog. Ugh.

*Microsoft Word spell check does not know the word “blog”

Nachamu Nachamu Ami

2005-08-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

From whichever side of the fence one sits regarding politics in Israel, it has not been a good week for the Jews. Images of soldiers gently forcibly evacuating settlers from their homes and later their synagogue flooded the television. Children wearing yellow jude stars as they left their home instantly flash back to the horrors of the holocaust. Jews forced by Jews to leave their homes; Jews being forced by Jews to leave home. Without question, there are many for whom life will not be the same after this week.

The timing of these evacuations is precarious. Tisha B’Av, the 9^th of Av, has past, commemorates the devastating destruction of both Temples and other terrible events in Jewish History including the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. Since the conclusion of the Tisha B’Av fast we have entered into a different framework of time within the Jewish calendar. The days of mourning have ended and we shift into comfort, reflection and preparation mode leading up to Rosh Hashanah, which arrives seven weeks later.

As the sun sets this evening on a week of unforgettable events, Shabbat Nachamu begins. This Shabbat is named from Isaiah’s words from God beginning the Haftarah reading for this Shabbat. “Nachamu nachamu ami” “Comfort my people, comfort them.” Could there be a better place to start this Shabbat than with comfort? Comfort those spending Shabbat in their new temporary homes and comfort those who are sitting on army bases contemplating their actions. Comfort all of Israel wondering if giving up the land promised by God is the right thing to do. Isaiah continues “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem; say to her that she has served her term, that her sin is pardoned for she has received from the hand of the Eternal more than enough punishment for her sins.” Perhaps the worst is over for now. Both sides have atoned for their sins.

Isaiah continues reminding the people that God consults no one on the actions taken, for God is supreme. Does that mean that God condones the events this week? On a week when it seems especially easy to feel confused an unhappy with the state of the world, we are reminded that God is the Creator and we are no more than dust on a scale. As painful as the events of this week were, in the span of history, forward and backwards, they are small. In the weeks approaching Rosh Hashanah I hope that Israel can find comfort from one another and peace with her neighbors and herself.

Biscuits

2005-08-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with the urge to bake biscuits. This crazy desire is thanks to the wonders of television and the fact that my husband requires a television in our bedroom so he can fall asleep. Although I am not a fan of dozing off to flashing lights and sounds of "Mythbusters" on the Discovery Channel, it helps him sleep—marriage is all about compromise. Now, the problem is that I am becoming addicted to watching TV before bed (it did not help that I was disenchanted with my current reading choice). Last night Alton Brown, of "Good Eats", was busy baking biscuits with his grandmother Ma Mae. So this morning, after I ate my unsatisfying bowl of soggy Cheerios (which I love on any other day) I need to make biscuits. Alton made his buttermilk biscuits weighing out each cup of flour while his grandmother just threw together the ingredients- no measurement necessary. I contemplated using Alton’s recipe, but my biscuit loyalties lie at the Flying Biscuit Café in Atlanta. I used their recipe, but feeling inspired by Alton’s grandmother I substituted buttermilk for the half and half; in retrospect, this was probably not the best idea. This biscuits were edible, but not the fluffy wonders I was hoping. I wonder how my day would have gone, without the TV in the bedroom.

*when looking for images of biscuits on yahoo images- there appear to be many dogs and babies with such a name.

Reading Freedom

2005-08-18T07:11:00.000-07:00

I’m over one hundred pages into a book that I’m reading. Hypothetically, it should be a book worth reading; it was in the “Readers’ Corner” at my local library designated for books that are interesting for book groups. The book is fine; it’s not great and I do not love reading it. So, should I give up on it? I’m already over a third of the way done, close to approaching the halfway point. Somehow, I feel like if I’ve already devoted the time to reading this much of the book, I might was well continue. On the other hand, if I return it to the library (pay the fine I owe) I can chose something new to read and begin the process again.

