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Gift idea for rabbi

ballandchain10ballandchain10 member
500 Comments
in Jewish Weddings

My conversion date is drawing near...a week from today (will be about 3 weeks before the wedding!)

I would like to do something nice for my rabbi.  He has really gone above and beyond for me...he tutored me one on one b/c there were no conversion classes being offered in the area, he has given me so much advice on many things, and more importantly, has become a friend.  He's even going to be one of the beit din, so he'll definitely be rooting for me ;-)

What is appropriate to give?  I'm not sure I want to give money to his discretionary fund...we'll be doing that for the wedding in a few weeks. 

TIA!

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Re: Gift idea for rabbi

  • RachiemooRachiemoo member
    Tenth Anniversary 500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    You could give a gift in his honor to Mazon http://mazon.org/ (or another charity), a nice bottle of wine and a heart felt thank you note.
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  • slbriz34slbriz34
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Agreed; or if he's married, find out if there's something he really likes that you can get (like a special book or other item).  Really, rabbis love to do this and welcome it from the usual everyday. 

    I didn't really get a gift, per se, for my rabbi, because I see him quite often and usually get him something for the holidays and such (and will also donate and invite him to the wedding), but a heart felt thanks always works well.
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  • ciaramanciaraman
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm afraid I don't have a gift idea, but I have a question for you, Cara: How long did your conversion take from the time you first spoke to the rabbi?  I recently got engaged and plan to convert before the wedding.  We're aiming for summer of 2011, and I keep being told that a year and a half might not be enough time.  It seems a little absurd to me that a year and a half isn't enough time especially considering I've been studying and starting to do Jewish stuff for a year, but the rabbi who we want to do our wedding is acting like this is a real problem.  Any thoughts?
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  • abrown351abrown351
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ciaraman,

    I know your question was directed to just anyone, but I thought I would let you know my experience.  I am also converting prior to our wedding in May.  My conversion will be taking place sometime between Shavuot and our wedding over Memorial Day weekend.  AIl total it will have taken me just over a year and a half to complete my studies.  With the Hebrew classes, the Conversion classes and our individual counseling sessions it has been a long process, but honestly I know I am not ready with regard to my Hebrew that is why I am taking more classes this winter and I am seriously considering finding a Hebrew tutor to ensure that I am truly prepared for my conversion.  I think one of the reasons the Rabbis are willing to move forward is my continued effort to improve and learn more and the fact that our wedding is coming along so quickly.  

    Hope this helps.
    Rae
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  • ciaramanciaraman
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Rae,

    Thanks for the insight!  Out of curiousity, what level of Hebrew are you trying to reach?  Right now I can read very, very slowly, and I can understand a handful of words...from what you said it sounds like you're going for fluency.  Just wondering.

    Ciara
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  • boston88boston88
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I would consider making a donation to the synagogue, in honor of the rabbi. 
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