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.

Rounding off the 4th year.

One of the difficult things about the spring semester is how it drags on but with so many breaks. Currently I am waiting to do a presentation, which has been rescheduled but one that is ready to go save for some minor printing and a very little preparations. I am also waiting of Kol Bo. The summer study. But basically I am done with my 4th year. And I am really happy be so. A couple of days ago I was down in Kingston for Erev Shavuot, I led the evening service and led a Biblodrama study session. I think it went well, especially the study session part. I am also decompressing from the stress of exams. And have really started thinking about and planning my 5th year. Basically this means that I am starting to think about my 5th year placement although things are still rather range on that front. I am also starting to work on my Rabbinic dissertation I am actually beginning to get excited about this it should be an interesting project.

However this dose mean that the 4th and 5th year are going to run into each other with very little in-between. But I am feeling more and more nature in my role as rabbi-to-be, in a way that I haven't before. I have grown a lot during this past year and working with Charley and at KLS has been great.

One down side of things at the moment is that I do not feel that I have made enough progress with my work for Limmud as I would like although I am sure that it will get done and will be good in the end.

I am still training with my personal trainer but I do seem to have hurt my knee or rather re-injured my knee which is a bit of a drag.  As its really painful and its stopping me from training as hard as I would, like.

But all in all things are good.

Last Day of the 4th Year

Today was my last class as a 4th. All I can say about this is wow. It feels like it has simultaneously happened very slowly and very fast. Today was quiet light after an informal morning service and pleasant chat with a few of my fellow students all we had was our last reflexive class. Yesterday however had been quiet tough double rabbinic literature and spirituality. In fact I am feeling really tired as this has proved to be a long hard semester.  Earlier in the week Emily and I had our presentations for Spirituality class, which I think went very well.

Also for once I do not feel overloaded with work and assessments although I am still busy. I have two essays to write one for rabbinic texts and one for spirituality. Additionally we have a presentation for Megilot Class and then that is is it.

Tomorrow I head off for LJ Bienniel and I am both looking forward to it because i think its going to be great fun but I am also dreading it. (Because I am very tired and the last thing I want to do is go off and be active for a weekend).  I am also going to be do a session at it.

After that we have the annual college dinner in about a fortnights time. As I've mentioned here in earlier  posts I am once again involved in the Limmud Chevaruta project (and I will need to start making some real traction there soon.)

Then there is the MRJ Biennial latter in the year and the two weeks of Kol Bo on either side of it. (So that is going to be one tough fortnight. Then its Ordination of the current 5th years and then that's the year fully over. So at the moment I feel I am in the slightly uncomfortable place of no longer an active 4th but certainly not a 5th year. (I will want to wait until it is confirmed that i have successfully pasted all my 4th year stuff before I will feel that.).

Anyway I felt like i owed you guys an update.  And now I had better get back on with packing for Biennial.

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.

Lots of things to keep my busy

As the title of the post suggests, I am currently very busy. March turned into a mad month. College continues okay, there is in truth not a lot to report there. Megiloth classes continues and is interesting enough. I am still finding my feet with Tikkun Olam class, still rather more Emily's thing than mine.  I am enjoying Midrash and Talmud Class (although its a lot of hard work), that leaves Spirituality which i am still struggling to place what it is and what its meant to accomplish. Although its under the heading of Vocational Studies. So all in all the classes are going well.

Emily and I have finally managed to schedule our, 'reflexive classes', indeed with have had two of the eight already. This is satisfying because for various reasons PCCS and Practical Rabbinics is an area in which I feel that we have missed out rather…my placement is still proceeding at KLS (still learning practical stuff there). One surprising thing I have done there is give a Lenten talk (standing in for Charley) at All Saints Church Kingston, which went well and turns out to be a fascinating place with a long history. Going all the way back to the Saxons Kings. In someways its where England was born.

The Limmud Chrevruta Project is getting under way. I am involved with the Limmud Beit Midrash Project also, but nothing has happened there yet. Additionally I am in the middle of giving four Talmud classes at Woodford Liberal Synagogue. Last week I observed Richard conduct a 'mixed faith blessing', down in the City (an interestingly disereted place on a Sunday).

So all in all things are moving on but I am very very busy and rashing about like a mad thing. This weekend I have taken the opportunity of a flying visit back home. (It is also of course Purim, which acts as one of the markers of my year. And means my 8th Semester is well under way.)

