It's now been a full week since I came home to West Hartford, so I figure I should be able to adequately reflect as much as I'll be able to in the following weeks.
On the one hand, it's weird to be home, mostly because I'm just forming a new routine for myself, and because most of my friends are still away. And of course acting like real, live people with my siblings now that they're older has thrown me off. On the other hand, part of me feels like nothing ever changes, and it feels extremely natural to be back home. In terms of leaving my program early, that part hasn't phased me at all. In fact, I feel like I left at the end, which I suppose just shows that I really had finished my year, and I was ready. I do miss the country of Israel every day. I miss the kotel, of course, and the extra spirituality I felt daily just by living in the Jewish country. But I also miss little things: the picturesque mountains in the distance that sit right next to lush greenery, next to dry desert, next to the beautiful Mediterranean. I made Israeli salad today, complete with Zatar seasoning.
Speaking of which, I've already begun to enjoy learning to cook with my mother (or on my own - I even sauteed onions for a baked potato today!). I also became reacquainted with the joy of thunderstorms, as I was woken up on my second night home to a storm, with thunder, lightning, and hail. I don't think I was the only one who was surprised. I also got to catch up and hang out with two of my favorite people from home. There are some people who I feel I will just always be close to, no matter what. And that's been great. I also got to see Jake perform in jazz band, and take care of Jesse when he was home sick, and I learned how to drive out of NYC as we left a family friend's bat mitzvah on Sunday (though the holiday "traffic" made it fairly simple).
The point of all of this random information is that there are great things about being home, but I do miss the Holy Land. And I miss the people I met there. But, never fear, I haven't lost touch. I've been keeping in touch with those going to Brandeis with me, including my roommate, made some Shabbat calls to close friends, and tonight I'm skyping with my HaRova roommates. I may have been ready to leave, but that doesn't mean that I didn't make friendships that I hope to keep up for a very long time.
I'm not sure how to wrap up a blog, so maybe I won't. I'll be back in Israel soon, and I don't think that adventures stop here. Plus, who knows what Israel will look like independent of full days of learning, without dorms or a curfew? I'm sure my next visit will be an entirely new experience. I can't wait! Until then!
Gabriella
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Shavuot and Tzfat - The Last Entry from Israel
Shavuot was amazing. I almost didn't make it - at about midnight I thought I was going to have to go to sleep. But as I was walking back to the dorms, something about the night air, and the late hour (you know when you pass from fatigue to hyperness?) made me realize that I have very little time left here and I should take advantage! So I did! I learned until 4:30 am and then prayed with the sunrise, went to sleep at 6:30, and woke up at 1 pm for a late lunch. I went for a beautiful walk with Meira, spent quality time with friends and with my book, and ended the one-day holiday (two in the US - it was so disorienting!) on a fantastic note.
Wednesday night brought the beginning of goodbyes - I hung out with my friend Sammy for a few hours and then said goodbye (until we're in Brandeis together). It just felt weird these past few days to be walking around the neighborhood for the last time with these specific people. I have no doubt that I'm going to miss the land infinitely, but luckily I plan on coming back to visit next year!
I spent Thursday rushing around packing, getting souvenirs, telling teachers and friends that I'm leaving. Thursday night, though, was a bridal shower for a couple from Gush Katif that a group of girls from Midrasha have spent all year raising money for. I had no idea who these people were, but I was moved by the obvious joy that we brought them by celebrating with them and by presenting them with wedding gifts. After that I made pudding pie and chocolate covered fruit with my roommates and a couple of friends in preparation for today (Sunday's) Room 20 Picnic.
On Friday, we left early for Tzfat, and after a long three and a half hour busride, made it into one of the three holy cities besides Jerusalem. I hadn't been to Tzfat since my month long tour going into tenth grade, and I was so happy to be back! It just has such a genuinely holy feeling to it! We visited a Mikvah, which was very technilogically advanced. I was especially impressed by the handicapped facilities - it really moved me. We then saw the artwork of one of our Rabbi's cousins, David Friedman, who does Kabbalah-inspired artwork. It was really fascinating, especially considering his obsession with the letter alef, the number 8, and using colors to express unity and contrast.
Friday night we had a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat in the lobby of our hotel. That's something I know I'll miss back home, but I plan on bringing it into my community as much as possible. Saturday morning I went to a beautiful shul, the Abuhav Shul, which had three arks, a raised bima, decorated ceiling, and a Sefardi nussach. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In the afternoon, we took an official tour of the Old City of Tzfat, decorated with many stories of the Kabbalistic Rabbis who lived and taught in Tzfat throughout the years. I especially liked walking into the ancient cistern, singing, listening to stories, and then walking out only to realize that we had grown accustomed to the darkness (what at first seemed foreign), and then had to readjust to the light when we came out (clearly, symbolic).