My grandfather was a man who read several books at once, and gave each book about one chapter to prove itself as worth reading. He had no problem not finishing a book if it didn’t keep him interested. Growing up, I always followed the “at least read fifty pages rule” before deciding not to read the book. The problem was that I always wanted to read the book after I’d committed to reading fifty pages. I had smart parents. When reading a book for school, you always had to complete it whether you enjoyed it or not- no choice involved.

I guess I am not equipped for my reading freedom. On one hand, I think I should choose a different book. The author will never know and there is no prize for finishing the book, except personal satisfaction. On the other, I feel like a quitter. I think on this one (despite the four star rating on Amazon), I’ll be a quitter. Anyone have any good recommendations for a new book?

High School History

2005-08-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

I attended a wedding of a friend from high school this weekend. Like many such events, there arrived a cadre of characters from my past. As a person, who in general, seems unable to consistently keep in touch with people despite my best intentions, the wedding provided a good venue for catching up with people who “used” to by my friends. As we were leaving, we exchanged current e-mail address and cell phone numbers and will once again be left to our own devises to remain in-touch. I feel somewhat pessimistic that we were actually remain in contact, despite the feeling that these high school friends stuck by me during high school (not my prime years) and that I’m genuinely curious about what is going on in their lives.

My other major observation about these people, who I’ve known for over 10 years, is that we are all for the most part the same. One friend was pleasantly surprised I wasn’t more frum. (This is the kind of assumption that happens when people only hear about one another via the grapevine) I was stuck that the people who were dorky, were still somewhat dorky just more confident with themselves. Those who brought dates seemed to be dating the kind of people who fit their personalities. The career paths people chose fit, as well. I felt like even though I hadn’t seen any of these people since high school graduation when we wore our caps and gowns ready to spread in different directions for college, I still knew them because the essences of our personalities are the same. Does that mean I’m still just a sophomore? The real test will be if we've grown up enough to stay in-touch this time around.

Wedding Cynicism

2005-08-15T08:22:00.000-07:00

I like weddings because…

1. They ritually mark the beginning of a formal (lifelong?) commitment to one another.

2. They are an excuse to have an open bar

3. It’s fun to see people from your past

4. It’s nice to celebrate people’s good fortune and happiness and not just see one another at funerals

The downside of weddings happens when...

1. The clergy must repeatedly look in his/her book to remember the bride's and groom’s name.

2. The elevator music is so loud you can’t hear the person sitting next to you.

3. The food is lousy

4. Toasts lack tack and just embarrass everyone

Blogging in Winter

2005-08-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

Blogging should be a winter hobby. As we approach the waning days of summer, shouldn’t we all be outside reveling in the heat and working in our gardens or at least taking walks rather than typing at our computers? We often retreat to the cool, climate controlled air-conditioned environments of our homes or other public places as a semi- permanent sanctuary from the summer elements. I understand that it’s much easier to watch tv inside than to be outside, but we lose our ability to appreciate the differences between summer and winter: how the trees look, the patterns of the clouds in the sky, and that our bodies can adjust to different temperatures. These are small marvels of nature that are easy to gloss over and miss. For the remainder of the summer, I will devote my energy to cultivating my garden instead of to my blog. Blogging can be my winter hobby.

Educated Consumer

2005-08-03T05:54:00.000-07:00

I believe that a woman should have the right to choose if she wants to terminate a pregnancy or keep it. I believe that the government should not make that decision for her. With this in mind, I will become an educated “consumer.” When choosing a health care professional for myself, I will ask to critical questions: Does he/she write prescriptions for emergency contraception? And does he/she refer patients to abortion providers? In the same way many forgo shopping at a store that discriminates in their hiring practices, those in the pro-choice community should chose their healthcare providers in the same educated fashion.

What's the plural of rebbetzin?

