Birthday and Other celebrations.

 My actual birthday was on the 10th it's now the 12th and I had lots of lovely messages from friends and family all across the world. Opened my gifts whilst Zooming with family back in Keele Road. And also had a nice long phone call with cousin Oli and uncle Harold. Harold is doing pretty well all things considered. 

Latter had a birthday dinner around at Emily's with Emily and Renee whilst we watched funny documentries.  And while I opened my gifts from them 

On the 11th I had a Zoom picnic with Mandy and Sam, which was a great deal of funny they where together and I was there via Zoom and we spent time together in a park. 

Latter on had another celebration with Emily and Renee and Matt (Remotely).  

So all in all my birthday was a great deal of fun, amazingly so given all that is going on in the world. Not sure I'm going to talk about that given the continuing disasters of Trump, Covid-19, and Brexit.  I haven't been able to go back home to Stoke in months and even though I Zoom home every day it isn't the same. 

On an entirely different note, I think I have decided or at least all but decided to undertake a PhD, which given how the last one went is pretty amazing. (But I'm not going to do anything hasty-well I never do, do I).

Panda is still bring me joy. Albeit that he is at times a very naughty cat. 

I continue to do my study with Tina and with Francesca. So not much has change really. Largely thanks to Covid.

Not a lot of news

Not much has changed since my last post. I am still at home in Keele recovering after my second seizure and longish stay in stay in hospital. I am slowly, slowly getting back on my feet, but it really is going to take some time. I have caught up with Daf Yomi and I have started Skyping into some of Emily and my 5th classes so this is progress.  I also have another hospital appointment and scan coming up on the 9th of November so hopefully I will have a much better idea of what is happening/what has happened after that.
My short term memory is still a bit patchy, although nothing like as bad as it was. And in fact this might be a side effect of some of my other medication.
I am still resting, and digesting what has happened and I am also still feeling really deeply touch by all the love, care and support I have received from so many many people.  I am learning and in some cases re-learning copying mechanism for my memory, short attention span (I was very very easily distracted as a child in school). So all in all not too much has changed since my last post but what changes there have been have been in right direction, which is a good thing. I am still a bit down but I am hopeful that this also is starting lift.  

A second and much more serious seizure

So times have been a little tough, but for better and or worse I don't actually remember to much about what actually happened. Although I have been able to 'reconstruct' what happened from Facebook, and notes I kept at the time. My last post spoke about a seizure I had back in July and from which I felt and it seemed as if I had bounced back from fairly speedily. However, at the end of August I had a much more serious seizure which resulted in a 16 day stay in hospital (three different ones actually) and I have now been home in Stoke recovering for 16 days as well. I am slowly slowly getting back on my feet but I think its going to be long and slow process, one of months rather than weeks.  There are lots of 'interesting' aftereffects of my second seizure, one is that I am inclined to burst into tears abruptly and for no real reason, although this might be the result of the myriad of different drugs that I am taking at the moment.  My sense of the passing of time is also a bit muddled, so i will zone out and minutes or even hours will pass and I won't notice and it will only seem like a few seconds. Sadly this isn't true when I wake in small hours and can't get back to sleep when time passes so so slowly. On the time front because my second seizure 'deleted' the time between the first one and the second one, and because my 16 days in hospital feel like 5 (I can only actually remember stuff from right at the end) and the 16 days back home also only feel like about a week, my internal clock is telling me its the end of July! And although I know, its actually the end of September, this just doesn't 'feel', right.  Physically I am feeling really really weak, this is what being run down and then over a month of lying down will do to you, I guess.

 I am also being to feel a bit down, something I am keen doesn't get any stronger.
My short term memory is also pretty shot, it is getting better but because I cannot remember how bad it was it doesn't really feel as if it were getting better to me.

On the other hand I am feeling really really loved I received so so many messages of support and comfort in the aftermath of what has happened but I have really been hit for six and it is going to take me a long time to work my way back. College has been amazingly supportive. And Emily was simply amazing. She not only caught what was happening to me from half way around the world, basically she saved my life. (And in true current form I have just burst into tears while typing). She has also been in near constant contact with me and is helping me regain my memories, talking me though our new flat as the picture in my mind that tends to come is of the old flat.

I am trying to find things to be positive about, and one is that yesterday I got to be a congregant at a synagogue for Rosh Hashanah, which is not something which I was expecting to happen anytime soon.

