Goodbye Summer

I am now four weeks through my seven-week-long Ulpan. It has been a very intense four weeks and the class of two or three of us is moving very quickly. I think the class is a tad above my level but since I plan on re-taking Hebrew 3 in the fall anyway, I will be re-covering this material again, which is great, I think. I did so poorly on my last grammar test that I have to re-take it on Monday. But, I'm learning a lot and my vocabulary is growing so quickly. I have even learned exponentially more grammar than I ever knew before starting learning Hebrew last year. (July 2nd is my one-year anniversary of starting my Hebrew studies in Hebrew "Zero" in Jerusalem.)

I've been meeting fellow students and I've met with a few rabbis in the area and am feeling a bit like Goldilocks in regard to synagogue "shopping." "This synagogue is too big." "This synagogue is too small." "This synagogue is way too different to what I'm used to in Israel." Hopefully I'll find the local synagogue is "just right" for me. I have several contenders.

After Shabbat ended tonight Jen and I finished watching the five-episode-long A&E reality show God or the Girl, about four 20-something guys who are considering entering the Catholic priesthood or choosing not to pursue a life of celibacy. For a new seminarian such as myself, it was really interesting to see this reality show based on people going through a similar decision making process as I. One of the four guys was a little older - he left his successful career and sold his house to take the time to decide. I won't spoil the show for you but it was worth seeing.

A few weeks ago was the Yahrzeit for my father. A friend and fellow student arranged a minyan of ten faculty and students for the previously unscheduled Mincha (afternoon) service. I led the service, which was intimidating in front of a distinguished group of rabbis/faculty. It was also my first time leading a service at the university, where I will participate in hundreds and lead dozens of morning and afternoon services over the next few years. Being able to pull together a minyan really made me feel part of the community (and a warm, very inviting and supportive community at that.)

Jen and I are slowly getting settled into our new apartment. We still have a plethora of cardboard boxes that are yet to be emptied in our office but for the most part, the place is livable, the kitchen is kosher, and the mezuzot are on all the doors. I just haven't had much time to help unpack (let alone blog ;) I do homework in the morning before class and in the afternoon and evening after class. I really thought I would have more time to practice and learn other things that I wanted to work on learning this summer. Time management once classes start will certainly be an interesting issue.