On that front I can feel myself focusing more on more on what happens after rabbinic school, even though I have 476 days to go. I am already thinking about how to draw my 4th year placement to a successful and meaningful conclusion. What will happen in my 5th year (although I still have very little idea what my course will look like or where I will be.) and then of course the start of my post-rabbinical school career. But thats all a long way off. For the moment I am trying to trick off a day at a time.

Steady as she goes, again.

Things having been sailing along really very smoothly, and i haven't all that much that I can blog about.  At the same time between school and my fourth year placement I have been really very busy.  Hence the lack of postings to this blog.

School is still going very smoothly.  I have booked to teach my session on Song of Songs, at KLS which is part of my assessment for Megilot.  The other modules are going just as smoothly as well. Outside of school I am still enjoying my placement at KLS I am learning a lot from good as well as from challenging experiences.  I am also continuing my work focusing on my Hebrew reading, which I am pretty sure is continuing to produce good results.

However, my schedule is very very tight which means I have not been able to get home in while, and won't be able to for a few weeks yet. I did have a nice long Skype home over the weekend. Shortly I am going to start teaching a series of four sessions on the Talmud over at Woodford Liberal Synagogue. I am really looking forward to these.

later on tonight I am going to have a Skype meeting about Limmud Chevaruta Project (2014). Although it will be a lot of work I am really looking forward to this as well.

I am also continuing to work out with my personal trainer, this too is really starting to show results and I really love the doing something physical and getting out of school and finchley.

A funny thing happened today. Emily and I were told that one of us had failed to hand in one of the feedback forms for one of our classes. This was despite the fact that both of us were certain that yes we had filled one in. In the end we went into the office and found that I had filled in the front and Emily the back. And yet one or other of us had handed it in nevertheless. It really comes to something then we have started filling in forms as one person.

Today was made especially bright because I got to IM with Tina with whom I have not chatted in ages.

Any way I had better go and make myself ready for this meeting.

Limmud, home and assessments

Limmud was as always wonderful so many people old and new. Great learning and teaching.  That first and second day there is always a joy I cannot go more than a few feet without meeting someone  I know and greeting an old friend.
This year I was teaching four sessions as part of the new Beit Midrash program (which is a fantastic idea and one with which I am keen to help with, next year).  These went well, they were on the topic of Judah and Tamar. (Looking at it four ways). I was also helping out with the Chervarta project, this also went well.

Although I enjoyed limmud tremendously I am very tired. Back home in Stoke getting on with work for the new semester and with my assessments. Busy as always. Happy but Busy.

End of semester, manchester, Limmud.

I was thinking about where to post this entry. Here or in my other blog. However, I think that the other blog is no more or less defunct so I shall post it to this particular one. Thinking about it I feel that the semester ended with something of whimper rather than with a roar. And I still have assessments to do for it. But my seventh semester at rabbinical school is over. Currently I am in Stoke although only for a single evening.

This morning I went for an NF check up in Manchester, good news I am in excellent health. Better in fact than when I was last seen. Way back when in 2007. But what struck me was how much the hospital has alter. It is almost unrecognisable from what it was last time I was. Very bright very modern.

What I found more alarming was how much the whole area around the university has changed. I wont say that I hardly recognised it, because it was still very clearly my old stomping ground. But considering how much time I spent there over such a long period of time it was really really different and it felt really disconcerting. To be somewhere which was simaltainously utterly familiar and yet very changed. And in the end I no longer felt at home there. Which given how long its been since I went back is hardly surprising.

After this very short visit home I go back to KLS tomorrow to lead a Friday night service then I have one last day to get ready for limmud.

Then on Sunday though Thursday there is Limmud and then I come home for a bit. Probably about a week. Then some concentrated work on assessments and my eighth semester starts.  

All busy is relative

There is a famous Chasidic story. About a man who goes to see his Rebbe because of his troubles. He lived in his one room house with his wive and his children and it was always crowed and nosey. It was always so nosey and there was always so much going on that he found it impossible to conduct his work as a taylor, study of pray.

The Rebbe listens to his tale and then paused for thought before suggesting, 'Why don't you take your dog into the house?'.

