The LIW Small Talk Thread

[TooPatient]

Aaaaaaa!

Okay. That is out of my system.


I''m sitting here at work trying to finish my paper for the Rabbi. (I am running out of time)
I am not a gushy emotional person usually and have a hard time writing papers about my life.

I don''t have a minimum length (that I was informed of anyway) but I have to keep it under 2 pages.
First essay question:
What is the process that led me to want to become Jewish?


How do I say that I read some books and started doing stuff with B and in the community and it just FEELS right?
I had a 2 page paper but the Rabbi didn''t like it. He said it was too much about the classes I took and not enough about "what led you to want to BE Jewish".


Any ideas?

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

He''s a Marine I take it?

My H went in right after college and only stayed for 5 years. He decided not to re-up. My dad was career, in for 23 or something years. In my defense my parents divorced when I was 4-5 so while I was technically an Army brat, I wasn''t raised in the military lifestyle (thank god!).

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

What feelings did you experience when you finished reading those books and reflected on what you read? What have you learned through partaking in the Jewish traditions through your community involvement? More importantly how have those lessons changed who you are as a person. How have they changed your character, how you see the world, how you see your current and future family, etc. You need to do some reflection and introspection to answer this question the way he wants you to.

 

[Bia]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:37:26 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
What feelings did you experience when you finished reading those books and reflected on what you read? What have you learned through partaking in the Jewish traditions through your community involvement? More importantly how have those lessons changed who you are as a person. How have they changed your character, how you see the world, how you see your current and future family, etc. You need to do some reflection and introspection to answer this question the way he wants you to.

I agree.

Dig deeper, TP...deeeeeeeperrrrr.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

And as much as you hate mushy stuff, this is clearly what the Rabbi wants so I would just let everything else go and do it. It''s not like the paper will be published in the NY Times for all the world to see. There''s a deeper lesson to be had here....

 

[Squirrly]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:34:33 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
He''s a Marine I take it?

My H went in right after college and only stayed for 5 years. He decided not to re-up. My dad was career, in for 23 or something years. In my defense my parents divorced when I was 4-5 so while I was technically an Army brat, I wasn''t raised in the military lifestyle (thank god!).

yup! he''s gone up in rank since then and grew hair, but i''m not happy with how i looked at this year''s ball so i''ll just have to wait for the wedding to update my pics

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Oh! You guys are so cute!!! I love bald guys-so sessy!

 

[winelover23]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:53:50 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Oh! You guys are so cute!!! I love bald guys-so sessy!

Ditto all.

 

[vc10um]

OMG, Squirrly, such a hottie!

OK, WL, I''m crashing your wedding, it''s official.

HDG, Yay June!!! I''m June 13...just a few days older than sunny!!!

T, I think that embryo comment was the funniest thing I''ve heard all day.

Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

 

[TooPatient]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:45:37 PM
Author: Bia

Date: 1/12/2010 2:37:26 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
What feelings did you experience when you finished reading those books and reflected on what you read? What have you learned through partaking in the Jewish traditions through your community involvement? More importantly how have those lessons changed who you are as a person. How have they changed your character, how you see the world, how you see your current and future family, etc. You need to do some reflection and introspection to answer this question the way he wants you to.

I agree.

Dig deeper, TP...deeeeeeeperrrrr.

I''m deep. I also have to wrap up my essays on:

What Jewish values & beliefs do I like?
What do I like about Judaism that differs from my former religion?
How has my life changed?
How do I identify with the Jewish community (locally, nationally, world wide, Israel)?
How do I feel about and plan to be a part of tzedakah?
Prayer & services. (what I do & plan to do)
What is my plan for future Jewish study?
How would I educate any future children?
What books have I read?



These are all getting stuck together as one big paper that the rabbis & cantor all get.
Most are done and just need a little cleaning up. Got a couple that I''m stuck on though. (I know what I feel, I''m just having trouble getting it out into words that don''t sound stupid)

 

[TooPatient]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:49:40 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
And as much as you hate mushy stuff, this is clearly what the Rabbi wants so I would just let everything else go and do it. It''s not like the paper will be published in the NY Times for all the world to see. There''s a deeper lesson to be had here....

