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.
Showing posts with label apartment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label apartment. Show all posts
Saturday, 4 January 2014
Friday, 16 August 2013
High Holy Days and moving
The preparations for the move continue, world is still in boxes and we are sorting out all the little things that need doing, one by one. That said we still have a lot to do, I am also busy preparing for the High Holy Days. Looking though the prayer book, writing sermons and study sessions. So far I have finished one sermon. Its printed and ready to go (and I am actually really rather happy with it) I have also almost finished the basic parts of a study session so all in all I am rather happy with how things are going.
Naturally enough my thoughts are also turning towards my 4th year placement, and my 4th year in general which is starting to take shape. Although I would like a more comprehensive view of what it will look like, but as I am occupied with my up coming move and the HHDs it doesn't matter all that much. But I do know I have a class on Megilot (I don't foresee any problems), one on research methods (again been there done that should be fine), and practical rabbinics will focus on death and dying (I have some back ground there as well and feel confident about this course), thats really all I know so far but that is enough.
In terms of my placement I need to do 80 sessions, although a session is broadly defined. I have been in some discussion with Charley about what these might look like and I am really starting to get excited about the prospect.
It has made me think though, when I got to LBC after my year in Israel as a second year I was so convinced that the 4th years really really knew what they were doing and what it was all about, never mind the 5th who were demi-rabbis.
Now I am about to be one, I realise that its not necessarily like that, unless I am massively behind the curve, which I am almost certain I am not, then I really know that as a 4th year (albeit a very very new one) I am still finding my feet and learning.
But it does mean I have responsibilities towards the students in lower years, just as the 4th and 5th years really took me under their wings when I was a second year.
I think that the project I was doing for Limmud is all but wrapped up. I remember of course that those last little bits can take forever.
But all in all things are progressing nicely.
Oh and 688 Days to go.
Naturally enough my thoughts are also turning towards my 4th year placement, and my 4th year in general which is starting to take shape. Although I would like a more comprehensive view of what it will look like, but as I am occupied with my up coming move and the HHDs it doesn't matter all that much. But I do know I have a class on Megilot (I don't foresee any problems), one on research methods (again been there done that should be fine), and practical rabbinics will focus on death and dying (I have some back ground there as well and feel confident about this course), thats really all I know so far but that is enough.
In terms of my placement I need to do 80 sessions, although a session is broadly defined. I have been in some discussion with Charley about what these might look like and I am really starting to get excited about the prospect.
It has made me think though, when I got to LBC after my year in Israel as a second year I was so convinced that the 4th years really really knew what they were doing and what it was all about, never mind the 5th who were demi-rabbis.
Now I am about to be one, I realise that its not necessarily like that, unless I am massively behind the curve, which I am almost certain I am not, then I really know that as a 4th year (albeit a very very new one) I am still finding my feet and learning.
But it does mean I have responsibilities towards the students in lower years, just as the 4th and 5th years really took me under their wings when I was a second year.
I think that the project I was doing for Limmud is all but wrapped up. I remember of course that those last little bits can take forever.
But all in all things are progressing nicely.
Oh and 688 Days to go.
Sunday, 11 August 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
A Day of Spring
One sunny day and our small garden has come to life. The grass seems green and there are small buds on the trees. A number of small insects have appeared on the breaches of the bushes and tress. This in turn has brought a number of birds (pairs of birds actually) into the garden. Great Tits and Blue Tits, the crows are also showing signs of spring; carrying twigs and blades of grass. I spent some happy if quiet moments just sitting out there in the almost warm sunshine enjoying not doing the work I should be, and a hint of spring.
The weather must have had, an effect on me as well because after I had gone to get some stationary, and to get some grifts and party stuff for Emily I decided not to go straight back to the apartment but rather have a morning out (in London proper), I ended up in the British Library where I had a look at their current exhibition (as it turns out it was its last day). I then had a coffee in the court yard before just going for a walk around and about.