But I am feeling 'stuck' although I know I am not really stuck and that this albeit a setback will in turn pass, and I just need to be a bit more patient. Its just that I am not very good at being patient.

The memory effects are odd, I am getting better at 'getting the right answer to the question' and I know its right it just doesn't 'feel' like it has substance, on the other hand I have 'memories', from a year which is yet to happen and was (in my hallucinations) very strange indeed.

I am trying to stay positive, but at the same time not push myself too hard which would be totally counter-productive I certainly couldn't afford a third major seizure. One method I am using is to look for things I can learn from the experience, of which there are actually quiet a few. Both ones I will be able to use when I am ordained but also more academic things, I am thinking of writing a paper about my experiences when I more fully restored.

And a second as mentioned is the overwhelming amounts of care and love I have been given from my family, hospital staff my friends and colleagues from the present and indeed the past, matthew who was great and got me hospital and Emily who has been wonderful. I am also so grateful for the NHS and the doctors/nurses and other staff who work there.

So in summary it has been a scary time, and emotionally very stressful for me (and of course for those around me especially mum). I am trying to draw lessons from the experience(s) and to cut myself some slack. And most importantly not to get down or depressed because in the end all will be well if I have faith and just let things take their own sweet time. It has also given me an insight, albeit a minor one into what people in the community who are living with long term conditions are going though. Again I always knew, but there is knowing and there is knowing.

This was a rather more dramatic end to my 4th / start of my 5th year than I was expecting (I had felt things were running along quiet smoothly thank you.)

I hope that there won't be such a long gap between post over here on this blog and I also hope that I have less news to report. As I am medically ordered rest for the next few months this seems likely.

So to end on a, slightly, funny note. I have found that shaving and steroid induced tremors do not a happy combination make.

Getting back in the swing of things

I am slowly settling back into the swing of things after my seizure at the start of July.  And although I go home for the weekends I spend most of the week back in London in the flat. Last Sunday I had my NMRI scan up in Manchester so hopefully I will know soon what caused my seizure although if it is epilepsy then there is likely nothing to see in the scan.  But in myself I am feeling much better, although I have more moments of blind panic than I would like.  (I am working on this with my therapist) I have also re-started meeting my personal trainer and although i can feel that my conditioning has slipped over the two or three weeks when I haven't been meeting with her it has not slipped as badly as I would have thought.
Apart from this things have been continuing along okay really. I have been getting ready for my 5th placement, although not making as much progress as I would have liked, getting ready for the 5th year, again not made as much progress as i had hoped i would, this is going to become a theme in this particular blog post. My preparation for my MA is in the same place as is my High Holy Preparations. So all in all okay but not great.

And as for my plans of getting lots of work experience over the summer nothing came of that really. Well almost nothing I am preaching on Friday at West London Synagogue.  I am also finishing off the stuff for Limmud albeit that that is now getting to stage where it really is moving on to become other peoples work.

The summer reading continues and I have two more light, easy and fun books on order. I have to make the most of this time because looking at the 5th year I don't think that I am going to have much outside reading time.

I am also making a concerted attempt to meet with friends, last week I got to hang out with Mandy and we went to the Victoria and Albert museum.

I have one more hospital appointment scheduled in the next couple of weeks and then induction begins. Although quiet why I need to be inducted now that I am a 5th year I don't know. Especially as of today I only have 318 days to go :)

Emily is still in Canada, where although busy she seems to be having a great time. But I am really missing her and am really looking forward to her return.

Passover, Emily's Birthday and the Continuing 4th year.

So how I always forget how hard the second semester is, even in a year when it is not overloaded with classes. It seems to drag on and on and on.  At the moment I am back home in Stoke because its Passover, or will be the 1st night Sader is tonight. But the semester did go right up till the end. In fact we still have a week of classes left after the Peasch holidays. Plus some catch-up classes.  Fortunately the assessments this semester are relatively light. I have a fairly major essay for Rabbinic Texts, a major presentation of Megilot, a presentation (and I think a report) for spirituality and finally a report for Tikkun Olam.

Then there are both of Biennials to attended, one for LJ and one for the MRJ. Kol Bo in the summer and the LBC Day of Celebration and finally Ordination. And then my Fourth Year is over. It somehow seems like a lot and like a little simultaneously. And i have as always taken things for limmud, which somehow I also always manage to forget how much work they will actually be. Although I am sure I will enjoy them as well.

As busy as the year has been I have managed to see a few friends. Matthew and others and last week it was Emily's birthday, which is always a lot of fun.

