Bat Mitzvah Speech

I don't think a lot of people managed to hear my Bat Mitzvah speech.  It came from the heart and I got so verklempt I could not get many of the words out.  Even Hubby, who sat in the front row, asked me for a copy so he could read what I said about him.  Here it is:

___________________________________________________________________________

I am a Jew, and now, a Bat Mitzvah.

I am the proud scion of an ancient people, a member of the tribe of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  

My ancestors stood at the shores of the Red Sea, and my aunt and her family stood at the gates of Auschwitz. 

I am my mother’s Friday night chicken soup, my father’s Yiddisha songs and the sound of his shofar.

I am the proud sister of every Jewish doctor, lawyer, humanitarian, author, scientist, scholar and benefactor of society.

I am the survivor of every pogrom and persecution.

Together with my bashert, I stood under a chupah and pledged my commitment according to the Laws of Moses and Israel.

I love the USA but my ancestral homeland lies half a world away, in Eretz Yisrael. 

You can see my Jewishness on my face and on the walls and book shelves and doorposts of my home.

My Jewishness cannot be opted into or out of.  As Mayim Bialik said, Jewish is more than my religion. It is my identity, my DNA, my personhood.

Today I fulfill a promise I made only to myself. I did not have to learn Hebrew to please anyone or become “more Jewish”. The promises we make to ourselves are often the most difficult to keep.

My Torah portion, Ki Tavo, tells how Moses, nearing the end of his days and with his life’s work behind him, looked out on the Promised Land. He knew his people would go forth and thrive. I plan to do exactly that.

I thank my patient and extremely knowledgeable Bat Mitzvah coach Larry Wallace, who gave hours of his time and knowledge to help me reach my goal. I thank all of you for sharing this day and my journey. And I thank and honor the man who has supported me unconditionally in whatever dream or challenge I have undertaken to pursue over the last 50 years, since we were both teenagers, my husband Stu.

Shabbat Shalom.

44 Things

44 Odd Things You Don't Know About Me
1. Do you like blue cheese? IT'S JUST OK
2. Have you ever smoked? NO
3. Do you own a gun? I DO
4. What is your favorite flavor? CHOCOLATE
5.Do you get nervous before a dr visit? NO
6. What do you think of hot dogs? CHICAGO DOGS!.
7. Favorite movie? FREQUENCY
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? COFFEE
9. Do you do push ups? NEVER
10. What’s your favorite piece of jewelry? MY WEDDING RING
11. Favorite hobby? MAH JONGG
12. Do you have A.D.D? NO
13. What's one thing you don't like about yourself? I WORRY TOO MUCH
14. Middle name? ROCHELLE
15. Name three thoughts at this moment. I WORRY TOO MUCH. I NEED TO STUDY FOR MY BAT MITZVAH. MORE COFFEE!
16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? THOSE ICE FRUITY-WATER DRINKS, COFFEE. MORE COFFEE.
17. Current worry? THE ELECTION
18. Current annoyance right now? POLITICS! ENOUGH!!!
19. Favorite place to be? HOME WITH HUBBY
20. How do you bring in the New Year? MOSTLY QUIETLY
21. Where would you like to go? NAWLINS!
22. Name three people who will do this? ? ? ?
23. Do you own slippers? NO
24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Army Green
25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? NO
26. Can you whistle? YES
27. What are your favorite colors? DEEP RED, TEAL, AQUA
28. Would you be a pirate? NO
29. What songs do you sing in the shower? BABY THE RAIN MUST FALL
30. Favorite girls name? RACHEL
31. Favorite boys name? STUART
32. What’s in your pocket right now? LINT
33. Last thing that made you laugh? SILLY JOKE
34. Best toy as a child? MY BIKE
35. Worst injury you have ever had? FRACTURED ANKLE
36. Where would you love to live? I'M HERE IN THE VILLAGES
37. How many TV’s do you have? 3
38. Who is your loudest child?  NO ONE
39. How many dogs do you have? NONE
40. Does someone trust you? YES.
41. What book are you reading?  INNOCENT BLOOD BY MICHAEL LISTER
42. What’s your favorite candy? MOUNDS
43. What’s your favorite sports team? DA BEARS!
44. Favorite month? OCTOBER.

