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Friday, October 19, 2018

לך־לך Go Forth 5779


ויאמר יהוה אל־אברם לך־לך מארצך וממולדתך ומבית אביך אל־הארץ אשר אראך
The LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
ואעשך לגוי גדול ואברכך ואגדלה שמך והיה ברכה
I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you; I will make your name great, And you shall be a blessing.
ואברכה מברכיך ומקללך אאר ונברכו בך כל משפחת האדמה
I will bless those who bless you And curse him that curses you; And all the families of the earth Shall bless themselves by you.” *

October 19, 2018
Dear one, 

Many people have suggested that this parsha (chapter) sums up my life lately. Go forth from your home… And you shall be a blessing…

So I took the time this week to read it, really read it and see what it says. As I read, I realized this part of leaving and becoming a blessing is only one piece of the story. On my count, there are at least 10 plus stories going on in this weeks reading. 
Now that in its self sums up my life. Not only am I on a journey, not only do I feel blessed, but I have at least 10 stories happening at the same time to share with you all since my last blog post in September. I can’t believe it’s been that long since I last wrote. WHAT?!

Here are a couple themes, from my last month in Jerusalem. So much more to say on each one of these bullet points. 

·      The High Holiday Services spanned the gambit from: amazing, interesting, mind-blowing, spiritual to lonely, a bit boring, what am I doing here and even the mundane. One of my goals for this year is to be as open to new possibilities and new experiences as I can. So I am trying many different types of services. Learning from all. Very interesting. 

·      So many people have open hearts and tables to me. Welcomed me into their homes and families. Fed me, and introduced me to their families and friends. WOW! Just wow! Thank you all, it really means so much to me. 

·      Starting with Rosh Hashanna (in September) until Simchat Torah (ending Oct 2nd) I’ve has so many breaks from school. Each time we would start, there would be yet another holiday. Sukkot break meant having almost two weeks off of classes. Just as I was starting to get the hang of Hebrew and the stamina for a whole day of learning, we would have another break. I’m happy to say, this week we had our first whole week back at school and I made it though :-) 
     I‘m even happier to say I had some really amazing, insights this week as I studied texts. 

·      I figured out how to add tabs on my blog. If you look at the top, you will now see home, learning and art. I would love to share what I am studying with those of you who want to study along with me. My plan is to add to this tab weekly. I'll include what I am studying and a bit of insights. For today, I added a link to Pardes and listed the classes I am taking. You can read more about the classes and teachers on the Pardes website. 
    I'll keep adding more art to the art link too.

·      Friends, did I mention, I’ve met so many people! It’s been surreal. For a while it seemed like I was literally meeting at least one new person a day, most days even more than one. I even thought about writing down a list of all the people I’ve met, I’m sure close to 500 people. 
  
     I did come up with criteria about what it means to know someone, if they shared at least three things about themselves and so did I. You would be surprised how many times people would share information (very personal) about themselves and walk away never knowing anything about me.

With that being said, it will come as no surprise, I’ve been thinking a lot about relationships. I’ll share more in future blog posts. 

·      My last blog post was about words for 5779. If you missed it, click here for the link. I loved your words for 5779. In my head, I wrote a beautiful post with all of your words. They were each lovely and unique, as well as universal. I'll try to put that blog in writing very soon.

This post is getting longer and longer. It’s going to be Shabbat here in the next couple of hours (minutes). I really just wanted to let you all know I am alive and well. Very well, indeed. Very HAPPY! Still missing you all, and the homesickness has subsided for the most part. 

Blessing you with listening to your calling(s), even when they may seem difficult. 

With so much love/אהבתי,
Tamy 

PS
*Did you notice, the word blessing appears 5 times in this short paragraph?

Sunday, September 9, 2018

What is your Word for 5779? שנה טובה




Each year I think of a word for the year. My kavanah/intention. In 5778 my word was bravery. Oh boy! This totally describes my year. I have had to be so brave. Many more times than I thought I would ever have to be. There’s a saying do something that scares you every day. Just one thing. That was the reason for my intention: bravery. 