The man is baffled, but follows his Rebbe's advice. A week later he goes back to his Rebbe and pours out his heart. 'Rebbe, its even worse now'.  Its crazier than ever and nosier as well.

Again the Rebbe paused, before he suggested, 'Why not bring in your chickens as well'. The man was doubtful but followed the advice.  He moved the chickens into the one roomed house along with his family and their dog.

A week latter he was back with the Rebbe, 'Oh Rabbi he said now its unbearable, the chickens clucking, and the dog barking and my children running around all night because they cannot sleep! I'm at my wits end what shall I do'.

Again the Rabbi pauses for thought and prayer before saying. 'One last try, you have two cows nun?, well move them in as well.

Again the man follows the advice of his rabbi and moves the cows into the room along with the dog the chickens and of course his family.

This time its just two days before the man is back with his Rebbe. The Rebbe takes one look at him and says. 'Alright take out the cows, and the chickens and the dog and then come back in a week.'

Always the dutiful chassid the man followed this advice as well.

The next week when he returned he was all smiles, the small house seemed so quite and there appeared to be so much space.

One moral being its how you look at things that makes all the difference.

I have been going though my diary and looking at what I have on and its a lot.  But because of how insanely busy last year was even though I have assessments, and commitments at KLS and Limmud and all sorts of other stuff. It feels not only manageable but good.

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.

Another short update

Hey all sorry for the near complete lack of postings over here on this blog but I have been extremely busy. With work at college, my placement, stuff relating to co-charing the student society and of course Limmud sessions (I really wish that I had made more progress with those than I have). Anyway I am still more or less enjoying my classes, the fact that they all have a more practical focus this year is defiantly a good thing.
I am still loving my placement down in Kingston, but the journeying down there and back is very tiring. I am looking forward to Limmud, seeing old friends again and the like, but its going to be a stressful/trying end to my year.
So all in all I am busy and stressed. (So about par for the course really).

In addition to my duties down in Kingston I have been to both Reading and Hendon (not sure if I had down that before my last update or not.)

This weekend has been particularly busy I went with Emily to FPS for Friday night, then around to dinner at LJK's house for dinner. Saturday I was down in Kingston the journey made more interesting because of TFL., was more lengthy than usual.

Today I went with a KLS trip to the Jewish Museum in Camden, and shortly I'm heading out to NIF dinner. So it has been a long and busy weekend with not a lot of recuperation from the school week.

On the bright-side Dr Who was amazing. And I am still very much enjoying working out with Danielle (My personal trainer).

But that's all I've got time for. I'll try and post again before too long.

A brief update

Hey guys. I have managed to squeeze a weekend out of my timetable to go home. Its always nice to get back to Stoke however briefly and who knows when I'll be able to come back up here again. I am still very busy although more or less on top of things. This is largely thanks to the fact that although I have lots of assessments things are not as insane as they were last semester.

I am enjoying my classes both the practical ones as well as the more utilitarian ones. I think that this is down to the fact that all courses are now more focused on what we'll actually be doing once we are out there. This is all to the good as this is getting nearer and nearer.

I am also enjoying my placement, as well as going down to teach the Kabbalat Torah group I have now lead a service there so it really feels like a real thing now. I have also paid a one off visit to Reading (which also counts towards my 4th year placement). This does mean that I am going to be perching on a much more regular bases so I am going to stop posting them here, unless there is a particularly important reason for me to do so.

As i mentioned in my last post I am busy with my sessions for Limmud in December, so all in all busy but a positive busy.

Outside of School/placement I am still continuing with Daf Yomi we are now in tractate Shekelim, I have also started training/working out with a personal trainer. At first it really felt a little like being hit by a brick wall but it is defiantly starting to get easier and I feel so much better already. I think its really necessary because already taken a toll on my physical health.

All in all I am very busy, but in a good way, but am generally pretty happy with how everything is going.

settling into my fourth year

Just the title of this posting is a little scary. But yes it does feel as if this year is settling into place, much faster than usual and although I am academically going to be a lot less busy this year than I was last I think that I will nevertheless be busy enough that I don't know when I get to blog again so this posting might have to do for a bit. (Although I might make a post Birthday blog post in about a week).

So, my classes at LBC look good and the assessments do not look to bad at all, in fact I think that I will enjoy doing some of them. We also have a nice balance between the academic (which is now at MA level) and the practical which is nice.

