It was just Tuesday, as we were madly prepping for Kol Nidre (erev, evening of Yom Kippur). Then it was the longest and most fulfilling Yom Kippur I've ever experienced, starting by getting to temple at 7:30am to prep all the children's programming. Then being on the bima for all the afternoon and evening services. Then oneg, the reception. Then break the fast at a congregant's house. We got home around 9. It was insane.
Then Thursday, the day after Yom Kippur, possibly the most relaxing day in the rabbinate. I didn't check my phone or computer once!
Then Friday, which was like a Monday.... everyone had saved up their "Judaism questions" all week, and we got slammed.
(That was also the night Ari decided not to sleep. Like, just not sleep from 11 to 12pm, then 1 to 4:30am. He screamed instead. Fun fun.)
Then today was a Bar Mitzvah.
And tomorrow's religious school.
I blinked... and the week went by.
But I did manage to catch a few things as the days blurred in front of my eyes:
- Xander decided to see what Creole spice tasted like. So he opened up the spice container and poured it into his mouth. "Mommy. MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" If he was a cartoon character, flame would have been pouring out of his ears.
- I still like David Tennant more than Matt Smith on Dr. Who.
- Ari's still teething. Horribly. Much worse than Xander ever did.
- I got an invitation to be interviewed for a newspaper article on Mattoon, but missed the deadline because of YK. You should read it though - my last pulpit is now the smallest congregation in the nation.
- Our pre-fab sukkah arrived from The Sukkah Project. The boxes look very intimidating. We put it together tomorrow.
And that's that... off to prep for tomorrow!
1-6 Well, this sounds like the life of a rabbi in
ReplyDeleteSeptember and October! I do not envy you or your family or, for that matter, anyone who loves you.
7 - I am a naughty, naughty Bubby because I laughed my tuchus off when I read about Xander and the Creole spice bottle. That poor baby!!!!
4 & 9 - Poor Ari and poor, poor Mommy and Daddy. Does he wake Xander up in the middle of the night? Little Ari must be in terrible pain.
10 - Good luck with your Sukkah.
Try to sleep. It's easier said than done.....I know!
Love you,
Mom and a very naughty Bubby
Forgot one thing in #1 - I was thrilled to read that it was the most fulfilling Yom Kippur ever. I am so happy for you and send an abundance of hugs.
ReplyDeleteMom
i can't wait to see sukkah pictures! and i want to hear if sukkah from the sukkah project is really as easy to assemble as they claim...let me know.
ReplyDeletelots of love,
nicole l
You crammed so much into this post, I don't know where to start.
ReplyDeleteFirst and foremost, I echo your mom in that it thrilled me to know this Yom Kippur was your most fulfilling. Mine too.
I watched all the embeds and, along with Nicole L., am eager to hear how the sukkah project actually worked. It looked great! It actually rained here on the Eve of Sukkot! Firt rain in months! Felt like a personal blessing..even if everybody had to run for cover.
I read the Mattoon article and was deeply moved. As their student rabbi, you were closely involved with every member of that congregation. It was you who prepared them to continue services, even as their numbers further dwindled. They demonstrate indomitable Jewish spirit.
My heart goes out to Ari. It has been said that adults couldn't bear the pain of teething that babies suffer. I believe it. Please cuddle him for me. And a cuddle for sizzling Xander too!
All my love. I go back to your blog several times a day. I am addicted!!!!