My extra reading lesson continue, and I am pretty sure that they are making a difference which is great. I am also continuing to meet and train with my personal trainer and I am sure this is making a difference. Last week was the first time that we have been able to properly train out of doors. Because the weather was finally nice enough.

Oh I almost forgot that one marker on the year that is still left is the College Dinner.  Anyway this is just an update and really a very profound one at. Things are carrying on much as they have before. And as of today I have 447 days to go until ordination.

Settling into the 8th semester

I am now settling into my 8th semester. And so far things are going pretty well. I have two academic classes and two vocational and although all four are quiet high work load its nothing I don't think I shall be able to handle.  I am especially enjoying the Talmud and Midrash class.  Although that said all I are interesting. Additional I am auditing a class on service leading skills, which technically is a first year class but I think it will be useful as this is something that I feel i have missed out on rather.

Outside of school my placement is still going well. Although a number to times I have gone all the way down to KLS only for nobody to turn up. This is partly due to the horrible weather we have been having lately.  I am still enjoying the mix of stuff that I have been doing and my number of sessions are ticking over nicely.

My reading classes-To help me with my dyslexia are progressing nicely as well. So all in all things are looking really positive on almost all fronts.

Apart from work work work which sometimes realls pretty relentless not all that much has been happening.  I have agreed to take part in the Limmud Chervauta Project again. For the last time, as next time would take me over into when I am actually a rabbi.

And last week I was photographed as part of an art project looking at people who are training to be religious leaders. (It was quiet exciting and I am looking forward to seeing the results).

Yesterday after getting back from KLS I went out to celebrate Matthew's birthday which was fun.

Today was mainly a working day. Albeit that i did find time for a walk around the local park. Enjoying a sunny day which has been so rare of late. There were lots of trees down because of the recent high winds but not as many as i might have feared and the park was very beautiful in sunshine.

Tomorrow another week starts, which looks set to be busy…well they all look that way now. And then on Wednesday I hit the 500 days to go mark.

Assessments, training (PE) and other things

It feels as if the year has really gotten going now.  I am back in the flat in London although Emily is still away in Canada so its a little lonely.  Yesterday (Friday) I had my first training session with Danielle of the new year. I found it all a little harder than before the brake although nothing like as bad as I expected. Embracingly I forgot to give her her money. We both remembered only after we had gone our separate ways on the Tube. She was cool about it and I'll give her double next time we meet which will either be monday or Tuesday.
I also forgot to put my anti-nusia bracelets on, and only remembered I wasn't wearing them right at the end and I wasn't sick once. (Now there is an improvement).
In all seriousness I am so much fitter now than when I started and its only been a short time.  We moved where we meet to Parsons Green because of the weather so much rain and thunder and winds. But its not really cold at all C.F., with USA and Canada.

Then after training it was back home for a shower and a change of outfit and off the synagogue FPS., it was the evening before a Bar-Mitzvah and the boy although very nervous gave a truly exceptional D'var Torah.

Rabbi Rebecca was in good form and it was also nice to meet up with Kathy again and catch up.  I have also been working away on my assessments I have done quiet a few of them but still have four remaining so I need to a) Finish Liturgy (not to bad but I really want to do a good job with this one.) b) Finish Modern Jewish Thought. (I've already done quite a bit on it but its complex).  c) Progessive Jewish Decision making. (In effect I have to write a resonsa done some research and have been thinking about it but still have a long way to go. and finally d) An analysis of two academic articles for Research methods. shouldn't be that much trouble.

Tomorrow I go around to Matthew's for our much delayed winter celebration. Then it serious will be nose back to the grind stone.  Although I hope to be able to get in another visit back home.

Hanukkah, Home, and lots and lots of work

Hi lovely people over here on this blog, or any of my blogs really.  It feels like time for an update.  I have been very very very busy and I know I start nearly all my blog postings this way but this is because I nearly always am very busy.

Last weekend I managed to slip in a visit home, which was very nice as Hanukkah was still happening, as always I was surprised by how much Aaron has grown and changed since the last visit even though the prior visit was only five weeks earlier, he is changing at a remarkable rate.

At school academically things are still going well, although as the semester draws to a close I am getting increasingly busy. For example I have two presentations next week, and I am starting to think but essays and the like.  I am also quiet a long way along with preparing my research proposal for my Rabbinic Dissertation, which is both good and rather scary.  Outside of school work I am still really enjoying working at Kingston Liberal Synagogue, which is a lovely community and I am learning so much from Charley B.

