#daily daven

[laineystein]

I’d rather die than refute my Jewishness, thanks for asking ✡️

[makingqueerhistory]

Wash Day Diaries

Jamila Rowser, Robyn Smith

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends--Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie--through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx. The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters' everyday lives and how they care for each other. Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith originally kickstarted their critically acclaimed, award-winning slice of life mini comic, Wash Day, inspired by Rowser's own wash day ritual and their shared desire to see more comics featuring the daily lived experiences of young Black women. Wash Day Diaries includes an updated, full color version of this original comic--which follows Kim, a 26-year-old woman living in the Bronx--as the book's first chapter and expands into a graphic novel with short stories about these vibrant and relatable new characters. In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care. From self-care to spilling the tea at an hours-long salon appointment to healing family rifts, the stories are brought to life through beautifully drawn characters and different color palettes reflecting the mood in each story. At times touching, quiet, triumphant, and laugh out loud funny, the stories of Wash Day Diaries pay a loving tribute to Black joy and the resilience of Black women.

(Affiliate link above)

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

Hey fellow yidden: some motivation for you this Elul

So maybe this year you've done some backsliding on some mitzvot. So maybe you haven't davened as much as you would like. Maybe you missed opportunities to go to things in community because you just couldn't motivate yourself. Or perhaps there were things that you struggled to do individually.

Perhaps the reason that you missed opportunities for mitzvot is because you were afraid of missing out on something else.

Well, as a traditional egalitarian Jew who tries but has ADHD, depression, lots of executive dysfunction, a demanding job, relationships to maintain, and 900 hobbies, I feel you.

But fear not! I have two suggestions for ways to help you seek out mitzvot in every area of your life.

Suggestion the first: Weaponize the FOMO

At least for me, I'm always worried that if I daven as much as I would like to (as one example) I am going to miss out on [x] other thing. However, instead, sit yourself down and consider what one mitzvah you want to prioritize. Then, imagine never being able to do it again.

My friend, that day will come.

Mitzvot are for the living. A Jew being buried in their tallit has the tzitzit trimmed off first. Why? Because mitzvot are the project of the living and all we can know for sure about death is that it will come for all of us, eventually. If you believe in an afterlife, your deeds - good or bad - will accompany your soul on your way home. And you will be comforted and bask in the mitzvot you performed. And if you don't believe in an afterlife? Well, this is your one shot, and whatever deeds you leave behind is all that will be left of you someday.

Better wear those tzitzit now, then.

Suggestion the second:

Look for the kedusha in literally everything.

One of the truly amazing things about Judaism is that every moment, no matter how mundane, is full of opportunities to engage in mitzvot. Whether it's saying Asher Yatzar after using the restroom, washing your hands before meals, saying brachot before eating food, wearing certain clothing (tzniut, no shatnez, ritually significant like a kippah, etc.), being kind to animals (even insects), honoring your parents, visiting a sick or recovering friend, compromising with your spouse for shalom bayit, giving money to the poor, or simply reaching out to a friend who might be sad, lonely, and struggling - there are daily opportunities to connect and to infuse every moment of your life with holiness.

Judaism is so much about how we treat each other, our world, our bodies, and our communities, and these in turn are what help us to understand how to treat our souls and our relationship to the Divine. Judaism is about relationships. And the opportunities don't require you to go to shul, or don tefillin, wait for the high holidays, or give extravagantly. (Although those things are great if you want to do them, too!)

By design, the mitzvot are meant to allow you to connect with Judaism, with yourself, your world, and Hashem at every turn, simply by living your life. It's honestly a very old form of mindfulness, long before that was a buzzword.

So, weaponize that FOMO in one breath, knowing this is the only life we have, and in the next breath, really open your eyes to the opportunities that already surround you in every facet of your life. They are there if you look, and you will never miss out if you keep on looking.

[shakespearenews]

On April 24, 1710, only a month after a successful revival of Dryden’s play, the Queen’s Theatre in Haymarket mounted a production of William Davenant’s operatic version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An advertisement posted at the theater’s entrance announced the play was “For the Entertainment of the Four INDIAN KINGS lately arriv’d.”

