Hatikvah - A Blog About Life in Rabbinical School

Matt and Jen's blog about their adventures while Matt is in rabbinical school. Hatikvah, the name of the Israeli national anthem, means "the hope." This blog reflects their many hopes and adventures about their experiences during this process.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Long Overdue Update

I'm not sure anyone is reading any longer but for the sake of posterity I will provide an update. Last school year, my second of six years, was really fantastic. I began studying Gemara (Talmud) during the second semester, which as a six-unit class represents most of my work. I also spent my year taking Hebrew, Biblical criticism, Halacha (Jewish law) of liturgy, Kabbalah, fundraising, and Bible.

I am still serving as a student rabbi at an assisted living facility and during the summer I've been covering an additional Friday for a friend so I'm there two Fridays a month. I also still volunteer with the city's Crisis Response Team and have become active as a member of the steering committee.

During the summer I have been meeting with tutors to improve my ability to leyn (chant) Torah, lead services, and study Talmud. I officiated at my first wedding in June for two great friends. In July and August I have been leading minyan (daily prayer services) at the synagogue near my home every morning at 7:30 a.m. and every evening at 7 p.m. The services are about 45 minutes and a half-hour, respectively, and it's been a really great experience.

I'm in the process of applying to some internship and part-time pulpit opportunities for the upcoming year. I have my first High Holy Day job at a local synagogue where I'll be performing a variety of duties. I am getting ready for a seventh-grade confirmation class I'll be teaching weekly about social justice.

School starts right after Labor Day and I am only enrolled in three significant classes: Gemara, Psalms, and Misdrah (commentary on Bible and Jewish law). It will be a challenge to balance class work with my interest in extracurricular rabbinic-type activities.