2005-08-01T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Renegade Rebbetzin is an orthodox woman who writes about her life and role as a rebbetzin, the rabbi’s wife. She writes, “For one thing, I have no idea what my community may want, expect, or hope from me, and no convenient way to find out.” I find her blog fascinating on many levels. She is constantly in the limelight because of her husband’s profession/life; however, she does not find her role clear-cut or easy. For me, as the spouse of a clergy person in the liberal community, I always had assumed (ignorantly so) that rebbetzin in the observant community knew more seriously what they were getting themselves into when they married rabbis. The Renreb’s blog is important for two reasons. First, her blog sheds light on the notion that clergy and their families are “regular” people and sometimes make mistakes. More importantly, she fills a void by actually talking about the role of clergy spouses. (Don't miss the picture at the top of her blog is hysterical.)

Random Thoughts Continued

2005-07-28T05:31:00.000-07:00

-If you are invited to a wedding, it hypothetically means you that the bride, groom or one of their respective parents would like you to attend. How do you know if you have been invited simply to reciprocate an invitation to you wedding? If you think you are simply a reciprocal invitation should you back out and not attend?

-I became a teacher shortly after I got married, so I immediately began using Ms. or Mrs., although my preference is for Ms. In my school teachers seem to have strong feelings about the differences in Miss or Ms. To me, Miss seems antiquated; however, others feel it is merely an artificial title created by the feminist movement. According to an unrealizable website Ms. is also not as popular in Britain. It was surprising to me that Miss Manners continues to use that prefix as opposed to evolving into Ms. Manners. I guess the Misters have it easier on this one.

-This blog lacks focus and audience.

-It makes me laugh that Microsoft Word does not know the word blog and continually underlines it informing that it is spelled incorrectly.

2 Unrelated Thoughts

2005-07-27T19:50:00.000-07:00

The post will inevitably reflect the disjointed overwhelmed state of my constantly spinning head… Here are two of the streams of consciousness…. Neither of them is well fleshed out due to the other thoughts that continually invade.

Random Thought 1
Of the 15 special needs children who are integrated with a one on one aid at the camp I work at, 14 of them have autism. Some are high functioning and highly verbal, while others are lower functioning and non-verbal. Children with autism are puzzle to me. Why will one child only eat beige food, but drink juice from multi-color juice boxes? Why does another boy always flutter his hand in front of his eyes like he wants to see a butterfly? Most importantly, how do parents handle the reality that their child is different from the “norm?”

Random Thought 2
I just paid over 30 dollars to fill up my 13 gallons of gas, for my fuel-efficient beetle. As a bonus I did get a free candy bar since I spent more than $15 dollars. Since when do I get excited to find a gas station selling regular gas for $2.32? Someone I work with believes that gas in the cheapest on Wednesday. I do not know if this is true.

ugh

2005-07-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

Here’s an interesting idea… Does this fill a void in people’s lives?

(I’m sorry- the truth is I don’t have time to write a real post today…. I’m late to work.)

Monday Morning Blues

2005-07-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

I wish it were Friday and I was about to start a weekend instead there is an entire week to be conquered. On the same note, I don’t want the summer to role by any faster. I’ve got to slow down, but being slow during the week is not as fun as on the weekend.

Religious Wrong

2005-07-24T07:54:00.000-07:00

The religious right is exhausting. Why do they get the monopoly on praying for their agenda? It sure seems as if their prayers are being answered. I was always taught that the separation between church and state was crucial for the stability of the government in this country. It never occurred to be to pray for the leaders of our country. It’s time for the religious left or the secular left to find voice to compete strongly with the religious right. For now, I’ve added the political situation in my personal prayers.

