Learn ASL

but I have done as well as I could, given the limitations of my time this past winter. I certainly know a lot more ASL than I did when I put this goal on my list.

I’m going to put this goal to bed for now, although I may revisit it in future.

quickly on a few phrases tomorrow morning. I’ve another hospital visit, and this time I want to be able to be a bit more communicative.

I think I’ve got most of it down, but I need to be sure I can say the prayers for the sick.

going oddly but well.

It’s nice to be around people who are patient and kind when you are learning a language.

I have decided that the single most important quality to have in approaching a new language is an absolute willingness to make a fool of yourself. Everything else will flow, if you don’t mind looking like an idiot.

quietly (ha!) but well. I shall not set the world on fire, but that wasn’t goal, anyhow.

because I want to communicate, not just pontificate ;-)

Tough to find something this time of year—all the existing classes are underway already. But I’m working on it.

of new words in the last 24 hours. Nothing like sitting and praying all day to improve one’s vocabulary. ;-)

Seriously: I can sign the Shema. I have learned several bits of blessings, which now I must hitch together into real blessings.

Saw some cool stuff, too: there are two guys in the congregation who can read ALOUD in Hebrew from the Torah, and sign the meaning while they do it. I was awed.

“Who has given us life”..... YAY!!!!

I get it scrambled sometimes, but that is partly because I’m signing more or less in English syntax and speaking Hebrew… quite the juggling act.

I meet the person from whom I’m going to learn. She’s also the administrator of the temple I’m serving this year, a congregation for the deaf.

Very excited.