Last week, I went with my Educational Leadership Program class to a school in the Jewish Quarter to observe the teachers' techniques. I sat in on a 5th grade Prophets class, which was surprisingly educational, as well as amusing. I can't wait to develop my own teaching styles (whether it becomes my occupation or not).
I also had the time Saturday night to work on a few songs that I'd been writing. I only mention this because I feel that it says something about the opportunity that this year brings to concentrate on myself and my passions. I haven't written songs in so long, and it felt really great.
The next day, I went on a two day tiyul to the Negev (desert). It was pretty draining since we went on two different hikes and slept in a school's gym in between, but it was definitely fun. I just love Israel's landscapes, and how it changes drastically from green to desert to flowery to mountainous. A lot of us felt almost as if we were claiming the land for ourselves as we climbed rope ladders and boulders to the top of a cliff on the side of a valley in the Negev. It was quite an experience.
I feel like I should start to share some of the concepts I'm learning, but it's difficult to decide which ones I'd like to tell over. I'm just learning all day, so there's a lot to choose from. One specific class that I like is the Works of Rav Kook. So I'll share something from that class: Rav Kook says that since the world is everything that G-d has given to us, the best way to get close to Him is to explore the world. But not just to explore vaguely - to investigate, discover, and study. So everything the world has to offer: history, culture, religions (yes, even other religions than Judaism), geography, biology, physics, literature, etc, etc should be delved into. According to Rav Kook, that is. I just found that really spoke to me because I think the holiest things are found in our every day lives - like the structure of the pink flowers I stand in front of when I daven in the morning; and I think it's a misconception to think that you have to shut yourself away to find spirituality.
So that's my thought of the week. Hope you enjoyed!
Oh, we also started choir today, which, since it's just beginning, is a little hectic and very time consuming. A lot of the members are so concerned about winning the competition that I just want to smack a little fun into them. But I'm sure I can accomplish the same goal without causing physical damage to anyone. I'll try at least.
Until next time!
Ellie
