A Novel Idea Bookstore, Lincoln, NE || 2011 |
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Eight years ago, the first night of Chanukah fell on December 20; it was a Saturday. At that time, I wrote a lot about my dislike for Christmas and how it made me feel, and I kvelled about probably the first "Jewish" gift ever given to me, by my friend Melanie. It was a musical dreidel. I was a sophomore in college in Lincoln, Nebraska, and I knew I would be Jewish.
Seven years ago, the first night of Chanukah fell on December 7. By that point, I was a Jewish knowledge and observance machine. On December 6, I hopped on a city bus and schlepped over to a Walgreens near the Reform synagogue in order to buy my first menorah. It was a huge, important, ridiculous event for me. The next day, on the first day of Chanukah, I wrote:
Happy Hanukkah everyone! I bought my menorah, lit my candles, said my blessings, and then made some cookies that are shaped like driedels, megandavids, Judah Maccabee, shields, etc. Then I iced them, sprinkled them with blue and yellow sprinkles and brought them down to work. They were literally gone in about 5 minutes. Everyone crowded around them ... it was an amusing sight. Interestingly enough, though, I recieved an e-mail from DAN, the PRES of HILLEL, at 5:45 (though I didn't get it till tihs evening) that they will be lighting a menorah in the J.D. Edwards Kaufman building (where just about every Jew on campus lives ... the "super honors program") each night of Hanukkah. ... Although I don't have the blessing memorized ... mrr. They know I'm a Jew-in-training anyhow. Heh. Did I mention that my Jews in the Modern World prof (Alan Steinweis) played the VIDLIT Yiddish lesson in class today. Oh man ... it was hilarious. I think I enjoyed it more than the rest of the class. Then again, I have a passion for the Yiddish.
On December 9, 2004, I wrote:
Tonight, after lighting candles with Dan, Cliff and Sari in Kauffman hall ... I definately felt a part of something there with them. Lonely Jews in Nebraska, ha. But Dan sang the blessing beautifully ... Sari lit the candles, and Cliff and I stared on. It was good times.
Shortly thereafter I started working on a paper on why I want to be Jewish for the then-rabbi of the synagogue who subsequently left. I waited another nine months for another rabbi to work with me, and by then I'd mastered so much. I converted Reform in April 2006 and in December 2006 I was in Washington D.C. for Chanukah; I made this video and wrote a lot of blog posts.
6 comments:
I'm curious as to why you chose to go to NE rather than stay in CO with your new community for the holiday.
Walgreens? CVS? Big, chain pharmacies are great for finding those needle-in-haystack chanukiyot (albeit made out of aluminum) and candles. Or get thee to Target or Walgreens. I know there's must be a menorah and candles somewhere there. When you're not in your community anymore (and even when you're in it), sometimes you get to be/have to be your own Jewish rudder. Don't lose faith. The next eight nights are all about miracles. Be open to whatever they--and Hashem--might bring.
Much love and Chag Orim Sameach, friend.
If Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant was even a tenth as outstanding as her Red Tent I can understand how that began your process to convert.
You've come a long way from 2003, hurdling many obstacles along the way. I hope, while taking time to look back where it all started, you give yourself a pat on the back.
No conversion is easy and some are harder than others. But if you are doing what you know is Right for you, then that is all that matters.
Hope you have a good Hanukkah.
I hope you've bought your chanukiya and lit the candles by now. They should warm your Jewish soul.
Chag Sameach! Have a wonderful remainder of the year.
@TMC Well, my little brother was back from South Carolina, so I had to go visit him!
@ChicagoCarless To you, too!
@Cora Thank you so much.
@Batya My chanukiah has been a'blaze with light!
@GirlSeeksPlace Todah v'chag sameach!
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