No Comment Rule

2005-07-22T05:53:00.000-07:00

“This sea bass is delicious, but it is filling”. This was one of the comments recently overhead at the wedding I attended last week. Other comments heard were, “I love the chocolates with the blueberries, but I’m not such a dark chocolate fan” and “I despise blue cheese- get this salad away from me!” Because we were sitting around a table at a wedding reception and not a sorority dining hall, these comments were permissible. Some sororities have instituted a no comment rule, prohibiting discussion of food during meal times or at all in the presence of sisters. This is supposed to prevent eating disorders and encourage everyone to feel comfortable eating the foods they enjoy and leaving the ones they don’t on their plate. It is shocking to me that the pervasiveness of eating disorders on college campuses is such that this rule would be necessary. It’s a sad day when we are not happy enough with who we are or confident enough with our looks to speak about our favorite foods at mealtime. I hope that this rule helps those who have eating disorders maintain a healthy lifestyle, but for the record I don’t like zucchini.

Airports

2005-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

Three Annoyances

1. You are asked to remove your shoes to enter through security (or you can bring flip-flops to change into).
2. The food choices are never vegetarian friendly. French fries and a Cinnabon don't make a well-balanced meal.
3. The chairs are uncomfortable. I would prefer a recliner to use while I'm waiting for my delayed plane.

Three Reasons My Annoyances are Stupid

1. There's no point being annoyed at the TSA security people about the shoe thing. It's not their fault; they don't make the rules.
2. I like Cinnabons.
3. I should be happy there are usually enough chairs to sit in. I would be much more annoyed sitting on the floor.

Harry Potter again

2005-07-19T18:36:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a wonderful book and fully worthy of the time it takes to read it. For those of you who are not Harry Potter fans, I too used to believe that the books were merely hype. However, I have found all of the books intriguing, well written, descriptive, imaginative and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next one. Has anyone else finished it?

Old Photographs

2005-07-15T05:20:00.000-07:00

Genealogy maybe about tracking down dead and living relatives, but it is also about being a detective. Check out this link to see all of the detective work in progress. What's amazing is that people you don't know, actually help you. How often does that happen in life?.

Harry Potter

2005-07-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

I knew the Pope was not a fan of Harry Potter, but I was clueless that some members of the Orthodox Jewish Community were opposed to it. See this post and click on the MO woman link to read more about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory author, Raul Dahl. I'm in the camp that believes that books can be read as literature and enjoyment without being viewed as introduction to witchcraft or as analogous to the causes that destroyed the Temple.

By the way I'm number 67 on my library's waiting list for the book... how long will I have to wait?

Jewish Education Post #1

2005-07-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

I am a Jewish Educator. I teach in a community school that is not affiliated with any denominations. I have been unable to find blogs that are devoted to the topic of Jewish Education (I’m sure I’m wrong, so please post what they are), so even though it is summer, and I’m on summer break, I will write the post devoted to an issue that is relevant in to my teaching- but it is not solely a Jewish education issue.

The issue had hand stems from the debate of using original texts in classes or abridged versions at age appropriate reading levels. I teach students in 4^th grade, many of who have language based learning disabilities. The other two levels of Jewish Studies study Genesis in the original Biblical Hebrew while the class is conducted in Modern Hebrew. The students in my class do not have the Hebrew background to be able to do this, so we use a translation (a good one), and study in English. The challenge is that Biblical syntax even translated into students' native language is still challenging for students who are not strong readers. Is it of more value for the students to learn the stories and really create their own meaning about them or is there inherent value in teaching a translation of a holy text?

What do you want on your tombstone?

2005-07-13T06:23:00.000-07:00

No… I don’t mean cheese, olives and anchovies. Would you like to be beloved father, grandfather and brother? Perhaps, loving sister? Maybe just your name and date of life serves you the best? Would you want your grave to have no marker? (I’m not sure most people would choose this option, but in my genealogy adventure to the mausoleum I discovered a crypt with no name- yes, the nameless marble crypt contains my relative.) At the end of your life, what do you want to be written about you? I’d go with simplicity, my name and the dates of my life for the next genealogist in the family.