It ends up last year, I had to face many things each day with bravery. Each time a situation came up; I remembered the word, put on my brave face and sometimes armour, then marched into the scary experience. Knowing I am surrounded by people who care about me is part of the armour I wear each day.

As I think about 5779 one of the words that keep floating around in my head is abundance/shefa/שפ
ע‬.
When I looked up abundance on www.thesaurus.com I loved these synonyms: 

  • generosity
  • bounty
  • plenty
  • plethora
  • restfulness
  • peacefulness

After I have a word, I think...what will that word look like? What will it feel like in my body? Will I recognize it and be grateful?
Just like my word years ago, flow, it needed to come with balance. Too much flow, like water is not a good thing. We are always looking for just the right amount. Balance (my word a few years ago).

I ask you, my dear family and friends, What is Your Word for 5779?
What’s your intention/kavana/כבנה
What is your word?
I gave parts of this blog as a d’var at Pardes last Shabbat during a tish. People said:
  • strength
  • community
  • love
  • knowledge
  • peace
  • gains (opposed to seeing losses)

So I ask you for the third time*, with intention, what is your word for 5779?
Email (tcj224@gmail.com) them to me and I’ll save them with your name to remind you next year. Or write them at the bottom of this blog, please add your name.


As the day here in Jerusalem is starting to become dusk and most of you in the states are just waking up, I wish you and yours a Shana Tova, a Happy New Year!


I bless you with abundance, love, time, incredible heath and healing, and even more love

Today is your day to think about what blessings you need for 5779. Write them down, share with your crew, share with me. Think of them as you go through this next year. Feel them when you are struggling, know you are loved and blessed. 


Until next time, 

שנה טובה 

Tamy 


 *Some say intention is when you answer for the third time. Maybe the first two times you said it by mistake, but three is the lucky number.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Back to School


Night before, pick out three outfits... 
which will make the right impression?

Night before, read the Hebrew chapters one more time...
am I doing this right?

Night before, try to get some sleep...
am I in over my head?

Night before, set 2 alarms...
is it morning yet?

Night before, reflect, meditate, breathe...
what the heck am I doing here?

Night before, wait what time is it?...
did I oversleep? 

Morning of, what time is it? ...
I'm up before the alarm!

Morning of, colored pens, notebooks, water bottle... 
Yep, all in my backpack!

Morning of, ready to walk to school...
Only 12 minutes!

Morning of, 
where do I sit?
who will be my friend?
what am I doing here?
what was I thinking?
remembering to breathe
Morning of... hey, 
I know that man over there...
Morning of...
warm smiles, welcoming faces 
Morning of...
I got this!
I'm here to learn
I'm ready

Night of...
saturated with Hebrew, Torah, Talmud

Night of...
humbled, overwhelmed and excited

Night of...
filled with gratitude for this day, this experience

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה רוּחַ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הַעוֹלָם שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה


On the first day, we had opening circle. Each person had to answer these questions:
1. Your name
2. Where are you from?
3. What did you do last year? 
4. Next year? 
5. Share something that's not on your resume...

I said:
Tamy Cohen Jacobs
From Chicago*, for now Jerusalem
Deputy Director of ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal feel free to talk to me about Jewish Renewal
Next year?! Don't know yet, hopefully, will be starting a new job :-)
I am a connector. I'm a really good listener. I'm also very friendly, I'm the person who says Boker Tov, Hello to everyone. 

I'd love to read your answers to these questions. Send me an email  tcj224@gmail.com  
 
With love/אהבתי,
Tamy


*PS Three of us are from Highland Park,IL 



Tuesday, August 21, 2018

Soft Landing First 21 Days

Did you ever just jump and hope there was a safety net?

