Shabbat Shalom

How have I been spending this erev Shabbat (evening of the Jewish Sabbath)? Well, I’m obviously not that pious if I’m writing my blog on the computer, but I was inspired. Or it could be that I’ve had a bit too much Shabbat vino? Sometimes, that happy buzz can be confused with inspiration. In either case, I’ve got that Shabbat feeling, and I need to share the love.

So, how have I been spending my evening? I’ve been running through the Shabbat Family Service because I’m just a girl who can’t say ‘no’, and when they asked for volunteers to help lead the Shabbat Family Service at our synagogue, my hand shot up into the air while my brain said, “What in God’s name are you doing, hand?!? You don’t even know if you buy into all this melarchy and you’re going to start indoctrinating small children with this mythology about this great, all-powerful, all-knowing Ruler of the Universe? Ruler of the Universe? That’s rich! Let the power of gravity suck you down, hand, and let some other do-gooder volunteer, you twat!!”

But my hand ignored my brain. It happens all the time. I’ve tried to tell Gabriella over and over again that when I’m poking and pinching and grabbing at her because she is just gosh-dern grab-able, my hand is actually ignoring my brain. She is less than understanding when she decides that her hand is going to ignore her brain and retaliate. It’s not pretty.

So, the fate of a certain someone who loves to entertain but doesn’t want to deal with the pressure of entertaining professionally is to “perform” once a month to a room full of pre-schoolers and their parents singing prayers and songs praising God, Ruler of the Universe. Can I get an “Amen”? Go ahead, say it! I know Kevin is out there letting the spirit lift him from his seat in order to Holla Back, “Amen”!! Thank you, Kevin!

A couple of weeks ago, we all boarded the ol’ MV (mini-van) to head to Shabbat services. I was headlining that morning. Gabriella started the car, and I looked at her and asked, “Why am I doing this?” And she said, “Because you’re a great role model to your children.” And that shut me right up. I want my kids to love who they are and love the community to which they belong. I want them to find joy in the traditions and the rituals. Who can do that better than their Mom? I know what entertains them and makes them laugh, and maybe I can entertain a bunch of other kids who might not otherwise find the fun in Shabbat. Maybe my hand really did know what was best. I’ll have to let Gabriella know. If she’s got a problem...she can talk to the hand. Sorry-couldn’t help myself.