We went on an archeology tour today of the City of David! It was an exploration of the water workings of the city from the Middle Bronze age through the Iron Age. Different parts of the tour featured different time periods. We toured some tunnels which served as a water source to the city. The water system of Jerusalem is very important and gets it's source from the Girshon Spring which is very nearby. In general, a good city requires good fortification, a water source, access to fertile ground, and water. Jerusalem (translated Temple of God Shalem, not City of Peace) has decent fortification and water. It was built in an area to prevent other people from using their water. So today what we saw were the remains of fortification walls and how water got into the city.
It was a very interesting day, although I must say extremely hot! There is at least a 10-15 degree difference between the sun and the shade. I got home from the day and crashed very hard. It was a lot of walking up a lot of hills. Everything in this city is uphill. I don't really understand how that works, but I rarely seem to walk downhill...only uphill. The positive side of life, my calves look amazing!
I have made two special friends at school (besides my HUC colleagues). The first is one of the security guards named Igor. I would see him sitting at the front desk most afternoons and always said shalom or l'hitraot to him. Then one day I decided to introduce myself. Now we're great buddies. We say goodmorning every day as I pass him going to school. I think it makes his day as much as it makes mine. There was one day that I was walking out of school and he offered me a cigarette. I, of course, turned it down. However, I think that offer was vaguely like a peace offering or a gift of friendship. Igor is fantastic. My other friend is an older gentleman (in his 80s perhaps?) who sits in the student center during lunch time. Last Thursday I came back from one of our trips hot and sweaty and he came over to me to ask a question. We started talking and we have formed a lovely friendship since. I see him almost every day. He seems very excited to know that I'm studying to be a cantor. We go back and forth between talking in Hebrew and English. He's sort of like the Israeli version of my friend Paul from the Abramson Center in Philadelphia.
This week I also signed up for a program called Parallel Lives. HUC students will be put into contact with Israeli soldiers. The idea is to get together and make connections and learn from each other. There was a soldier there who participated this past year. She could not say enough good things about the program. I think it's going to be another fantastic way to get more involved in Israeli society. I'm starting to get to a point here where I'm itching to dive more into Israeli culture. It's been fantastic this past month getting to know the area...now I want to know the people.
I miss you tons and wish you were here to share these fantastic experiences with me.
Love,
Sarah
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
A long awaited update
This past Thursday we had our first Israel field trip day. The first day was a trip to around Jerusalem starting with the Tayelete and leading to the Kotel in the evening. It was an early morning. We arrived at a spot which overlooked the entire city and had Shacharit (morning) services led by Lauren (cantorial), Faryn (cantorial), and Dara (rabbinical). It was a beautiful service and they all did a great job! It's very exciting to see these beginning steps towards becoming professionals in the field.
Lauren leading services.
We stopped our tour around noon (hottest part of the day. Thanks HUC!) to take a rest, but of course "this is not an easy year!" This meant that I had several more cantorial meetings to go to and really only got about an hour and half worth of rest/nap time rather than the 6 hours that I wanted. However, I did get to go to a workshop with Jeff Klepper. I didn't want to be "that girl" and take a picture with him, but I did get a picture to document the experience.
The day ended with a trip to the Old City. As the sun set I got to see "Y'rushalim Shel Zahav" Jerusalem of Gold. It was pretty spectacular. I took a picture, but I have to tell you that it's much better in person.
Friday we traveled to Tel Aviv for a fun day of shopping and the beach! We arrived and walked around the open market of crafts for a little while. However, it was packed (Friday is a day off) and a bit overwhelming so we decided to just go and find lunch instead. We found a cute little restaurant with HUGE salads. It was delicious! I love myself a good salad. After lunch, we headed down to the beach. The water was so incredibly blue and even more wonderful, warm! Imagine the temperature of the Atlantic in late August and then up it by about 10 degrees. That's what the water was like. Very much like the Caribbean. I did a little walking along the shore line and then went to read for a bit. I finally decided that it was way to hot to sit in the sun and went into the ocean with Aviva, Amanda, and Deana. As I got in they were very excited to tell me about a game they were playing. They would stand with the backs towards the waves so that they would be surprised when a wave finally arrived. Sometimes there would be little waves, sometimes large. The large ones were obviously the best because they would knock me over. After 30 minutes or so of enjoying the water I went out and basked in the sun and read my book. There are few things in life that I love more.
