Wondering what the days are like on Azara’s summer programme? Here’s an account from participant Sally Michaelson.
Monday lunchtime
Arrive at Sadeh just in time for Talia’s tour of the farm… so happy to see the Havdallah
garden again where I have happy memories from last year’s Azzara of sitting on the bench
amid perfumed lavander, curry plant, sage and rosemary.
After a delicious lunch and the joy of meeting up with participants from the last two years of
Azzara weeks( also some new faces) we’re launched into the learning seminars.
A fascinating session on tehilim with Rabbi Benji followed by Mishnah with Rabbi Lyndsay.
Tuesday to Friday
Talmud every morning with Rabbi Jessica. With my hevruta Hannah Phoebe we whittle
the text until unintelligible letters with Rashi commentary starts to provide glimmers of
meaning. After a couple of hours in our quiet study spot outside we’re able to rejoin the
group confident that we’ve « got » some possible meanings. The last hour of group
discussion guided by Rabbi Jessica puts the text in perspective and by Friday our discussion is
animated and no-one is shy to translate.
Lunchtimes are an opportunity to lighten up and have fun over delicious food made with
Sadeh’s vegetables and fruits( highlight blackberry and apple crumble )
followed by more Psalms and Mishnah. Dinner and opportunity to relax and debrief.
Days are punctuated with Shacharit, Mincha and Maariv under a bower of trees.
The chance to enjoy and discover many different styles of davening led by the participants.
Sefardi songs, Finnish Reform Minhag, Lithuanian sobriety, Talia’s Prayer from the Heart
service… so many ways of praising Hashem with kavanah and joy.
Every night after dinner we meet on the cosy couches for bring and share Torah. Highight of
the week Laynie Soloman’s talk on a Berakha for Testosterone Gel… the opportunity for
everyone to offer a hiddush in the discussion. On other nights we read poems, meditate under a dome of trees, sing songs, and learn about all the courses available online and in person to further our Jewish learning ( thank you Lilinaz). Our last evening is shared with Shel Mala ( Binya Koatz and Rabbi Xava De Cordova) offering insights into Talmud with their inimitable style and enthusiasm.
The week is over too quickly but leaves me with the best memories of enriching Hevruta,
Community, Tefillah and Fun.