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
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