I spent a chunk of today starting to write the d'var Torah, a literary
criticism-slash-inspirational speech that I will be delivering at a
community Shabbat service this Saturday. For those of you who read the
"Commitment" post a few weeks ago, this is evidence that I did slow down
and say "yes." I won't give away the topic--you'll have to wait until
at least Saturday for that--but I will share a few of the things I've
learned so far.
1. We grownups should have a whole lot of respect for our 13 year olds
who write Bar/Bat Mitzvah speeches and for our middle and high school
students, who are called upon to analyze text every day. It's not easy.
2. Speaking is not the same as writing. I keep reminding myself that I
will have to say out loud, in front of a bunch of people, whatever I
write. So, please, no crazy long words that I'll trip over in the
moment.
3. A d'var Torah is not a blog. I've been writing this blog for five
months now, and I'm pretty comfortable with it. But there's text to
analyze here, people. This is not just a witty personal commentary
(though I hope it will end up somewhat personal and at least a little
bit witty).
4. It's okay to say "yes," even when you're not sure you can do
something. It tends to stretch the brain, and who among us couldn't use
a little brain-stretching every now and then?
5. As a former co-worker taught me, some of the best things happen when you just let yourself feel.
I'll keep you posted. Literally.
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