This weekend has proved enjoyable but tiring, Friday Night I went to Hendon Reform Synagogue to their first ever Rock Kabbalat Shabbat, which was a great success and I stayed on for the supper.

Saturday I went down to KLS to attend the interfaith/family service and then afterwards there was a meeting of the teachers for the religion school.

Then that evening I met up with some old friends, Mandy, Ali and Matthew, so that was fun but it meant a late night.

I have, as you will not be surprised to learn, a lot to do today, including the general stuff of life and of course preparation for next week.

Looking forward there is limmud, still a lot to do on my sessions but I am excited about the conference and seeing everyone again. Also this year's chevaruta books look fantastic.

So all in all things are good and there are 574 days to go.

First week at school and a very busy weekend.

I have completed my first week of my fourth year and I have to stay that I am very upbeat about my courses, there is a good range of classes covering a good mixture between vocational/practical and purely academic. Last week was a little disrupted because of the festivals, but now the HHD season is finally and fully over I can get on with normal work under a normal schedule.

On Wednesday I had lunch in the NNLS succah and on Thursday I returned there for the evening service, and then it was the weekend which as it turned out was rather busy. On Friday I headed down to KLS, where I shall be spending my 4th year placement, this was just to do some legal/adminestive  things.

I then returned to Central London and went to the Routes (LJ) supper-club which was great. Good company (more people than usual), interesting Torah and wonderful food. Then on Saturday I went to Finchley Progressive Synagogue (it was a Bat-Mitzvah) so very busy. Sunday I went to LJ Educational Networking seminar which was very interesting and one of the first times that I represented KLS formally.

I am, I have to say, rather tired. But I am nevertheless looking forward to the first uninterrupted week at school.

New School Year

On Monday a New School Year will start my fourth at rabbinical-school, and I think I am, for the first time entirely upbeat and positive.  I am really looking forward to it my classes which looking manageable if challenging and my practical placement.  Although looking forward to school starting is normal for me, there had to be a reason after all that I lingered in the groves of academe as long as I did. It was not however, how I have experienced rabbinical-school. My first semester was engulfed in chaos, see the blog for 2010 if you are interested. And although I was settled and looking forward to restarting school for my second semester it was defiantly tinged with sorrow that my YII was drawing to a close and I would soon be parted from Israel and so many great friends with whom I had shared the most life changing (and best so far) year of my life.
My second year got off to a rough start too and I was sufficiently unhappy that it clouded my fourth semester as well. I think looking back that I was probably depressed (and because I didn't know it I was getting treatment).
And although I was more settled in my third year I cannot say I was every really really looking forward to my work and classes restarting.
But things are different now, I am impatient for it to start, and I am feeling up-beat so much so that I am certain that the little things that go wrong (as is certain to happen from time to time) will be a source of humour and colour in my life rather than big deals.

On Friday I had a meeting with my new personal trainer, all part of the get healthy campaign. I also discovered a rather interesting leftwing book shop and came away with a couple of books.

So far succot has been pleasant, and although I don't have a succah (first floor flat and all that) I do have a lulav and Etrog.

The project for Limmud is all but done. Part of my activities for tomorrow are making another view of it. I am meeting up with Matthew, Mandy, Ali and prahapes someother friends tomorrow afternoon/evening.

All is basically well.

Onwards and Upwards?

So first things first a bit of an apology in not posting sooner but things have been very very busy.  This is mainly because Emily and I are moving flats! More on that latter.  But there are other things to update about first.

Academics

I got my makes back for the essays, and I have passed them all. And as for some of them the essay was 100% of the mark this means I have passed the 3rd year and am now a 4th year rabbinic student which feels insane. How has it happened so quickly.  My marks were far from stella, but I find that I am increasingly unconcerned with what grade a particular essay, or indeed model receives. A pass is a pass is pass. And I am much much more concerned about actually learning practical skills of the rabbinate.  I know that I have been saying this for sometime and that because of the shear number of assessments I had I had taken the decision that all I got do is pass the essays, nevertheless in times gone by I would have been sad (although only a little and not for long) about my marks. This time I was completely satisfied to have passed.
As always the comments were nicer than the marks might have suggested that they were going to be.
Basically I had three groups some in the low 50s, and another in the mid/high 50s and then one out lier at 67%. (50% was the passmark).

