Break the Fast

Yom Kippur 2007 Break the Fast at Schwimmers: Lots of wonderful friends, many of whom feel like family after all of these break fasts together / Lots of tasty food (look what a mere week of cooking can do) / Lots of great memories.

Here's to next year.

Weekend with Mamady

This weekend, I was honored to participate in an African Drumming workshop with internationally renown djembe master, Mamady Keita. (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djembe and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamady_Ke%C3%AFta ) I was introduced to a variety of old Mandingue rhythms. The Mandingue tribe historically lived (and continues to live) in the western area of Africa, in a region now encompassed by five different countries.

In addition to drumming, my classmates and I received lessons in chants and African history, thus taking my experience beyond musical into cultural. I acquired an appreciation for the concept that Djembe is an instrument used by villagers to accompany the singing, clapping and dancing of life-cycle festivals.

Something about experiencing a notion kinesthetically gives an unparalleled richness to ideas such as the celebration of women bringing lunch to men working in the field. In retrospect I consider how much I stand to learn from a village that creates such intense joy from what I might ordinarily consider the merely mundane.

New Beginnings: Study Torah

Something that takes time and gives pleasure, and is new in my life, is a group I am starting and facilitating: www.sdTorahCircle.com The study model is based upon Torah Circles of Aryae Coopersmith and Wendy Berk. I'm putting out the word and getting lots of interest and response. I'm learning so much and benefiting from the questions, struggles, insights and wisdom of my fellow students/teachers. Aside from the Jewish studies, there is also much to discover about being a better listener and leader, and figuring out HTML, meta tags and search engine optimization. The last one still leaves much room for improvement. Blessings to all for a sweet new year.

The newest family member...

Weighing in at just under 10 pounds, this little boy, obviously the runt of his litter, came to us with the name of "Goliath." We call him Goli. He is a sweetie and has been a great help already keeping the legs of the furniture watered. And to think, I never even realized that door jams, DVD's and table legs even needed watering!! We found him at the North County Animal Shelter. He is a purebred Jack Russell Terrier about 4 years old. He is an amazing jumper. He jumps into our bed and onto our couch (usually before we do). This cuddly little guy is swiftly nuzzling his way into our hearts. Welcome to our littlest guru.