Parshat Shmot

I'd love to think I'm going to put up some words of wisdom every week about the weekly Torah portion, but I know from past experience that to commit myself to something like this is just unfeasible with my busy schedule. That doesn't mean, however, I can't share a nice dvar Torah I found online. You can check it out here.

2-minute dvar torah from an 11 year old

I just learned that Claire will need to write a 2 minute D'var Torah for the March bat-mitzvah. While I haven't had the time to discuss it with her yet, I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas that will help us brainstorm.

And yes, my darling husband HaSafran, I will (try to) remember that this is NOT a platform for me to make a statement.

Learning for/from the Bat Mitzvah

I have barely begun to read the JOFA Bat Mitzvah journal (link below) and already feel like I have much to figure out with Claire. While she has no desire to learn to lein (read from the Torah), and I would not force her to (although I would find her a teacher if she *did* want to learn), I still want this to be more than just a big party for her. I would like her Bat Mitzvah to be a meaningful experience that helps not just connect her to her Judaism, but also solidifies her identity as a Modern Orthodox (MO) young lady, and a valued member of the community.

One of the things I read that appeals to me is having the Bat Mitzvah girl learn, something that she can then incorporate into her dvar Torah and her experience as a MO Jew. I will have to brainstorm and discuss the ideas with Claire, of course, but thank G-d we have a wonderful Kollel Torah MiTzion here from which we can draw fabulous MO Zionist female role models.

Ultimately, though, this reminds me that while Claire needs role models outside of our home, I am the foremost possible role model, and I should not discount my own actions. While I think she will appreciate and be less frustrated learning with someone other than me (not to discount the possibility of learning *with* me as well), perhaps it is time for me take on additional responsibilities as well. What do I mean by this? Recently, in the course of casual conversation with some of the other mothers at Claire's school, I was asked if I would be interested in leading a Rosh Chodesh learning group. I said I would think about it, but really, I tend to shy away from these things. "Why?" You might ask? Mostly because even though I have been observant for well over 14 years, I am still fearful of leading a group of frum Jews in any kind of learning. I'm also certain they know more than I do, that I will "give myself away" so to speak, by my choice of words or my pronounciation, or say or do something that makes it obvious that I'm newer to the "tribe" (as a BT) than they are.

But it may be time to get over that, to embrace the past and who I was and acknowledge that I may, quite possibily, never speak the same language, use the same vocabulary, fit in exactly. (Come to think of it, I know that already. HaSafran and I are so not mainstream Jews, even as MO Jews--we are well aware of this and we`ve come to accept and embrace it.) So I think I may call up this other mother and inquire as to whether or not she is still interested, and ask what she had in mind.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the first topic?

Bat Mitzvah Journal

I just found this link to the JOFA Bat Mitzvah Journal, with some really great articles. I'm looking forward to gleaning some great ideas from it. Enjoy!

Scrapbooking with the Bat Mitzvah Girls

Today is a scary/exciting day for me. I will be teaching girls younger than 18. Yikes!

Okay, so I'm being a little mellowdramatic. At Claire's school they have a grade-wide bat mitzvah celebration during the 6th grade year, and one of the activities (beyond the many, many wonderful things that they do) is to create a scrapbook. Considering my limited knowledge of the area (at least compared with those parents who grew up here), it seemed to me that I could help out by assisting the girls with their scrapbooking skills. So today I am braving my fear of teaching kids below college-age, shlepping in all my various supplies and accoutrements, and scrapbooking with the 6th grade girls at Claire's school.

Here are the basics I plan to teach/show/do with them:

• Pick out 4-8 pictures based around a theme. This theme can be anything from "my first birthday" to "family vacation in Florida" to "hanging out with my friends."
• Think of a title. It should be explanatory: anyone looking a the scrapbook should be able to figure out what the theme of the page is based on your title. However, it can be fun and catchy, too. "Splish Splash!" could be a title for a day at the beach.
• Consider your photos. Do you want to crop (cut) any of them? Consider whether they might look best if you change their shape or size--is there a stranger in the back of that photo who doesn't need to be there and can easily be cut out? Also consider matting (layering) one or more of your photos to highlight it. Do not cut off any distinguishing features. For instance, in a photo of you in New York, do not cut out the Statue of Liberty behind you--the statue is a distinguishing feature of where you were when the picture was taken.
• BEFORE TAPING/GLUING ANYTHING, consider the layout of your page or spread (a spread is 2 pages). What will your main colors be? Where will your title go? What about your pictures?
• Now lay out all the pieces on your page/spread. You still do not want to glue/tape anything. Take the time to get it right before you make it permament. Figure out where you want your "extras" to go as well--any journaling, stickers, etc.
• Once you are happy with the layout, make it permanent with tape or glue. (Remember to use archival quality material!) Begin with the background paper(s) if you are using any, then add the largest pieces & photos.
• Add your title.
• Journal--Tell the viewer something about the page/spread or about individual pictures.
• Small items such as stickers and designs can usually be added last.
• Remember: white space (or open space) is part of the design. You do not need to cover every inch!
• Last: HAVE FUN! This should be a fun activity that helps you commemorate your life up until your bat mitzvah!