I am guilty of the double space

Posted on January 24, 2011 by rabbisteinman

I just didn’t know.

After reading a recent article in Slate, I learned that I am making a huge mistake possibly hundreds of times everyday. Until this very blog post, I always put two spaces after a sentence. I remember someone, probably a teacher telling me it was the ‘right’ thing to do.  Now I wish I remembered what teacher so that I could write them a letter with one space after a period and tell them what’s what. Eek. I just did it again and had to backspace.

If you are interested in reading the article, here it is. Thank you for your patience as I attempt to correct this apparently bad habit.

If I’ve offended you with my double spacing after a period, please accept my sincere apologies. I am working on it. I promise.

Posted in technology | 3 Comments

Tu b’Shevat higia! Tu b’Shevat is here!

Posted on January 19, 2011 by rabbisteinman

Tonight begins the 15th day of the month of Shevat.  In Jewish tradition, this is one of four New Years.  That’s right, there are four new years.  15 Shevat is the new year for trees (if you want more info on this look in Mishnah Rosh Hashanah 1:1).  There are many customs surrounding this holiday, mostly centered on the Land of Israel and celebrating trees!

I will of course share that at this very moment it is snowing in Toronto and the thought of planting trees is quite absurd at this time of year (though I guess starting with a seed and working up from there to put a sapling in the ground come spring is possible).

In the Torah there is a description of seven species that can be found within the land of Israel.  They are: wheat, barley, pomegranate, fig, honey, olive, and grape.  As part of the Spirits with Sinai event tonight, I’m going to order, or attempt to order a drink for each of these species.  My thoughts are:

Wheat beer, another beer (barley based will be the assumption), pom-tini, honey beer (or maybe hot tea with honey), wine, dirty martini, and then there is the fig.  I’m just not sure what to do with this one, though if there were fresh figs around it could be a garnish on something, I’m sure.

Anyone have an idea of what to do with the fig?  What other drink concoctions can you think of?

I hope however you celebrate, your Tu b’Shevat is a meaningful reminder of the power of nature in our lives and the importance of the trees all around us!

Posted in holidays, Israel, Temple Sinai, Torah | Leave a comment

It is international KJ appreciation day!

Posted on January 16, 2011 by rabbisteinman

Today is my BFF, KJ’s birthday!  Though this special list has typically been reserved for immediate family in the past, I am breaking a new trend because KJ is in the T-dot!  I get to spend this special day with her.

Some background for all of you who don’t know KJ.  She and I lived on the same first-year hall at our alma mater.  We became fast friends doing the things freshman in college do (ie going to eat meals together because heaven forbid anyone eat alone, staying up late watching silly television, and studying.  Lots of studying!)  Our friendship has lasted all of university, then living in different cities ever since including some international adventures!

Without further ado, 16 things I love about KJ.

1.  KJ has a fantastic laugh.

2.  Your fashion sense is unparalleled.  Though our taste is different, you can always give me thoughtful opinions on a something important, like new shoes.

3.  You are super smart.  Who else has a masters in tax, is a CPA and is now getting CFP credentials?  Seriously, no one loves learning more than you.

4.  You love your family.  Having met them, I can attest that there is lots to love.

5.  When you like a song, you really like a song.  Ever since I’ve known you, there is often a song playing on repeat on your CD player, iPod, or other listening device.

6.  You’re an excellent dancer.

7.  Whenever we are together, which unfortunately isn’t often enough these days, we have the best time catching up, laughing and eating good food.

8.  It is not uncommon for us to send a bzillion emails to one another throughout the day.  Sometimes about nothing of importance.  Other times about really important things, like what happened on a television show.

9.  Though you’re not Jewish (which alone could be one thing that I love about you) you know more about the Kosher laws, observing Shabbat and most Jewish holidays than most Jews.

10.  You love our iPhone, Macbook and want an iPad just like me (no I don’t have a iPhone.  You’re cooler than I am.  I’ve always known that).