This brings me to practical stuff.  I have made contact with Eastbourne (where I am doing my High Holy Days) and things are progressing okay there.  They seem like a really nice community and I am confident that all will go well there, although there is of course still much work to be done.

I am also really looking forward to my 4th year placement which is going to take place Kingston Liberal Synagogue.  I think that this is going to be a great experience, and one which I hope will benefit both me and the community.

The project for Limmud is still progressing and I think is actually going to be really good when its done. As its on prayer when I get to see a final copy I may well send it to Shelly as I think it will interest him. But it needs to be finished before that, there is still a lot to do but I am happy with it and with how things are going.

I still don't know all that much about the shape of my fourth year but as my move and the HHDs are between me and it I am not overly concerned. And any way Que Sera, Sera.

Now the move. Currently almost all my and Emily's stuff is in boxes, oh so many boxes. We have found a lovely flat much nearer the college, near our favourite pub, the tube, the shops. Everywhere really.  Moving is stressful we are doing okay but there is so much more to do. Will post more about flats and moving in future posts. But happy about it. :)

Emily and I have continued our eat well and exercise  campaign and I am feeling a lot better/healthier for it. I have also been taking the chance to catch up with friends.

About all that is happening apart from that is I have started working with a Rabbi/speach therapist on my Hebrew reading, about which I am hopeful.

So I think that this must count as the last post of my third year. Upshot things are changing (largely for the better) and I am now a 4th year.

So what do I want from the 4th year? Learn as much as I can from my placement and HHDs. Go to Limmud (I am still thinking about what to do there), try and go to the Liberal and Reform bianneals. Improve my Hebrew and all round skills/knowledge.

692 days to go and counting.

last service of the year

Yesterday was the last service of the year here at Leo Baeck College, which was really lovely. Esther H., lead the first part of the service with guitar and singing, Benji, led a other parts of the service in a pleasant nuisa, he also layined the Torah reading, and Leah gave a really great D'var Torah, which really captured the right tone and mode for the occasion.
This was followed by the presentation of Talliot, again very beautiful. Dava participated in Taliting Esther, as did Banji for Leah along with her Dad and Leah helped to Tallit Benji. I was actually in tears by the end because it was so very moving.

After the service I chilled out in the Blue room before going for lunch with some of the first years: Hannah, Kath, Naomi, and Robyn we went to the Pizza place near the college.  This was very nice as I don't normally get a chance to hang out with either Naomi or Robyn.

Back at the college I chilled again for a few minutes talking with Leah, before taking Emily's guitar back to the flat.

Latter I went to Tesco to buy some goods for dinner. Emily and I are having a campain of correct-eating.  As we think how bad we are feeling is down to not eating enough protein and or fruit and veggies.  It has only been going a day (All of yesterday, three meals. Fruit and veggies, and proper protein.) And a proper breakfast this morning.

I still have a lot on, I think that this is going to be fairly smooth sailing.

A very busy shabbat.

This weekend proved very busy pleasant but busy nevertheless.  On Saturday morning we (Emily and I) went to Kol Hai Synagogue where Emily will be working.  Its Michael Hilton's synagogue so that was nice, we then went to Michael's home for lunch although it was rather rushed because I needed to get to West Central Synagogue to lead services there.

I really enjoyed that, although I was very very tired. But they are a lovely community. As well as leading the services, I read Torah and gave a sermon. See blow.

On Sunday we went for a picnic with Matthew in Hendon, very nice enjoying the sunshine even if there were too many ticks.

Sermon (more or less what I said although I did add-lib somewhat)

וַתִּקְרַבְנָה בְּנוֹת צְלָפְחָד, בֶּן-חֵפֶר בֶּן-גִּלְעָד בֶּן-מָכִיר בֶּן-מְנַשֶּׁה, לְמִשְׁפְּחֹת, מְנַשֶּׁה בֶן-יוֹסֵף; וְאֵלֶּה, שְׁמוֹת בְּנֹתָיו--מַחְלָה נֹעָה, וְחָגְלָה וּמִלְכָּה וְתִרְצָה.

One of my first Hebrew teachers said that one of the main differences between Hebrew and English is that English is broad language whereas Hebrew is a deep one. English has spread widely around the world and wherever it has gone it has brought back words from other languages and made them its own. The result has been that for almost any meaning there is a word, and that perhaps English is best suited of all languages to indicated and to distinguish between fine shades of nuisance.

Hebrew on the other hand builds internal connection between concepts, individual words connect with other words and ideas interact with related but otherwise different concepts, Hebrew words also have multiple meanings, for example D'var which means both word and thing.