What I Love About Mondays

I once blogged about "What I Love About Sunday", inspired by the song of the same name. But I can even claim to love Mondays!

Mondays are of course, far, far better since I retired 4+ years ago.

Mondays mean the start of a new week and the start of anything means new possibilities and a chance to make this week better than last. The garbage from the weekend and the past week will be picked up and recycled (literally). Workmen will come and fix up the neighborhood. Life will return to its regular weekday beat.

So what's up for me for the new week? Trump planning meeting (today, maybe). Mah Jongg (Tuesday). Tyrant S3E2 (Wednesday, for sure). Getting the tile cleaned, colored and sealed (Friday! Yay!).

But  first, coffee!!

;-)

Long Sigh Day

Today is my day for a long, stretched out sigh. How do I know this? My horoscope told me. 

My horoscopes have been pretty nice to me the last few days so I am happy to take its advice and chill, at least for today. I have my new Roomba to do the vacuuming and a beautiful sunny day to enjoy. It's also 20% off day at Big Lots so a trip to Leesburg or Ocala is on the agenda. A new movie will be in the mailbox and I have a best seller on the nightstand. 

Ahh, long sigh....

Israel Education Committee

I am part of a new Temple Committee - the Israel Education Committee.  We are still deciding if "Israel Solidarity Committee" should be its new name but I prefer the emphasis on education.

I only sent an email a few weeks ago to the lady who was starting the committee expressing my generic "interest" and I really didn't expect to be one of seven on the committee "board".  But I am happy to help. It is a topic I am indeed passionate about and I am a consistent complainer about the lack of learning opportunities offered by our Temple. 

I have an assignment. Truth be told, I have wanted to do this for a long time: to offer Jewish film nights. I thought about showing a film at our Havurah but it would crimp socialization and folks were not enthusiastic. Now I'll get a chance to research Israeli films.

I've seen quite a few and a lot can be pretty dull.  But I've ordered a new one, The Attack, and I'll review it and hopefully be able to offer it in November at our first Israeli Film Night.  Popcorn included!

;-)

Out You Go

I love this meme! Of course I did read The Life Saving Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo but I could never bring myself to throw everything I own on the floor and decide if each item brought me joy. 

I did, however, today throw out two pairs of shoes that I loved but could not walk in and a favorite top that had grown an enormous farm of fuzzies.

It did not feel as wonderful as I had hoped since I have an innate aversion to destroying anything that might, in some mutated form or at a future time and place, be proven useful.  Of course, I am basking in the satisfaction of successfully doing something that is a bit of a challenge for me. 

But still, I think my bra and my scale and the electric bill are pretty safe!

;-)

Overheard At The Pool

Floating around on my orange noodle in the Springdale Neighborhood pool on the 4th of July.  Ah bliss!

There is very, very little actual swimming but there are lots of floaters (no, not dead fish) and plenty of pool walkers which is apparently a big new trend in exercising. You can catch a few rays, work on your tan, cool off and burn a few calories all at the same time. Plus one gets to overhear the scintillating conversation of fellow retirees. Here's a sample of today's "Overheard at the Pool":

'I had a great shot at the recently redone Saddlebrook golf course. 190 yards!

'We had a hot tub in Billings Montana on our covered patio. We could watch the snow fall from it.

'Have you tried the new smokehouse on Route 42 yet? They say it's good  (yes we have, twice, and it is).

'I landed three feet from the hole but the rest was downhill.

'I never want to see snow again! (me either)

'I guess we are blocking your swim path with our walking back and forth (yes).

'The re-done golf course is really nice.

'My granddaughter was here from Oklahoma and we went to Disney.

