The 9th of Av

Jews love the holidays, but every once in a while we commemorate a tragedy. This coming week is the 9th of Av, Tisha Be'Av, marking the worst day in the Jewish calendar. Lot's of bad stuff seems to happen to us on this day. But, as the Rabbis point out, Mashiach was born on that day as well. Out of the depth of despair, hope can emerge.
May we only know happy and good times.

My Week With the Girls

Tzippy has been out of town this whole week. The girls (Shiffi, Chana, Gitty) and I chilled out this week. To be honest, nothing memorable happened save one. During breakfast, Gitty reminded us all:

"Tatty, we really DO miss mommy. But we don't cry because we are not babies anymore."

Pretty good for a four year old.

Come this Shabbos and let's hear the stories and lessons 8 of our women have learnt in Minn. I can't wait myself to hear them.

A big Yasher Koach (more power to you) to:

Tzippy Rav-Noy
Melissa Blatt
Brigitte Rossi
Lisa Ansell
Diana Cohanzad
Antonia Bennett
Gishe Chodorow
Samantha Barnett

Things Happening

2 quick thoughts. Avremy, went to camp for a month in Montreal. Wow. Hope he comes back in one piece. But this is good ... build some character.

On the other hand, Tzippy is leaving to Minnesota for a few days with 8 JLA women. They will be learning full time in a great program. We at JLA believe that women must study Torah just as much as men do. I hope they all have a great experience and a good time. If you are interested in joining a future trip, let us know. Here is a link to the details. Click Here.

The Hebrew Reading Crash Course

For over 10 years I have been teaching people how to read Hebrew. It is one of the easiest language in the world to read, and learn. Over the years I have researched and dug up interesting information about the Hebrew alphabet. Did you know that the first nine letters describe things in or around the home:

Alef –– Ox (Phoenician) General, Teach (Hebrew)

Bet –– House

Gimel –– Camel

Dalet –– Door

Heh –– Window

Vav –– Hook

Zayin –– Weapon

Chet –– Wall (Phoenician)

Tet –– Mortar

I have discovered interesting things about the rest of the letters as well.

I usually teach Hebrew three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring).

But many have asked us to run a summer Hebrew course so they will be able to pray this coming High Holidays from the original. So starting next Wednesday we begin the five-week course.

To register, click here.