Good to remember. I''ll have to remind myself of this lots today.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
OMG, Squirrly, such a hottie!


OK, WL, I''m crashing your wedding, it''s official.


HDG, Yay June!!! I''m June 13...just a few days older than sunny!!!


T, I think that embryo comment was the funniest thing I''ve heard all day.


Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:58:23 PM
Author: TooPatient

Date: 1/12/2010 2:45:37 PM

Author: Bia

Date: 1/12/2010 2:37:26 PM

Author: Hudson_Hawk

What feelings did you experience when you finished reading those books and reflected on what you read? What have you learned through partaking in the Jewish traditions through your community involvement? More importantly how have those lessons changed who you are as a person. How have they changed your character, how you see the world, how you see your current and future family, etc. You need to do some reflection and introspection to answer this question the way he wants you to.

I agree.


Dig deeper, TP...deeeeeeeperrrrr.

I'm deep. I also have to wrap up my essays on:


What Jewish values & beliefs do I like?

What do I like about Judaism that differs from my former religion?

How has my life changed?

How do I identify with the Jewish community (locally, nationally, world wide, Israel)?

How do I feel about and plan to be a part of tzedakah?

Prayer & services. (what I do & plan to do)

What is my plan for future Jewish study?

How would I educate any future children?

What books have I read?




These are all getting stuck together as one big paper that the rabbis & cantor all get.

Most are done and just need a little cleaning up. Got a couple that I'm stuck on though. (I know what I feel, I'm just having trouble getting it out into words that don't sound stupid)

I'm a writer by education and an editor by trade. Would you like to spit out your less than graceful words and I'll put them into intelligent phrases?

 

[vc10um]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
OMG, Squirrly, such a hottie!


OK, WL, I''m crashing your wedding, it''s official.


HDG, Yay June!!! I''m June 13...just a few days older than sunny!!!


T, I think that embryo comment was the funniest thing I''ve heard all day.


Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHA.

PS: You''re welcome in DC anytime!

And if I can''t make it in February, you, C-tek and I can get together in RI in May (and you''ll have a bump!!!)...

 

[TooPatient]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:03:37 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:58:23 PM
Author: TooPatient

Date: 1/12/2010 2:45:37 PM

Author: Bia

Date: 1/12/2010 2:37:26 PM

Author: Hudson_Hawk

What feelings did you experience when you finished reading those books and reflected on what you read? What have you learned through partaking in the Jewish traditions through your community involvement? More importantly how have those lessons changed who you are as a person. How have they changed your character, how you see the world, how you see your current and future family, etc. You need to do some reflection and introspection to answer this question the way he wants you to.

I agree.


Dig deeper, TP...deeeeeeeperrrrr.

I''m deep. I also have to wrap up my essays on:


What Jewish values & beliefs do I like?

What do I like about Judaism that differs from my former religion?

How has my life changed?

How do I identify with the Jewish community (locally, nationally, world wide, Israel)?

How do I feel about and plan to be a part of tzedakah?

Prayer & services. (what I do & plan to do)

What is my plan for future Jewish study?

How would I educate any future children?

What books have I read?




These are all getting stuck together as one big paper that the rabbis & cantor all get.

Most are done and just need a little cleaning up. Got a couple that I''m stuck on though. (I know what I feel, I''m just having trouble getting it out into words that don''t sound stupid)

I''m a writer by education and an editor by trade. Would you like to spit out your less than graceful words and I''ll put them into intelligent phrases?

If you don''t mind, that would be great.

I am so out of practice...

And I just scrolled to the bottom of my paper to look for an emotie to add.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:05:37 PM
Author: vc10um

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM

Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM

Author: vc10um

OMG, Squirrly, such a hottie!



OK, WL, I''m crashing your wedding, it''s official.



HDG, Yay June!!! I''m June 13...just a few days older than sunny!!!



T, I think that embryo comment was the funniest thing I''ve heard all day.



Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAHAHAHA.


PS: You''re welcome in DC anytime!

