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 :-)