'I love it here!

 (I agree)

;-)

Just The Facts

There needs to be a new word to describe people like me. "Type A" is what I'm usually called but it is not quite accurate. "Concrete Fact Counter Queen" might come closer.

I am one of those (I assume there are others like me) who want the Bottom Line and not all the asterisks*** or upsetting explanations or bewildering excuses. So how happy was I that my daily horoscope gave me permission to count to my heart's content!

Yes, I do indeed love my spreadsheets and I would never dream of leaving my checkbook unbalanced or not hopping on my scale every day. And as you know, Dear Diary, I am a faithful counter of all of my many blessings.

And that's my Bottom Line... 
;-)

How Dumb Is That?

I've been on this planet many decades and although I've made my share of mistakes (or at least there are things I would have said or done differently), I am thrilled that none of them have wound up on the local or cable news stations. 

What has been making headlines for the past two days is the "secret" meeting between Loretta Lynch, our Attorney General, and Bill Clinton, our sleazy former President.  How these two ever made it out of law school (of course Bill is disbarred now for perjuring himself under oath) is a true mystery. What on Earth could they have been thinking?!?

I heard a news commentator (talking head) say that Bill Clinton is the smartest, most astute political being that ever was. She wondered if the whole meeting thing was a way to get Loretta Lynch to recuse herself and thus set the sure-to-come indictment of HRC (Her Royal Clinton) back until after the election. I say: for someone so "smart", Bill's f-ups have been of legendary proportions. 

I feel good about my own miniscule (by comparison) shortcomings. If the super-brainy and highly respected leaders of our country and the free world are such dopes, then I am truly a genius!

;-)

Roomba 980

THE ROOMBA 980

Hubby suggested that it might be time for a Roomba and then wasted no time in ordering one when I simply said "OK". 

We have had a variety of Roombas in the past, including a floor-scrubbing Scooba (now obsolete), with mixed results as to their effectiveness and ease-of-use. So why did I acquiesce so easily?

Well, truth be told, vacuuming is getting to be a real pain. I was already day-dreaming about whether or not a $$$$ Dyson top-of-the-line contraption would make a difference in my life when hubby brought up the idea of another Roomba.  I knew they had a $$$$$$$ new one out and strangely, I immediately registered the fact that it might mean I no longer needed to push around any vacuum!

So after some discussion and online shopping we decided why not go all-the-way and get the newest, deluxe ROOMBA 980?  Its promises border on artificial intelligence!

It arrives soon (I hope) and I am anticipating life-altering changes to my mundane daily existence (hahaha).

;-)

The Small Stuff

OK so I haven't blogged in four months but that doesn't mean I have forgotten to be grateful every day.  My gratitude meter is set on HIGH and isn't it funny? It's the small things that help push it higher.

My godson Scott and his wife Victoria are coming to my Bat Mitzvah! Not only that, our dear old friends David and Jean are coming as well! What wonderful memories we will make! Can you tell I'm excited?? (!!!!)

Friends Rita and Jerry have convinced us to go on yet another cruise in December (they really didn't have to push too hard) even though I said we were through cruising for at least five years.

We will close the year's finances slightly ahead, no small feat what with the rocky stock market and our many cruises this year.

I have a beautiful new dress for my Bat Mitzvah. From Chicos! Not from a thrift shop or discount outlet! First time I've done that in 30+ years (and I still have that dress).

The horrible tooth that has been the bane of my existence for a year and a half may finally be fixed, thanks to more endo-dontistry (a new word).

Tyrant, a great show, has been renewed for a third season and will start again on Wednesday.

We are still happy and very thankfully, healthy, and love our lives here in "The Bubble" that is The Villages.

;-)

Winners Aren't Losers

Back in December Jimmy Kimmel "wrote" a parody of a Dr. Suess-type book which he called "Winners Aren't Losers" and presented it to Donald Trump on his show. I wished it were a real book because I would definitely have bought a copy. 