The Hebrew term for an offering or sacrifice Korban contains the kernel of the idea of proximity or closeness, because it is derived from the root Quf, bet, resh. The basic meaning of which means to come-close.

The first word of the passage of Torah which we read today was also derived from this basic root. Va-tik-rav-nah. And they (the Daughters of Zelophehad) approached.

Please forgive me, but I am going to talk about grammar but don't worry not for very long, this word is in the third person feminine plural imperfect. An unusual form and one that when I encounter it sometimes catches me out. Simply because it is so unusual.

This is because Hebrew is different from English in another way, in that it is a gendered language. However, even if there were a group of 999 women and just one man, then the form the verb would take would be masculine. So encountering feminine plural verbs, and therefore all female action, is uncommon.

But in todays reading we find just that the daughters of Zelophanad. But not only that, we get to hear them speak, two whole verses of the Torah reading are given over to their request which was more a bitting critic of the system of inheritance in operation during the time of the wondering of the Israelites in the wilderness.

What is more, their request and critic is validated and confirmed not only by Moses, but rather the Eternal One.

If this were not enough to draw our attention to this strange and short section of Torah, we are told the names of all five of the daughters of Zelophehad, as well as Zelophehad's full ancestry. I needs to be stressed that the nature of the style of torah is to be very sparing with words, hardly a single word is wasted.

In this context it is surprising, actually very surprising, to find this much narrative detail about a seemingly trivial issue. After all probate is not that exciting.

Apologies to any probate lawyers who are present in the congregation.

This can only be to attract our attention. For the Torah women's rights in the area of inheritance was important. Indeed Judaism has had a long history of being at the cutting edge of women's rights.

The female Judaean had freedoms that her Athenian counterpart could only dream off. Latter the same held true for women classical rabbinic period and the Romain world.

This is a tradition which is happily continued by the progressive movements. From the ordination of Regina Jonas in 1935, though the publication of Siddurim written in gender inclusive language and in Israel with the work of IRAC and women of the wall.

It is especially fitting, and yes poignant to read a passage of Torah focused on the inclusion of women in the synagogue founded by Lily Montague for the benefit of, largely female shop workers.

Just as, according to the Torah, the daughters of Zelophehad noticed lack in provisions for women and acted to change it, so too many generations latter did Lily Montague.

There is still, plenty of, work to be done in terms of inclusion both within the Jewish world and externally too it. But reviewing our history we can find the necessary courage and impetuous for action.

Ken Yehi Ratzon

MA Bibliography (and a short posting)

This is going to be a rather odd posting, as mostly its going to be a bibliography. But first yesterday was a nice day it had a really Shabbat like feeling, kind of like being back in Jlem. Partly this may have simply been down to the weather which was kind of like Israel very warm and muggy.  But it was also that on my walk to synagogue, and just by chance the people I met where on their way to synagogue as well. So it was nice to exchange greetings of 'Shabbat Shalom', even as I left the flat I hadn't decided which shul I was going to.  In the end I opted for FPS.  It was a really nice services and I got to have a very pleasant chat with Kathy who was there as well.  Its been ages since we have run into each other.

Then it was back to the flat for a meal I'd cooked, I really must get back into the habit of cooking more. The next day I went back to FPS, Rene was leading and again it was a very pleasant service.

Next week we have Kol Bo., and I still have one or two big things on but apart from that I am so much less busy than I was until recently.

This brings me to the bibliography.  I have updated my MA bibliography which was entitled, "Incest in the Ancestry of David: A Combined reading of Genesis 19, Genesis 38 and the Book of Ruth''.

I think that its a pretty good thesis and the bibliography is I think useful to others researching in this area so I wanted to put it on line and via my blog seemed like the easiest way of so doing.

Alexander, T., Desmond. ''Lot's Hospitality: A Clue to His Righteousness'' Journal of Biblical Literature (1985) Volume 104:2 289-291.

Alter, Robert The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, 1981

Anderson, A., Arnold. ''The Marriage of Ruth.'' Journal of Semitic Studies (1978) 22 171-183.

Astour, C, Michael. ''Tamar the Hierodule an Essay in the Method of Vestigial Motifs.'' Journal of Biblical Literature (1966) 85:192-196.

Arbeitman, L., Yoel. ''Tamar's Name or is it?'' Zeitschrift fur die altterstamentilche Wissenschaft (2000) 112 Number 3 341-355.

