Rosh Hashanah Reflections 2011

Every year, my family goes to the mountains to celebrate Rosh Hashanah and then we go to a park in Colorado Springs to throw bread in the water with our friends. This year's celebration was even more special since my dad joined us!

Fifteen years ago was the first time we went to this service. This year, more than ever, I realized how much Jews are connected to one another. I knew so many of the people that attended, and saw people that I met 15 years ago!

At the Tashlich service at the park, I felt that connection again. Rabbi Glazer welcomed and hugged each person that attended as they arrived. People took the time to say hello and wish one another a happy new year. My kids love this part of Rosh Hashanah!

I also remembered the first Rosh Hashanah Dan and I spent in Colorado Springs. We went to an evening service at Temple Shalom. I remember looking around and wondering if Dan and I would fit into the Jewish community in Colorado Springs. It's obvious, after living here for 20 years, that we do!

This morning, I did some thinking about what brings Jewish people together for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It's the sense of being family. That's IT! Being able to think about G-d and rejoice on Rosh Hashanah connects Jews all over the world. Today, being outside and with family made my connection to G-d so very special.

A Very Unusual Conversation Took Place At Chabad!

My daughters and I had a wonderful time at the Chabad Women's Circle on Wednesday night 9-21-2011 and we learned a lot about Rosh Hashanah.

One conversation that got started (as we talked about if Jews made New Year's Resolutions) took an interesting twist when an off-topic discussion began on who Jesus was and if he was really a rabbi since he never married.

I think that discussion may have made that Chabad experience quite unusual!

Note:

For those who read this blog and don't know what Chabad is:

Chabad is an ultra-orthodox Hasidic Jewish organization. There are Chabad centers all over the world. The organization's main mission is to provide outreach and educational activities for Jewish people. Talking about Jesus is NOT one of the things Chabad does!

• Can a Jew believe in Jesus? - From Chabad.org
  

On a personal note:

I was very nervous when my family first began attending Chabad events starting about 10 years ago, but as time has passed, I've grown to like Chabad.

What helped me understand Chabad more was a book called The Rebbe's Army: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch. After reading the book, which was written by a secular Jew, I understood what Chabad was about. I realized the organization was not about turning me or my loved ones into Orthodox or Chasidic Jews, but about teaching Jews about being Jewish and letting them take whatever they want from what they enthusiastically pass on!

What If a Reality Show About My Figure Skating Family Became a Reality?

There's a rumor out there that Lifetime Television is going to air a new reality show that follows a figure skating family. I always take rumors half-way seriously, but when the news came out, I did send my own figure skating family's application in.

Less than 24 hours later, I was contacted by a "Casting Associate" and a phone meeting and interview was set up. The meeting was fun for me, but exhausting and I do believe it went well.

The next step is for my children to meet with this "casting associate"via Skype. That's supposed to happen sometime next week.

I've been told that the children's coaches and skating club will be contacted. The show is still in the pilot or idea stage from what I can tell.

I do admit that my family is a perfect choice for a show like this.

My enthusiasm about figure skating is infectious and our dedication to the sport is not only interesting, but entertaining!

My father had already told me that people log into Facebook every day to find out what the "next episode" of "The Skating Schneider-Farris Family" is! This would just give us more followers and fans! My 4,000 plus skating YouTube videos that I already have uploaded of my kids would be watched more.....

What could only be an idea at the moment, may actually turn into a reality. The idea that my dedication and my family's dedication to figure skating would be shown on national television is rather exciting! It would be great fun I think and it would also be great as far as promoting figure skating in general and what I write on About.com!

But...

I've also been told that reality TV puts one's entire life on display. Would I want the entire world to know about my spiritual search? I've made it public here on this blog, but do I want to make it even more public?

I'm not sure I know the answer to that question. In fact, I still don't really know what I believe. I thought I did, but...why does my thoughts on who God is change all the time?