Donald laughed when it was read and although most folks would not find it flattering, I'm pretty sure he did.  

Try talking to Marco Rubio, who, although coming in 5th in the New Hampshire primary and barely making second in the South Carolina primary, has touted himself as the Big Winner. It's like giving a child a trophy for "participation". 

Of course the RNC would love it if it were true but wishing does not make it so. IMHO, it's time for those folks in their Ivory Towers to face reality, embrace The Donald and get on The Trump Train.

Because the title of the book is pretty On Target. And also its corollary - Losers simply are NOT The Winner.

;-)

Chai Mitzvah

I am so happy that my Temple is (finally) offering a group study activity. Of course the Temple is chock full of fund-raising events like Bingo, Casino Night, Fashion shows, a stock market game, numerous concerts and bus trips to see plays and horse races, but not much that satisfies the yearning I have for learning and spiritual self-enrichment. I have been attending weekly Torah study offered by Chabad and that, along with my Bat Mitzvah training, has filled the gap but I am pleased with the new initiative for our Temple's participation in the Chai Mitzvah program.

The program is described as "an opportunity to explore and expand your Jewish horizons, study something you’ve always wanted to learn more about, deepen a ritual you already practice, and connect all the parts of your Jewish life. You can decide what your adult Jewish life will look like."

A Tenant of the program is a personal project; select something you'd like to learn about, a new ritual to incorporate into your daily life and/or a social action project. I believe my two goals will satisfy this requirement: become a Bat Mitzvah and study all five books of the Torah (slowly of course).

Happily, two of my friends are also interested in the program and perhaps we can arrange to attend together. Of course, it's also a chance to meet new like-minded women. Will keep you posted!

;-)

Trump Train

Political season is a lot like dating. Lots of suitors clamoring for your attention. You can flirt with them all, sample their shtick and keep searching for Mr. or Ms. Right. Best of all, you can dump the losers easily.

I came to this political season with an open mind. Maybe Hillary would be worth a look? (What WAS I thinking?!?) Maybe I could love a Socialist? (After all, he IS Jewish!) Maybe Marco Rubio? (Even though I hated his political maneuvering in South Florida). Maybe Carly Fiorino? (Though I was certainly no fan during her tenure at HP).

I consider myself a well informed participant in the political process. I read both books by Marco, a treatise by Bernie, Trump's latest book, a book written by a supporter of Ben Carson and hundreds of articles on all of them. My heart has over-ridden all of them. I am back as a registered Republican and a passenger on the Trump Train.

Do I believe or like everything he says? Of course not. There is a new book out that I have on order from the library called "What America Needs Now:The Case For Trump". That pretty much sums up how I feel about the Trump candidacy: it's what America needs NOW.

I'll be attending a Trump Meet and Greet on Monday at the beautiful Eisenhower Rec Center. Can't wait!

Choo Choo!

Another Dose of Bliss

Can a 66 year old take advice from a twenty-something? The answer is definitely YES. One is never too old to learn something new and it doesn't have to be how to connect your laptop to your TV or some other techie feat.

So I have resolved to read young Lindsay's blog more often. Here's one of her latest offerings "How To Make What You Want Inevitable".

Now of course I already know how to do this, having lived a six and a half decades on this planet. The trick is Step Three. What Nike folks used to call "Just Do It". You only give up if you stop doing Step 3.

Step 1: Ask yourself what do you want?

Step 2:  What do you have to do to make sure that you get it?

Step 3:  Actually do those things. 

Step 4: Never give up.

When you are twenty-something, the obstacles may seem overwhelming. You are tempted to settle for less than the partner, career, friends, home town or weight you'd really like. Not only do they (and everyone else) need periodic Doses Of Bliss, we all sometimes need a swift kick in the keister.

I know I needed both today. Thanks Lindsay.