Barker, R. James Women's rights in the Old Testament times. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1992.

Bergson, Henri. La rire: Essai sur la Signification du Comique Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1900.

Brenner, Athalya. ''Naomi and Ruth'' Vetus Testamentum (1983) 33 Number 4 385-397.

-''On the semantic field of humour, laughter and the comic in the Old Testament: On Humour and Comedy in the Hebrew Bible''. Journal for the study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 92. (1990).

-Ed. ''Are we Amused? Humour about women in Biblical Worlds'' Journal for the study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 383. (2003).

Brown, F., Driver, S., R., and Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon Peabody Ma: Hendrickson Publishing, 1979.

Brooks, A., Beatrice. ''Fertility Cult functionaries in Old Testament'' Journal of Biblical Literature 60: 227-253 (1941)

Bush, W., Fredrick Word Biblical Commentary Number 9: Ruth and Ester. Dallas: Word Books Publishing, 1996.

Campbell, F., Edward The Anchor Bible: Ruth. Garden City NY: Doubleday and Company, 1975.

Childs S., Brevard Introduction to the Old Testament as Scripture London: SCM Press, 1979.

Eissfeldt, Otto. Hexateuch-Synopse Leipzig, 1922.

Emertonn, J., Adney. ''Some Problems in Genesis XXXVIII. Vetus Testamentum (1975) Number 25 338-361.

• ''An Examination of recent structuralist interpretation of Genesis XXXVIII'' Vetus Testamentum (1976) Number 26 79-98.
• ''Judah and Tamar'' Vetus Testamentum (1979) Number 29 403-415.

Fish, Harold. ''Ruth and the Structure of Covenant History'' Vetus Testamentum Number 32 423-437.

Fuchs, Esther ''Sexual Politics in the Biblical Narrative'' Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series 310, (2000).

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Hall, Sarah. ''Tamar, a polemic on Tamar? An intertextual discussion of the Juxtaposition between male and female comprehensions of the rules of relationships within 2^nd Samuel 13 and Genesis 38 narratives'' MA. Diss. The University of Manchester, 2000.

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Ho Y., S., Graig ''The Stories of the Family Troubles of Judah and David: A Study of Their Literary Links'' Vetus Testamentum Volume 49:4 514-531

Jackson, Melissa. ''Lot's Daughters and Tamar as Tricksters and the Patriarchal Narratives as Feminist Theology'' Journal for the Study of the Old Testament (2002) Number 98 29-46.

Kim, Dohyung ''The Structure of Genesis 38: A Thematic Reading'' Vetus Testamentum (2012) Number 62 550-560.

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Brussels and Back

I have returned from my, very brief, visit to the Liberal Jewish Community in Brussels.  I had a great time. The journey there was uneventful and even peaceful (even for a person who is not a big fan of travelling).  The Eurostar is so easy to use really beats flying.
The train services between Brussels Midi-and Leuven where I was staying were so easy to use, even though I don't speak French or Flemish and cheap.  But, is nevertheless clean, fast and efficient.  Leuven itself is a such a Beautiful town.  A University town much like Oxford or Cambridge medieval and very small.

I was being put up in a very pleasant hotel operated by Brian who is one of the mainstays of the community and teaches in the theology faculty.  As it happens this weekend was the communities last weekend in the current home so a rather special event.

I had a chance to meet with people and the next day I was reading some Torah (went well) and I gave a D'var Torah (also went well).

In the afternoon I had a chance to go around Leuven, which had markets and beautiful medieval buildings.  I brought some very very pleasant chocolates for Emily and I to share and a small snow globe for Emily as very little gift.

Generally I had a very pleasant time all though it was rather tiring.

Latter today I am going to meet up with Daisy and people for drinks in Kentish town.

Emily's Birthday and other days

The year is moving though its marker points, as it always does, last week was Yom Hashoah and yesterday was Emily's birthday, although the celebrations are continuing today.  Yesterday after giving Emily her grifts and card we went and got a nice cake and some food for that evenings festivities.  Later  Josh D., came around and we went to Brent Cross before coming back to the flat.  Hannah and Haim came and we had cake, pizza and wine.  A very happy and fun evening :)
Latter today we are going to go out and have drinks as a further celebration.  At school things are still proceeding onwards.  Although I haven't finished off any further assignments I have come up/finalised my plan for my midrash essay (I am pretty happy with it).
I have also finished and sent off my research proposal for my rabbinic literature essay.  Title, Abstract and Bibliography...(I have sent off for a few further books to help with writing this essay.)  This really just leaves, the essays on Rambam and education to get under way.  So all in all I am happy with how school is progressing.
This years Limmud Chervatura Project is also starting to get off the ground.  This will be a lot of work but I am sure I will enjoy it as much this year as I did last.

