Home, Away from Home

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Chutz La'Aretz, V'od Pam Babayit (Outside of Israel, then back home)

Writing the title in Hebrew makes me feel more creative. We'll just pretend it's actually an interesting heading.

So, hello, everybody! I've now been back in Israel a week and a half since my Poland and Italy trips. I'm not going to go into so much detail on those, as I'm working on photo books, complete with journal entries, that I hope to share with everyone when they're finished. I will say, though, that Poland was an extremely intense emotional experience, that made me identify even more than before with the Jewish nation and the Land of Israel, and left me feeling mostly appreciative of everything and everyone I'm blessed to have in my life. Going to Italy afterward was strange, but it also felt fitting, in that I was seizing the day and grasping life, something I really felt the urge to do after hearing so much about people whose mere bathroom schedule (one of many examples) was limited.

Italy was absolutely stunning. I've been asked which was my favorite part, and I'm not sure I can pinpoint it since every place we went had an entirely different feel. I can say that I was astounded by the significance and antique-ness of every building I walked by in Rome (so much so that one can't even attempt to figure out what exactly is everything she's walking by), I thoroughly enjoyed seeing The School of Athens by Raphael in the Vatican Museums, since I had done research on it the year before and there was an added element of appreciation, and Venice honestly felt like a dream. We were only there for one day and night, but there is certainly no place like it on earth. I'd love to go back sometime and explore more. Finally, I thought it was really important that we made sure to visit the Great Synagogues in Rome, Florence, and Venice (and to try out the Kosher restaurants, of course), especially in juxtaposition to my Poland trip. I felt the need to acknowledge the Jewish life that existed there before (albeit small), and it was fantastic to see so many old relics from the Jewish communities (some dating back to the 1500s)!

And now to be back in Israel...
Well, I thought that after Italy, Israel wouldn't seem so ideal or beautiful to me anymore, but it's still just as stunning as it's always been. Possibly even MORE stunning, since I'm coming back to it as "home" after having traveled from hostel to hostel for a while. Since I came back, I had a nice quiet Shabbat by myself at the Wolffe's house (the family I frequent every time I don't feel like finding somewhere else to go). Then I had a wonderful Seder (one night, only!) at my Rabbi's house. We actually sat in the living room on couches in a circle for most of it, which I thought was very smart and innovative. We sang a LOT, heard some interesting questions from his children (for which they got chocolate chips as rewards), got to play with his Ethiopian foster child, and experience what it means to eat matzah according to those who think you have to eat a "c'zait" every time it's a mitzvah (basically half a matzah, times 5 times you're specifically supposed to eat matzah = too much matzah). But luckily they just served soup for dinner and fruit salad for dessert, so we managed.

The weather has been beautiful since I got back, so I've been taking advantage: going on picnics, long walks, reading in the parks, starting training for a half-marathon, treating myself to Diet Iced Aroma Coffee (basically a diet frappuccino). It's been fantastic!

This past Shabbat I had my first Shabbat on a Kibbutz up north - Kibbutz Sdeh Eliyahu (their claim to fame is spice manufacturing), where my two best friends from home were volunteering for vacation. It was really hot and dry outside, but I came early enough on Friday to go to the pond, and then on Shabbat I just took frequent breaks by napping and reading and hanging out inside the cooler apartment.

As for the rest of vacation - I'm going to have a quiet chag back at the Wolffe's, then hopefully go to the beach in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday I'm going on an optional Tiyul with the Midrasha to the Golan (which apparently will also involve some swimming). Then for Shabbat, 5 of us from home are staying at our friend's apartment in Efrat (she's doing Sheirut Leumi this year), cooking shabbat food together, and having a grown-up reunion!! We're all very excited.

I go back to school Sunday afternoon, starting off with special programming for Yom HaShoah. I'm a little nervous to start back, but I'm also excited to end the year on a good note. I plan on switching some classes around, yet again, since I have the opportunity, and I think I'll start volunteer work on Tuesday afternoons. It's going to be a crazy couple of months! Wish me luck!

Purim and Poland Prep

Hi, everyone! Hope you had a wonderful Purim sameach! My Purim felt so long, because we celebrated on Monday since we live in Jerusalem, but we began festivities on Sunday, volunteering in places that were already celebrating the holiday.

But to back up a little -
The rest of last week was somewhat uneventful, except for a discussion with one of our Rabbis about his experience fostering a baby for the past six months. That was quite moving, and educational. (I think I decided that he's my favorite Rabbi!) We then had a shabbat midrasha, which was a good combination of social and relaxing. Saturday night I watched a movie with my friend and got a great night of sleep (always good). Now, for Purim...