11.  No matter what, I can always call you.  It doesn’t matter the time of day.  When MY MOM died, I called because I didn’t know what else to do and you were totally present for me throughout the darkest days of my life.

12.  When your employer wouldn’t let you leave to be with me and my family for MY MOM’s funeral, we brainstormed and came up with this much better plan that included you visiting right this second.  Hooray!

13.  You change your eating habits almost as often as I do.  Vegetarian, no lactose, yes to chicken, etc.

14.  You have impeccable taste in friends.  I guess that is obvious. 🙂

15.  You show up when it counts.  Whether it is on the phone and checking in.  An encouraging email or being physically present, you are a phenomenal friend.

16.  You love to travel and together we like to plan trips.  Though we didn’t get to India together for our 30th birthday year I think we can count on planning a trip together soon.

There are so many more reasons, of course that I love KJ however these 16 will have to do.  I hope that you have a stupendously fun birthday and a year filled with adventure, love and happiness.

Posted in family, memories | 2 Comments

I don’t love the iPad

Posted on January 12, 2011 by rabbisteinman

I hope that you are sitting down.  This post is going to shock you.  It almost shocks me and I’m the one writing it.

I was fortunate to spend the end of December with THE DIVA and MY DAD in Southern California and to attend a rabbinic conference.  In an attempt to pack light and not to be too connected, I decided to leave my laptop and kindle at home and traveled with the iPad I got but never wanted.  I bought the Apple bluetooth keyboard, and figured that for any emailing and note taking I would be covered.

I must confess I was not entirely pleased.  Note that I do not have the 3G iPad.  It works with wifi and I didn’t always have wifi available to me.  I found the iPad somewhat cumbersome to tote around (which could be do to the case I have which is also a stand).  Lots of people were extremely impressed with my mobile office.  I just didn’t feel as productive.

I missed my MacBook.

The iPad seems like a fun toy.  It just didn’t do all of the things that I am accustomed to doing on my laptop in as efficient a way.  I did use ibooks and am still finishing a book.  Even for that, I prefer reading on the kindle a lot more.  The kindle is lighter and I find the e-ink easier on the eyes.

For my purposes, the iPad is seeming much more like a cool toy than a practical device for my purposes (mostly email, social media, and writing documents).

I’m not sure what I will do when I travel again.  What are other people finding they do?  IPad and laptop?

Posted in family, technology, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy

Posted on January 11, 2011 by rabbisteinman

Debbie Friedman, z”l, died on Sunday.  Her funeral is today at 11am in California.  The Jewish world has lost an immense talent who transformed the nature of prayer in our synagogues and taught a generation how to pray.

There are a lot of things to say about Debbie, many of them have been written and I will link to them at the bottom of this post.

I got to know Debbie when she served on the faculty at the URJ Kutz Camp.  There we hung out together.  I have a particular memory of going to The Creamery just outside of Warwick and enjoying a delicious summer ice cream treat.  Debbie had a wicked sense of humor, listened intently, and made everyone in her presence feel like her best friend.

Significantly though, I remember Debbie doing what she does best, teaching.  On Friday night I was leading the camp in Birkat Hamazon. Camp recently acquired new tables constructed of plastic which made an incredibly powerful sound when over 100 teenagers were pounding upon them in rhythm.  The noise was overwhelming, no one could hear the sound of the grace after meals.  Debbie stood up and stopped the prayer in its tracks.  She told the room, “this is a prayer!  Do you know what you are saying and banging your tables to the words in praise of The Creator?  Please stop!”  Seamlessly I picked up where I left off in the prayer and the camp culture was forever changed.  (And yes there are other versions of the story and individuals who did not see this as a positive, teaching moment).

Of course I attended her concerts, too.  I remember in high school she returned to the synagogue of her youth which we share, Mount Zion Hebrew Congregation and took the bima where she first sang her Sh’ma and Ve’ahavta.  I knew most of the words to her songs because they are the songs of my Jewish experience.