Before Shabbat ended, I got to enjoy my last "slow shira", escorting Shabbat out. Then we had another long bus ride home, and went straight to sleep.
Today I rushed around again getting ready. But I did get to go for my last run in Israel, walk to town for the last time on errands, and to have my roommate picnic at the park next to the dorms. We had reflections, reminisced, and joked around, as usual. It's weird how far we've come since the beginning! I'm really going to miss everyone.
Tomorrow, I'm going to go to all of my classes, and then head out around dinner time. My flight is at 12:20 am on Tuesday morning. In two days, I'll be in my own bed! When I get home, I'll write one more time so I can reflect (somewhat) objectively before signing off. I would go on and on about how weird this is, but I want to go spend time with my friends for my last night here! Until next time (from the US!),
Gabriella
Wednesday night brought the beginning of goodbyes - I hung out with my friend Sammy for a few hours and then said goodbye (until we're in Brandeis together). It just felt weird these past few days to be walking around the neighborhood for the last time with these specific people. I have no doubt that I'm going to miss the land infinitely, but luckily I plan on coming back to visit next year!
I spent Thursday rushing around packing, getting souvenirs, telling teachers and friends that I'm leaving. Thursday night, though, was a bridal shower for a couple from Gush Katif that a group of girls from Midrasha have spent all year raising money for. I had no idea who these people were, but I was moved by the obvious joy that we brought them by celebrating with them and by presenting them with wedding gifts. After that I made pudding pie and chocolate covered fruit with my roommates and a couple of friends in preparation for today (Sunday's) Room 20 Picnic.
On Friday, we left early for Tzfat, and after a long three and a half hour busride, made it into one of the three holy cities besides Jerusalem. I hadn't been to Tzfat since my month long tour going into tenth grade, and I was so happy to be back! It just has such a genuinely holy feeling to it! We visited a Mikvah, which was very technilogically advanced. I was especially impressed by the handicapped facilities - it really moved me. We then saw the artwork of one of our Rabbi's cousins, David Friedman, who does Kabbalah-inspired artwork. It was really fascinating, especially considering his obsession with the letter alef, the number 8, and using colors to express unity and contrast.
Friday night we had a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat in the lobby of our hotel. That's something I know I'll miss back home, but I plan on bringing it into my community as much as possible. Saturday morning I went to a beautiful shul, the Abuhav Shul, which had three arks, a raised bima, decorated ceiling, and a Sefardi nussach. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. In the afternoon, we took an official tour of the Old City of Tzfat, decorated with many stories of the Kabbalistic Rabbis who lived and taught in Tzfat throughout the years. I especially liked walking into the ancient cistern, singing, listening to stories, and then walking out only to realize that we had grown accustomed to the darkness (what at first seemed foreign), and then had to readjust to the light when we came out (clearly, symbolic).
Before Shabbat ended, I got to enjoy my last "slow shira", escorting Shabbat out. Then we had another long bus ride home, and went straight to sleep.
Today I rushed around again getting ready. But I did get to go for my last run in Israel, walk to town for the last time on errands, and to have my roommate picnic at the park next to the dorms. We had reflections, reminisced, and joked around, as usual. It's weird how far we've come since the beginning! I'm really going to miss everyone.
Tomorrow, I'm going to go to all of my classes, and then head out around dinner time. My flight is at 12:20 am on Tuesday morning. In two days, I'll be in my own bed! When I get home, I'll write one more time so I can reflect (somewhat) objectively before signing off. I would go on and on about how weird this is, but I want to go spend time with my friends for my last night here! Until next time (from the US!),
Gabriella
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Yom Yerushlayim, Shabbat Efrat (II)
So things haven't been all that eventful, but I most definitely have to update you on the events of Yom Yerushalayim. It was INSANE! I felt so lucky to be here for a day of such national pride.
On Tuesday afternoon, there was a scavenger hunt throughout the Old City, which I chose to skip since I was really tired and wanted to enjoy the rest of the programming. In the evening, we had a "portable tisch", where we walked and danced and sang around the Old City walls, stopping at various monuments having to do with the conquest of Yerushalayim, and ending at the top of Har HaZeitim, to pray looking over the Southern Wall, at Har HaMoriah (where the Beit HaMikdash is supposed to be). All together, a really enjoyable experience, touching, and a lot of exercise!
