My Torah

I think it is really a lesson in what life is all about -

to be 50 years old,

having converted to Judaism half a life ago,

and now to be called to lift the Torah on the bimah,

and also recite the Hebrew prayer over the candles at Yom Kippur services.

Life is about learning.

Life is about not being perfect.

Life is about living in such a way that at the end of the road you are a better person than when you arrived.

I’ve come a long way from the freshman in high school who fainted giving a one-hour oral report on Israel in my Accelerated World History class. Since then I was petrified at the thought of speaking in front of people.

I can relate to the sentiment that ‘God puts you where you need to be.’

As a classroom teacher I make a living talking in front of people.

Required speaking opportunities over the years have helped nurture my confidence and skills at thinking on my feet while in front of an audience.

You’ll know I’ve found my Nirvana when I can finally attempt some version of stand-up comedy — that is my answer to the question “what would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?”

This Yom Kippur will also be special to me because being asked to lift the Torah reflects that someone thought I was physically strong and able to do so.

My lower back has plagued me with pain and periods of immobility for my whole life. For two decades, neurologists advised me to not exercise and to protect my back. In my fourth decade, orthopedic surgeons performed surgeries and trainers encouraged an active lifestyle to strengthen and heal my back.

My ability to lift the Torah in services during my 50th year will truly be a blessing.

So, while this isn’t the end of my road, my role in the High Holiday services confirms my faith that I am on the right path.