Fasting

Today is Yom Kippur and I can’t train, or eat for that matter. A fast traditionally accompanies Yom Kippur and it started last night. I asked the doctor at the Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre and our Rabbi and both said that in my case a 24-hour fast would do no harm to the baby (drat). So, instead of swimming this morning I slept as long as I could (as long as Hannah would allow) and have been trying to spend as much time in spiritual introspection as possible.

Really I should be in synagogue praying but I find it hard to follow the service because my Hebrew is a beginner’s Hebrew and I still feel self conscious because I am not yet familiar with the liturgy and all the rituals.

I usually enjoy listening to the Rabbi’s sermon and we were keen to try a synagogue that is close to our new home by attending the family service. We were about to step out the door this morning to walk there when Hannah started screaming.

Is she hungry? Tired? Wet? Bored? Upset tummy? We went through the list and took action accordingly. By 2:00 pm she was finally asleep in her crib and I still hadn’t gone, but at least my husband was able to join his Dad at another synagogue across the street.

In truth I get far more out of reading and reflecting at home than I do in a synagogue, because I don’t have much experience with it. But, I have been inspired by Rosh Ha -Shanah and Yom Kippur to re-start working on my Hebrew. Hopefully this will allow me to get more out of services in the future, as well as counteract the mush-brain effect of nursery rhymes!