On Wednesday morning we had a special davening, but I had to urge to go to the Kotel before all of the craziness began. So I went alone, had a one-on-one with the Wall. Definitely a necessary experience every so often. I walked back to join the festive breakfast, and then we had a couple of classes on the importance of Yerushalayim. The afternoon was where it got crazy. We danced our way to the center of town, where we met up with Israelis and danced some more, waiting for the parade to start. The massive parade started it's way down King George Street, stopping for a concert by Udi Davidi (a popular Israeli artist). We then danced and sang some more from the Center of Town to the Kotel (a tiyul for everyone else, but just a march into our "backyard" for us!) where there was Jewish music and dancing and a HUGE celebration in honor of our posession of Jerusalem, where I live and study every day, which up until 43 years ago was not even Israel, but was part of Jordan. I felt so engulfed by the pride. Although, I also felt strangely foreign walking side-by-side with all of the legitimate Israelis. It was definitely a fun time, though.
Thursday we had normal classes, and Friday I went back to Efrat to the same family friends of my friend, Aviva, that I went to in the fall. Since it had been so long, the parents didn't remember me, but the children definitely did. I had a really relaxing and enjoyable time - the family was so welcoming, the kids taught me a game, Aviva and I went for long walks, and I finished and started a book. I came back on Saturday night and went to sleep early so I could go for an early run on Sunday morning. Sunday and Monday were normal programming...but now it's Shavuot! All night learning and davening with the sunrise! I'm actually looking forward to such an intense program.
Some important news: It seems that I may be coming home early. The plan as of now is for me to leave this coming Monday night. It's been an extremely beneficial year, but I'm ready to come home. Between now and then, though, I have Shavuot, educational programming about Gush Katif (which I may have to miss part of, rushing around packing up, etc.), and an exciting Shabbat in Tzfat (to which I have yet to be this year). Knowing that I'll be home soon makes me feel energized and prepared to take advantage of these last events before I go, so I'm looking forward to both (the next few days, and coming home)! I'll update you all soon...strange that this blog may be coming to an end!!
Chag Sameach!
Until next time,
Gabriella
On Tuesday afternoon, there was a scavenger hunt throughout the Old City, which I chose to skip since I was really tired and wanted to enjoy the rest of the programming. In the evening, we had a "portable tisch", where we walked and danced and sang around the Old City walls, stopping at various monuments having to do with the conquest of Yerushalayim, and ending at the top of Har HaZeitim, to pray looking over the Southern Wall, at Har HaMoriah (where the Beit HaMikdash is supposed to be). All together, a really enjoyable experience, touching, and a lot of exercise!
On Wednesday morning we had a special davening, but I had to urge to go to the Kotel before all of the craziness began. So I went alone, had a one-on-one with the Wall. Definitely a necessary experience every so often. I walked back to join the festive breakfast, and then we had a couple of classes on the importance of Yerushalayim. The afternoon was where it got crazy. We danced our way to the center of town, where we met up with Israelis and danced some more, waiting for the parade to start. The massive parade started it's way down King George Street, stopping for a concert by Udi Davidi (a popular Israeli artist). We then danced and sang some more from the Center of Town to the Kotel (a tiyul for everyone else, but just a march into our "backyard" for us!) where there was Jewish music and dancing and a HUGE celebration in honor of our posession of Jerusalem, where I live and study every day, which up until 43 years ago was not even Israel, but was part of Jordan. I felt so engulfed by the pride. Although, I also felt strangely foreign walking side-by-side with all of the legitimate Israelis. It was definitely a fun time, though.
Thursday we had normal classes, and Friday I went back to Efrat to the same family friends of my friend, Aviva, that I went to in the fall. Since it had been so long, the parents didn't remember me, but the children definitely did. I had a really relaxing and enjoyable time - the family was so welcoming, the kids taught me a game, Aviva and I went for long walks, and I finished and started a book. I came back on Saturday night and went to sleep early so I could go for an early run on Sunday morning. Sunday and Monday were normal programming...but now it's Shavuot! All night learning and davening with the sunrise! I'm actually looking forward to such an intense program.
Some important news: It seems that I may be coming home early. The plan as of now is for me to leave this coming Monday night. It's been an extremely beneficial year, but I'm ready to come home. Between now and then, though, I have Shavuot, educational programming about Gush Katif (which I may have to miss part of, rushing around packing up, etc.), and an exciting Shabbat in Tzfat (to which I have yet to be this year). Knowing that I'll be home soon makes me feel energized and prepared to take advantage of these last events before I go, so I'm looking forward to both (the next few days, and coming home)! I'll update you all soon...strange that this blog may be coming to an end!!