On Sunday, I went to an old age home to sing and dance and bring Purim cheer. It was really fun and sweet, and getting back in the pouring rain was an adventure, as well. Sunday afternoon was a free afternoon, and then Sunday night we had megillah reading and a mock wedding - just for kicks. We all were given different, very specific roles to play in the wedding, and I would have thoroughly enjoyed myself what with the costumes and the dancing, had the entire event not been taken a little too literal for my taste. It was amusing, though, I'll admit.

Then, we went to a public Purim Chagigah (celebration) for girls only in the center of town, which was an amazing experience. You could feel the entire room moving together, and it was hot and sweaty and smiley and spiritual and squished and ridiculous all at the same time. I loved it. Monday morning we woke up for a late megillah reading, I then went for a very refreshing run (even though it threathened to rain again), and then we had a Purim seudah (festive meal) accompanied by a Purim shpiel (mocking play) and a Purim tisch (singing fest). It was all lots of fun - and I especially enjoyed my three costumes: clown for Purim cheer (old age home), Wedding Crasher (mock wedding), and Cleopatra (Purim seudah). Then I watched another movie with a different friend, met up with a Brandeis friend for coffee, and then went to sleep. Which brings us to today!

Piano continues to uplift my week, especially since I've begun to improvise...though very sketchily. In drama, we continue to work on our biblical monologues, and I'm finding Saul a very challenging and interesting persona to take on. And now, there's a lot to do before leaving for Poland this coming Sunday, especially since almost immediately after my return I leave for Italy, and after that, it's Pesach. I'm trying not to let it overwhelm me - it's a lot, but it's a lot to look forward to.

I probably won't be writing until after Italy...and I doubt I'll be able to include all of my adventures even then, but I will do my best. Until then!

Gabriella

Family Visit (among other things)

So, the family was here last week for ten days! It was great for me to share parts of my life with them. We also had some crazy times: a mad pre-shabbat rush to the dead sea in which our GPS took us halfway around Israel, an amazing trip to Ein Gedi involving hiking and swimming and beautiful weather (as it was all week), a tour of the first neighborhood of Jerusalem, visits to some of my classes, an inspiring and musical tefillah at Shira Chadashah ("New Song"), and a fantastic week in a beautiful Jerusalem apartment.

Other news...
Yesterday was a busy day - I went with David Project of Israel Advocacy on a trip to sift through excavations from the Old City, learn about the Jerusalem border conflict, and visit with children from Save A Child's Heart Foundation (an Israel founded and based foundation that treats international children from developing countries that suffer from heart diseases). Then I rushed to the seminary Art Competition to support my friends who submitted their work. The pieces were absolutely beautiful, and one of HaRova's girls placed in third. (Woo!) Then I took a ridiculously slow bus to Emek Refaim to meet up with a new friend of mine who's going to Brandeis next year to bond over music and other various things. All together a great, but exhausting day.

I can't really say much else other than that, except that now that I've shared my home with my family, it feels more like home, too. I'm really looking forward to all of the excitement and activity coming up in the next month - including Purim, Poland, Ukraine, Italy, and Pesach (!!!). The months are going to fly! Thanks for checking in!

Gabriella

(no title)

This entry has no title. I could not think of one. So feel free to make one up for yourself.

This week was a pretty eventful one. And it continues to be as we have an activity in about 5 minutes continuing the welcoming process of the new Southern Hemisphere girls. But I will write as much as I can until then.

Sunday was a regular Sunday, although because of classes I'm swtiching, I ended up not going to certain classes that were starting to drive me kind of crazy, and therefore had almost an entire afternoon off! Just by choice! Sometimes I do feel like an adult here. Or a kid in an adult situation.

Monday, we went for a day at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial here. We spent the morning touring the museum and hearing a testimony, and the afternoon going to the monuments, watching videos on "the big questions after the Holocaust", and then having a lecture on Holocaust denial. It was a very full day of heavy material. I find now, though, that learning about the Holocaust isn't as depressing as it used to be, but more enlightening and educational. Each time I learn about it extensively I have a new outlook on it, if only because I'm older. This time, too, I had in mind that I will be visiting these concentration camps and other memorials in Poland in a little over a month's time. That, I know, will be much more emotional of a trip.

Monday also brought exciting news, as I booked my tickets to Italy during our Pesach vacation! I'll actually be there the week before Pesach, though, so I'll still be able to have pasta while I'm there. I'm really looking forward to that, and I'm meeting with my travel companions on Friday to discuss details. I never thought I'd have to opportunity to be in Israel, Poland, the Ukraine, and Italy all in one month. It's amazing.

