Today was the first day at the yeshiva. What an experience! We did a little into to davening and then did that for ~45min. Then came official welcome and misc hanging around. Off to ulpan. I knew I would be in ulpan aleph and that is a good decision. I wish I had known how to read/write script before coming. Apparently, no one writes in block. Other than that little stumbling block it is a great class. Good size with about 17 other students of various skill levels and backgrounds. I think that will be a very taxing class. At 3.5hrs long, and meeting every day, it has potential to be one of the most intense too. Ok, yeah, I know, that is what ulpan means--still.
Mishna with chavruta is what I am interested in on a completely different level. Today we discussed the Shema (of course we did). I think I really need to know how to find the appropriate partner for my chavruta to really make the most out of the experience. I will do so on Tuesday.
And then, finally, a class that has direct practical application, and one that I knew a little about--torah chanting. I am getting more background than I ever knew existed. And yet, I didn't feel completely lost. I know how to chant a mercha and tipcha, yes! I am excited to begin learning my portion (day 1 of creation) for Rosh HaShannah with this new insight and guidance.
These next six weeks will be exhausting on so many levels. While I assumed that and was prepared for that coming in, I didn't know that. Today, I am much more aware.
Not to mention, sitting for 8hrs a day is not something I am accustomed to any more and that is physically difficult. I actually got up and stood there for a while I couldn't take it.
The group is a good one, very diverse. Many age groups are represented (w/ the exception of ~35-50), equal genders, lots of religious diversity too. Today allowed me to feel concrete about this decision being a good one.
I get to go have some cheese and wine now (hope you see the oddity of that) and then off to study.
Hope you are all well and we'll be in touch.
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