Chag Sameach!
Until next time,
Gabriella
Monday, May 10, 2010
CAN'T THINK OF TITLES ANYMORE
So, after I wrote last time, I headed off to Ra'anana (near Tel Aviv) with my friend, Malka, to our Madricha, Miriam's, house for Shabbat. Their house was so American that I felt just like I was back in the US. I definitely missed home, but it was also a really nice Shabbat. I finished a book on Michaelangelo (finally!) and started reading The Poisonwood Bible, and then took a walk (reading while I walked) around the neighborhood, by myself. It was so beautiful out...I stopped in a couple of parks, walked in a huge circle, and dropped into a Sephardi shul to say Mincha. Those few minutes really astounded me. It was just me and a few people in this tall sanctuary, with a beautiful, elaborate, wooden Aharon Kodesh. I quietly said Mincha to myself, and when I finished, a woman came up to me and asked if I wanted tea. It could only happen in Israel. I politely declined, and went on my way, back to Miriam's house. I don't know why it felt like such a profound experience, but what can I say.
Saturday night we rushed back to the Old City for a bonfire in honor of Lag Ba'omer. So much fun! I even tried roasted banana! Then Sunday morning we took a tiyul (also in honor of Lag Ba'omer) to Givat HaTachmoshet - one of the many points of surprising victory for Israel during the Six Day War. There's been a lot of discussion about that specific war, recently, because Yom Yerushalayim is coming up on Tuesday night! I can't wait to be here for that...what an honor!
Last week was pretty uneventful - another full week of classes. I find that the full weeks go by fairly quickly, and since nothing dramatic happened, this one wasn't any different. My tour class on Wednesday went to Rechov HaNiviim, where we heard one to many stories about different characters that of course I can't remember anymore. We also stopped at the Ethiopian Church, and noted the peculiar juxtaposition of that community and Me'ah She'arim (the super-religious, fanatically reputed community in Yerushalayim). That was interesting, but I found the whole class a little too long (and hot) to handle.
On Friday I had another little Brandeis gathering, which was low-key and fun, as usual. I'll hopefully organize one more before the year ends (5 weeks!) because a lot of people were away with their seminaries or yeshivot and couldn't come.
This past Shabbat I stayed in a Charedi community called Beitar, about 45 minutes away, with two friends of mine. The one related to the family we stayed at, Maxine, is really sweet (and is coming to Brandeis with me!), so of course her family was too. Although, it was kind of crazy with 4 kids under the age of 5 running around. It's definitely a particular lifestyle to choose.
I came back to an uneventful Saturday night, woke up early Sunday to go for a run before it got shmoiling outside, and have had a good two days of learning since then! Those are the best. I'm even rediscovering authors and commentaries that I love, and have dedicated more time than usual to reading the literature. Tonight I'm hanging out with a potential roommate (cross your fingers!) and then tomorrow I have a half day of classes, until Yom Yerushalayim celebration commence at 3:30 sharp! Can't wait!
'Till next time,
Gabriella
Friday, April 30, 2010
Full Week #1
This week was one of three full weeks of school left until the end of the year. The week after next (the second full week), we have Yom Yerushalayim, the next week we have Shavuot, then we have one more full week, a week with a two-day tiyul, and then wrap-up week. Or something along those lines. It's hard to believe it's almost over! I'm trying to embrace the end of the year, but I'll also definitely be happy to come home.
So, what's happened since my last post? Classes continue, and I find myself in a great place in terms of enthusiasm. I have my space-out moments, but all in all, I find my classes as engaging as ever, especially since I know there's not much left. We're rushing a bit to finish "Torah Bekiut", which is that class that goes through all Five Books over the course of the year. We've got a Book and a bit left...but we'll make it! In Chumash class, we've been discussing the episode of the giving of the Torah, something I've always loved envisioning, so that's been great.