I then did head back but I enjoyed at least a morning away from the flat. I have enjoyed passover but will be pleased when I can eat bread again tonight.
The weather must have had, an effect on me as well because after I had gone to get some stationary, and to get some grifts and party stuff for Emily I decided not to go straight back to the apartment but rather have a morning out (in London proper), I ended up in the British Library where I had a look at their current exhibition (as it turns out it was its last day). I then had a coffee in the court yard before just going for a walk around and about.
I then did head back but I enjoyed at least a morning away from the flat. I have enjoyed passover but will be pleased when I can eat bread again tonight.
Monday, 1 April 2013
Assessments-1
Its time for one of my 'assessment' posts, early in the year I know but thats because this semester I have what can only be termed a ridiculous amount of essays. Seven in all, as well as other formal and semi-formal assessments.
I haven't had anything like this volume since I was in high-school (and that gave me a serious case of the screaming ab-dabs!) oh Happy days.
Anyway I have already been working like a mad thing and have sucessfully finished three of them. So far I have done.
Prophets-this was based on my presentation last semester and it seemed wise simply to get on with it. I think that this is pretty good essay far from great but certainly good.
I have also written my Liturgy essay. (This is either mad or brilliant) so it will be interesting to get this one back when marked to see what side of the insane/brilliant line it will fall.
The final essay that I have written is for Piyyutim. This I think is a very solid essay boarding on very good. So all in all I am happy with these so far. I am working hard on the background reading/research for my long essay on Rabbinic Literature its interesting but its also going to be hard work. The other essays that need to be done are one on the Rambam (should be okay), on for education (not sure) and one for Midrash (I am feeling a lot happier about this one than I was even a few days ago).
Then I have the day to day preparations for each class, a report I need to write (largely in order to help future generations of rabbinical students but nevertheless really necessary). The normal stuff of living/running the apartment, and continuing to act as one of the two gabbyim for the student-led morning services. Also all in all BUSSY!
The next point on the calendar is of course Emily's Birthday (as well as Yom Ha'atzmaut a little later in the month).
This academic year is starting to begin to draw to a close and I still have so much to do before it does. At the moment I am enjoying what is left of my Passover holiday (resting up, organisational stuff and of course academic work.)
I haven't had anything like this volume since I was in high-school (and that gave me a serious case of the screaming ab-dabs!) oh Happy days.
Anyway I have already been working like a mad thing and have sucessfully finished three of them. So far I have done.
Prophets-this was based on my presentation last semester and it seemed wise simply to get on with it. I think that this is pretty good essay far from great but certainly good.
I have also written my Liturgy essay. (This is either mad or brilliant) so it will be interesting to get this one back when marked to see what side of the insane/brilliant line it will fall.
The final essay that I have written is for Piyyutim. This I think is a very solid essay boarding on very good. So all in all I am happy with these so far. I am working hard on the background reading/research for my long essay on Rabbinic Literature its interesting but its also going to be hard work. The other essays that need to be done are one on the Rambam (should be okay), on for education (not sure) and one for Midrash (I am feeling a lot happier about this one than I was even a few days ago).
Then I have the day to day preparations for each class, a report I need to write (largely in order to help future generations of rabbinical students but nevertheless really necessary). The normal stuff of living/running the apartment, and continuing to act as one of the two gabbyim for the student-led morning services. Also all in all BUSSY!
The next point on the calendar is of course Emily's Birthday (as well as Yom Ha'atzmaut a little later in the month).
This academic year is starting to begin to draw to a close and I still have so much to do before it does. At the moment I am enjoying what is left of my Passover holiday (resting up, organisational stuff and of course academic work.)
Monday, 11 February 2013
General stuff of life
The General stuff of life seems to have been taking up a lot of time lately. The boiler in our flat broke, so no hot water and no heating. It then of course decided to get really cold so that was fun. Then part of our fence fell down. And finally the washing machine broke.