After the beach we went to Shabbat services on a pier. The seating was set up so that you could watch the sun setting over the water. It was spectacular watching the sun set and the skying changing to different colors. There were three parts of the service that were particularly moving for me. The first was more silly than funny I guess. We sang "What a Wonderful World" in Hebrew. It felt a bit bizarre. Amy pointed out that this would be another wonderful addition to our new musical "Shacharit: The Musical." The next moment packed a greater punch. As we prepared for the Shema, I closed my eyes in the moments of silence before we began singing. I listened to the sounds of the waves, people talking nearby, and seagulls squaking. It made the first word, shema -- listen! all the more poignant. And then we got to the second word Yisrael and I almost started crying. It's particularly amazing to be praying in Israel and to remember that I am actually here! In Israel! The final moment was right before the Amidah when we sang Eli, Eli. The words are (translated into English)
My God, My God
I pray that these things never end.
The sand and the sea
The crashing of the water
The lightening of the sky
The prayer of people's hearts.
Sitting and praying on this pier in Tel Aviv and explicitly seeing all of these things in Israel suddenly provided a new layer of Hannah Senesh's poem. For me, it was the perfect meditation before entering into prayer and beginning this week's Shabbat experience.
Saturday morning I went to services at Temple Harel, the oldest Progressive (Reform) synagogues in Jerusalem. It was a fantastic service! Both the Rabbi and the Cantor were spectacular...very warm and welcoming. The Cantor has an amazing voice and seems like such a wonderful person. I really want to go back and try to form a relationship with the congregation. A synagogue "home" in Jerusalem. There was a bar mitzvah and it was one of the most moving I have ever been to. The bar mitzvah was very well prepared and (from what I could translate) gave a very nice speech. The aliyot were the most moving though. First to be called to the Torah were his maternal and pateral grandmothers. They stood and recited the blessings and shared a tallit as they sang. I find one of the most wonderful things in Jewish life is when an elderly woman takes an aliyah. Many times, it's so against their nature because of the way that they grew up. The second aliyah were the grandpas and the subsequent aliyot were other members of his family. Contrary to the tradition of only the bar mitzvah and parents giving speeches, all grandparents spoke to their grandson as well as his father. Another nice tradition that I would love to bring back to the states was throwing flowers (rather than hard candies) at the bar mitzvah. It seemed so lovely to shower him with sweet smelling flowers (that don't hurt when they land on you).
The rest of my Shabbat was very relaxing. I took a nap (fabulous), took a walk (also lovely), made black bean soup (yum!), and did homework (yuck). Now you are up to date. I'll try not to take so long next time to update. Shavuah tov!
Lauren leading services.
In the middle of services a friend leaned over to me and we had a conversation that went something like this:
Friend: You know Jeff Klepper?
Me: Yeah...
Friend: Well that's him sitting over there.
Me: Woah...
It was pretty cool. After the service I met him and we had a conversation! It was pretty exciting. After the service, we all had breakfast together. It was a good time and gave everyone a little more time to wake up.
Following breakfast we began our tour of Jerusalem entitled "Jerusalem in Poems and Psalms." My group was led by Rabbi Wilfond but better known around the HUC community as Gingi (Gingi is what Israelis call people with red hair). He first gave us a visual tour of the area. I will try to do the same more or less through my pictures.
In this picture you should be able to see three towers. The one of the far right is the Church of the Ascent were Jesus is thought to have been buried. In the middle is Augusta Victoria and on the far right is Mt. Scopus.
Friend: You know Jeff Klepper?
Me: Yeah...
Friend: Well that's him sitting over there.
Me: Woah...
It was pretty cool. After the service I met him and we had a conversation! It was pretty exciting. After the service, we all had breakfast together. It was a good time and gave everyone a little more time to wake up.
Following breakfast we began our tour of Jerusalem entitled "Jerusalem in Poems and Psalms." My group was led by Rabbi Wilfond but better known around the HUC community as Gingi (Gingi is what Israelis call people with red hair). He first gave us a visual tour of the area. I will try to do the same more or less through my pictures.
This is a view of the security wall. It it my hope (and others as well) that someday this wall will not be necessary any more.
In this picture you should be able to see three towers. The one of the far right is the Church of the Ascent were Jesus is thought to have been buried. In the middle is Augusta Victoria and on the far right is Mt. Scopus.