When I made the decision to study in Israel, I took a leap of faith that I would land on my feet. I've been here for 21 days (3 weeks). It's not always been easy. Many days, I went the wrong direction, had to figure out where I was and how to get to where I was going. All not speaking and/or understanding the language. I have had to depend on gestures, my little Hebrew and the kindness of strangers each day and everyday. 

People have said, oh you must have family and friends in Israel, if you are willing to move there. Well not really, I know a few people, but no family. Thank goodness for all of my friends* in the States who started introducing me to people right away. One friend introduced me to Ori Tal and his fiance Tal Nisim. When I spoke with Ori before coming to Israel he said, please come stay with us until you find an apartment. 
3 days has now turned into 3 weeks. They couldn't be sweeter. My own personal ulpan (Hebrew immersion). They have become my family. Another friend introduced me to one of her best friends. And of course, we have become fast friends too. Each of them introducing me to the day to day living here. 

The kindness of strangers and the immense amount of humility I need to summon everyday is not lost on me. 
Oh Elul... I'm taking the whole introspection concept seriously. 

The softest part of the landing was seeing my Aleph Ordination friends who were studying here this summer. I am forever gr8ful that I had other friends who were visiting Israel this summer too. I saw one of my besties from growing up. We haven't seen each other since we left for college. Amazing connections made in life coming together in Israel. Leaping into this new life knowing I had my safety net right here, made for a softer landing. Thank you all!! 

One quick funny story, I must not look so much like a tourist these days, because I keep getting stopped by Israelis and asked for directions. Most of the time I can even answer them back in Hebrew. :-)

Knowing all of you are cheering me on, supporting me and sending me love, keeps me from jumping back on a plane and just coming home. WhatsApp, emails and Facebook has helped me stay connected to all of you. Thank you for sending me messages, it really helps combat the homesickness. 

With so much love/אהבתי,
Tamy


Hope you enjoy the photos :-)
Esther and Stephanie on my first night here

Rob from Greensboro, NC
Roommates reunited
Kolby and Noam

Life long friendships together in Israel


New friend Michelle introducing me to her favorite coffee house

Adventures in Tel Aviv with Kat

Salzman/ Levin family at the Kotel
Orna Barel, my favorite artist in Tel Aviv art fair market
Spending time with Esther

Tal took me to Mark's new wine bar in Jerusalem



* If you have family or friends you would like to introduce me to, please introduce us via email or whatsapp. I'm always happy to make new friends. 

PS Please don't be upset if you introduced me to someone and either we didn't take a photo or I didn't mention them. I'm gr8ful for you and each contact I've made in the last 3 weeks as well as those yet to come. xxoo



Tuesday, August 7, 2018

New Phone Number

Shalom,

It’s a big moment for me, I switched phone numbers to Israeli number.

+972-53-803-7105

My old number will be on hold so I can use it when I come back in Nov.

WhatsApp is the best way to be in touch. AND it’s free.

😊

Off to look at more apartments. New address coming soon.

With so much love/אהבתי,

PS I'm staying with the nicest new friends, Ori and Tal. This is his motorcycle.

Ends up one of the best ways for get around Jerusalem. Don't worry, I'm being super safe. 


PSS Happy Birthday to the best sister, Holly
 


Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Leaving on a Jet Plane




July 30, 2018

Tonight as I sit on my dear friends roof top deck over looking the Hudson River (UWS), there is a beautifully lit bridge in the distance. Josh Warshawsky singing Emet (Truth) from his about to be released new CD, I am finally taking a big deep breath.

Some of you have asked if I wrote something and you missed it. Alas, I have been moving so quickly since May, I haven’t had time to just sit and write. The prose will come soon; the stories, photos and thoughts are making their way to the surface.

For now I can just say… I have so much gratitude for all life has brought me in this past months. Gratitude for all of you who have loved me and supported me in this journey. Gratitude for my teachers and mentors who have skillfully grounded me when I started to feel off course. Gratitude to have the ability to take this time to learn, I never forget how blessed I am for this opportunity.