Washing machine man came and mended it, and then boiler man came. The person who is going to mend the fence is going to come on Wednesday...but then boiler was working on overdrive, so had to be toned down a little and washing machine broke again!!!
But I now know how to get it restarted so thats okay.
It snowed yesterday so the walk to school was slippy it also meant that there were less people there than normal. I am busy and a little stressed, well thats normally really and I am already looking forward to gaps in the schedule when things will be a little easier.
However, academically things are still going smoothly so all in all things are okay.
Washing machine man came and mended it, and then boiler man came. The person who is going to mend the fence is going to come on Wednesday...but then boiler was working on overdrive, so had to be toned down a little and washing machine broke again!!!
But I now know how to get it restarted so thats okay.
It snowed yesterday so the walk to school was slippy it also meant that there were less people there than normal. I am busy and a little stressed, well thats normally really and I am already looking forward to gaps in the schedule when things will be a little easier.
However, academically things are still going smoothly so all in all things are okay.
Friday, 5 October 2012
Party and Friday night
Yesterday was great. We had a party here at the flat, in part this was a very belated housewarming Emily and I had intended to have one it just took us a little longer to get properly settled into the flat and it organised than we had thought it. So it was good to do that, but it was also an early birthday party for me. (Organised brilliantly by Emily.)
It was quite small (around 11 guests) but really really enjoyable there were a few people from school. Including some of the new first year students. Some people who Emily knows thought work and I know though Emily and Mandy who is one of my friends though Ammadown. It was really fun and exciting evening with lots of drink and snack type food. One of my gifts was a really rather pleasant signle malt, so as i had some of that and a couple of Canadian bears I was a little merry but not too drunk.
That said I was too tipsy to attempt to cut the cake, (again a big thanks to Emily) with our flats knives which are huge. But luckily at least one guest was still up to cake cutting. So that was one good thing. I also got to have a lie-in and relatively restful day which is good because we are going to a Young Adults thing organised by LJ, which ought to be fun but I wouldn't have wanted to go very tired.
The other positive thing that has happened is in Daf Yomi we have finished Tractate Barachot, which feels like a big steep.
Nevertheless I found the first week back at school some what challenging. And there is already a lot on my plate. But feeling pretty happy after such a good and upbeat start to the weekend. And I think part of how hard I found the start of school was the lag of the High Holy Days which was really positive but also very tiring.
It was quite small (around 11 guests) but really really enjoyable there were a few people from school. Including some of the new first year students. Some people who Emily knows thought work and I know though Emily and Mandy who is one of my friends though Ammadown. It was really fun and exciting evening with lots of drink and snack type food. One of my gifts was a really rather pleasant signle malt, so as i had some of that and a couple of Canadian bears I was a little merry but not too drunk.
That said I was too tipsy to attempt to cut the cake, (again a big thanks to Emily) with our flats knives which are huge. But luckily at least one guest was still up to cake cutting. So that was one good thing. I also got to have a lie-in and relatively restful day which is good because we are going to a Young Adults thing organised by LJ, which ought to be fun but I wouldn't have wanted to go very tired.
The other positive thing that has happened is in Daf Yomi we have finished Tractate Barachot, which feels like a big steep.
Nevertheless I found the first week back at school some what challenging. And there is already a lot on my plate. But feeling pretty happy after such a good and upbeat start to the weekend. And I think part of how hard I found the start of school was the lag of the High Holy Days which was really positive but also very tiring.
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Things move on again
So things are really moving on at a pace. I have signed the lease on the flat in Jlem and sent off the signed contract by post as well as wiring the depost to my landlord. I also feel that I am getting to know my flatmates to be although only via Facebook and texts and emails. I still need to get my visa sorted although I have all the documentation that i require so it should be relatively straightforward to sort it out. (That said nothing else has been as easy as i had hopped it would be). As I write I still haven't heard from LBC about either the finanices or the results of my Hebrew exam. I am hopeful that all that will change this week.
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