My Conversion Story Journal

December 25, 2024

Hello, my name is Jeanette, and I am addicted to learning. One day, just one day, we are not supposed to study Torah. Do you know how many times within that day I forgot and had to stop learning? Not once. Not twice. Multiple times.

I understand the reasoning behind not learning on Xmas. I understand that learning Torah and Torah values illuminates the world and that is not a good day to illuminate. Do you know how many pagan festivals Xmas is derived from? However, putting that understanding into practice is not easy. I started reading the book next to my bed when I woke up. I listened to a Chabad video on YouTube when it came across my notifications. I turned on an Ark Online video. I had to catch myself repeatedly.

I did try hard to not think about studying. What did I do most of the day Xmas Eve so I didn't study? Shop, of course! It turns out that learning is a lot less expensive, even when paying teachers to teach. I'm going to have to come up with a new strategy next year so my bank account doesn't cry.

The big question that everyone asks, "Did you eat Chinese food on Xmas?" Yes, I did. It was very good leftovers from Xmas Eve. I got lucky and got an order in. The one kosher Chinese restaurant starts taking orders two weeks in advance for Xmas day! Although it was very delicious (and enjoyed with a wonderful friend) it would be easier (and less painful for my bank account) if I just make it at home myself. I haven't attempted to make my own crab rangoons yet, but I could have them perfected by this time next year.

I volunteered a couple of hours at Chanukah Wonderland. There was a giant bounce house that was a dreidel. It was the coolest thing ever! It looked like this: https://www.jewfadz.com/dreidel-bouncehouse.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqdh8nf3CBrFtBxtqk... I imagined myself as a kid loving every second of it. Even with all of the cool crafts and exciting events (making olive oil out of real olives!), I would have spent a lot of time in that thing.

I made latkes for when my daughter A1 comes to visit. I think I want to try a different oil to see if they taste differently. They were good, but I don't think they are perfect yet. Picture attached below.

Today was the start of Chanukah, and for the first time, I lit real candles. I was not allowed to have real candles at my old apartment. There is something magical about the light of real candles and real flames. I didn't remember that I couldn't work during the time that the menorah was lit, and I cooked the latkes during that time. I have my menorah on the right side of the door because I do not have a mezuzah. As I write this, I am now wondering if it is on the correct right side of the doorway. The right side coming into the house (since the mezuzah would be on the outside) or the right side of the doorway on the inside (like I have it) because it is on the inside of the house looking out to the street. Now I am overthinking. Way overthinking. Picture below.


Happy Chanukah!