When I learned of her death I was talking to my sister and we reviewed many of her songs.  I reminded THE DIVA that she wrote “The Alef Bet Song,” yes, it is Debbie’s tune that taught thousands of children the letters to the Hebrew Alphabet.

MY MOM’s favorite was “L’chi Lach.”

I am always moved by “Those who sow,” using the words from the Psalm 126:5 the words are “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.”  I like the verse so much when I was gifted a tallit for my ordination, I put this verse on the atarah.  For the past several days Debbie’s tune has been running through my head constantly.

I wouldn’t want it any other way

Debbie, you shall always be a blessing.  T’hi zichra baruch.

 

Have a tribute to write to Debbie of your own?  Go here.

NPR did a story.

Danny Maseng shared his memory.

Rabbi Denise Eger did.

Rabbi Paul Kipnes did.

BZ had thoughtful remembrances, too.

 

 

 

Posted in memories | Leave a comment

In Toronto on Sunday? Come to this!

Posted on January 10, 2011 by rabbisteinman

Click here for more information.

Posted in Israel, Peace, Politics, tzedek, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Merry Christmas, Shabbat Shalom, and hello Chinese food

Posted on December 24, 2010 by rabbisteinman

This is by David Mamet and is featured in Tablet: A New Read on Jewish Life.

Posted in family, holidays | Leave a comment

I’m still kvelling

Posted on December 23, 2010 by rabbisteinman

Sitting in the 5th row in a suit sat UNCLE ALAN as President Obama signed the end of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.  I didn’t get to watch the signing ceremony, unfortunately.  Thankfully, I watched President Obama’s speech online and you can, too.

If any active duty soldiers are reading this blog, remember that there is a process that must take place before gay and lesbians may come out which could take a few months.

I spoke with UNCLE ALAN yesterday.  He was completely overwhelmed by the entirety of the experience.  Completely understandable.

Today there is a little more justice in the world.

Posted in family, Politics, tzedek, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

My uncle is way cooler than yours

Posted on December 22, 2010 by rabbisteinman

MY MOM and UNCLE ALAN

It is true.  That’s because my Uncle Alan is going to be in Washington, DC for the Presidential Signing Ceremony for the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell act of 2010 today.  You read what I wrote correctly.  My uncle, Alan is going to be in Washington when President Obama ends this horrendous policy.  Yes it is one thing for the policy to be over and another entirely for the culture of homophobia and hatred to end in the Armed Forces.  However now any American that wants to serve can do so without fear.

I am immensely proud of my uncle.  He has fought against this policy from day one.  He willing told his story to the media and took the show on the road speaking at countless campuses and events.  Throughout his 25 years in the Coast Guard, Alan denied his sexual orientation to serve his country.  No one will have to do that ever again.

There are lots of different ways to fight for justice.  Uncle Alan clearly has done a tremendous job advocating on behalf of gay and lesbians who serve.  Today and everyday I am so proud that he is my uncle.

(Alan is scheduled to be a guest on Keith Olberman’s show on MSNBC, 8pm Eastern).

Posted in family, Politics, tzedek | 1 Comment

Hip hip horray! DADT has gone away!

Posted on December 20, 2010 by rabbisteinman

You might have heard the welling up of justice from Washington, DC on Saturday.  The US Senate following the House of Representatives voted to allow openly gay and lesbian people to serve in the United States Armed Forces.  My answer to this is, “halleluyah!”

As you know, this issue is near and dear to my heart.  My uncle Alan is a leading spokesperson against this horrendous policy.  Though I now reside in Canada, you can bet I called my senators offices to urge their support (though there wasn’t a lot of concern from Boxer or Feinstein).  The fact that several Republican congresspeople broke with their party to turn around this policy is very telling to me and gives me hope that other such discriminatory legislation might go the way of DADT.

We should all celebrate this victory and continue to support the organizations that are doing the important work of eliminating discrimination.  There is still far too much work to be done.

Posted in family, Politics, tzedek | 1 Comment