More Shabbat!

I went to Sunday School this week, the first class was "Ancient Jewish History" Which went from year 1 to year 3760, it's currently the year 5771 on the Jewish Calander so we went from about 3759 BCE to 0 CE on a gregorian Calander. Much of what we went over was Torah stories and when they happened on the time line, as well as what we know about archeology. What was interesting was the split during 586 BCE when the first temple was destroyed the Jewish scholars were taken to Babylon, which  ended up causing two distinct schools of thought. The Babylonian Talmud is the one most followed while the Israeli Talmud is kind of the B-Team, but also an everyman's Talmud. Ironicly enough I learned that the Hebrew for Jerusalem means "City of Peace" or Yera-shalalyim the SH L and M being the root letters that canote peace and wellbeing. Trust me it makes perfect sense when you start studying hebrew.

 The other class was Jewish Mysticism an introduction to Kabbalah. Having studied folklor and Mysticism for a long time, it being one of my chief interests. Oddly enough Rabbi Olshien mostly talked about the history of Kabbalic study or rather the History of the Kabbalistic text the "Zohar" which was written by a 12th century scholar. We read a little bit of his work as well as looking into a few very basic tenats of Kabbalah, but really so far as actual mysticism goes we didn't touch on much. I can't say I'm truly suprised as for 90% of people mysticism and magic are rather tricky subjects to wrap ones mind around. The basics of kabbalah in my mind really are our relationship with God as souls created by God, as being created in God's image. It was a very enlightening class giving origins and history to something I didn't know before.

 LJL Class this week was interesting. Rabbi Lippe was alone in teaching us and it was very cool, She is very excitable and very much about one's personal journey and exploration of Judaism and God. At the same time she doesn't dismiss the Mitzvot or Torah which is something many people who claim to be easy going to unfortunately. We went over some different things that Shabbat means and is. The coolest thing that happened as far as that class went is Rabbi Lippe had myself and a woman read Torah portions in unison. The reason being that is a man and a woman are both reading then there is no Gender assigned to God. The Voice is both masculine and feminine at the same time. Which I thought was insanely cool.

 One of the nicest things I heard at the class was the conecpt of "not yet" which basicly boiled down, means that we may know all the rules and laws, and indeed it is our obligation to learn them. But we must be ok with following the laws we are able to follow now. We can say "I am not yet ready to be completely without electricty on Shabbat" or "I am not yet ready to give up bacon" and that saying these things does not make us bad jews. We as humans and as jews are always capable of being better people.

 I bought a Siddur (jewish prayer book) for my house. And very much look forward to grabbing "On Your Doorstep" which is a big book on having a Jewish Home. I also bought Shabbat Candles. I've set up a little home area for Shabbat with the candles, my menora, my hebrew Tanakh, (Torah/Nevi'im/Kethuvim). I want to get a Kiddish Cup and a jewish Cloth to set underneath all of these just to make it a little holier. I also would like to not use shot glasses to keep my cadlesticks up. I do like that all of this is under a painting of a boat at sea by my great grandmother. The painting itself symbolizes both the importance of family/art. and the Awe inspiring majesty of the Sea. I have always connected the ocean to God in my mind. It fills me with awe, and joy. It comforts me and amazes me. So I'm pretty happy with my little set up as is. I've also asked Rebekah with the Sisterhood if she could try to find me some Jewish Belt Buckles.

 I'm doing everything I can to be a part of the community. Making up for lost time. I've put in my application to join the Brotherhood, I've volenteered to host a couple of kids for the Winter Conclave. And I really wish right now I could maybe find a Job in the Jewish Community. Beth Israel is pretty much out as they run on volenteer work, and while I would joyfully do that I cannot pay my bills with my Joy. I have been thinking of checking out the Austin Area ADL, the JCC, and the Outlook to see if there are any opportunities in those areas. I also think it would be cool to get a job with the Education Department somewhere. Something where I could use my educational background for something other than a decoration at home.

 Yesterday my best friend Phillip and I were talking about my relationship and he said "Anyone within three miles of you guys can tell that your crazy about eachother" and Desiree my girlfriend stated "I'm excited to begin my journey to become a Jewish Woman" which was also very exciting. In that sphere of life i feel very comfortable and joyous, and with Religion once again here I feel good there. Taking classes at CBI fufills my need to go to school and learn. So everything other than my job situation is exactly where I want it to be.
 Heading over to Weekday Services tonight, looking forward to checking that out since I probably won't be able to make it this weekend. I will however light the Shabbat candles and celebrate at home this weekend. So, for now Shalom!