Yesterday and Today

Last night I went to synagogue with Ethan at the Naval Academy’s Jewish chapel. It was fascinating. Ethan described the synagogue as “reformed,” and I was interested to discover the vast differences in Jewish interpretation of the Tanakh, Talmud, and other various books, and to learn that different synagogues practice Shabbat very differently. I was also fascinated by the prayer book, the Siddur. The prayers and proclamation are so beautiful, and the poetry is breathtaking. As they read through, I did get a sense of robotic recitation, especially when they would say prayers and sing in Hebrew. But when I read through what they were saying in the English translations on the side, I felt the Holy Spirit speaking so clearly. The words! Each time the rabbi would read from the Siddur he would say, “Let’s read responsively,” suggesting that every two lines would be read by him and the next two lines would be read by the congregation; but instead of his meaning, I would imagine him saying, “Let’s read responsibly.” I walked out of synagogue with a profound new appreciation for meditation on the word and attention to each word read and spoken.

Today has been a rough day, overall. I read about a book of Politics and did some running, but beyond that I haven’t done much. I want to do some writing for a paper due on Friday about the political education of youths, whom Aristotle denounced as too immature to be proper students of politics. I think I agree with him, but we’ll see what my investigation pulls from the text. I’ll also have a maths paper coming up here soon. I’ve been preparing for this one over the past two weeks, though, and I know I’ll be able to give it proper attention. We’re poking our way through ancient number theory and it’s wonderful! Mathematics has never been more alive to me now that I can see some of its roots in arithmetic and geometry. Nicomachus wrote an interesting discourse where he described how geometry originates from arithmetic and is utterly dependent upon it (what is a three-side figure if we cannot first understand what it means to count to three?). I feel very benefited to have this education in mathematics entirely separate from trigonometry and algebra. There are honestly some concepts I chose to use my previous knowledge of algebra to apprehend, but having gained that standing I am now at the point where I can strip away the later mathematical principles and more accurately see the mathematics as Euclid, Plato, Aristotle, and Nicomachus did.

On a very positive note, Ariele and Mama Sieling are coming down my way to drop by and visit me. She’s going to North Carolina to have a meeting with a big shot at UNC Admissions. I pray for their safe travels and a blessed time tomorrow.

God is good, and His pure, unrestrained, unfailing love lasts forever. Amen.