The day ended with a trip to the Old City. As the sun set I got to see "Y'rushalim Shel Zahav" Jerusalem of Gold. It was pretty spectacular. I took a picture, but I have to tell you that it's much better in person.
Friday we traveled to Tel Aviv for a fun day of shopping and the beach! We arrived and walked around the open market of crafts for a little while. However, it was packed (Friday is a day off) and a bit overwhelming so we decided to just go and find lunch instead. We found a cute little restaurant with HUGE salads. It was delicious! I love myself a good salad. After lunch, we headed down to the beach. The water was so incredibly blue and even more wonderful, warm! Imagine the temperature of the Atlantic in late August and then up it by about 10 degrees. That's what the water was like. Very much like the Caribbean. I did a little walking along the shore line and then went to read for a bit. I finally decided that it was way to hot to sit in the sun and went into the ocean with Aviva, Amanda, and Deana. As I got in they were very excited to tell me about a game they were playing. They would stand with the backs towards the waves so that they would be surprised when a wave finally arrived. Sometimes there would be little waves, sometimes large. The large ones were obviously the best because they would knock me over. After 30 minutes or so of enjoying the water I went out and basked in the sun and read my book. There are few things in life that I love more.
After the beach we went to Shabbat services on a pier. The seating was set up so that you could watch the sun setting over the water. It was spectacular watching the sun set and the skying changing to different colors. There were three parts of the service that were particularly moving for me. The first was more silly than funny I guess. We sang "What a Wonderful World" in Hebrew. It felt a bit bizarre. Amy pointed out that this would be another wonderful addition to our new musical "Shacharit: The Musical." The next moment packed a greater punch. As we prepared for the Shema, I closed my eyes in the moments of silence before we began singing. I listened to the sounds of the waves, people talking nearby, and seagulls squaking. It made the first word, shema -- listen! all the more poignant. And then we got to the second word Yisrael and I almost started crying. It's particularly amazing to be praying in Israel and to remember that I am actually here! In Israel! The final moment was right before the Amidah when we sang Eli, Eli. The words are (translated into English)
My God, My God
I pray that these things never end.
The sand and the sea
The crashing of the water
The lightening of the sky
The prayer of people's hearts.
Sitting and praying on this pier in Tel Aviv and explicitly seeing all of these things in Israel suddenly provided a new layer of Hannah Senesh's poem. For me, it was the perfect meditation before entering into prayer and beginning this week's Shabbat experience.
Saturday morning I went to services at Temple Harel, the oldest Progressive (Reform) synagogues in Jerusalem. It was a fantastic service! Both the Rabbi and the Cantor were spectacular...very warm and welcoming. The Cantor has an amazing voice and seems like such a wonderful person. I really want to go back and try to form a relationship with the congregation. A synagogue "home" in Jerusalem. There was a bar mitzvah and it was one of the most moving I have ever been to. The bar mitzvah was very well prepared and (from what I could translate) gave a very nice speech. The aliyot were the most moving though. First to be called to the Torah were his maternal and pateral grandmothers. They stood and recited the blessings and shared a tallit as they sang. I find one of the most wonderful things in Jewish life is when an elderly woman takes an aliyah. Many times, it's so against their nature because of the way that they grew up. The second aliyah were the grandpas and the subsequent aliyot were other members of his family. Contrary to the tradition of only the bar mitzvah and parents giving speeches, all grandparents spoke to their grandson as well as his father. Another nice tradition that I would love to bring back to the states was throwing flowers (rather than hard candies) at the bar mitzvah. It seemed so lovely to shower him with sweet smelling flowers (that don't hurt when they land on you).
The rest of my Shabbat was very relaxing. I took a nap (fabulous), took a walk (also lovely), made black bean soup (yum!), and did homework (yuck). Now you are up to date. I'll try not to take so long next time to update. Shavuah tov!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Shabbat and the beginning of Ulpan
So as I get busier and busier I find less and less time to write on the blog consistently. I'm assuming it's only going to get worse, but I will do my best to catch up now. I'll start with Shabbat.
