Hello and welcome to the Jewish Blog. My name is Lisa and I hope to answer any questions you may have about the religion, customs, holidays, family life, and traditions of Judaism.
Some background information about me; I was born and raised Jewish. Both of my parents are Jewish (from where else, the Bronx) and I practice as a conservative Jew. I have been involved in Jewish education for 15 years as a youth group leader, teacher, and tutor. Although I know how to read, teach, and sing Hebrew, my understanding or conversational Hebrew is something to be desired. My reputation as a Hebrew language teacher as quoted from a Rabbi is, “Lisa can get a bear to dance.” (This is the translation from a Yiddish quote.)
For one summer I volunteered in Kata Mon, Jerusalem at an elementary school to teach the English language to 5th and 6th graders; it was the best experience of my entire life. Besides really learning about Israel and the culture, it allowed me to learn about the children of Israel and the educational system. I lived in an apartment ten minutes from the school and walked to work every day. I took public transportation to the Old City and of course the beach in Tel Aviv. I made life long friends during the trip. One of my partner’s in crime, another teacher who resides in Virginia, has become one of my closest friends. The stories and memories we can share that no one else knows about will live with me for many years. (Some will make it on this blog.)
My husband is also Jewish and was born in Israel. He was raised Modern Orthodox and now practices Conservative Judaism as well. Although we were both raised differently and have our opinions on certain aspects of Judaism (don’t we all), we do agree on some things. We had a traditional Jewish marriage ceremony under a Chupah, breaking the glass (we both broke a glass), reciting the blessings, and were married by my Rabbi who named me as a baby and gave me my Bat Mitzvah.
I hope I can provide you with information and answer any questions that you may have. Thanks for visiting and look forward to your questions.