My wife Charlene will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah tomorrow. I’m so proud of her that I just had to share it. This is a group event for 11 women, and Char is doing a pretty important part ( second half of the Haftorah and the following blessings, for those familiar with the service).
Char converted to Judaism only about 2 years ago, and 4 years ago had never even seen Hebrew in print. She has learned SO much in that time.
If anyone would care to send her a congrats, her e-mail is VDodili@aol.com (that name is part of a quote from Song of Songs-- "I am my beloved’s , and my beloved is mine). She’s be thrilled to get it. Just be sure to put something identifying in the subject line as she is an avid deSPAMmer !
Mazel Tov!
Mike
That’s wonderful!
Congatulations to you and Charlene. 
We are going to do Hanukah (I prefer this spelling but am aware of the other one) candles this year. Dan comes from a Catholic background (we have a Christmas tree up) and wants to explore my background, too. It’s interesting how being with the right person makes all sorts of things come into light that were dormant for years.
Amazing might be a better word. I was with the wrong person for many years, and a lot of me died inside, or at least went to sleep. Now, it’s all waking up 
When is Hanukah this year? We often light candles – no Jewish background, but it’s fun and pretty. Between a Christmas tree, menorahs, a happy Buddha, and a few Melanesian totems, we have several bases covered.
Congratulations to Char and to you, Paul.
That was really beautiful, Jessie. I got one of those “moments” when I read it… you know those Hallmark commercial moments, when you tear up and your heart melts? I’m such a softie.
Congratulations to Charlene, Paul. It’s a wonderful thing when one finds the path on which they belong! May she always find comfort, peace, and much growth in her beliefs!!
Blessings,
Andrea
Me, too!
I’m glad to have inspired you, Andrea.
Congratulations.
Wonderful! All of you!
M
PS–I kind of wish I had my head together more–or were doing it for the right reasons–when I was baptized in the Southern Baptist church in my early teens. I think an old-fashioned river baptism like in O Brother would have really hit home. But I’ve lost my chance–once you’ve been dunked, that’s it for life and you don’t get a do-over!
M
Oh, I don’t know… I think G_D might find it quite a smile bringer… LOL!
After all… who is the Baptism for? You and G_D, right? Not the church, though I know many who would argue otherwise.
If you feel the right motivation, and that it would be right for you do… go for it!!
This, from someone who wanted that at 9 and has very different ideas now… LOL!
Love is the spirit of G_D.
Peace,
annie
How wonderful! Her joy and fulfillment will add to the world’s light!
'Tis the Seaon for light, after all…
Shalom © 1997 S.A.McUmber-House - Sassafrass Grove Studio
I’d say go for it anyway!
Before a Jewish man and woman marry, it is traditional for them to go to the Mikveh, or ritual bath to symbolically purify themselves before the ceremony. Char went to the official Mikveh in Albany, but I didn’t. I was out walking on Peebles Island which is located right where the Mohawk River empties into the Hudson. It was a warm, late June day, about two days before our wedding. I had planned to go to the Mikveh ( which is not something I would normally do, but the wedding was a special case) but as I looked at the river at this place I dearly love, I figured that doing it myself there would be more appropriate. I ducked out of site of curious eyes since you are supposed to do this as nekkid as you came into the world. Went into the water in my skivvies, then shed them and totally immersed myself. It was a beautifully renewing experience. I would recommend it for anyone, anytime they feel the need for purification.
And here I am with a creek right in front of the house! I haven’t been in it for years, but I’ll have to battle back the poison ivy in the spring and go for it!
M
A little off topic, but i noticed in Annie’s post, God was G_D, does this forum edit His name, or is it just annie?
An observant Jew never writes the name of G-d, since one they do the a holy article. There is debate as to whether the electronic form is included, but many do not want to take the chance.
Paul, a hearty Yasher Koach to Charlene. It will be a memorable day for the two of you. Here’s a list of the top 10 Bar/Bat Mitzvah memories for you to keep in mind
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Thanking your sister for being bratty, although helping you with homework
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Two Words: Huggy Bear
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You have no clue what your Haftorah was about, but it did mention “concubine” a lot.
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Whoever thought of that napkin-made jump rope was a genius.
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Doing the helicopter spinning dance until someone needed stitches
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Your mom crying…about the flowers
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Memory Glass filled with deep sentimental items like confetti and more confetti.
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Getting beamed in the head by a sunkist candy
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Capitalized Word “PAUSE” written into your speech: Mom and DAD, (PAUSE) you’ve always been there…
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Thank G-d, you got your braces off in time!
It’s me, and some other folks in my experience.
It is a tradition taught me by my first Jewish Mother (you can never have too many!) - the name of G_D being so sacred that even the word cannot be put into writing, as then it becomes an icon and can be erased or altered or defaced… I liked the idea and adopted it… it fits with my beliefs.
Hmm, thats very interesting, But wouldnt writing G_d, br the same thing as God, because in this case the O is just a symbol representing a sound, which in G_d the _ is taking that symbols place, not really covering it.
In this case it’s not the same.
The Jewish faith is very picky about when you can, and can not write the name of God (personally, I’m a bad Jew and don’t sweat it). Unless it’s during a moment that’s supposed to be holy, you don’t do it. Even though everyone knows what you mean.
Even in prayer the name of God is never uttered. Adonai, or Adoshem, depending on the situation are used in prayer, but they are not the name of God. I have never come upon a situation where the name of God was actually spoken. Ever.
Seth
The only time the actual name of G-d was ever used was during the high holiday service on Yom Kippur by the Kohen Gadol (high priest). And even then it was only used in the holy of holies when he was alone with G-d. It was never spoken around others.