Next week is Yom Hazikkeron and Yom Haatzmiut (the day of remembrance and Israel Independence day.) At this time I really miss being in Israel and it seems strange to think that it was two full years ago that I was marking these days in Israel.  The memory of the Yom Hashoah ceremony at HUC and then Yom Hazikkaron at the School in Rehavia are still very powerful.

Back here in London I think, finger crossed that spring may actually have come now. The birds are very actively building their nests and there is real warmth in the sunshine.

limmud update

As I type I am still at Limmud and am having a truly amazing time. Attending sessions, many of which have been expectional. But I have also been meeting up with people, old and new, as well as networking.
I have enjoyed being part of the Limmud chevrota project, and I think that the first of my two sessions went well. My second session (which is on Tamar and Judah) is later on today. A couple of the sessions will really stay with me, I think that some of the materials I learnt in Yehoshua Engelman, will give me food for thought in the coming weeks and months.  I am certain that the session I attended on Tuesday by Levi Lauer will not only give me intellectual stimulus but will also provid me with the impetus to attactually get up and do stuff.
I am only sad that it is drawing to a close as I feel that I could do with a lot more limmud, but I still have the remainder of today and at least a part of tomorrow to look forward to. I am currently looking after the LBC stand in the 'market place'. And will go to a session by Naamah Kalman, shortly.
I hope that everyone to whom it is applicable had an amazing Christmass.

Limmud

I am currently at Limmud, I travelled up here this morning on the limmud coach with Emily. My room is really pleasant and it has been really good to meet up with limmud friends from years gone by. I have had a bit of a look though the program which looks great as always. I am starting to feel that limmud buzz, which I have really missed these past two limmudim. There are still a few people whom I want to catchup with but I am sure that the opportunity will present itself over the course of the next few days.

Back now to studying the program, thinking and socialising.

Hag limmud samche

One more week near the end of term

It has been another long week, albeit not an unpleasant one, Monday which feels like it was a very long time ago, was fairly uneventful. Just longer than usual with an extra-catch up class in it.  Tuesday was long also because I had a couple of extra-meetings.  Wednesday which is normally relatively peace was  fun but much longer than usual as some of us went out after school to eat (Mexican) and then to a movie: 'The master', which was great really really interesting.
Thursday involved a lot of running about, firstly off to where I am doing my Jewish care placement then back to college to have a meeting discussion about Zionism(s). Then back to the flat to let the washing machine man in (yes thats right it had broken again). Then in my case it was back in the direction of school to go to my weakly therapy session.
Today Friday I have been taking it easy. Went out to pick up a parcel from the post office. Am now lessing to Emily practicing her songs for the kabbalat-Shabbat service. Soon I will go with her to FPS for service then I am planning of skyping with the folks back home.
I have quite a lot of work to do this weekend. But not so much that it will be impossible to get it down.

We are getting to point when we have assessments, large and small to do for class so am busier than I would normally be which is in fact saying something.

So not much has really changed all that much since my last post. Shabbat shalom to one and all.

Long week

Somehow this past week has felt rather long, this might be because I went home last weekend which always means I start the week off rather on the back foot. Nevertheless I'm really shattered and ready for the most peaceful weekend/shabbat that I can get.  (Although as always I do have work, quite a lot of work to do actually.

Thursday started with my Pastoral placement: Which I am really starting to enjoy. This day I went in as normal and chatted with various people about different topics.  Latter rather than taking part in a discussion group I was involved with a spelling game. (Imagine how well that went? :) people seemed to enjoy correcting my spelling. And I have been at this particular game long enough for this not to brother me.

Then it was back to college for one of our meetings with MMC, who is holding this part of the program.  (This are always both useful, interesting but somewhat challenging).

After a short rest, although I did bump into Mini, it was time to go to my therapy session.

Then it was off to the Catcher in the Rye, to hung out with some friends. Emily was there, as well as Ben and Sarah, Adam (not me another Adam) and Leah and Banji. It was lost of fun. The food at the Catcher is really rather nice and I had a really nice strawberry and lime bear.

So that was a pleasant end to a long hard week.

Shabbat Shalom