Friday was once again cleaning day! This time Amy attacked the kitchen (stove, refrigerator, counter tops) and I attacked the bathroom (scrubbing the sink, shower, and yes, the toilet!). It was absolutely exhausting but entirely worth it. The apartment is not quite as smelly as before and it really feels very nice to live in such a clean space. Amy keeps me on track with cleanliness. It's a good thing. With no time for a nap, I quickly got showered, dressed and went for Shabbat at school. This week it was mandatory to go to HUC because we're still in the orientation time period. First we had a study session with Rabbi Nahma Kellman. We looked specifically at the times Shabbat is mentioned in the Torah (there are 6 to be exact). We looked at each of the passages with our chevruta and discussed. I enjoyed it immensely. Afterwards, services were led by the interns. After them helping us so much over the past two weeks with getting to know the city, helping with internet problems, helping us settle in, it was really nice to see them leading services as well. There were a bunch of Carlebach tunes used which immediately brought me back to BUCO services at Brandeis. The tunes are just so much fun! It was a beautiful service. I love Kabbalat Shabbat! Following services dinner was provided and then a song session! Ari, Harrison, Meredith (all rabbinical students), and I led the song session. Ari, Harrison, and Meredith all have lots of song leading experience --mostly at overnight camp. Leading song sessions in a geriatric center is very different I have found. However, I was able to mostly keep up with them. A few more song sessions with them and I'll be a natural! I went home and ended up crashing really early. It was a fun, but exhausting beginning to Shabbat.
Saturday morning we were back at HUC. Cantor Tamar Havilio and Rabbi Michael Marmur led the services. Rabbi Marmur is an amazing service leader. I can not wait to learn from him! He very much knows how to do public speaking. He was incredibly engaging the entire time. After services I went home for lunch and then took a lovely Shabbat nap. Yum! Seudat Shlishit this week was hosted by Lauren and her roommate Jacklyn at their apartment. They have a nice area in their backyard. Lauren made chili (with a big kick!) and the rest of the food was potluck. I know I've only been here for 2 and half weeks, but I'm finding that it's one of my favorite times of the week. After dessert, we all said havdallah together. It's really pretty special being in a circle with your friends who you also know will be future leaders of the Jewish community.
Sunday is the beginning of the work week in Israel (we have off on Friday and Saturday from school). Therefore, Sunday began our ulpan studies! My first class was fantastic. I love my ulpan teacher. I think that I will learn a lot from her. I also find that I really enjoy being in class. I understand the majority of what is being said and can keep up with the grammar. Honestly, most of it is a review for me at this point. However, I get the feeling that we will be moving quickly and I will be generally happy in the class. My teacher, Hannah, is very funny as well. It will at the very least be an amusing summer.
In about 5 minutes I have my first High Holy day choir practice and I can't wait! My next general goal is to get out and start meeting more Israelis. I need to use my Hebrew. More soon!
Love,
Sarah
Friday was once again cleaning day! This time Amy attacked the kitchen (stove, refrigerator, counter tops) and I attacked the bathroom (scrubbing the sink, shower, and yes, the toilet!). It was absolutely exhausting but entirely worth it. The apartment is not quite as smelly as before and it really feels very nice to live in such a clean space. Amy keeps me on track with cleanliness. It's a good thing. With no time for a nap, I quickly got showered, dressed and went for Shabbat at school. This week it was mandatory to go to HUC because we're still in the orientation time period. First we had a study session with Rabbi Nahma Kellman. We looked specifically at the times Shabbat is mentioned in the Torah (there are 6 to be exact). We looked at each of the passages with our chevruta and discussed. I enjoyed it immensely. Afterwards, services were led by the interns. After them helping us so much over the past two weeks with getting to know the city, helping with internet problems, helping us settle in, it was really nice to see them leading services as well. There were a bunch of Carlebach tunes used which immediately brought me back to BUCO services at Brandeis. The tunes are just so much fun! It was a beautiful service. I love Kabbalat Shabbat! Following services dinner was provided and then a song session! Ari, Harrison, Meredith (all rabbinical students), and I led the song session. Ari, Harrison, and Meredith all have lots of song leading experience --mostly at overnight camp. Leading song sessions in a geriatric center is very different I have found. However, I was able to mostly keep up with them. A few more song sessions with them and I'll be a natural! I went home and ended up crashing really early. It was a fun, but exhausting beginning to Shabbat.
