Rabbi Eve Posen

Last night, I had my second session of the Ta Shma, Rav Siach program for interdenominational learning. The topic was Aseh L’cha Rav, Knei L’cha Chaver, make for yourself a Rav, Acquire for yourself a friend. I have often thought about this verse, but never have been able to understand it’s true meaning. And, i don’t know if I am any closer now that I have studied it. What i do know, is that I have a long way to go before I consider myself a Rav. We listed attributes that we think are essential to a Rav, and I strive towards these each day. I realized that I don’t have one rav, but many ravs. that is to say, I consider many people, friends, rabbis, colleagues, family to be my rav, they have all taught me something in my life time, and I hope I have taught them in return. The action here, is active, MAKE FOR YOURSELF. Go out, find that person, find that one space where you have a Rav. I must go out and make for myself a Rav, and myake myself a rav to the best of my ability. BUT, I am only a rav when someone else makes me their rav, I cannot force this on someone else. I have to wonder, if I will ever become the Rav I aspire to be… I know I am closer, but the journey is still a long one! I love the learning at Ta Shma, and I am meeting some very interesting people who will be my colleagues one day, and perhaps even become my rav!

Today, I had one of those moments where things are starting to click in classes. My talmud class is particularly challenging for me because the Professor doesnt’ speak English, only French and Hebrew. There are also 5 Israelis in the class who, it has become clear to me, have learned to learn Gemara differently from me, and also speak very, very fast. But today, after hours of prep on my own, and review, I understood the entire class, I spoke in class! This was a breakthrough moment for me! In school in general, my Hebrew has improved rapidly, and continues to do so on a daily basis. I am confident in my Hebrew, make announcements in Hebrew, do all that crazy stuff! I am also realizing just how much I don’t know. This happened at the beginning of Rabbinical School, I realized how much I don’t know and how overwhelming it was. It has happened again, only now, i know I have a solid foundation, and I know that I will be abel to use the tools I have learned to find the answers I am looking for.

Today, I had my Ah HAH moment, and it was fantastic. I love the learning, I will need to continue to work hard, but it’s o.k. because I am happy! Hebrew is a fun language, even if i get frustrated sometimes. Israel is a wonderful classroom!! ENJOY, LOVE, LIVE!!