;-)

Rabbi Yossi

Rabbi Yossi

I believe this will be changing (hopefully) soon but there is very little opportunity for Torah study or Jewish learning at our Temple. I have filled this gap by schlepping to the Chabad Rabbi's weekly Torah study at the Lady Lake library.

During a previous course of study, the Rabbi used Chabad teaching materials that grouped Torah portions by topic and provided commentaries from many different scholars. I truly enjoyed it and carried away one or two lessons from every session. As an added benefit, I allayed my fears that Rabbi Yossi would try and "convert" me from Reform to Hasidic Judaism.

Recently, the Rabbi switched to studying the commentaries of only Rashi, my 26th great grandfather. Of course I am thrilled. I am hoping to reach back across the thousand years that separate us and get to know him through his thought processes.

I'll be leaving soon for this week's class. Hello again Rabbi Yossi.

And Shalom to you Grandfather!

;-)

Lesson Learned

I guess it's true, you are never too old to learn something new. I had an AHA moment today courtesy of my godson Scott. 

We made reservations for a cruise in June with all our godchildren and grand-godchildren and some of their extended family and, of course, we were too late to get any assurance that we could be seated with all of them at the 6 pm dining time. I complained and argued and threatened to cancel and demanded a supervisor and reminded them we are PLATINUM members (as if that matters for anything) and even hinted I would call my "friends" (owners of the whole cruise line) in Miami. 

When I texted Scott that I was MAD he sent this simple text back: "Worst case is your table becomes the 'I need dinner alone' table that we all get a turn using". Of course! I can guarantee that with 18 cruisers and 5 children under 10, someone will feel like opting out of the family dinner in favor of a different (lots of choices on our ship), more casual, or romantic setting at least a few times during the cruise. Even us. Maybe especially us.

So I calmed down. 

Scott has always been a "go with the flow" kind of guy. A superb trait that keeps his incredibly busy life on an even keel. I need a little (OK a lot) more of that.

Sail on!

;-)

Baby It's Cold Outside

There is only one thing I truly dislike about The Villages - WINTER!  Yes, it's true, WINTER is back in my life after an almost 20 year absence. 

Of course, it's not the same winter as we had in Chicago. It rarely gets to the freezing mark (32 degrees) and when it does, it quickly struggles back up to a manageable level. Still, I hate it. I have Socks! A heavy fleece lined Jacket! Even little suede Booties! Worst of all, I have a seemingly endless scratchy throat and sniffles. 

I asked hubby if we could get a Winter Home in Key West and I think for a second he thought I was serious. 

A cold snap is enveloping a large part of the country and that's to blame for the frigid temperatures we're going to have to live through for a week. It's no consolation that the up North they're experiencing minus temperatures. 

Well, maybe just a little consolation...

;-)

Cruising Sisters

Believe it or not, in 46 years of marriage we have never taken solo vacations. No adventure just for the guys. No women-only retreat. Oh, we've gone on business trips and I even attended an out-of-town wedding alone when hubby could not get off work. But never a purely-for-fun vacation. 

This record is about to change. Tomorrow I set sail with about a hundred other ladies from my Sisterhood for five days and four nights of fun, food and Maj Jong. 

Truth Be Told, when I first heard of this excursion I immediately dismissed it. But thanks to a friend who called me and told me we could be roommates and it will be a not-to-be-missed blast, I said OK. Later I learned that an additional six of the ladies I most like to hang out with will be coming too and now I am super excited.

In the past, the pressures of working and taking care of the household and worrying about all the ups and downs of daily life kept me from spending a lot of quality time with girlfriends. Now that I'm retired, it's definitely a priority. 

Ship Ahoy!

;-)

Forever Young

Tonight we will be going to see a Rod Stewart tribute performer. Like many of my generation, Rod Stewart is one of my favorite artists and even an imitation of the real thing will be a treat.