Saturday morning we were back at HUC. Cantor Tamar Havilio and Rabbi Michael Marmur led the services. Rabbi Marmur is an amazing service leader. I can not wait to learn from him! He very much knows how to do public speaking. He was incredibly engaging the entire time. After services I went home for lunch and then took a lovely Shabbat nap. Yum! Seudat Shlishit this week was hosted by Lauren and her roommate Jacklyn at their apartment. They have a nice area in their backyard. Lauren made chili (with a big kick!) and the rest of the food was potluck. I know I've only been here for 2 and half weeks, but I'm finding that it's one of my favorite times of the week. After dessert, we all said havdallah together. It's really pretty special being in a circle with your friends who you also know will be future leaders of the Jewish community.
Sunday is the beginning of the work week in Israel (we have off on Friday and Saturday from school). Therefore, Sunday began our ulpan studies! My first class was fantastic. I love my ulpan teacher. I think that I will learn a lot from her. I also find that I really enjoy being in class. I understand the majority of what is being said and can keep up with the grammar. Honestly, most of it is a review for me at this point. However, I get the feeling that we will be moving quickly and I will be generally happy in the class. My teacher, Hannah, is very funny as well. It will at the very least be an amusing summer.
In about 5 minutes I have my first High Holy day choir practice and I can't wait! My next general goal is to get out and start meeting more Israelis. I need to use my Hebrew. More soon!
Love,
Sarah
Friday, July 18, 2008
Israel Update plus Orientation
The last few days have been difficult for a few reasons. Two years ago two Israeli soldiers (Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev) were captured and kidnapped by Hezbollah. The war, known as the Second Lebanon War began The first is the tragic return of Israeli soldiers Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev. They were kidnapped two years ago by Hezbollah and thus began the Second Lebanon war (better known in the US as the July War). For two years and a few days Israel has been waiting and hoping for the safe return of Ehud and Eldad. Unfortunately what many suspected turned out to be true: the two soldiers were returned to Israel in coffins. In exchange for our two soldiers Israel returned infamous prisoner Samir Kuntar who killed a man and his daughter back in 1979. Kuntar returned to Lebanon a hero as Israel now deeply mourns their losses.
First of all, you should know that I'm safe. I faithfully read the news every morning to see what is going on in Israel and HUC is also making sure that everything runs smoothly and that all students are safe. There are security procedures set up through text messaging in case of an emergency or of a security alert to stay away from a particular area. So besides feeling physically safe here, I also feel well protected and cared for by HUC.
So, the news of our two Israeli soldiers coincided exactly with the beginning of my orientation. It has been an exhausting two days of information. Who knew it was so tiring to sit and listen? Wednesday we began our day at 8:30 am with Shacharit services. Rabbi Michael Marmur gave a wonderful dvar/welcome to our class. He is a fantastic speaker. After a short coffee/breakfast break we all piled into the auditorium to get an overview of the year. The goals for the year are: 1) make significant strides forward in Hebrew 2) become engaged in Israel 3) study multiple texts 4) professional growth 5) personal and spiritual growth. Michael spoke about each of these aims, why they matter, who are professors will be.
The Ulpan director also spoke about the program. She told a very cute story about when she first came to the United States. She came knowing English, but it was mostly English literature which meant that she did not have much conversational English. So as she became oriented to the states she at least knew how to say thank you. At the grocery store someone would help her. She'd say thank you and they'd respond "Welcome!" She'd go to the bank and she'd say thank you and they'd respond "Welcome!" She told our class that she thought it was amazing that all of these people knew that she had just arrived in the United States and were saying welcome. Talk about lost in translation!
Michael spoke again, but this time about academics. He started by teaching us a new word "tiskul" or frustration. He said that he could guarantee us tiskul. We are a graduate program, a seminary, and a professional school. There is therefore a conflict of learning techniques and needs to become a hybrid program. It's nice to know that they do recognize that the year has the potential to be frustrating.
I don't want to bore you with the rest of the details of orientation. It was an overwhelming few days of information, but I'm all the more excited now to begin! Sunday (tomorrow) officially begins my Ulpan studies for the summer. Monday I'll have class and High Holy day choir rehearsal. I can't wait! Now it's Shabbat and time for a nap! Shabbat Shalom!
First of all, you should know that I'm safe. I faithfully read the news every morning to see what is going on in Israel and HUC is also making sure that everything runs smoothly and that all students are safe. There are security procedures set up through text messaging in case of an emergency or of a security alert to stay away from a particular area. So besides feeling physically safe here, I also feel well protected and cared for by HUC.