...There was an ideological justification to the choice in entertainment for that night, because Shakespeare’s tale of an honor-bound Medieval Scotland enmeshed in witchery and magic thematically rhymed with English understandings of the Native Americans as primitive, if noble, “natural men.” Audiences that that evening were less interested in Macbeth and his wife than they were in Brant, John, Nicholas, and Hendrick. Outfitted in costumes befitting stage royalty, all black in mourning for Queen Anne’s recently deceased prince consort, the four men in their box seats made a spectacle. “In vain did the players attempt to perform,” writes John Genest in his 1832 history of English theater. “The audience demanded that ‘since we have paid our money, the Kings we will have.’”

To placate the unruly audience, Genest continues, the director “accordingly got four chairs, and placed the Kings on the stage, to the no small satisfaction of the Mob.” There was a degree of the dehumanizing exhibitionism in the “Mob’s” insistence at seeing the kings in this manner, though visiting dignitaries (or other important people) being seated on stage was not uncommon, and satiating understandable curiosity need not be understood as a debasement in and of itself. 

[eretzyisrael]

Parashat Sh’lach 

by Meir Anolick

It is generally easy to see that people are creatures of habit. Most people have a daily routine and a weekly schedule to keep their lives on track, and they fly through life on auto-pilot to some degree. Disruptions to our expected norm, even minor ones, causes us to act in unusual way, and at times, depending on the circumstances, can even lead to panic.

I noticed this especially so one day when I walked into a shul I frequent for weekday Maariv, and discovered that the M’chitzah had been temporarily taken down1. This was surprising to say the least, but regardless I went to my usual seat and sat down to learn while I waited for Maariv to start. What I noticed, however, was that everyone else in shul was acting strange in that many of them were standing together and talking, not too quietly, about the lack of M’chitzah. The members of this shul do not tend to participate in idle chatter in shul, and even Torah conversations are usually kept at a respectable volume, yet here they were speaking loudly about the change.

When I reflected on it, I realized that it was this aspect of humanity, our gravitation towards habits and an expected norm, which caused such behavior when even such a minor change was made. If this was true in such a mild case, then perhaps the actions of our ancestors as they stood on the threshold of entering Eretz Yisrael can be more easily understood. After standing at Har Sinai, they had accepted the Torah in all its details, including, of course, the Mitzvah of settling the Land and all the Land related Mitzvot. How is it then, that when they stand ready to enter the Land, the goal stated to them from the beginning for why Hashem was taking them out of Mitzrayim in the first place, that they suddenly get “cold feet” and want to return to Mitzrayim?

One of the reasons I’ve heard given for their reluctance to enter was that they knew that once they entered the Land, they would need to start working and providing for themselves. They would no longer merit Man (מן), or be blessed with clothes that never wore out, or have the Sh’chinah resting so close to them at all times. Life would be drastically different from what they’ve become accustomed to. It is understandable, then, that they would panic when presented with this sudden change, even if it was expected, to the point where they would have radical ideas such as stoning their leaders and returning to Mitzrayim. Once the norm has been disrupted, it is difficult to retain order and reasoning.

However, whatever reasons we may give for it, bottom line is that Hashem did not agree, and we all know well how they, and we, have suffered because of it. The Torah tells us that we must have faith in Hashem in all things, and that we should not fear the unknown, rather we should recognize that Hashem is watching over us. Even more so, we are told that even when things seem predictable and comfortable, we still have no assurance of how things will look the next day, and we must trust in Hashem to take care of us. Change can be scary, but if it is what Hashem wants of us, then we must not fear, rather we must continue forward with faith in The Holy One Blessed Be He. Shabbat Shalom.

1 There were no women davening at that minyan, obviously.

[magnetothemagnificent]

Hello! No pressure to respond, you get a lot of asks, I just wondered if you might give me some advice. I'm a trans guy who started wearing a kippah full time a few months ago. I was raised reform with conervative extended family, though I'm more observant now. I'm not religious, but I've starting doing things like not using social media on shabbos, learning daf yomi, davening three times a day, attending shul more often, and so on, and I've always kept kosher at home. I'm considering getting tzitzit for daily use. But I'm not shomer shabbos yet and I often eat in non-kosher restaurants.

Should I take my yarmulke off if I'm doing something against halacha in public? My main concern is that it's mostly worn by more frum people and I don't want to disrespect them or give others the wrong idea about what's acceptable under Jewish law. At the same time, I do take the idea of making a Kiddush Hashem seriously, I just have my own way of doing that and my own relationship with Judaism. Wearing it is important to me, especially on days like Shabbos, and feeling like I have to take it off to ride the bus back from shul is painful. Yarmulkes are not just for orthodoxy, and part of me feels like I shouldn't have to conform to orthodox practice while I'm wearing it publicly. What do you think? Thanks regardless, and have a nice day!

