Nerienea

I tried before, but got less than a day in (hobbit time). I’m starting over, with a goal of 4-5 miles/day. This is partially because I want to go to the synagogue more often, and it’s a little over two miles away. I also want to get in better shape, and make sure I go outside every day (unless the weather is terrible).

I started over today, and have walked about four miles. I’m in Tookland.

It belonged to one of my relatives. I don’t know the first thing about banjos, and it’s probably horrendously out of tune.

Other than that, I have a harmonica, but I don’t know where it is.

Decisions, decisions.

Since my last entry I’ve read more of the Torah (now partway through Numbers, plus bits of Deuteronomy from the weekly Torah portions for the last two weeks. I went to a Conservative synagogue in my town for Saturday morning service and a bat mitzvah. I might try going to a Reform one as well soon, but we don’t have many (if any) Orthodox shuls around here, and I think it’d be a huge culture shock anyway. The folks at the synagogue were nice, but there was a good deal of Hebrew. I find noncomprehension discouraging unless I’m really invested in the material, so I think I need to clarify my priorities and think about whether or not to study Hebrew before I decide to attend frequently. I will be checking out the speaker series though, and probably go to at least one Friday night service. They’re also having “Elul classes” (Elul being the month before Rosh Hashanah, the new year) which sounds interesting.

I’ve also read several books from the library about Judaism. I especially liked Nothing Sacred, which is about the potential in Judaism for resistance and social change, and describes that as much more important than following the various rules to the letter, and The Woman Who Laughed at God, which is about resistance and “countertraditions” in Jewish circles throughout history.

I’ve gotten involved in an online Jewish community (on Second Life). I attended some virtual candle lightings and I hope this week I can make it to the Torah discussion, which is supposedly for all levels of knowledge.