u/OkBiscotti3221

Hi Everyone,

I've recently converted and Rabbi asked if I'd be interested in being a lay leader - I was wondering is this too soon? I would love to but not that confident - can do very basic/slow Hebrew reading. I've read haftarah (in English!) - also have read blessings for studying Torah, have also done Hagbah quite a few times...I'm happy to go up

For people who have been lay leaders:

- how did you learn to do this - I think there are formal courses

- anything you would recommend me focus on

- do I need to learn to Layn?

(reform/progressive in UK - fairly conservative though)

(apologies I should have added I'm asking here as Rabbi away for a few weeks, I wanted to 'gen up' on requirements if any formal ones before they come back)

Thanks!

Starting weight was 24 stone (334lb) in May 2025, hit target of 13 stone (182lb) 4 weeks ago. Was too afraid to post as I was worried that as soon as I started maintenance my weight would shoot back up again (158lb in a month would be impressive ;-) )

Went up slowly from 2.5mg a week for first two months, then slowly up to 15mg 6 months ago - last 4 weeks have gone down to 12.5mg - weight varies by a few lb - this morning I was 12 stone 10 (178lb)

Waist has gone down from 56 inches to 33inches - bought a pair of 34 inch waist jeans this morning - they look so small - mentally I've not adjusted to being smaller!

Also off all meds - blood pressure now normal/good (110/70) and all blood cholesterol measurements great. Was initially super motivated as had a bp incident where it went to 200/110 and I ended up in hospital - realised something had to be done urgently.

Went through lots of plateaus - some for a month, but keep at it folks - this has been a miracle for me!

Found the groups here to be super inspiring - if I can do it anyone can.

lay leader how to

At target - 158lb lost