That's a good question, and it depends what you mean by "against Halakha".

I think there is potentionally an issue of Mar'it Ayin,which is the concept in Halakha of not leading other Jews astray by confusing them, however....

I don't think you should take off your Kippah. The purpose of a Kippah is to keep your head covered whenever you do a Mitzvah, and even if you take the bus on Shabbat, you still have the potential to fulfill other Mitzvot. If you're truly worried about Mar'it Ayin, then maybe cover it with a hat, but I don't think you should have to. Your journey with Judaism is deeply personal to you, and at the end of the day we live in a more diverse and interconnected time that seeing one person wearing a Kippah on a bus on Shabbat isn't likely to confuse someone to the extant they misunderstand Judaism. In fact, it might connect you to other Jews and open oppurtunities.

Every journey in Judaism is unique and deeply personal, and the fact that you're already doing so many Mitzvot is something to be proud of.

[historybizarre]

In April 24, 1710, only a month after a successful revival of Dryden’s play, the Queen’s Theatre in Haymarket mounted a production of William Davenant’s operatic version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. An advertisement posted at the theater’s entrance announced the play was “For the Entertainment of the Four INDIAN KINGS lately arriv’d.” From the borderlands of what would become the United States and Canada came four Native American representatives to the court of Queen Anne (three of them Haudenosaunee and one Mohican). They were diplomats working to secure an alliance against French ambitions within the interior of North America. Sa Ga Yeath Qua Pieth Tow, known to the English as Peter Brant, a Mohawk and member of the Bear Clan; Ho Nee Yeath Taw No Row, whose Christian name was John of Canajoharie, member of the Wolf Clan; Etow Oh Koam, or Nicholas, adherent of the Thunderbird; and Tee Yee Neen Ho Ga Row who went by King Hendrick, or “Emperor of the Six Nations” in the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (named Iroquois by the French).

[yenteleh]

Now that I have my siddur (I brought it with my after flying back home for the weekend) I think I’m going to try to daven daily, with the goal of reciting modeh ani, birkot hashahar, the Shema and the Amida each morning. But for now, small steps, especially because I have a habit of getting up at absolutely the last possible moment, so it might help me get into a “slow morning” routine.

[rockislandadultreads]

Book Recommendations: LGBTQIA+ Graphic Novels 

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends - Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie - through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx. The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters' everyday lives and how they care for each other.

Blue is the Warmest Color by Julie Maroh

Blue is the Warmest Color is a graphic novel about growing up, falling in love, and coming out. Clementine is a junior in high school who seems average enough: she has friends, family, and the romantic attention of the boys in her school. When her openly gay best friend takes her out on the town, she wanders into a lesbian bar where she encounters Emma: a punkish, confident girl with blue hair. Their attraction is instant and electric, and Clementine find herself in a relationship that will test her friends, parents, and her own ideas about herself and her identity.

Boys Run the Riot by Keito Gaku

High schooler Ryo knows he’s transgender, but he doesn’t have anyone to confide in about the confusion he feels. He can’t tell his best friend, who he’s secretly got a crush on, and he can’t tell his mom, who’s constantly asking why Ryo “dresses like a boy.” He certainly can’t tell Jin, the new transfer student who looks like just another bully... The only time Ryo feels at ease is when he’s wearing his favorite clothes. Then, and only then, the world melts away, and he can be his true self. One day, while out shopping, Ryo sees someone he didn’t expect: Jin. The kid who looked so tough in class has the same taste in fashion as him! At last, Ryo has someone he can open up to - and the journey ahead might finally give him a way to express himself to the world.

Cheer Up by Crystal Frasier 

Annie is a smart, antisocial lesbian starting her senior year of high school who’s under pressure to join the cheerleader squad to make friends and round out her college applications. Her former friend BeeBee is a people-pleaser - a trans girl who must keep her parents happy with her grades and social life to keep their support of her transition. Through the rigors of squad training and amped up social pressures (not to mention micro aggressions and other queer youth problems), the two girls rekindle a friendship they thought they’d lost and discover there may be other, sweeter feelings springing up between them.

[great-art-and-a-purple-tongue]

Well, I just learned the origin of the phrase "smart alec" and I never want to use it again.

It was literally created by New York cops for people who didn't bribe them enough.