So, the news of our two Israeli soldiers coincided exactly with the beginning of my orientation. It has been an exhausting two days of information. Who knew it was so tiring to sit and listen? Wednesday we began our day at 8:30 am with Shacharit services. Rabbi Michael Marmur gave a wonderful dvar/welcome to our class. He is a fantastic speaker. After a short coffee/breakfast break we all piled into the auditorium to get an overview of the year. The goals for the year are: 1) make significant strides forward in Hebrew 2) become engaged in Israel 3) study multiple texts 4) professional growth 5) personal and spiritual growth. Michael spoke about each of these aims, why they matter, who are professors will be.
The Ulpan director also spoke about the program. She told a very cute story about when she first came to the United States. She came knowing English, but it was mostly English literature which meant that she did not have much conversational English. So as she became oriented to the states she at least knew how to say thank you. At the grocery store someone would help her. She'd say thank you and they'd respond "Welcome!" She'd go to the bank and she'd say thank you and they'd respond "Welcome!" She told our class that she thought it was amazing that all of these people knew that she had just arrived in the United States and were saying welcome. Talk about lost in translation!
Michael spoke again, but this time about academics. He started by teaching us a new word "tiskul" or frustration. He said that he could guarantee us tiskul. We are a graduate program, a seminary, and a professional school. There is therefore a conflict of learning techniques and needs to become a hybrid program. It's nice to know that they do recognize that the year has the potential to be frustrating.
I don't want to bore you with the rest of the details of orientation. It was an overwhelming few days of information, but I'm all the more excited now to begin! Sunday (tomorrow) officially begins my Ulpan studies for the summer. Monday I'll have class and High Holy day choir rehearsal. I can't wait! Now it's Shabbat and time for a nap! Shabbat Shalom!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
"This year will be very tough!"
I can't begin to tell you how many times I have heard some version of that in the past few days...today in particular. My day began with the cantorial program orientation. You should know upfront that only the cantors have a specific orientation to go to. The Rabbis and Education leaders in the group do not have a session specifically geared towards them. Anyway. Cantor Tamar Havilio began the orientation with introductions. First the faculty went around and introduced themselves. They all sound absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to learn from them. Each professor/cantor brings something different to the table -- voice technique, repertoire, chazzanut training, Israeli music history, etc. The big "great" in the bunch is Eli Schleifer who has been at HUC for a very long time. He will be teaching us only one history class as he is going on sabbatical. However, he will be the cantor at the High Holy Day services and we will be in the choir so I will be able to get plenty of learning in from him as well. Rehearsals for the High Holy Days start next Monday! Talk about soon. Music theory (yuck) will also begin within the next few weeks in addition to our Ulpan program. Are you beginning to see the "this is not an easy year!" theme yet? Because of the nature of the cantorial program we have tons to do. I left the orientation feeling overwhelmed with information and expectations for the year. I think that once classes and a routine get rolling I will be able to fall in line with everything going on. I tend to work much better with a schedule.
After an insurance meeting I went home to try and relax a bit. I ended up going over to Jason's apartment (a rabbinical student) to eat pizza and watch Wall-e with a bunch of friends. If you haven't seen the movie yet you definitely should! It's one of Pixar's cuter creations. And they reference the movie version of "Hello, Dolly" which of course I loved! In fact, I think that if you hadn't seen the movie of "Hello, Dolly" you miss some fun connections. It was a very fun afternoon.
I also met up with Janice Jumbo from home (a long-time teacher from Beth Tikva B'nai Jeshurun in Erdenheim, PA). I had been walking to school yesterday and passed a restaurant and there she sat! It was definitely one of the more surprising moments I've had here so far, but I'm also beginning to discover that it happens in Jerusalem! It's like an enlarged version of Brandeis...So, Janice and I played phone tag with each other for the majority of the and were finally able to catch up for a half hour this evening. We sat on the steps of HUC and chatted for a good amount of time about Jerusalem and our experiences so far. Unfortunately, Janice is leaving Israel tonight so I will not be able to spend more time with her. It was wonderful seeing a familiar face though.
At 7 pm we had an orienation activity at school. After doing a little studying and discussing of different Talmudic texts the interns broke our class of 42 up into different groups of about 5-6 people in each. In our intimate groups we were able to tell the stories of our path to HUC and our chosen profession. I found the evening incredibly enlightening and touching. Many students shared some very personal stories and I'm honored that they felt safe enough to share them. I learned about lot about 1o of my classmates tonight and I can't wait to continue learning more from them in the years to come.