But additional reasons to be busy, firstly Emily and I are co-chairs of the Student Society, which is more work but hopefully we will be able to do a good job in representing the needs of the student body and in working towards making the college a happier place. Additionally Emily and I are really pushing 'Rabbinic Students for Pro-Zion'. This will be a lot of work but I am really excited and keen about it so this is good.

Then there is Limmud, not the Limmud Chervaruta Project but the conference itself, where I will be presenting sessions. So busy there as well.

One of our classes this semester is on 'research methods', part of which is looking forward to preparing us to write our Rabbinic Thesis. This too is making this year feel both very real and very different from those which have come before. As if, the end is if not in sight then as if it will be insight once we get around this next corner.

Outside of College, I am getting more and more excited about my 4th year placement at KLS. Last Saturday I went down to see how their Saturday Morning services work. And it was a very special occasion, so it will have been both more crowed and livelier than normal. But nevertheless I think that working there is going to be a truly great experience.

Outside of both work and College I am working with a personal trainer (yes I know) so far I have only had one session the aftereffects of which I am really starting to feel. But I think that it is important to do, because my life style hasn't exactly been helping my overall health and in the long run I think it will make me fill a lot better.

So generally I am busy again but its a good kind of busy. And I have definite markers lying ahead so it feels as if I am making progress with the year. Next week my birthday, then a very early Hanukkah, getting ready for Limmud, the end of the school term, Limmud, essays and exams. (By which time we are already into 2014).

The spring semester is always a bit broken up and then the year draws to a close. But I am not thinking about next semester yet. There is a lot to keep me focused on the here and now. But all in all I am stull really happy and enjoying my 4th year.

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.

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.

Catching up

So I am spending my summer catching up on stuff. Fun. Although I did find time for a week back home in Stoke. At the start of the summer my list of things too catch up on had about 20 things on it. But now its down to just a handful. And most of them are looking forward so meeting with my community for next year, getting ready for the High Holy Days. That kind of thing.

Today I had a review meeting about Jewish Care which I think was productive. And with it I think I have completed the last formal activity of my third year although I still don't know for sure that I've passed all my assessments.

The day before I had my meeting with Richard my rabbinic tutor, I am pretty happy with how it went and with the progress that could be seen at it.

I am also working away on the project for Limmud. But that is also going well.

I have taken the opportunity of catching up with some of my friends, whom I had been rather neglecting over the past few weeks.

All in all things are good. (Bring on the 4th year [assuming I've passed all my assessments that is])

And Exhale

I have finally finished my assessments, yeah and in reasonably good time as I had until tomorrow at 5pm, all that remains is to get the very last of them bound and then hand it in.  So that was seven essays completed, five oral presentations, and a piece of reflexive writing. I had a bit of panic yesterday when I thought that I had lost my nearly nearly finished essay and the earlier draft.  Luckily although the, better, later version was not recoverable I was able to reconstruct it more or less from an earlier draft. I then had to spend sometime correcting what had gone wrong with the software. But, hey all is well that ends well as they say.
And on the assumption that I pass, I have almost completed my third year as a rabbinical student. All that remains is Kol Bo, not a big deal really and one last reflexive class with Indigo, also nothing to stress over.  (At some point Emily and I need to have a meet with Charles and Debora and the people from JC NW and have a discussion about the third year placement.)
So I can turn my attention to other matters, which I have been neglecting badly Limmud stuff (Today and tomorrow's jobs) and the sermons I need to write. Although I have done (in draft at least) the one for the 24th and have ideas for the one for the 29th. (Good Job-Adam).
Currently I am sitting and blogging from a coffee shop. Enjoying looking at sunshine, which has been in very short supply this spring/summer so far. This is a nod to being on holiday. So reflections on the third year. Again looking back over the course of the year I feel as if I have learnt a lot. (In fact I think I have) but once again I find it impossible to say for certain when this learning and growth took place.  I also think that its interesting how my interests have changed since I started the program.  I would not have thought that when I started that my mine interests would be: Homiletics, Liturgy, and Pastoral care. (In that order). Don't get me wrong I am still really drawn towards Talmud (I am still pressing on though Daf Yomi) and Bible. I think its just that while my level in interest there has remained more or less static or increased only a little little bit, my interest in those three subjects has come up in leaps.