And if I can''t make it in February, you, C-tek and I can get together in RI in May (and you''ll have a bump!!!)...

Most definitely!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Of course TP!

 

[TooPatient]

This is essay #1 -- Describe the process that led me to want to become Jewish.


Bruce and I were friends. He mentioned things like baking challah and lighting candles. I asked about them and he told me a bit about what they are and how they are done. As holidays came up, he told me that it was a holiday and I asked for more information. He told me some more and then started to show me where I could read more on my own. I became more interested and he let me borrow books to read. (This is My God, Wanderings, The Jewish Festivals, ….)
Bruce came to stay with me. We lit candles for Shabbat and did Havdalah. As holidays approached, I read about them online and in books. I started going to holiday services with him. I kept reading and watching movies and started taking some classes through the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services. (4s of Passover, kosher wine, Jews and Chocolate, etc.)

I liked the classes and the lifestyle. The community is great. The traditions are nice. I felt comfortable and like I had found where I belong. I decided I was ready to look into more formal classes and move towards conversion. Herzl was just starting “Embracing Judaism” so I signed up for the classes. We went to visit Beth Shalom and had a great experience. I found that they were just starting a course on embracing Judaism and signed up for that one also.

The annual Torahthon has been a good source of information. I took classes on various topics and listened to many of the others that were recorded as I cleaned them up for use on Herzl’s web site. I’ve also taken other classes including Bob’s class about holidays and the Cantor’s class to learn Torah trope.

Every new thing I learn makes me feel more and more comfortable and like I am more connected with the community.

 

[Squirrly]

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
OMG, Squirrly, such a hottie!

OK, WL, I''m crashing your wedding, it''s official.

HDG, Yay June!!! I''m June 13...just a few days older than sunny!!!

T, I think that embryo comment was the funniest thing I''ve heard all day.

Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

that he is!

and he looks even better with a high and tight.

of course i''m fascinated with his stick straight, platinum blonde hair. it''s the polar opposite of mine. be thankful for straight hair if you have it!

soo ST G2G is WL''s wedding it seems. good luck on your paper(s) TP!

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What she said!!! Jealous!

 

[vc10um]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:27:16 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What she said!!! Jealous!

That just means you all need to come out here for Restaurant Week in August. $20 lunch + $30 in cocktails and we''ll have one heck of a GTG!

 

[Squirrly]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:33:33 PM
Author: vc10um

Date: 1/12/2010 3:27:16 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What she said!!! Jealous!

That just means you all need to come out here for Restaurant Week in August. $20 lunch + $30 in cocktails and we''ll have one heck of a GTG!

why can''t that be sometime after september!

 

[vc10um]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:35:58 PM
Author: Squirrly

Date: 1/12/2010 3:33:33 PM
Author: vc10um

Date: 1/12/2010 3:27:16 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What she said!!! Jealous!

That just means you all need to come out here for Restaurant Week in August. $20 lunch + $30 in cocktails and we''ll have one heck of a GTG!

why can''t that be sometime after september!

Don''t worry. It''s comes ''round again in January.

 

[Squirrly]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:37:59 PM
Author: vc10um

Date: 1/12/2010 3:35:58 PM
Author: Squirrly

Date: 1/12/2010 3:33:33 PM
Author: vc10um

Date: 1/12/2010 3:27:16 PM
Author: sunnyd

Date: 1/12/2010 3:01:57 PM
Author: Hudson_Hawk

Date: 1/12/2010 2:57:08 PM
Author: vc10um
Restaurant Week Report: Lobster Bisque, Lamb Loin over Penne with Parmesean Cream Sauce, Cranberry-Walnut Upside Down Cake with Orange Ice Cream.

^&%*@^%#*^%Q^*$%^%*&^$#)&*@&$&^!%#^&@%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What she said!!! Jealous!

That just means you all need to come out here for Restaurant Week in August. $20 lunch + $30 in cocktails and we''ll have one heck of a GTG!

why can''t that be sometime after september!

Don''t worry. It''s comes ''round again in January.

i might be able to make that next year. depends on if my epic travel month pans out.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:23:27 PM
Author: TooPatient


This is essay #1 -- Describe the process that led me to want to become Jewish.



