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Jayhawker Soule

Jayhawker Soule

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Premium Member
What are your thoughts on cultural traits humanity could/should adopt to improve upon our current societal structure and to aid the goals of peace, science/technological advancement and to further our understanding of our role in the Universe? Are these the things you refer to when you mention "pride in the species"? What would give you pride in our species?
For the ability to ask question and ...
For the expanding grandeur of Creation,
worlds known and unknown, galaxies beyond galaxies,
filling us with awe and challenging our imaginations,
we gratefully give thanks to You
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach

For this fragile planet earth, its times and tides,
its sunsets and seasons,
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach
For the joy of human life, its wonders and surprises,
its hopes and achievements,
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach
For human community, our common past and future hope,
our oneness transcending all separation, our capacity to work
for peace and justice in the midst of hostility and oppression,
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach

For high hopes and noble causes, for faith without fanaticism,
for understanding of views not shared,
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach

For all who have labored and suffered for a fairer world,
who have lived so that others might live in dignity and freedom,
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach

For human liberties and sacred rites:
for opportunities to change and grow, to affirm and choose,
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ
Modim anachnu lach

We pray that we may live not by our fears but by our hopes,
Not only by our words but by our deeds.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ייְָ, הַטּוֹב שִׁמְךָ וּלְךָ נָאֶה לְהוֹדוֹת.
Baruch Atah, Adonai, ha'tov shimcha ul'cha na'eh l'hodot
Praised are You, Adonai, Your Name is Goodness, and You are worthy of thanksgiving.
... the ability to give thanks
 

ChrisP

Veteran Member
Thankyou for the eloquent answer. Where is this text/prayer from and what is it's significance to you?
 

Jayhawker Soule

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Premium Member
Where is this text/prayer from and what is it's significance to you?
31EmQiG54fL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


It seems to me that "Thank You" is the heart and soul of prayer while establishing worthy reasons for gratitude is the heart and soul of wisdom.
 

dantech

Well-Known Member
@Jayhawker Soule This new forum keeps bringing up old threads that I've never seen and brought this one up. I read through it and learned a few things about you.

I had no idea you managed a software systems technical support team. Do you still work, or are you retired?
I also always assumed you had many diplomas. Is there a specific reason why you didn't get a university education? BTW, it only adds to how much I respect you, knowing that you didn't need a university education to get to where you are today.


I also thought it would be interesting to see if after almost 5 years, any of your answers would be different today.

For example,
  • Your views on God,
  • whether you'd go on a dig today or still rather attend a lecture,
  • and do you still find the Torah endlessly fascinating?
 

Jayhawker Soule

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Premium Member
Thanks (I think).

My daughter, now dead for over twelve years, was born with multiple congenital problems. My priority was decent health insurance, not university.

I was, for most of my life, an ardent atheist.

Digs are fun and occasionally informative. Lectures are informative and occasionally fun. Both have value but, if forced to choose, I would choose the lecture.

The Torah is, in fact, endlessly and increasingly fascinating.
 

MysticSang'ha

Big Squishy Hugger
Premium Member
Do you have a favorite ballet principal dancer you've watched over the years? Maria Tallchief? Nureyev? Kirkland? Baryshnikov? Or any of the more recent Bolshoi principals, like Svetlana Zakharova or Maria Alexandrova? Any from the Paris Opera?

I've been watching a lot of Zakharova and her staging of Odile for the last several years. Her technique is - of course because of Bolshoi standards - exquisite. But it's her connection with the character and her ability to communicate it to the audience is what strikes me the most.

If nobody in particular, are there any solos, pas de deux, or Corps de Ballet acts you enjoy the most?
 

Jayhawker Soule

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Premium Member
Do you have a favorite ballet principal dancer you've watched over the years?
I'm sorry, @MysticSang'ha , but I really do not have that level of sophistication. I do, however, deeply appreciate the ABT. I thought Xiorama Reyes and Angel Corelia were altogether remarkable in Romeo and Juliet.

Most recently, my wife and I very much enjoyed the novel choreography of Christopher Wheeldon's Swan Lake (Joffrey).
 

MysticSang'ha

Big Squishy Hugger
Premium Member
I'm sorry, @MysticSang'ha , but I really do not have that level of sophistication. I do, however, deeply appreciate the ABT. I thought Xiorama Reyes and Angel Corelia were altogether remarkable in Romeo and Juliet.

ABT rocks!

Most recently, my wife and I very much enjoyed the novel choreography of Christopher Wheeldon's Swan Lake (Joffrey).

I must check that out. Somebody else told me about the Joffrey's latest staging of SL.
 

dantech

Well-Known Member
My daughter, now dead for over twelve years, was born with multiple congenital problems. My priority was decent health insurance, not university.
Again, my condolences for your daughter.
Life has a way of picking your path for you, doesn't it...
I also didn't attend a university because life happened and I had to make some tough choices.
 

Jayhawker Soule

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Premium Member
Again, my condolences for your daughter.
Life has a way of picking your path for you, doesn't it...
I also didn't attend a university because life happened and I had to make some tough choices.
"Two roads diverge in a yellow woods …" and I have much for which to be thankful.
 
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