<![CDATA[Joyful Junction - My Jewish Journey]]>Wed, 22 May 2013 04:33:16 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Good Times]]>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 19:49:52 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2013/04/good-times.html
We concluded the Pesach (Passover) season by hosting a Dinner Theater with friends, fellowship and feasting.   

Perhaps next year, I can provide a story template and send out for those wanting to Retell the Story of Exodus through an interactive dramatization.  

This year, I adapted the play found in: 
Why on This Night? A Passover Haggadah for Family Celebration  by Rahel Musleah and we had 8 characters that shared the history of the Hebrews through acting, songs and a game.  

GREAT MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES!
]]><![CDATA[Feeling Festive]]>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:17:31 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2013/03/feeling-festive.htmlIt's Pesach Time-  Here's a little game to help tell the story of Passover:
Visit www.exploringhebrew.com to download the game pages, then Click on the RESOURCES Page
Here's a peak from the past few month:
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]]><![CDATA[Unexpected Discovery]]>Mon, 18 Mar 2013 03:42:34 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2013/03/unexpected-discovery.htmlA few weeks ago during service, I noticed several engravings throughout the synagogue.  I carefully observed the Star of David, then recalled a picture of my family from the early 70's that I carry around in my wallet:
                       (Photo was before I was born & my older sister is shown):
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Did you notice my father's earring?  

At the time of discovery, I studied it carefully, then showed Marlon (aka "Nezakh" - his Hebrew name) and he was intrigued.  Shortly after service while in the Fellowship Hall, Nezakh suggested I show the Rabbi. That's when I got an official confirmation from Rabbi Dan.... Yes, it was indeed a Star of David which I found very interesting as well as special.  Even though my father wasn't a religious or observant Jew, I know that Ashkenazic ancestry is part of my heritage. I also found it interesting that according to Reformed or Progressive Judaism, paternal Jewish ancestry is recognized as valid.

This experience is very dear to me since my father passed away over a decade ago and I'm becoming more connected to my Hebrew roots. 


Ultimately, I'm grateful for this memory that was captured almost 40 years ago as I seek:
  1. Torah (lifelong learning)
  2. Avodah(spiritual growth)
  3. G’milut Chasadim(acts of loving kindness)
  4. Kehilah (community-building). "  
(Foundational Teachings at Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel, Boise, ID)
]]><![CDATA[Connected!]]>Sun, 20 Jan 2013 18:42:16 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2013/01/connected.htmlPicture
I'm so glad we connected with such a wonderful congregation in Boise: CONGREGATION AHAVATH BETH ISRAEL: (http://www.ahavathbethisrael.org/welcome/)

We really enjoyed the Feast of Torah gathering yesterday.  The overall theme was about Avaraham and Sarah.  Marlon attended a workshop entitled: "Father of Nations: Abraham's Significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam." It featured a panel with the Rabbi from CABI, a pastor from the Presbyterian church, an Islamic Imam and a minister from the LDS church.   I later joined Marlon and attended the workshop about Jewish conversion and there was a panel of 6 converts that shared their experiences and a glimpse in their journey. 

There were great activities for the children with arts/crafts, calmness/peace workshop, creative activities and general fellowship with their peers.


I'm really looking forward to joining this community and expanding our understanding of Torah and the Jewish culture.
]]><![CDATA[Successful Delegation]]>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 02:32:26 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2012/06/successful-delegation.htmlPicture
Challah made by our 12 year old daughter.

Good job, Mariah!
]]><![CDATA[Blessed Pesach (Passover) Fellowship]]>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:07:22 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2012/04/blessed-pesach-passover-fellowship.html
A few pictures from our Pesach Feasting & Study
]]><![CDATA[Can you hear it?]]>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:43:37 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2012/03/can-you-hear-it.htmlIt's almost as if you can hear MaYah praising the Most High with her Papa:
]]><![CDATA[Sukkot (Tabernacles) Video]]>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:31:12 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2011/12/sukkot-tabernacle-video.htmlIt took awhile to upload, but here it goes:
]]><![CDATA[Dancing & Wholesome Praise Music]]>Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:28:34 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2011/12/dancing-wholesome-praise-music.htmlMy dear friend/sister and I both delight in the music by this group:http://zemerlevav.org/

This family has beautiful praise dancing and regularly tours to different congregations.  If you visit their website, then you'll hear samples of their musicAlso, here's an excerpt about "Messianic Dance" from http://www.innercourtdancers.vze.com/

 "Messianic Dance - Biblically Sound?....Dance is a form of praise and worship talked about often in Scripture, to give just a few examples:

From Exodus 15:20 when Miriam and the women go out and DANCE in triumph; In 2 Samuel 6:14 when David DANCED before YHVH with all his might; In Psalms 149:3 "Let them praise His Name in the DANCE:..."; In Psalms 150:4 "Praise Him with the timbrel and DANCE:..."; In Luke 15:25 where they are DANCING to rejoice that the prodigal-son had returned - and this is said in an illustration by Yeshua Messiah Himself relating it to one repenting and returning to
YHVH!

As a child dances for joy, so we too should allow ourselves to be led of The Ruach/Spirit Of
YHVH in all Biblical forms of praise and worship - including dance....Rahkaid L'YAH!"
]]><![CDATA[Family Time]]>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:15:10 GMThttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/2/post/2011/09/family-time.htmlThis is an example of some family fun that includes Bible Stories



http://exploringhebrew.weebly.comhttp://www.joyfuljunction.com/uploads/3/6/1/0/3610819/biblical_expressions_cards.pdf
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