Bruce and I were friends. He mentioned things like baking challah and lighting candles. I asked about them and he told me a bit about what they are and how they are done. As holidays came up, he told me that it was a holiday and I asked for more information. He told me some more and then started to show me where I could read more on my own. I became more interested and he let me borrow books to read. (This is My God, Wanderings, The Jewish Festivals, ….)

As my friendship with Bruce developed, so did my exposure to different aspects of the Jewish faith. The history, culture of the Judaic tradition and Bruce''s faith encompass who he is as a person. As I developed deeper feelings for him, I came to realize that to know Bruce was to know Judaism. Seeing as I wanted to get to know him as deeply as I could, I began to take interest in the little ways in which he brings Judaism into his life. As we partook in activities like baking challah, lighting candles and partaking in the Sabbath (HH not sure if this is the correct term), he patiently taught my about their symbolic meaning and how they relate to his faith, and how his faith makes him who he is today. As our relationship grew, so did my interest in Judaism. Bruce recognized this and as a result, directed me to books such as This is My God, Wanderings, and The Jewish Festivals so I could explore Judaism on my own through literature.

Bruce came to stay with me. We lit candles for Shabbat and did Havdalah. As holidays approached, I read about them online and in books. I started going to holiday services with him. I kept reading and watching movies and started taking some classes through the Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services. (4s of Passover, kosher wine, Jews and Chocolate, etc.)

As I learned more about the faith, I started to embrace aspects of the culture and history. Together Bruce and I celebrated holidays and attended Temple. I started taking classes through The Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services. These lessons brought me closer to Bruce through the appreciation I earned for him, the faith and the greater community.

I liked the classes and the lifestyle. The community is great. The traditions are nice. I felt comfortable and like I had found where I belong. I decided I was ready to look into more formal classes and move towards conversion. Herzl was just starting “Embracing Judaism” so I signed up for the classes. We went to visit Beth Shalom and had a great experience. I found that they were just starting a course on embracing Judaism and signed up for that one also.

A highlight of the culture and my interest in converting is the community and traditions. I felt comfortable in my skin among the congregation (HH-not sure if this term is used...) and I felt like I''ve finally found a place in which I can be a full participating member.

The annual Torahthon has been a good source of information. I took classes on various topics and listened to many of the others that were recorded as I cleaned them up for use on Herzl’s web site. I’ve also taken other classes including Bob’s class about holidays and the Cantor’s class to learn Torah trope.

My enthusiasm quickly became all encompassing. I began to look for opportunities to learn even more and become more involved. The annual Torathon was a fantastic source of information and inspiration. I took the opportunity to attend classes and later assisted Herzl with cleaning up the audio recordings to feature on his website. Listening to these recordings gave me further insight into the teachings and beliefs of the faith and what it means to call yourself Jewish. As I continue my journey towards conversion, with every step I take I feel more comfortable and connected with the community and the Judaic faith.

Every new thing I learn makes me feel more and more comfortable and like I am more connected with the community.

 

[vc10um]

Date: 1/12/2010 3:45:57 PM
Author: Squirrly
i might be able to make that next year. depends on if my epic travel month pans out.

Excellent.

A and I have a spare room with a really comfy Queen bed. (At least *I* think it''s comfy. It was mine. We sleep on A''s bed.

)

 

[vc10um]

HH, I like your style.

Engineering tried to beat all my English teachings out of me, but I think I''ve stood pretty firm and refused to delve into that "technical writing" crap. I miss seeing good writing on a daily basis...yay legalese.

 

[Squirrly]

lol so if my plan to hop around the carribean/mexico/south america doesn''t pan out and i end up doing a US tour instead i might just appear in DC in mid-late sept/early oct

looks like it''s be under 200 roundtrip from cali though so i could just as easily come for food in jan. yay!

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

BAH! What I wrote up there is pretty wordy, but it sounds like the Rab is looking for overly flowery language.

 

[Hudson_Hawk]

My husband is the cutest thing EVER! What''s he doing instead of work right now? He''s crib shopping online!