I had a CD of his greatest hits once and I wore out "This Old Heart of Mine" and "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?". But I'm sure the song that will resonate the most with me and the audience of seniors tonight will be his beautiful "Forever Young", a song I must say I did not appreciate until I got further along in my life.  It is an anthem for those who have children but also for those of us who are Young-At-Heart.

It is worth printing here and recognizing it as one of the guiding beacons into my advancing age.

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam
And may sunshine and happiness
surround you when you're far from home
And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever Young

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong
Build a stairway to heaven
with a prince or a vagabond

And may you never love in vain
and in my heart you will remain
Forever Young

And when you finally fly away
I'll be hoping that I served you well
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell

But whatever road you choose
I'm right behind you, win or lose
Forever Young

Thank you Rod Stewart...

Twenty Years

This month marks the 20th anniversary of our move to Florida. Like Moses fleeing Egypt and crossing the desert, we packed up our belongings, left our well paying and "safe" jobs (there really is no such thing) and ventured into the great unknown with only our belief that the Promised Land awaited (or at least we would be warmer). 

We had pretty low expectations. I thought if we could rent or buy a nice apartment, townhouse or simple three bedroom home, we would be content. Perhaps I could work at a Bagel store? Maybe hubby could be a PC tech? We envisioned a simpler life with less stress and glorious weather.

Florida truly exceeded our expectations. Our careers flourished and each of our three Florida homes has been lovelier than any we had previously. We explored our new home state, became interested in local issues and politics, and found the most joyful of retirement meccas when we decided we were ready. From Miami to here in The Villages, we've enjoyed everything from the palm trees to the ocean to the Everglades to Disney World.

Twenty years is pretty close to half our married life. I can enthusiastically and unequivocally state that they have been the best half.

Thank you Florida. You proved to us that taking a chance and following our dreams was the right path. Or in our case, the right Interstate!

;-)

The Party's Over

We had a great Chanukah-Christmas-New Year's season but now I can say for sure that The Party Is Over. Yes indeed, I faced the music on the scale this morning.

Oh I did indeed believe I was eating light (practically nothing!) but today my self-delusion came crashing down. Five unwanted pounds have appeared to threaten my former happy state of denial.

It is super hard to maintain a slim profile as one get older and the down side of my sixties has apparently slowed my metabolism (never great) into a snail-like crawl. But I am determined to prevail. I have my stock tools in my bag of dieting tricks: flavored water, sugarfree gelatin (Royal brand in anything red), sugarless hard candy, chicken broth, sugarless apple cider and hot cocoa mixes, and an assortment of fruits and veggies.

I am prepared to do battle. Bye Bye Gruesome Five.  You will NOT become the Hateful Eight!

;-)

Know Me?

Those little Facebook quizes are out in force. I took one that promised to tell me my six major character traits. Way Off! Calm and Silly and Creative do not even belong on the list, and Sympathetic honestly doesn't either. So I will tell you what my real character traits are: 

1. Organized
2. Worrier
3. Planner
4. Appreciative
5. Reflective
6. Spiritual 




My second quiz had better results. Yep, I can believe that these are indeed my most used words on Facebook last year. 

After all, who knows me better than Me?

;-)

Book of Ruth

Every month our Havurah meets for an evening of camaraderie, food and an interesting program. This month our host asked us to bring our favorite Torah portions. I thought he had planned an evening of stargazing through his university quality telescope but maybe we will be doing both. After all, it's pretty chilly outside.

I put together a few of my favorite Torah verses, led of course by the most beautiful words of love ever written. I'm sure my choice will not be the only one suggested by the group. Although the verse has been re-interpreted many ways for "modern" tastes, this version is my favorite and the one I learned as a child:

And Ruth said:"Entreat me not to leave thee or to refrain from following after thee; for where thou goests, I will go, and where thou lodgest, I will lodge, thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. And where you die, I will die, and there will I be buried."
Ruth 1, 16-17

Here are my other two "back-up" offerings:

Be Still and know that I Am God.
Psalm 46:10

She is clothed with strength and dignity. She laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25