Hi all - I am here and just scanning the journals. I made it through Halloween and did not partake of candy. We had a really great Halloween Party at work that I get to organize and it was totally fun. We do local hot dogs and potluck. Had a great time. I don't really get trick or treaters at my house so I don't have to buy candy for anyone ( Read more... )

So celebrating the Sabbath is as much about preparing to do it, as doing it. What I remember growing up and in all the Jewish lit I have read is that the house should fairly sparkle from the sabbath preparations. All is to be ready and in order. There is a real cleanliness to it. I think traditionally it is women's work but I do know that my friend ( Read more... )

I think that part of celebrating the Sabbath is preparing for it. I had a fun conversation with my friend B**** at work this week, an Israeli Jew. It is all in the organization of it and being prepared for Shabbos. He gave me some recommendations on bakeries, places to get kosher wine etc. He does his preparations on Friday before sundown as he has ( Read more... )

So I don't know if you realize this but I live in California AND I work for the state university. Double whammy and financial crisis. I have had a pay cut. This means I am looking for ways to save money. Call me cheap, call me frugal or call me thrifty, I don't care what you call me but I am GOING to cut my expenses and tell you all about it too ( Read more... )

So tonight is the first night I am celebrating the shabbos. I did the challah, I did the sampling of wine *hic*, I did the candles...I got the candle prayer write but must admit to some confusion on the wine vs bread prayer. I forgot to print the stuff out today at work so this will have to do for my first effort. Shabbat shalom.

( A pic of the candles lit... )

So tomorrow I go back to work. The end of my freedom, the end of sleeping late, not that I do, as I am up by 8:00 am most days here. I will have to get up at 5:11am tomorrow. Why 5:11? So I can snooze to 5:20. :P There is a mathematical reasoning behind that. I would like to say I am ready to go back to work, but I have been enjoying my time off ( Read more... )