I have learned so many things!! I’m very surprised by how much dedication I put into this, I just love it! I’m writing this post on Shevat 14th, tomorrow is Tu B’Shevat—my first Jewish holiday! I made a donation to have some trees planted, as is customary for this holiday. Those trees will turn two years old tomorrow as Tu B’Shevat marks the New Year for Trees!
Also, the upcoming Shabbat is a special one, it is called Shabbat Shirah, which aligns with the weekly Parasha: Beschalach. This portion contains the parting of the Red Sea, where the Israelites passed through. Shabbat services are accompanied by the singing of the Song of the Sea to express gratitude.
I have not been able to attend a Shabbat service yet, however, this week I have decided to attend online, although I would love to attend in-person. I’m very excited about it, I think it will be a very nice experience, which will actually be my first Shabbat service!
In my personal Torah study, I’ve actually caught up to this week’s Parasha. Just yesterday I finished Bo. I’ve been reading in English though, and I understand it is not quite the same; Hebrew has some semantics that just don’t translate well. However, my Hebrew learning has been going great! By now I recognize all the letters in the alefbet and I can read pointed text at a moderate pace. And I can also write words I hear without the Nikkud. But I still have to learn some more.
I feel very proud of my progress, and I’m deeply thankful for the effect this journey is having on me. Just a month ago I couldn’t bring myself to do things I really like, like drawing. Now, I’m smiling again, I’m not having intrusive thoughts anymore, and I can pick up my pencil and sketch away; I feel much much better now.
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