#BlogExodus: Cleanse

Yesterday turned out to be such a lazy Sunday -- truly a blessing -- that tonight is laundry night. Thankfully, there are plenty of machines right in the basement that are great at cleaning and drying my clothes. 

#BlogExodus: Baffled by “Bless”

I’m a little bit baffled about the meaning of the word “bless.”  Nothing Merriam-Webster says about it strikes me as particularly Jewish.  Same with the online OED.

On the other hand – and not surprisingly – the explanation offered by ReformJudaism.org resonates with me:  “Throughout Jewish history, the deepest feelings and longings of the soul have been given expression in the form of blessings (brachot) for nearly every occasion, both ordinary and extraordinary, and a liturgy for both daily and sacred times.”

#BlogExodus: A Roundup of Beginnings

Although it may seem odd to begin with a roundup, today, 1 Nisan, presents a confluence of beginnings.

Not only is it the first of the month of Nisan and the first full day of spring, it also is Shabbat Ha-Chodesh, which marks the beginning of one of the four new years on the Hebrew calendar. This day begins the liturgical year as was referenced in the Rosh Chodesh parashah we read this morning:  “God spoke to Moses and Aaron when they were in Egypt and said, ‘This month shall mark for you the beginning of the months; it shall be the first of the months of the year for you’” (Exodus 12:1-2).  The liturgical year ties all Jewish festivals to the Exodus from Egypt so its beginning now -- less than two weeks before Passover -- is most apt. 

Ten Good Things About Today

10. It was sunny all day.

9.  Even with oversleeping, I made it to the office by 9:10 a.m.

8.  I didn't have time for breakfast at home, so I'm planning on oatmeal for dinner.

7.  There was a check in the mail. (Thanks, Mellon.  Too bad I wasn't visiting you tonight.  We'd have had a great time watching the game at the CONSOL Energy Center.)

#RhodiaPaperProject: Yet Again, 90g is the Winner

Now that the #RhodiaPaperProject happens ever other week, I think I anticipate the arrival of paper samples twice as much.  I was glad to receive Week 14 samples in the mail a few days ago and to try out various inks on them this evening.

The Shiva Orchid

Nearly five years ago, when we were sitting shiva for my mother, one of my sister's friends from The Frick Collection came by with a beautiful orchid.

Use Your Manners

As the MTA ramps up its etiquette campaign on subways and buses, here are a few suggestions for things New Yorkers can do, not only to make the commute more pleasant, but to enhance life in our city as well.

1. Smile.
2. Greet the doorman.
3. Hold the door.
4. Remove your backpack on the subway.  
5. Keep right -- on the road, on the sidewalk, and on the staircase. 
6. Wipe down the treadmill when you're finished.