I do know that I very much believe in God. It's just, which God? Sometimes it seems to me that the Jewish G-d is very, very different than the Christian God. I've been told it's the same God, but I'm not really so sure about that.

I believe that if G-d wishes for my family's life to be shown on television, that it would be a good thing. If how my family worships God is highlighted, that too, would be a good thing. If the world hear's about Jo Ann's spiritual search, I believe that would be a good thing too...

Dear God...From JO ANN

Dear God:

Yesterday, I read in The God Upgrade, that the author has a friend who writes letters to God in her journal, so I thought I'd write you today.

First of all, I have determined that I very much believe in you. I am not so sure that there's just one way to know you though. You are just so big and so huge that sometimes it is hard to figure out exactly who or what you really are.

I do feel your presence especially when I'm out in the Colorado outdoors or when I walk on a California beach. Sometimes, at night, when I'm alone in bed, I think only about you.

I read in The God Upgrade that Jews don't talk about their relationship with you when they are together; they talk about their relationship of being together as one big Jewish family. That seems to be what I certainly like to do...I like being with my Mispochah....that is Jewish family. I love celebrating the Jewish holidays. I love passing my love of Judaism on to my children.

There's so much I don't understand though. Why do you allow good things and bad things? Why do so many people say you are not real? Why do others say that they have a very personal relationship with you? I just don't get it.

I have lots of concerns that I want to ask you about, but talking to you directly is not really a Jewish thing. I'm going to give that a "go" anyway.

I am worried about our family's financial situation. I've read reports of how you've come through in that area. Lately, I've been so worried about money that I haven't slept well. I've woken up at night and asked for your help. Please, God, provide for my family's needs. Help me to stop worrying about money and help me sleep.

Also, please guide and watch over my children. Help them as they grow into adulthood. Guide them and help them know you are there. May their lives be worthy of praise.

JO ANN

I've Been "Upgrading God" All This Time!

I'm in the midst of reading a book called The God Upgrade by Rabbi Jamie S. Korngold (a.k.a. The Adventure Rabbi).

I'm about a third of the way through the book, but I decided to take a sneak peek at the end.

There, I found that the book's appendix is a list of recommendations. The list is called "36 and Small Ways to Make Judaism Meaningful and Relevant In Your Life."

As I looked at that list, I realized I've been doing what Rabbi Korngold suggests for years!

Here's some of her suggestions and how I've already applied them:

1) Shul shop.

Rabbi Korngold says that a town or city may have several types of Jewish religious services such as Conservative, Reform, Orthodox, and Ultra-Orthodox. She suggests learning about Judaism by going to different synagogues.

I have certainly done that! I've participated in Chabad events for years. I actually really like and appreciate Chabad. When Dan and I first came to Colorado Springs, I was a bit scared of Chabad, but now, I think that fear was so silly and came from preconceived ideas about that group that came from people I knew in JFJ.

I also feel comfortable at both of the temples in Colorado Springs and also was a part of Rocky Mountain Havurah and have continued going to Rosh Hashanah in the mountains for years.

2) Meet with a rabbi.

I've done that too! When the ex-jfj cause fell apart, I called Rabbi Anat Moskowitz at Temple Shalom and asked for help. I was a mess. I also called Jews for Judaism and asked for help and guidance. Rabbi Aaron Parry was so helpful at the time. Both of the rabbis encouraged me to seek G-d as a Jew and I did just that.

Although my daughter, Rebekah, met with Rabbi Don Levi during her Bat Mitzvah prep time, I felt like I had a special opportunity then. It was great to ask Rabbi Levi questions on a regular basis and so frequently during that time. I will always cherish that memory and time.

3) Take a class or study with a Jewish teacher.

Shortly after meeting with both Rabbi Moskowitz and Rabbi Parry, I started studying with Partners In Torah. I've now studied with my study partner, Dena Leff, for 8 1/2 years! I learned how to read Hebrew, I learned about the Jewish holidays, I've discussed Jewish life and children with Dena, my son was able to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah with Partners In Torah, I've studied from The Little Midrash Says, I've read quite a bit of the Torah with Dena, and I keep learning with her.

