My name is Miriam Syvertsen. I met Judith when she came to Shabbat dinner at my family’s house in Wisconsin. She learned that I have been leyning at my shul regularly since my bat mitzvah in 2013, and invited me to join this project.
I love Hebrew grammar–why a dot is in one place and not another, and why there are unexpected changes in nekudot. I am fascinated by the quirks in certain words, and read any Hebrew grammar book that I can get my hands on. I enjoy explaining what I learn to my sister in bed before we fall asleep.
Reading Haftarah combines three things I have been drawn to ever since I can remember: anything Jewish, music (I play cello and upright bass), and learning new things. I also have had wonderful teachers. I am very grateful that they continue to be part of my life.