Bloggy Blog Hop!

My friend Hevel took time between ducking rocket attacks to participate in this blog hop about writing, and he invited me to hop on.  So here I am!  Like him, I am tagging 4 people instead of 3 to increase the chances of the blog hop continuing.

1 – What am I writing or working on?

I have been writing this blog for the last 2+ years, spanning topics from disability rights, to orphanage conditions and adoption stories, to exploring issues in Judaism and modern politics.  Outside of the blog I am starting a coffeeshop as a social enterprise to create opportunities and inclusion for people with disabilities. Please support!

2 – How does my work differ from others of its genre?

There are many adoption bloggers.  Nearly all of them are Christian.  There are many special needs bloggers, some of whom are Jewish, although most are not focused primarily on the Jewish angle on things.  And there are some Jewish-themed blogs.  I started this blog specifically in order to provide a Jewish voice on disability, on adoption, and... anything else.  

3 – Why do I write what I write?

I explain my original motivations here.  At this point, I also use my blog as a platform to promote Power Cafe!, as well as to explore Jewish liturgy and philosophy.

4 – How does my writing process work?

I consciously write a feature about some part of Jewish liturgy throughout my blog.  This gives me something to write about even when I am feeling blocked, and helps maintain the focus of the blog.   I started with the Shema, continued with Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), then the Amidah.  Last year I blogged each week about the weekly Torah reading, and this year I am nearly done doing the same thing with the Haftorah reading.  What will next year bring?

Now, in true IceBucketChallenge form, I challenge the following 4 bloggers to continue the hop..... Or dunk their heads in a bucket of ice water!

Jisun blogs at Kimchi Latkes, mostly about family (including an adorable boy with an extra chromosome) and related issues.

Ellen blogs at Love that Max, and hosts a regular blog linkup every weekend. Max is an awesome boy who loves cars and want to be a firefighter.  

Dave blogs at Rolling Around in my Head.  He is a passionate advocate for all marginalized people.  He has written about disability, race and sexual orientation, to name a few.  And he even fits some of these categories.

Lisa blogs at Jewish Special Needs Education, and provides an interesting take from a professional angle.  She says: "I helped to build an inclusive synagogue school from the ground up and I firmly believe that everyone has a right to learn & feel connected to his/her heritage. I consult with faith organizations to offer professional support & expertise in developing inclusive practices and programs. Each one of us is created b'tzelem elohim, in God's image, so let's do what we can to act like it!"  Here is her entry.