So apart from my family holiday in Devon, and my working myself to death over essays not that much has been happening. Expect for boiler related fun and games. Emily and I now have a new boiler so hot showers yeah! I did read old men at midnight. By Chaim Potok. I may even post a review of it latter. But for now. I'm off to do some shopping (not fun shopping household stuff). Although I need to do some clothes shopping soon. I am really getting low on wearable clothes.

Last day of class for third year

As the title says today was the last day of classes in my third year.  And it was quite a busy one, started with services as normal. The liturgy in which Emily and I had presentations. Both went well, I think.  Then after a very short break it was into Rabbinic Literature Insensitive, again we had presentations (there are more students in this class).  I was happy with how this presentation went also.  After a lunch time meeting of the student-society with the principle we had midrash. We studied a short midrash topical for Shavuot.
Then after a trip to the library it was time to go home, none too soon.  So all I have left to do is:

Short bit written work for Rabbinic Literature (although it is assessed and does carry marks)
One essay more or less from Scratch
re-drafting one (needs major work)
finish of last essay.

Then all I have to do is find time to work on my limmud thing, oh and there is still Kol-Bo.

An earlier than expected update.

I should not be blogging, I should be working but hey there is nothing like procrastination.  Also it does feel as if, my third year has ended not absolutely true I have one more full day of school left, Monday. But not that many classes. As I have two presentations. One class will be almost entirely presentations by the students. The other class although we have presentations there will also probably be time for a closing of the semester (liturgy). The after lunch the very last academic class of the year (midrash).

Then I have one mini-written piece to do, albeit that it is assessed.  A couple of days to do the preparation on the education essay, and of course Shavout. Before going on study leave/family holiday.  

During which I need to write my Education essay. Then when I get back back I need to finish the Rabbinic literature essay and re-work the one for midrash. So thats where I stand with work.

Since my last posting I have had what is more or less my last posting at Jewish Care.  And have had a couple of meetings about my fourth year. More details about that in latter postings. And of course there was the Kaufmann dinner. That made for one very tiring Thursday.

This is a photo of me and Emily at the end of the dinner. 

Looking further ahead. I have Kol Bo, and the MRJ music conference and then I really am totally done with the third. Albeit that I shouldn't count my chickens until they are hatched.  I also need to fit work in on the thing I doing with Limmud, for which I have meeting tomorrow. And of course fit in a meeting with my rabbinic tutor. So even when I am less busy I will still be very busy. 

Last post for a little bit.

This will probably be my last posting for a while, as I am about to enter a period of intense activity followed by a family holiday (where I'll in more or less away from easy internet access and what time I have will be focused on emails.)
All this means that I will not really have time for blogging, but I will return as soon as possible.  At the moment I am working away on essays no surprise there really.  I think that in all probability I'll have finished my Maimonides essay by the end of day on Tuesday, I am continuing to work on Rabbinic literature intensive essay.
I also need to get as much work done on Education as possible, I don't need to finish it or even really draft it.  All I need to do is plan, find materials and then photocopy actual materials then I can work on it while on my 'holiday', then all I will need to do, and I say all advisedly is finish off Rabbinic Literature intensive, and rework midrash.
All in all, although I am not really happy I am no longer panicking.  I also have two presentations remaining: You guessed it Rabbinic literature intensive and Liturgy.  So in terms of assessments that is what remains.  In terms of class I have a full school week remaining, and in truth I am more than ready for it come to an end.  There is also the formal College dinner (again next week).
Looking further ahead there is Kol Bo; which I am hopeful will be interesting (although by stage of the year I'll be very very tired.)
I am currently very tired as I went over to S., last night and the conversation although fascinating was intense and I am not used to 4:45 am starts!
When I got back to the flat at about 9:20 am, I simply crashed and had about two hours of sleep. Then I went out to enjoy the sunshine (patchy though it was) and to get some stationary.  Its always pleasant, wonderful in fact to read outside in the fresh air.
After getting my stationary I was returning though the park when I noticed how beautiful the cherry blossom trees were, so i went and sat below the canopy. In the end I lay down and looked up at the sky though the variegated red-pink-white blossom and the criss-crossing branches. Very beautiful and very peaceful then it was back to the flat to get on with some work.
Both for school and for the Limmud Chavaruta project.
Latter I'll phone home because its been quite a while.