A waste of years

The way how one becomes fluent in his mother language is not by studying it, rather it is archived by constantly talking with people who will correct you and guide you till you'll be able to speak on your own. Those people are known as your parents, school teachers and your friends you're surrounded with all the time. Nevertheless. I had those people at my side, they were there for me, but for a different language, a worthless one, known as Yiddish.

Yiddish, with all its treasures, is not a profitable one. The problem is that I didn't realized this simple concept only after I was married and had to leave Kollel (Torah study school for married man) in order to get a job, to fill the void of the income source my wife had been doing till the birth of our second baby. - Not only wasn't I told and encouraged all these years, from 0 to 22, to read and learn the national language which I will need as a must to make a living, the opposite is true. "It's not for you" was the reproach I received from them whenever I pulled down a newspaper or magazine from above the fridge, and tried to understand or those hard words that were in every part of the sentence.

And you know what, they had a great impact on me. As a great kid, I did everything I was told to. I believed that all will be okay, my marriage, life, financial status, if only I sit and study the Talmud, and follow my leaders. - That day didn't show up yet.

Instead of blaming all day, I took upon myself a project to teach my self English. Beginning with reading, understand word definitions, writing and talking like an American not like a first generation immigrant.

A friend gave me a book called "Evergreen - A Guide to Writing with Reading" Eight Edition, by Susan Fawcett. He used it in college while earning his GED. 

I hope I will benefit from this book, and the BEFORE and AFTER will be clear and seen on the quality of the posts on this blog.

Working hard
T"T

First Night of Chanukah

What's Chanukah?

It's the cold, rainy and long nights that stands behind the excitement of this relatively new Jewish Holiday. If you follow the naked facts of this holiday, there's is no celebration on the schedule, besides lighting a candle when you come home at night. All additional parts were originated by the toys store keeper and the baker who used the opportunity the make it their best season. Exactly the same what the fruit stores will do in around two months, on 15 Shvat.

What's your opinion?

T"T

Talmid Toah's Tuesday

Hello wall...

"Talking to the wall" is a famous Yiddish expression, used when one feels that his/hers words are reaching no where. Of course, the Western Wall is different. Not for its ears that he is missing, it is indeed a place where people pray with all their hearts, and traditionalist believe that when you're fully immersed in your prayers, the Almighty shows out His greatness.

Last night, after naming my post, I realized that all 3 letters start with the letter B. On my way to work, while sitting in traffic for the sake of living in Brooklyn, I suddenly thought that todays post will title with triple T's. The reason why I'm telling you all these, is because I don't really have other major news.

Oh, how can I forget? I do have something to share. It happened In shul today, while I was reading some of my print outs that I take along (so I won't be lonely), I heard an Israeli begging voice. This is totally not a wired phenomenal. However, at the small shul I do my service, beggars know its address due to the wealthy member, Mr. G. who is known for his good heart and charity he gives for poor people. 

The essay I was reading with much interest played the wall role... it was blocking the Israeli man's plea. I didn't do more than perfunctory (-this english word I just learned. How? I was looking for a translation of the Hebrew phrase, actually it's said first by prophet Isaiah (29;13), "מצוות אנשים מלומדה", which means servicing God perfunctory, with no intention. The funny part is that when I first typed the hebrew word "מצות" with only one "ו", Google translated it to "Matzah mechanically", I perfunctory laugh to myself (did I used my new word in place?), since "machine matzah" was banned by some European authorities who were claiming, inter alia (another new word for me today), that passover bread made and baked with no human intention can not be used to fulfill the Biblical obligation of eating theese special bread on the first night of the passover holiday. So Google puts alike "Matzah mechanically" to "perfunctory". Oh, I got stuck in a halachic discussion. Anyhow, back to the story.) 

The guy wasn't happy with my one dollar bill, he kept telling me his bad and needy situation. I had to look who this guy with guts is. I was shocked, he recognized me when I was still reading my stuff, he wanted my attention that's why he continued talking till he broke through that wall... a decade ago he had his seat in a Jerusalem Yeshiva not far from mine. Now he is already marrying off is oldest daughter (he didn't turn 40 yet!) Sure enough we immediately had some small talk, and I accompanied him over to Mr. G. I introduced my fellow, and my words were fruitful. 

You see, you think that you have nothing to say, but once you start, stories comes up.

By the way, I opened a Facebook account, in order to find friends/readers. Please befriend Talmid Toah, Thanks

Love you all

T"T

Business Before Blogging

Yesterday was Sunday, so I freely enjoyed myself blogging and planing of posting my daily encounters struggle and progress. However, sure enough I learned that Monday is made for something more productive. Not to underestimate this very important project, it is in all accounts on a lower level then fulfilling your duties at your job site and being loyal to your boss. Working, besides its must in order to earn a living, it is beneficial for your healthy, physical and psychological, life. Maybe that's why there are more working days in a week then non-working days, maybe, who knows?

See you tomorrow, bye!
T"T

A Wondering Student Invites You

Hello!

This is my first post, I'm still learning how to blog, so please be kind to correct my spelling and grammar. Actually this is the whole idea of this blog. As a Chasidish-Williamsburg born and raised, all - the little - I know, is from knowledge I have been taught by good people like you. Here's the problem, whatever I read textbooks for myself, it doesn't stick in my head for too long, not so when I learn through interaction with a teacher or a friend.

I have so much to share with you, but while I'm still searching for a start point, I would like to tell you where I wish my endpoint should be. My goal in life, for the next year or two, is to make the English language as my first. And take it from there to become a great lecturer and writer.

Hence the name of this blog which reads in Hebrew as תלמיד תועה, a wondering student. Not תלמיד טועה - a mistaken, wrong, student. I hope that this blog will help me get to my destination.

Thanks for listening.

T"T