Interesting Idea

2005-07-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

Courtesy of Mitziut: Create a community not a congregation

Confession

2005-07-12T05:53:00.000-07:00

I enjoy blogging for the sake of blogging. Expressing opinions, engaging in dialogue, and reading what others believe from communities of people I don’t get a change to interact with on a regular basis are all intriguing parts of the blogosphere. However, this is not enough, I want people to read what I’m writing and I don’t want this blog to fall by the waste side. So here is the confession of a lame blogger: I’ve become addicted to checking the sitemeter (see bottom of the page) to see who is reading, and how many people, and how they arrive at jurysout. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but expounding my own thoughts isn’t nearly as satisfying as seeing more than two people read what I write.

Botox Anyone?

2005-07-11T05:40:00.000-07:00

If humans are created in the image of God see Genesis 1:27, then why are we so into changing that image. Does God pluck eyebrows, shave, get Botox injections, tummy tucks or the like? I know, what you’re thinking: don’t be so literal; it’s not a physical looking like God, it’s about acting like God, that’s what being created in the image of God means. If we question our physical appearance, does God question God’s lack of physical being? Perhaps, evolving from the using the burning bush to communicate, to speaking to prophets, to answering prayers is the equivalent of God being dissatisfied with God’s appearance. Or, maybe it’s all irrelevant and we should revel in our own images and be content with what we have.

Squashed

2005-07-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Softball and baseball have been given the boot as Olympic sports for the 2012 London Olympics. One main reason for the axe seem to be that there has not been enough worldwide support of these games and in the case of the baseball; the best players in the world are not playing due to the Major Leagues in the US. This is a tremendous blow to the USA, women's sports and individually to the athletes who train to play and who plaid in the past. They will potentially be replaced by karate and squash, although watch the intricate voting to see if that will ultimately be the games of the future.

A cursory view of worldwide online news sources sheds light on the complications of trying to achieve consensus from 116 representatives on the Olympic Committee. The US feels as if it got the short end of the stick, losing New York’s bid as a host site, then having the national past time removed from competition and softball which is a remarkably strong team. The article on the BBC’s website focuses on the facility that would have been used for the games, will not be used and maybe used for other things. The Aljazeera website shows an article about a women’s softball team in Iraq, which was the first softball team since Hussein had banned the sport because it was part of American Imperialism. The Australian news (whose softball team won silver in Athens) blamed the situation on America and the drug problems, which plague Major League Baseball- unfortunately; softball was viewed as just an adjunct of baseball so it too had to go.

I supposed the best baseball and softball fans can do is to enjoy the 2008 Beijing games, hope for the games will be back in 2016 or learn to enjoy squash.

Systematic Change

2005-07-08T05:39:00.000-07:00

Huge systems have the wonderful potential to affect lots of people. Ideally, systems such as health care, Medicare, Medicaid, social security, adoption and immigration would be helping the people using the systems in a positive fashion. As we are hearing the debate about social security reform, we have in this county: systems that need changing. The challenge is that these systems have become institutional bureaucratic messes that forget that the end result is to help someone get the healthy, add a child to a family, or live with financial comfort for the duration of their days. The institutional systems have become overloaded. Changing institutions or systems is never a smooth or easy thing to do.

Change can be forced with internal or external revolutions or the system can be scrapped. In some cases systematic change is easiest to do by creating a new system, learning from mistakes of the last. An interesting example of this is the Greenhouse Project, which revamps the way we look at nursing homes. Instead of bringing cats and birds into nursing homes to create a home environment, the Greenhouse Project builds nursing homes as small homes for groups of ten elders. They have a living room, dining room, private bedroom, a doorbell, and an entirely different philosophy about care for the elders of our community. At least on a small scale in the pilot cities they are seeing improved health and moral of elders. Systematic change takes courage and guts, not to mention financiers. With enough of those ingredients and a bit of luck, maybe other systems can be revolutionized to better help the people we whom with we live on this planet.