[minyansunnyisles]

Rituals of Purification: Wash Away Spiritual Dirt

In Parshas Pekuday, specifically in the seventh aliya, the Torah details the creation of the copper laver and its base from the mirrors of the legions. The priests in the Temple were commanded to wash their hands and feet in this laver before offering sacrifices or entering the sanctuary. This act of purification was essential to cleanse themselves of any spiritual impurities or personal temptations that could disrupt their service to Hashem.

The Torah is not merely a historical narrative but a guide for daily living. As the previous Rebbe, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson, emphasized, we must "live with the times," applying the lessons of the current Parsha to our lives.

The lesson from this Parsha prompts reflection on our own lives. Before venturing into the materialistic world, we, too, should metaphorically wash ourselves, ensuring we don't get lost in material pursuits and always maintain our connection to a higher being—Hashem.

Implementing this ritual in our daily lives allows us to enter our personal "mishkon" or tabernacle, strengthening our relationship with Hashem. Approaching each day with the awareness that Hashem is watching transforms our perspective. Before taking any action or making a comment, we consider whether it will improve or weaken our connection with Hashem. This mindset empowers us to overcome challenges and make choices aligned with our spiritual values. May the strength and inspiration drawn from this Parsha guide us in overcoming personal challenges and finding success in our lives.

For more info, please visit: Daven Sunny Isles, Davening Sunny Isles, Minyan Sunny Isles, Shul Sunny Isles, Synagogue Sunny Isles, Chabad Sunny Isles

[laineystein]

❤️‍🩹

[hanukkitty]

i need to work on setting up a davening routine this year. eventually i want a pair of tefillin but i would feel so terrible having them and not using them because i haven't gotten into a daily routine yet

[unbidden-yidden-deactivated20240]

Jewish Song of the Day #24: Psalm 93

Comments:

Ready to end the week in style? So far this is my favorite of all the Shirim Shel Yom - leave it to Josh Warshawsky to write a beautiful edition of this Psalm!

Thank you all for going on this side quest with me to honor the real 'Jewish Song of the Day' that has existed in our liturgy since perhaps the days of the Levi'im (Levite priests) in the Second Temple. Although we no longer have their original texts or melodies, the idea and the spirit of the song of the day remains; we have preserved it in our davening.

The evidence for this is both in our oral tradition as well as in the epitaph of Psalm 92, which is the Shir Shel Yom for Shabbat: Mizmor Shir, l'Yom Ha-Shabbat - A Psalm, A Song for the Sabbath Day. This implies that there was a daily song the rest of the week as well. I will definitely be posting Psalm 92 as well at some point, but there is another special surprise for tomorrow evening.

I hope that for those of you who daven weekday Shacharit regularly (or even sporadically) that this gives you some good kavana for when you read them.

Shabbat shalom!

[berrysweetbooks]

Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith

I loved it. Really cute vignettes about the role haircare plays in Black culture.

The only part I disliked was how Cookie dealt with Davene’s depression. She was very dismissive of her problems and you could see the frustration on her face about not being heard by her friend. Also, the lack of support on Davene possibly taking anti-depressants was unnecessary. Not everyone may choose medication, but it’s still a valid option that her friend is considering. Cookie really cares about her and it was shown in the last scenes. I was hoping Cookie would apologize in the end about it, but she never did. The rest of the book was so well done that I’m curious why that part was left in.

Overall, Wash Day Diaries is a beautiful look into how hair care is a moment of self-care and how it plays a role in our daily lives and relationships. The art was beautiful and the coloring fantastic. I’m glad I could close out Black History month with such a beautiful, lighthearted, and fun read.

[pontiacsunfire2k8]

Thursday 14 / January / 2021

Good afternoon dear readers. I am on the verge of falling asleep. It's only afternoon but I have like no energy. I slept through my alarm this morning, My wife Melissa had to wake me to feed the cats and get ready to go this morning. I still feel like I could fall back asleep. Also I am freezing an unable to get warm despite the fact it is 26 degrees out. Granted yesterday was 40 and it was like 38 the day before so it is alot cooler than it has been but still, not exactly cold. Anyway, maybe I can go to bed earlier tonight. I'm caught up with work and studying. After tonight's daily daven at the synagogue and my Tanya class I plan to watch the replay of the Trophée des Champions, and some A League, and sleep. This weekend planning a FIFA session on playstation with the lads. Keon, Garrett, and Daniel confirmed, Westley probably joining, Stephen possibly joining. Anyway I need to get ready to head out. Enjoy the photo of a random bird in my tree.