Here’s a little quick update. I leave for Israel on Tuesday July 31 at 1:30pm EST.  If you pray, say a little prayer for safe, easy travels. I land in Israel on Aug 1st.  I’ll be staying at a new friend’s apartment for a few days until I find a flat.  As soon as I am able, I’ll be in touch.

Email, texting and FaceBook will all work in Israel. WhatsApp another good way to stay in touch.
As I told my kids, I’m just a phone call away, same goes for you.

With so much love/אהבתי and gratitude, 
Tamy
cell: 847-212-3550
email: tcj224@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

So what's new?

Dear Family and Friends, 

I have so much news to tell, I thought I would start a blog to keep you all looped in. My grandmother used to end all of her letters with love. I'm hoping you will come to think of these as letters to you, sent with ahava (love in Hebrew)*.


To catch you up... I am in what some might call a perfect storm; others might call it the perfect opportunity for change.  My marriage has ended and I have recently been “reorganized” from a job I loved. Suddenly I am without a job, a partner or a plan. I hit the trifecta and recognized the opportunity to create a new plan, and move my perfect storm into a perfect blessing. This was an opportunity to ask the Universe:

“What's next?”

Open to opportunity, I received a call from a friend to join her on a trip to Israel. Without anything holding me back I said,  “YES!”  
While in Israel, I met with my colleague and friend Rabbi Ruth Gan Kagan. We had a very frank and deep conversation about all the changes in my life and my lack of direction.  And suddenly with a twinkle in her eye she said “I can’t tell you what to do, but if I were you, I would pack up my things, sell my house and move to Israel. Why don’t you take a year off and study at Pardes?” I floundered “but... but…” with more reasons why not to go floating around in my head, I was confused but a seed was planted and small roots began to grow.

Leaving Israel, I flew directly to California to complete the Embodying Spirituality training program I've been in for the past two years. While there, my mind continued mulling the possibilities. What would it be like to study at Pardes? I kept thinking about the conversation. Could I really do it? Is this the direction my life is leading? I know I am on a spiritual path, but really?  


The theme for Embodying Spirituality was rituals around transitions/ lifecycle. I created a ritual around blessings for a new beginning. I'll share more about that in another post. Returning to my home, I knew this life wasn’t for me anymore. I was ready for a change, ready to say goodbye. The boys and I had many conversations about all of these changes. They are super supportive.

The reaction I got when speaking to a friend/mentor/colleague, let me know that I was on the right track, as soon as the words left my mouth her excitement was palpable. The idea of me studying at Pardes caused her to nearly jump out of her seat. She said “You are on the path. You have been on this path for years. Take flight!”

So, when I sit quietly with myself, this all makes sense, It feels right, I know Israel is where I'm supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing.

When I’ve told the boys, some of my friends and family about my plan, their first response is, WOW! Really?! Then they sit for a minute and say, Tamy, you have been waiting your whole life for this experience. If not now, when? That Hillel quote keeps coming up over and over again. It seems like my perfect trifecta has turned into a perfect trifecta of learning, new amazing adventures and a new place to live. 


Saying goodbye isn't easy, I've already started. Writing this blog is my way of staying in touch with you, my family and friends. For now I'm assuming my email will be the same tcj224@gmail.com

Here is my timeline:
House is on the market- lots of activity :-) 
Lehitraot: Goodbye, for Now Open House
July 15, 2018 2:30 on...
Text or PM me for address

Leaving for New York July 20 
The Davennen' Leadership Training Institute (DLTI)
Israel on Aug 1st
School starts Sept 2
Back in Chicago/Glencoe for Thanksgiving

Thank you for all of your love and support as I go through all of these changes. Filled with so much gratitude!
with love
xxoo, 
Tamy
PS Click on the blue words (hyperlinks), it will explain more about what is highlighted. 
*The blog With Love was already taken :-)