In Shiur Klali (the Rosh Midrasha's lecture once a week on the Parsha), he talked about the need to make Shabbat a holy day, by actualyl being spiritually productive, and not just eating and sleeping it away. That definitely speaks to me, and I hope to bring a little of that spirit home with me, but I'm not going to lie and say it isn't hard not to nap a lot of Shabbat day away, especially when it ends so late. Speaking of Shabbat...last Shabbat was fantastic! I went with my friend Zahava to her great-aunt in K'far Shmariyahu (try saying that 3x fast), who's not observant, but makes sure to provide for Zahava when she comes, and always has her children and their families for Friday night dinner every week. She lives right near Tel Aviv, so we went early on Friday and lay on the beach for a few hours, which, as usual, put me in a great state of mind. On Shabbat, we ate well, slept on great beds, talked, walked the gorgeous, floral neighborhood, memorized our drama monologues, and went to the beautiful (albeit somewhat empty) shul. We set back on Saturday night with a whole bag of leftovers that her great-aunt insist we needed to take with us.
But back to the week...
I continue to volunteer once a week at the old age home, playing piano and singing. I think it's great for the people there to have some live music, but I'm going to try to bring some Israel songs next time, because they have no idea what I'm singing.
On my Wednesday Jerusalem-tour class, we went to the Jewish Italian Museum/Shul in the center of town. It was cool to see, but it honestly just looked exactly like all of the shuls and relics I saw in actual Italy. I felt so special knowing about everything the tour guide was talking about! After that, we toured and learned about one of the "out-of-Jerusalem-walls" neighborhoods (like previous tours of Yad Binyamin and other) called Nachalat Shiv'ah. That class sometimes drags on a bit, but the teachers do a good job of being engaging and amusing.
Thursday I had regular classes, but I also had the end-of-the-year meeting with my advisor, Yakira. I don't know if I ever mentioned her, but she's really the sweetest, purest, nicest, most understanding person I may have ever spoken to. When I had rocky times in the middle of the year, she helped me work out which classes to switch and how to get some more piano time, so I feel quite endebted to her. But she just talks about how proud of me she is. It was a great meeting, because I realized how much I've gotten out of the year, and how much I'm taking back with me, in terms of continuing learning and bringing appreciation of my Jewish connection back home.
Beyond that, I've made two different pies in the past week...it's just something I've been experimenting with. I feel the need to make my own food!! The first pie was a frozen fruit-yogurt pie, which everyone loved, and the second one was a chocolate-apricot pudding pie. Also yummy, but not nearly as pretty. Not to worry, I took pictures, of course.
Last thing I'd like to mention, is that I finished my Poland album. The real version has already arrived at my house in the States, but for anyone who won't be able to see that one, or doesn't think they'll have a chance to go through it with me at some point (or is just curious), it would mean a lot to me if you would look through it by going to http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=9bb6d9a5e894ec05f12f12eb75ef82b5&sid=8EatWTJy0cuVA. It's really important to me that I share the memories from that trip. Even if you just skim through. I think it's worthwhile. And next I'll have the more up-beat, colorful, Italy album to share!
I hope everyone's having a great Spring...Summer is in the air!!
'Till next time!
Gabriella
So, what's happened since my last post? Classes continue, and I find myself in a great place in terms of enthusiasm. I have my space-out moments, but all in all, I find my classes as engaging as ever, especially since I know there's not much left. We're rushing a bit to finish "Torah Bekiut", which is that class that goes through all Five Books over the course of the year. We've got a Book and a bit left...but we'll make it! In Chumash class, we've been discussing the episode of the giving of the Torah, something I've always loved envisioning, so that's been great.
In Shiur Klali (the Rosh Midrasha's lecture once a week on the Parsha), he talked about the need to make Shabbat a holy day, by actualyl being spiritually productive, and not just eating and sleeping it away. That definitely speaks to me, and I hope to bring a little of that spirit home with me, but I'm not going to lie and say it isn't hard not to nap a lot of Shabbat day away, especially when it ends so late. Speaking of Shabbat...last Shabbat was fantastic! I went with my friend Zahava to her great-aunt in K'far Shmariyahu (try saying that 3x fast), who's not observant, but makes sure to provide for Zahava when she comes, and always has her children and their families for Friday night dinner every week. She lives right near Tel Aviv, so we went early on Friday and lay on the beach for a few hours, which, as usual, put me in a great state of mind. On Shabbat, we ate well, slept on great beds, talked, walked the gorgeous, floral neighborhood, memorized our drama monologues, and went to the beautiful (albeit somewhat empty) shul. We set back on Saturday night with a whole bag of leftovers that her great-aunt insist we needed to take with us.
But back to the week...
I continue to volunteer once a week at the old age home, playing piano and singing. I think it's great for the people there to have some live music, but I'm going to try to bring some Israel songs next time, because they have no idea what I'm singing.
