Tuesday, March 24, 2009

GNAGB #203

I recently paid honor to Paul Harvey by linking to his books in this post. I've been re-reading the books. One that struck me was about the med student who had a Dr./professor who was extremely intuitive and always teaching his students to be curious. He figured out amazing things about people just through his power of observation. And he inspired his student, Artie, to create a character named Sherlock Holmes. "And now you know the rest of the story."

Jenny Lewis' uniquely lilting, articulate, and dark Rabbit Fur Coat plays as I type. I wonder how long I'll type for. I'm tired - how many people other than my dear mother (SSLABW) tire of reading that I'm tired?

It was a packed day. I was asked at 7:40 to stand in and stand in front of the Shul, starting at 7:45, to keep order (for 600+ kids). I was told after by a student that I was strong in my own way. Others told me that they liked the way I announced things, such as the Night of the Arts, and Mishmar - that there was a sense of into-it-ness.

This afternoon a class that I taught 2 years ago asked their Rabbi if they could find me. They were talking about Pesach and remembered something I taught them back in tenth grade. It was so sweet to spend 20 minutes giving over to them, as they sat riveted. That was probably the highlight of my day. I thank G-d for the honor of being a teacher.

On the bus ride home I read a fascinating story about a guy who recently made a legal investment and got a 16% return, which was highly unlikely for at least 2 good reasons. I hope his family enjoys the nice dinner.

I just gave 3 Chumash tests. I'm giving a Gemorah test Thursday. Adam Le'Ameil Yulad.

I just got back from Maariv, and before that I was at the opening of the film “Faces of Israel: A Discussion About Marriage, State, and Religion in the Jewish Homeland.” The movie focuses on the Rabanut and the fact that they perform marriages and the fact that today there are other denominations in Israel and other organizations offering alternatives to having one's wedding performed by the Rabbinate. It is broken into chapter like (I don't recall the exact headings) - How The Rabbinate Does Weddings, What Are The Alternatives, etc.

At Maariv time, this came to mind:
k
Vehu Rachumlli
k
He is merciful:
Will forgive sin, won't destroy
This king heeds our calls
n
Wrote this one on the N.J.T. train last night:k
j j
An Asian woman
talks of letting oneself go
of being "fresh faced"
she keeps repeating "fresh faced"
to her tenuous boyfriendk

Written while my friend spoke, upon the occasion of being honored at his Shul's dinner:
1. Tenth grade a short kid
Quiet, smart, basketball star
One of my best friends
~
2. Seth, don't make me cry
As you humbly stand so tall
Remembering Mom
Thanking Mindy, your G-d send
And G-d above all

4 Comments:

Blogger esqcapades said...

How wonderful to get that feedback from a prior class. I like that you go for the positive with your students - the power of teachers - for good and bad - is enormous.
P.S. Tired seems to be my "default" state lately.

March 25, 2009 at 12:29 AM  
Blogger rabbi neil fleischmann said...

The first bell has rung. May G-d bless me to be positive...

A line from Dovid HaMelech is ringiong in my head along with the bell... Rejoice in trepidation. It'll make a good middle line for a haiku.

March 25, 2009 at 8:38 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'd certainly be curious to "hear" a synopsis of the Pesach d'var Torah that captured the class's interest!

March 25, 2009 at 12:06 PM  
Blogger rabbi neil fleischmann said...

It's actually a story that I've adapted and tweaked over many years, it's a twisty-turny story ith mussar in it - adapted from the book Listen To The Soul by Chaim Walder, but I do t from my head my own way. It's a bout a grandfather that won't let his aAfikoman be stolen and the story within the story as to why.

I have posted in past years my own mini-hagaddah collected from other places and have been working n some additions and hope to have it up soon, meanwhile if you search w/in the blog hagaddah helper it should come up.

March 25, 2009 at 3:25 PM  

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