Yesterday, Tuesday, I had my first trial of "music morning", where I spent an hour playing piano first thing in the morning, and then went for my first piano lesson later on. It was a great morning. I put two new songs to music (I've written 7 here!! I've never felt so prolific...), and then had a very technical piano lesson in which I realized that I may yet learn how to site read! Can't wait!

The night activity is starting now...but I'll just end by telling you that today we went to Massada and then to the Dead Sea (just to be cold in the wind and have a barbeque, not to actually swim), which was nice, but I don't actually find Massada that interesting. Especially not a second time. But it was still beautiful out for most of the time. Then I came back and did yoga with my roommate as it rained outside, and then I showered and got bundled up in slippers and a sweatshirt. Such a great feeling after a long day.

In other news, we're still working on our Bible Character Monologues...mine is Saul, who's story is very twisted and bewildering. I've been having a lot of fun getting into character in drama class. This shabbat is an "in-Shabbat", and then I have Saturday night Brandeis get together! Then next week is new classes, and my family will be arriving Thursday morning! I can't wait to share my life here with them (or you, depending on who's reading this). Until next time!

Gabriella

Choir Competition!! and other stuff...

Hi, everyone!

So the choir competition is finally behind me...and I have to say that I'm extremely proud of my group's performance. We didn't place, but I've been told by many that we were by far the most sophisticated, professional, and respectful group out of the 17 that competed. And it's always a gamble, because each choir is scored separately, there's no vote for who wins at the end. Everything went so smoothly - our entrance and exit, our soloists and harmonists didn't sound nervous or off-pitch at all, you could hear the background clearly, and we received huge applause. (Unless I'm mistaken, it wasn't only our school cheering for us at the end.) Needless to say, the girls all took our lack of placing very well, and everyone's so proud of each other. We're having a celebratory party at the end of the week. For anyone who wants to see the video of our performance, you can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3rEbp3Wu7Q.

(Though that video has bad visuals...hopefully a better one will be posted soon.)

As for the event as a whole - I found it far too "high school color war"-like for my taste. People were pushing each other to get good seats, they wouldn't give the speakers silence, lest they stop cheering for their school for one second, and the whole thing was a bit of a balagan (hebrew for incredible mess). But HaRova was so amazing that that's what I remember the most. I felt like we were so respectful, and yet supportive of each other. We cheered when it was appropriate, but let it go when it was time to move on. So that's my kvelling for the night.

Other things happening are...

I've arranged piano lessons that I'm beginning next week, as well as a couple of times a week where I'll go to a public piano in the Rova and just play by myself. I think it will really help me feel like I'm doing more to get what I want out of the year.

I'm also switching around a bunch of classes in order to focus less on Jewish Law and more on anything else that helps me connect spiritually. It's difficult in an environment when some really connect through details that don't do anything for me. But I've been told that my outlook into spirituality - more based on a connection with G-d and being a good person - is obviously acceptable, and encouraged, and therefore I should make my classes fit my philosophy. So that's what I'm doing now, and I already feel better about my weekly schedule.

In the next week, we have a lot going on, as usual. The new Southern Hemisphere group will be joining us, we'll be planting trees with other Midrashot for Tu B'Shvat (the "new year" of the tree), spending a Shabbat with the other four members of drama club at our drama teacher's house, and visiting Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem). I'm looking forward to it all, and just hope that I can get some time to rest in between. Speaking of which, I'm going to now take advantage of my usual free Monday night and watch a movie on my bed. Until next time!

Gabriella

Down South

Ready to hear about my trip to the southernmost city of Israel? Okay! First I'll catch you up on everything else. Classes have been okay, last week was hard because I was still adjusting and didn't feel so motivated. A lot of what goes on here is self-motivation, so lacking that means lacking enthusiasm. But this week already feels better!

We had a very enjoyable Midrasha Shabbat . I went to sleep early, rested a lot, and still woke up in time to pray before lunch. For lunch I made a HUGE fruit salad with two friends (we split the cost of buying the fruit from the shuk on Friday), and then it was so big that we shared it with three other friends. We took it to a nearby park with lemonade, iced tea, and books...we ate a little, talked a little, read a little, and just lay in the sun (it must have been in the 70s over Shabbat)! It was adorable.

On Saturday night I had an Israel Brandeis event at a pizza place. I had the best time, I'm not even sure I can describe how hyper I was. I met friendly, intelligent, religious people also spending the year in Israel and going to Brandeis next year, and then we swapped numbers so that we can get together again throughout the year. I've always been excited for college, but this event topped my previous excitement. Of course, I then had to come back and somehow fall asleep to be able to get up at 5am for our Tiyul the next day.

