Mazel Tov

I've been in New York City since Thursday for a friend's wedding. It has been great to spend time with a large contingent of high school and college friends before setting out on my trip. The wedding, which took place last night, was the first orthodox Jewish ceremony that I've attended. I don't think that I've been to a more joyful celebration. The event began with hors d'oeuvres and drinks out in the courtyard of the synagogue. Eventually, the men joined the groom in the synagogue's library, where songs were sung and whiskey was passed before the rabbi led a few religious rituals, including the signing of the engagement contract. Everyone in the room then processed out, singing, dancing and clapping as the groom went to join his bride.

During the ceremony in the temple, the rabbi talked about two different ways of counting -- one in which the focus is only on the final number and whether the end goal is attained, and another, in which there is a goal but each individual item in the count is cherished individually. He urged us all to count the days of our lives in the latter manner, to examine and appreciate each day and not simply to focus on the far-off horizon. I will try to keep these words in mind over the next few months. After the ceremony, there was much more group dancing, klezmer music and general celebration throughout dinner.

Today, I'm repacking, shedding some items that I brought for my weekend in New York, and running some final errands. I catch a 3am train to Williamsburg, Va. tonight/tomorrow morning, and if all goes according to plan I will be in Yorktown tomorrow night with my bike fully loaded ready for my Wednesday departure.