On my Wednesday Jerusalem-tour class, we went to the Jewish Italian Museum/Shul in the center of town. It was cool to see, but it honestly just looked exactly like all of the shuls and relics I saw in actual Italy. I felt so special knowing about everything the tour guide was talking about! After that, we toured and learned about one of the "out-of-Jerusalem-walls" neighborhoods (like previous tours of Yad Binyamin and other) called Nachalat Shiv'ah. That class sometimes drags on a bit, but the teachers do a good job of being engaging and amusing.
Thursday I had regular classes, but I also had the end-of-the-year meeting with my advisor, Yakira. I don't know if I ever mentioned her, but she's really the sweetest, purest, nicest, most understanding person I may have ever spoken to. When I had rocky times in the middle of the year, she helped me work out which classes to switch and how to get some more piano time, so I feel quite endebted to her. But she just talks about how proud of me she is. It was a great meeting, because I realized how much I've gotten out of the year, and how much I'm taking back with me, in terms of continuing learning and bringing appreciation of my Jewish connection back home.
Beyond that, I've made two different pies in the past week...it's just something I've been experimenting with. I feel the need to make my own food!! The first pie was a frozen fruit-yogurt pie, which everyone loved, and the second one was a chocolate-apricot pudding pie. Also yummy, but not nearly as pretty. Not to worry, I took pictures, of course.
Last thing I'd like to mention, is that I finished my Poland album. The real version has already arrived at my house in the States, but for anyone who won't be able to see that one, or doesn't think they'll have a chance to go through it with me at some point (or is just curious), it would mean a lot to me if you would look through it by going to http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=9bb6d9a5e894ec05f12f12eb75ef82b5&sid=8EatWTJy0cuVA. It's really important to me that I share the memories from that trip. Even if you just skim through. I think it's worthwhile. And next I'll have the more up-beat, colorful, Italy album to share!
I hope everyone's having a great Spring...Summer is in the air!!
'Till next time!
Gabriella
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Yom HaZikaron, Yom HaAtzma'ut
Starting where I left off...last Wednesday.
Getting back to class has been easier than expected. Even the three hour morning classes are moving quickly and I don't find myself bored or annoyed at all. So that's a good sign. Wednesday afternoon I had my tour class, Siyurim. We saw the outside of the old French hospital, used to give health care during the early 1900s, to win over and convert citizens. We then saw the "New Gate" - "Sha'ar Chadash", which was used as a short cut into the Old City, as opposed to Sha'ar Yafo (Jaffa Gate), which is purposely sideways and winding to serve as a defense against intruders. Next, we visited the Underground Prison...not actually underground, but rather the inmates were members of the underground movements (Lechi, Palmach) during the British Mandate. Also not actually a prison anymore, but a museum that displays what life in the prison was like and focuses on various characters who fought for the State of Israel and were imprisoned at that time.
Thursday I had another day of interesting classes, including one that really has been my favorite all year (Writings of Rav Kook), but that I crazily left for a bit to try out another class. But I'm really glad I went back. Thursday night we heard from a speaker, the mother of a soldier who fell in battle in 2002. It was beautiful to hear her speak about her son, Chagai, and everything he accomplished in his 24 years. One of the most interesting parts of the talk was how she related to her sons wife, Nourit, widowed at only 22, and how happy the mother is to see Nourit now thriving with her new husband and family, and how they're still in touch and very close. That really touched me.
Shabbat in the Midrasha was fun, as usual, albeit a little long, now that it ends later. I wasn't feeling well Friday night, so I went to sleep early. On Shabbat day I attempted to go to the new Chorva Shul for davening, but it was so crowded I ended up just going to Yeshivat Hakotel. But that was fine, too. Then I had lunch, played some bananagrams, went for a walk with my good friend, Aviva, read, went for another walk, and generally passed the time until Shabbat was over. Saturday night I had my own private dance party to get rid of pent up energy, and then watched August Rush with Tova.
Sunday was a really long day. I had class in the morning. Then I went to the central bus station to pick up Choir CDs and sweatshirts. Then I had a doctor's appointment, where I got antibiotics for the sinus infection I've apparently had for over two weeks. Then I came back to hear the husband of one of our staff members talk about his cousin and friend who was killed in a terrorist attack in their second year of Yeshiva. So began Yom HaZikaron.
Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day, was very confusing. I felt part of the nation, and yet distant. I felt a duty to the nation, and also fear in having to find a way to serve the nation that is as dedicated as fighting in the army. I felt proud of the nation and those who fell fighting, but also uncertain of what exactly they're fighting for. We went to Har Hertzl, where fallen soldiers are buried (if they want to be) for a national ceremony, which was moving, even though it was all in Hebrew. In groups, we were each given the biographies of soldiers buried on the mountain, and when we visited the graves, many of us found family members there, too, who were touched by our visit and also shared stories with us. The cousin of my soldier, Shmuel Tamner, was at the grave, and told us about his life and how he fell. Sometimes we nodded along even though we didn't understand what she was saying, but I could tell from her emotions that it was important for her to talk about him more than it was important for us to understand.
After having a class to help transition into Yom HaAtzma'ut, we went to the Kotel to watch the flag being raised from half mast to full, from mourning to celebration. Then we sang the Yom HaAtzma'ut prayers, dance, and were off to our Independence Day party with the Israel program. Lots of dancing and singing and celebration. Today, we went on a Tiyul to the Castel and some meandering path, just because that's what Israelis do on Yom HaAtzma'ut. Then we came back for a BBQ for the same reason (though I went running on the treadmill, instead). It's such an experience to be here for these days. Something I've been thinking about is also the uniqueness and somewhat bizarreness of the juxtaposition between the two holidays. You could say that it's to understand the importance of the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers, and also to appreciate what had to happen to create the State of Israel. But there may be something more to it, I'm just not sure what.
Now I have the night off, and then tomorrow we're going back to regular classes until Yom Yerushalayim in a few weeks. Happy Israeli Independence Day, everyone!
Getting back to class has been easier than expected. Even the three hour morning classes are moving quickly and I don't find myself bored or annoyed at all. So that's a good sign. Wednesday afternoon I had my tour class, Siyurim. We saw the outside of the old French hospital, used to give health care during the early 1900s, to win over and convert citizens. We then saw the "New Gate" - "Sha'ar Chadash", which was used as a short cut into the Old City, as opposed to Sha'ar Yafo (Jaffa Gate), which is purposely sideways and winding to serve as a defense against intruders. Next, we visited the Underground Prison...not actually underground, but rather the inmates were members of the underground movements (Lechi, Palmach) during the British Mandate. Also not actually a prison anymore, but a museum that displays what life in the prison was like and focuses on various characters who fought for the State of Israel and were imprisoned at that time.
Thursday I had another day of interesting classes, including one that really has been my favorite all year (Writings of Rav Kook), but that I crazily left for a bit to try out another class. But I'm really glad I went back. Thursday night we heard from a speaker, the mother of a soldier who fell in battle in 2002. It was beautiful to hear her speak about her son, Chagai, and everything he accomplished in his 24 years. One of the most interesting parts of the talk was how she related to her sons wife, Nourit, widowed at only 22, and how happy the mother is to see Nourit now thriving with her new husband and family, and how they're still in touch and very close. That really touched me.
Shabbat in the Midrasha was fun, as usual, albeit a little long, now that it ends later. I wasn't feeling well Friday night, so I went to sleep early. On Shabbat day I attempted to go to the new Chorva Shul for davening, but it was so crowded I ended up just going to Yeshivat Hakotel. But that was fine, too. Then I had lunch, played some bananagrams, went for a walk with my good friend, Aviva, read, went for another walk, and generally passed the time until Shabbat was over. Saturday night I had my own private dance party to get rid of pent up energy, and then watched August Rush with Tova.
Sunday was a really long day. I had class in the morning. Then I went to the central bus station to pick up Choir CDs and sweatshirts. Then I had a doctor's appointment, where I got antibiotics for the sinus infection I've apparently had for over two weeks. Then I came back to hear the husband of one of our staff members talk about his cousin and friend who was killed in a terrorist attack in their second year of Yeshiva. So began Yom HaZikaron.
Yom HaZikaron, Memorial Day, was very confusing. I felt part of the nation, and yet distant. I felt a duty to the nation, and also fear in having to find a way to serve the nation that is as dedicated as fighting in the army. I felt proud of the nation and those who fell fighting, but also uncertain of what exactly they're fighting for. We went to Har Hertzl, where fallen soldiers are buried (if they want to be) for a national ceremony, which was moving, even though it was all in Hebrew. In groups, we were each given the biographies of soldiers buried on the mountain, and when we visited the graves, many of us found family members there, too, who were touched by our visit and also shared stories with us. The cousin of my soldier, Shmuel Tamner, was at the grave, and told us about his life and how he fell. Sometimes we nodded along even though we didn't understand what she was saying, but I could tell from her emotions that it was important for her to talk about him more than it was important for us to understand.
