7 More Sleeps

A week from today I am flying to Israel to begin my 4 year journey to become a certified Cantor. I am beyond excited to embark on the learning I have been seeking for many years.

My congregation at Temple Anshe Sholom is full of supportive and encouraging members who have inspired this blog...my way of keeping in touch along the path and letting me know more about my studies and adventures in the Hebrew Union College Cantorial Certification Program.

The Israel portion of our program will last 7 weeks. I return to Hamilton on August 21st. Even while in Israel I will be maintaining work to be done at Temple, such as tutoring Bar and Bat Mitzvah students using Skype, preparing the Program Book for the fall, and coordinating the many activities that begin with the Jewish New Year. I am sad about missing faculty time at Camp George this summer. It is truly a highlight for me...especially this summer when all of our teens are CITs or Staff, including our son Sam and daughter Rebekah.

All the home stuff being out of the way, here's what I expect the summer to be like for me.

I arrive in Jerusalem, along with Rabbi Jordan Cohen (my dear husband, hereinafter referred to as 'Rabbi'). Rabbi is studying at the Hartman Institute for two weeks. This is a wonderful learning experience for him...like summer camp for Rabbis! It is a chance to really delve into Torah texts at a deep level and he always returns full of wonder and deep thoughts and the excitement that new learning brings. We will be staying at the Prima Royale in Jerusalem for those two weeks. This hotel is centrally located to both of our locations (Hartman and Hebrew Union College) and is reasonably priced for a stay of this length. At the same time, because I am staying on for 7 weeks, I have rented a one bedroom apartment in Katamon, Jerusalem. I am sharing it with my new friend and fellow Cantorial student, Laurie Weinstein....also a Rebbetzin so we have so much in common. Laurie is from John's Creek, Georgia. I am really looking forward to sharing this adventure with her!

My main concern right now is what to pack and how to best transport my guitar. Such first world problems! Stay tuned for updates on this adventure...

Comments are welcomed and responded to below:)