Okay, not ET but Igor (yay!) called from Machon Shlomo in Jerusalem to discuss the prospect of flying over for an interview with the Fellows program. That’s how I got started teaching and I’m already set to finish my MS in Secondary Education in May of 2006! Anyway, Igor’s call automatically made me think about… Continue reading ET Phone Home!
Balancing a conversion to Judaism, teaching, grad school, bonding with cats, bonding with friends and daily things I need to do is almost impossible. Conversion to Judaism: Reading through the books very slowly. Tired all the time so late to shul all the time. Teaching: High Holidays through me off at work. Behind on paperwork… Continue reading Status: Mediocre Overall
My principal threw a fit because I took off the first two days of Sukkot to observe them. She said that because I was “only studying Judaism” and not “entirely Jewish,” she felt that it was utterly ridiculous to take the days off. She said that she’s “pretty sure” that Jews don’t have restrictions for… Continue reading So you want to be Jewish?
—To love myself more—To fall out of love—To have more faith in G-d and G-d’s plan for my future—To learn to read Hebrew (and understand it)—To go kashrut (kosher)—To visit Israel—To become the best Jew I can be (which has to start by actually becoming a Jew!)—To help my students pass the Regents—To make more… Continue reading New Year’s Resolutions
Why are there cute boys in the world that I cannot date? Okay, technically there are several reasons I cannot date but STILL. Re: Drew and Ben’s SLAMMING par-tay! After a two-hour train ride from Harlem to Washington Heights where I almost finished the book that I love to hate (Nine Questions People Have About… Continue reading Cute Boys
The shofar blows and you know you ARE Jewish (even without the prescribed conversion). American Express credits your account $200+ dollars on the second day of Rosh Hashanah because you spent so much, they’re giving you a rebate. Still owe $310 this month but that’s down significantly. Your best friend (stationed in Israel) sends you… Continue reading You know it’s a happy new year when…
So, I contacted two of my former Jewish friends who I thought I may or may not have wronged this year or last year. Both conversations went well. Maturity is a fascinating thing…especially MINE. I do not think that a long, long time ago, I could get past myself to think about how my actions… Continue reading Radiating Rosh Hashanah Goodness
Greetings from shul where I have been since 8:30am. I came to stuff folders and anything else that was needed so that I could “work off” my high holidays debt. I really cannot afford to be Jewish. I am going to FREEEEEEEEZE if it gets any colder because I do not own any winter skirts.… Continue reading Practice, Pashmina and…um, Stuff
So, why does one decide to become Jewish? It’s funny that you should ask. Well, it all started around eight years old when I was introduced to religion in catechism (sp?) classes. I could not reconcile the idea of the Ten Commandments and Jesus Christ. No matter how it was explained, it smelled of idolatry… Continue reading Yes, I’m converting to Judaism…
So it’s not secret that my first name means “GIVES LAUGHTER” in Espanol but my Hebrew name will most definitely be Aliza. It makes sense because Judaism gives me such joy and studying it gives me such happiness. Plus, I am starting to think I am world-renowned for my humor and ahem, modesty. ALIZA WINS… Continue reading Happiness! Happiness! Happiness!
Memoirs of a Jewminicana 