After having a class to help transition into Yom HaAtzma'ut, we went to the Kotel to watch the flag being raised from half mast to full, from mourning to celebration. Then we sang the Yom HaAtzma'ut prayers, dance, and were off to our Independence Day party with the Israel program. Lots of dancing and singing and celebration. Today, we went on a Tiyul to the Castel and some meandering path, just because that's what Israelis do on Yom HaAtzma'ut. Then we came back for a BBQ for the same reason (though I went running on the treadmill, instead). It's such an experience to be here for these days. Something I've been thinking about is also the uniqueness and somewhat bizarreness of the juxtaposition between the two holidays. You could say that it's to understand the importance of the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers, and also to appreciate what had to happen to create the State of Israel. But there may be something more to it, I'm just not sure what.
Now I have the night off, and then tomorrow we're going back to regular classes until Yom Yerushalayim in a few weeks. Happy Israeli Independence Day, everyone!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Vacation Ends, School (?) Begins
So, I'm back in school. There hasn't been much steady class yet, though. But I'll get to that. As for the end of vacation...
I went on a two-day Tiyul to the Golan (the North) and we did absolutely stunning hikes. The first day was went to Nachal Amud (Amud Valley) and hiked into the valley, climbed up and down stones and rocks through the beautiful greenery (it's the most lush at this time of the year). I tried to look up at the scenery as often as possible, but I had to look at my feet a lot to make sure I maintained coordination and didn't land wrong on a boulder. That would have somewhat spoiled vacation. We then went on a second "hike" (more of a meandering) to see a stunning view of the Kinneret and the surrounding area, and made a barbeque at the end in the freezing wind (although, admittedly, I ran back onto the bus as often as possible while waiting for my chicken to cook). We stayed at a hostel and were surprised to find MTV available in our rooms. We had a lot of fun making fun of the reality TV shows.
The next day we went on a well known hike called Jilaboon. It was another valley hike, except this one had waterfalls throughout. We ate lunch by one of the waterfalls and then trekked over pebbles and running water to the ruins of a flour-mill covered in vines and running water. We spent a couple of minutes sitting in silence, listening to the nature. It was beautiful. So much green, and clear water, purple and blue flowers, mountains in the distance. I loved it. On the way back to Yerushalayim we made a rest stop and broke open some fresh watermelon for a delicious, spring-fever snack.
My last Shabbat before vacation was a blast. Three of my friends from high school and I stayed (adult-less) at our friend's apartment (who's lived here without her family since Sophomore year). We came early and cooked all of the food for Shabbat, which we never get to do in our Midrasha facilities. We went to a musical Friday night davening, sat down to our fantastic homemade meal (including green soup, rice, stir-fry, and greek salad), sang, talked, read, and went to sleep. The weather was stunning. The next day we had lunch (rice, lasagna, pita, hummus, sweet salad) and then went to the park to read and talk and walk. We returned to nap for a bit before dinner (lasagna, rice, salad-of-leftovers, fruit salad) and once Shabbat was over, we cleaned up and bolted out the door to make a Saturday night showing of Alice in Wonderland 3D, which we thoroughly enjoyed.
Sunday morning I went for a run (still training for the half-marathon...I'm up to 7 miles!) and then had the pleasure of jamming at the piano with my friend, Sammy, who's going to Brandeis with me next year and is also a music lover. That was a lot of fun, I even tried my hand at improvising (we won't go into detail on that, though).
Sunday afternoon and Monday morning was a Holocaust Rememberance Day program. We heard from two survivors, both parents of teachers at the Midrasha, watched two documentaries about the stories of survivors, and then analyzed post-Holocaust art and the messages conveyed in them. Monday afternoon I had self-study time and then went out to dinner with my friend, Meira, and her mother (who's here from vacation).
Today, Tuesday, I had a fantastic day. I started with a run, in which I ended up running 5 miles straight without breaking to walk. I guess the training is working!! Then I had piano time at a community piano and, with sheet music I recently got, taught myself a new song from the movie Once. So simple, yet so pretty. Then, after lunch, I had drama class, which somewhat satisfied the itch to be acting a lot more than I have been, and then went to an old age home to volunteer by - you guessed it - singing and playing at the piano! It was great.
Besides all of this, I've been trying to plan out my summer, which is approaching quickly (coming home 9 weeks from yesterday!!) and filling up fast. But I'm excited to grasp every opportunity possible, something I think I got from my Poland trip. Tomorrow I start back in normal classes, so I better get an early night. Thanks for reading!
Gabriella
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