Also exciting today was the instillation of a router in the apartment which allows me to have wireless internet! Hooray! Let the skype chats officially begin! I hope you are having a wonderful week and I hope to talk to you soon!
My love,
Sarah
After an insurance meeting I went home to try and relax a bit. I ended up going over to Jason's apartment (a rabbinical student) to eat pizza and watch Wall-e with a bunch of friends. If you haven't seen the movie yet you definitely should! It's one of Pixar's cuter creations. And they reference the movie version of "Hello, Dolly" which of course I loved! In fact, I think that if you hadn't seen the movie of "Hello, Dolly" you miss some fun connections. It was a very fun afternoon.
I also met up with Janice Jumbo from home (a long-time teacher from Beth Tikva B'nai Jeshurun in Erdenheim, PA). I had been walking to school yesterday and passed a restaurant and there she sat! It was definitely one of the more surprising moments I've had here so far, but I'm also beginning to discover that it happens in Jerusalem! It's like an enlarged version of Brandeis...So, Janice and I played phone tag with each other for the majority of the and were finally able to catch up for a half hour this evening. We sat on the steps of HUC and chatted for a good amount of time about Jerusalem and our experiences so far. Unfortunately, Janice is leaving Israel tonight so I will not be able to spend more time with her. It was wonderful seeing a familiar face though.
At 7 pm we had an orienation activity at school. After doing a little studying and discussing of different Talmudic texts the interns broke our class of 42 up into different groups of about 5-6 people in each. In our intimate groups we were able to tell the stories of our path to HUC and our chosen profession. I found the evening incredibly enlightening and touching. Many students shared some very personal stories and I'm honored that they felt safe enough to share them. I learned about lot about 1o of my classmates tonight and I can't wait to continue learning more from them in the years to come.
Also exciting today was the instillation of a router in the apartment which allows me to have wireless internet! Hooray! Let the skype chats officially begin! I hope you are having a wonderful week and I hope to talk to you soon!
My love,
Sarah
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A low-key day
Today was a low-key, but ultimately very good day. I slept in and did a bunch of reading in the morning. I have found that I like nothing more that sitting on my bed with the window open and reading a book. I get a fantastic cross breeze in the apartment so I rarely feel the heat. After being lazy for a few hours I went to Ben Yehuda St to buy new guitar strings. I bought a guitar from a rabbinical student who lived here last year. The strings were horrible so I needed new ones. Tomorrow one of my tasks will hopefully getting it back into good shape.
On the way home I passed a construction site (there's construction going on right across from school. It seems that no matter what school I attend there is always construction!). I was carrying my guitar home with me. One of the construction workers stopped me and asked me (in Hebrew) if I was going to play for them? So I answered, no not today. Why? he asked. I don't have time, I said. When? he asked. Next week, I answered and walked away. It seems that it doesn't matter the country, construction workers are always interested in talking to pretty girls (I'm very sorry if I just offended any construction workers reading my blog. It's just an observation!). It was an amusing conversation. Most impressive since I was able to get through it all in Hebrew!
Late afternoon I caught up with Jesse (from Brandeis!) and we went and had coffee together. It was so incredibly nice to see a familiar face from home. We had a great time chatting and catching up.
Today was Nancy's birthday so I went over to her apartment and helped her set up for a Sangria birthday party! The party ended up being tons of fun! At the max there were about 40 people in her apartment. It was loud but lots of fun talking with people. And the sangria was delicious! I think it was a very happy birthday for her.
Tomorrow I need to finally buckle down and take my Hebrew placement test. I've been avoiding it for awhile.
On the way home I passed a construction site (there's construction going on right across from school. It seems that no matter what school I attend there is always construction!). I was carrying my guitar home with me. One of the construction workers stopped me and asked me (in Hebrew) if I was going to play for them? So I answered, no not today. Why? he asked. I don't have time, I said. When? he asked. Next week, I answered and walked away. It seems that it doesn't matter the country, construction workers are always interested in talking to pretty girls (I'm very sorry if I just offended any construction workers reading my blog. It's just an observation!). It was an amusing conversation. Most impressive since I was able to get through it all in Hebrew!
Late afternoon I caught up with Jesse (from Brandeis!) and we went and had coffee together. It was so incredibly nice to see a familiar face from home. We had a great time chatting and catching up.