So Eilat...
The first day, we went to a place called Kenyon HaAdom - the Red Canyon. I signed up for the hard, hebrew hikes for all three days, so that in of itself was fun and challenging. When we got back from that hike, we signed into the hotel (!), washed up, and then went out for a party-boat ride with the HaRova Israeli Program. That could have been a blast, but I was so exhausted that I was a little mopey and just sat on the side cuddling with a few friends. Which isn't too bad for a random boat ride!

The second day was a six hour hike through Nachal Gishon - the Gishon Valley. I went with the Israeli group, which was amusing. They do hiking all the time, so they're used to the tough stuff, but this hike was even hard for them when we ended by hiking just about vertically for the last 25 minutes. That was my favorite part, though. Then we returned to the hotel, I had a quick choir rehearsal, ate dinner (hotel dinner versus Midrasha dinner was very refreshing), and then we sat on the beach and sang with our Rosh Midrasha (Head of School). It was beautiful - all of the stars were out and you could hear the water nearby...and EVEN smell the camels (not quite beautiful, but it certainly added to the experience).

The last day we went on a shorter hike in Nachal Timna and then went to a man-made lake for lunch and to make sand souvenirs (you know, those little sand bottles that you fill with different colors?). Then we took the 5 hour trip back home, and when we got back, I exercised! Normally, I would give myself a break, but an easy hike just wasn't enough. People did look at me funny as they passed me doing my workout video, though.

Next week is essentially choir, choir, and more choir. Then we have a Shabbat in honor of the competition at the Midrasha, and apparently there are some professional musicians lined up to speak to us. Sounds fun to me! But I can't wait for the competition to be over. A week and a half...I'll just keep counting down. Hopefully next post I can tell you that all went well and that we got first place and that now I can sleep soundly at night! Until then,

Gabriella

Home and Back Home

It's been a while since I wrote due to my trip back to the US. But I'm back now! Quickly, I'll just finish telling you about the museums we visited right before I left, and then I'll update you with recent news.

The last two days of Tiyulim (trips or tours) ranged from Har Hertzl (an honored soldiers' cemetery) to the Palmach Museum (about one of the underground organizations that helped fight for the establishment and growth of the state). Har Hertzl was unlike any cemetery I've ever seen. It was clearly a place of honor and celebration of life, not a place of mourning. Flowers and evergreen trees everywhere, beautiful monuments, pictures of the soldiers and their stories, and stones placed on many of the graves (as is the Jewish custom - a token that lasts much longer than flowers). It doesn't matter whether someone was a commander or not, if he dedicated himself fully and was honorable in a significant way, he'll be honored on Har Herzl (if his family wishes).

We moved on to the Herzl Museum to learn about the man who began much of the Zionist progress in the early 1900s. It was a very high-tech, interactive museum. Then we went to the Begin Center to learn about Menachem Begin who was the 6th Prime Minister of Israel, and who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his negotiations over land.

The next day we went to Latrun, which is a museum of tanks; it was interesting, but not as educational as the other museums. Lastly, we visited the Palmach Museum, also extremely high-tech and interactive, where we learned about the efforts of the Palmach to defend the settlements during the British Mandate and gaining land during the War of Independence, even when the British tried to dismantle it.

So that's your history lesson for the day! Next, I went home...

To summarize, I got to spend much needed time with my family, some hectic time trying to catch up with friends on vacation from college, and relaxing time in Florida. Then I returned!
So far, I'm still a little jet-lagged, but I'm working on it. Everyone welcomed me back so enthusiastically, I felt missed and appreciated in the best way! Over Shabbat I stayed with my friend at a different seminary in Beit Shemesh. It was nice and relaxing, since she and our mutual friend who joined us both understood that I needed good rest.

Today, I went to a choir leader meeting an hour away, only to find out that it was cancelled (you miss these details when you're 6,000 miles away). But I was with my co-director, Tova, so we enjoyed getting out of the Old City on this beautiful day and catching up for a bit anyway. And it has been gorgeous out - now that I lugged all of my winter clothes from America. The only thing that detracted from the amazing weather was the construction they've begun down the main entrance to the Old City. Now, everyone leaving and entering is herded like cattle up and down the narrow pathway left unscathed by jackhammers. I still love the Old City, though, it's just a pain to go in and out.

In other news, I've decided to arrange for piano and/or vocal lessons on Tuesday afternoons, because I am beginning to feel something missing from my week without them. (If anyone has any contacts in Jerusalem regarding music lessons, please let me know, the search is more difficult than I expected.) After having taken a step back from classes for a couple of weeks, I will also be switching those which I now realize have bored me all along. There are so many classes that I'm actually enthusiastic about - why not have my whole week excited me?

That's all for news from Ellie in the Holy Land! Choir performance coming up in three weeks, and a three day trip to Eilat next week...lots of excitement! 'Till next time!

Gabriella