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.