Wow all, I guess it's been a while since my last post, and a lot has happened. First off, of course, I started real med school classes (and passed my emergency medicine course), set up my new apartment (with serving for 12--I already broke a glass and still don't have a table), bought 2 matresses (waddup guestroom), bought the two cutest bunnies in the whole world, and so much more. My kitchen is still unstocked and my desk table still unbuilt (they gave me assembly directions for a different table altogether), but things are otherwise shaping up. I hosted a Japanese themed dinner on the rug, complete with chopsticks and Marzipan rugelach for dessert, for my good new friends in Shchunah Gimmel, one of which even gave me a haircut the following week! I hope to host more dinners to follow with my other friends and family. There is so much going on.
I'm also still working away at daf yomi, a few pages behind and more after the chag, but I'm doing okay. I even had the cool experience of praying like the vatikin in the early pages of the masechta, linking geulah to tefillah while still doing shema before netz--we literally hit the amidah as the sun came up. What an experience--complete with 4:45 selichot and a rousing hatarat nedarim to boot. I'm still asking lots of questions about my Jewish practice as we speak, but I hope to go into these High Holy Days in faith, supplication, and awe.
This past Thursday night, our class was gathered to recite our Physician's Oath, a ceremony to mark our path into the medical profession in an ethical and honest way. The oath was filled with things difficult and easy, the hardest part in knowing what exactly is best for the patient vis-a-vis the doctor. We'll see what lies ahead, but it's set to be along, arduous, and confusing journey, especially with the quality of the English of some of my professors here. But I'm excited...and nervous, and still considering my paths of choice. Still, I cannot wait to see what's next.
In the spirit of the times, I want to wish everyone a sweet new year, filled with friendship, love, happiness, justice, health, and well-being, and I hope we can all appreciate the blessings that surround us constantly, even when times are confusing and dark. If I have offended anyone, I ask your forgiveness and welcome your grievances to become a better person.
To one and all,
שנה טובה ומתוקה!!!
David
