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
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