4) Create a meaningful Sabbath for yourself.

For years, I've tried to make Shabbat meaningful for my family. We've had Shabbat dinners, we've made Challah, we've lit candles, and we've attended synagogue.

5) Purchase Jewish items.

Wow, I've done that! We own Shabbat candles and several menorahs. Rebekah just was given a beautiful Kiddish cup on her Bat Mitzvah day from Temple Beit Torah. Rebekah has also a beautiful tallit and clip. We own yarmulkes. We made honey dishes with Chabad last Rosh Hashanah and also shofars. My dad was given a Yahrtzeit candle when my mom died to light on the anniversary of her death.

6) Use a Jewish calendar in addition to a regular calendar.

I've done that too! We've had one in our kitchen every year. It really helps us remember Jewish holidays.

7) Plan ahead for Jewish holidays.

Again, I'm "on it." I pay attention to the Jewish calendar and if all possible, I make sure my family has the time off to celebrate the holiday. For example, we make sure we get to Rosh Hashanah in the mountains every year. We make sure we celebrate together as a family on Passover. I make sure we do something on Yom Kippur too (usually a Break Fast, but something). We try to light candles on all the nights of Chanukah. We go to Purim and Chanukah parties whenever possible. We love listening to stories about Jewish holidays and watching videos about Jewish holidays.

8) Learn to say the Motzi before you eat.

Yes, again, my kids and I and Dan have that one "down." They love Challah and love saying the Motzi before eating it!

9) Bake traditional Jewish dishes.

For quite awhile, Annabelle and I were making homemade Challah every week. We've become lazy lately, but can still bake Challah if we want. Annabelle made some pretty good matzah last Passover.

10) Read books and autobiographies about Jewish people.

I read all the time, so this one is easy. I love reading about Jewish history and about the Jewish people. If someone suggests a good book, I order it from Amazon or find it in the library.

11) When traveling, visit and attend services at Jewish synagogues.

On our recent vacation, I insisted we attend services on Friday night. Doing that was a highlight of our trip in my opinion since we got to go to services at the Long Beach Jewish Community Center. My family has had such a connection with that place since my grandmother went through those doors so many times . Also, my great-uncle, Irving, was one of the founders of that temple and the JCC. The rabbi that did my mom's funeral service, Rabbi Steven Moskowitz, is Temple Israel's rabbi. Our family's connection with Jewish community was strengthened by those visits to that temple.

The children all attended Ramah Outdoor Adventure this past summer. They like celebrating Shabbat at home and when we travel since the camp experience gave them a connection to Jews all over the world.

12) Light candles on Friday evening.

Whenever we have a Shabbat dinner at home, we light Shabbat candles. Whenever the women at Temple Shalom light the candles together, I feel a strong sense of belonging and of community. The idea that Jewish women all of the world are lighting candles for Shabbat all in one evening is mind boggling!

13) Host a Passover seder.

I make sure my family celebrates Passover. We either have a seder in our home or we get very involved in making sure we celebrate Passover with our closest friends. In 2011, for the first time, our family also took part in a community seder.

14) Seek out Jewish stories, books, and films.

I've been doing that for years! I love to read Jewish stories and books. Films about Jewish life and people are watched in my home all the time. The kids complain since I play Jewish music in the car almost every day! My favorite Jewish composers and songwriters are Debbie Friedman and Abie Rotenberg.

15) Make New Years Resolutions on Rosh Hashanah.

Every year, one of my favorite parts of Rosh Hashanah is when we go to the park for the Tashlich service. There, we throw bread in the water and tell G-d we are sorry for doing this and that. I always spend some private time with God on that day and tell God about how I will try to change in the coming year.

16) Hang Jewish art in your home.

Well, the kids' artwork is all over the house and lots of it has a Jewish theme!

Also, one of my favorite pieces of Jewish art that is in our home is a poster that Dan brought back from Israel called The Sea of Halacha which tells the story of the Jewish oral law. When Dan got hurt in 2005, the rabbi from Chabad saw the poster and was so impressed with it!

17) Display Judaica, like a menorah, dreidel, or shofar around your house.

No problem there. We own tons of menorahs and dreidels. We now own a shofar thanks to Chabad!

18) Hang a mezuzah on your doorway.

When Dan was near death, I called Chabad. They came to our home and I purchased a mezuzah from them that has been posted on the front doorpost of our house since September of 2005. It's not just there for decoration. I was told at the time that a mezzuzah stopped illness and death and I was willing to do anything to keep Dan alive so he could be there for my children.

19) Buy Jewish gifts for Jewish friends.

I do that once in awhile too! Around Purim of this year, on Lynn Wein McCoy's birthday, I bought her my favorite Jewish drama CD, The Purim Story.

20) Make matzah balls.

I have made some pretty good matzah ball soup in my 32 years of marriage! I've also have tried to make latkes. One year, I thought they came out pretty good. Dan makes great Hamantaschen.

21) Figure out who makes Challah in your town and which is the best.

I used to stop at a bakery every Friday to buy Challah. When that place went out of business, I ordered Challah from someone in Colorado Springs who had a Challah baking service. I've ordered Challah from Chabad too. I have found that Albertsons, Panera Bread, and Whole Foods Market sells it. Once in awhile, I make my own.

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To sum things up: .... I've been "upgrading God" in my own way for years and I didn't need a book to tell me how to do it!

Review of "Dual Discovery; a Historical Drama" by Zecharya Hoffman

About a year ago, I read Dual Discovery by Zecharya Hoffman. I heard about the book from Dena, my study partner from Partners In Torah.

The story takes place in ancient Egypt during the time of Moses and the ten plagues. The book's hero, whose Egyptian name is Kerma, doesn't know it at first, but he is really a Hebrew.

In the book, the reader gets to experience the plagues first-hand.

In The Little Midrash Says 2 Sh'mos/Exodus, I've read that the plagues didn't touch the Hebrews. For example, when the darkness came, the Hebrews could still see. The frogs moved out of their way. The wild beasts attacked the Egyptians, but let the Hebrews walk around safely. Water was water for the Hebrews, but always turned to blood as soon as an Egyptian touched it.

That's what happens in this book. As young Kerma sees the plagues pass over him, he wonders if he really is a Hebrew and is drawn to the Hebrews. He finds he wants to study with them and be around them. Eventually, he changes his name to Yitzchak. He leaves his comfortable and safe life (although the plagues have really devastated the Egyptians) and lives as a Hebrew.

No one, after reading this novel, will ever look at the plagues in the same way again. For me, reading this book, took me on a journey of my own. I found myself feeling a bit like I was Kerma-Yitzchak. Something keeps drawing me to wanting to learn more and more about Judaism and G-d.

A Rabbi's Lesson

This short story, from A Treasury of Jewish Inspirational Stories by Lawrence J. Epstein, was shared at Temple Beit Torah about a month ago. In my opinion, this short thought sums up so much of what it means to be Jewish.

A Rabbi's Lesson

A rabbi was trying to call a well-to-do congregant, someone who was always too busy when the rabbi called. The rabbi driven to desperate measures, finally left a message with the congregant's secretary, saying, "Please call me. A mutual relative of ours has died and has left us a large inheritance." Naturally, almost as soon as the message was left, the congregant excitedly returned the call, wanting to know the details.

The rabbi calming replied that the relative was Moses and that the large inheritance that had been left was the Ten Commandments. The rabbi wanted to know if the congregant truly wished to share in that inheritance. The congregant, surprised, understood what the rabbi was doing and agreed that, indeed, the Ten Commandments was his inheritance.