Today was Nancy's birthday so I went over to her apartment and helped her set up for a Sangria birthday party! The party ended up being tons of fun! At the max there were about 40 people in her apartment. It was loud but lots of fun talking with people. And the sangria was delicious! I think it was a very happy birthday for her.
Tomorrow I need to finally buckle down and take my Hebrew placement test. I've been avoiding it for awhile.
Shabbat happenings
**This is a little bit of a repeat from my email**
On Friday morning HUC had a "study day." I went to two different classes. The first was on the changing form of ritual. We looked at texts from Deuteronomy, the Talmud, midrash, and modern texts. It was very interesting and there were some great comments throughout the class although I have to admit that it got hard to concentrate towards the end of class (I'm so not a morning person!). The second class was wonderful though! It was called "From Bima to Bonfire: Musical trends in Jewish Prayer." Cantor Tamar Havilio led the session (she is the interim director of the Cantorial program in Jerusalem). We looked at the bima, how it's raised, the seating structure, the Ark at the center, and how many times can feel a bit impresonal in nature. Or rather, there's a distance between the clergy and the congregation. The clergy is in the front facing everyone else, sometimes together at the pulpit, sometimes on opposite sides of the bima. Bonfires are much more intimate in nature because everyone is facing each other, on the same plane. Keeping all this in mind we listened to 4 contrasting pieces of music (one was a choral version of v'shamru, one was a medley of simcha songs, one was a jazz piece, and the last was a song by Kerri Russel) and talking about what setting they were best in, if we would consider the music prayer or not. The discussions were interesting as it was a mix of students and clergy (some cantors, some rabbis). At the end, Tamar asked a question along the lines of what do you think is best? Bima or Bonfire? No one was really answering so I raised my hand and said that it seemed that a cantor needed to find a balance when singing. Some people really connect to hearing the hazzanut in a service while others need Debbie Friedman's Mi Shebeirach. As I was speaking she and a few others started chuckling and she said "it's a good thing that you're a cantorial student!"
After the study session I went home and cleaned the apartment with Amy. We threw out a bunch of trash, mopped the floors, cleaned the bathroom. It's gorgeous now! I think it's going to become a Friday afternoon tradition. We got dressed for Shabbat and at 4:45 we went over to the President of HUC's apartment (Rabbi Ellenson) where we had a very nice welcome reception. We all introduced ourselves, did a little text study, lit the Shabbat candles and went to services. Services were outside on the grass at HUC. The chairs were set up so that we faced the Old City and watched the sun set during the service. It was awesome -- in both senses of the word. We had dinner together and then after a long day I went home to bed.
Saturday morning I was up early to go to services at Kol Hanishama, a progressive synagogue in Emek Refaim. The service was beautiful and was especially cool because there was a bat mitzvah. The Rabbi was wonderful. It was a good morning. After services I went home and took a Shabbos nap and then met up with friends in Liberty Bell Park (Gan Hapaamon) for dinner and havdalah. It was a very fun weekend. I love Shabbat!
On Friday morning HUC had a "study day." I went to two different classes. The first was on the changing form of ritual. We looked at texts from Deuteronomy, the Talmud, midrash, and modern texts. It was very interesting and there were some great comments throughout the class although I have to admit that it got hard to concentrate towards the end of class (I'm so not a morning person!). The second class was wonderful though! It was called "From Bima to Bonfire: Musical trends in Jewish Prayer." Cantor Tamar Havilio led the session (she is the interim director of the Cantorial program in Jerusalem). We looked at the bima, how it's raised, the seating structure, the Ark at the center, and how many times can feel a bit impresonal in nature. Or rather, there's a distance between the clergy and the congregation. The clergy is in the front facing everyone else, sometimes together at the pulpit, sometimes on opposite sides of the bima. Bonfires are much more intimate in nature because everyone is facing each other, on the same plane. Keeping all this in mind we listened to 4 contrasting pieces of music (one was a choral version of v'shamru, one was a medley of simcha songs, one was a jazz piece, and the last was a song by Kerri Russel) and talking about what setting they were best in, if we would consider the music prayer or not. The discussions were interesting as it was a mix of students and clergy (some cantors, some rabbis). At the end, Tamar asked a question along the lines of what do you think is best? Bima or Bonfire? No one was really answering so I raised my hand and said that it seemed that a cantor needed to find a balance when singing. Some people really connect to hearing the hazzanut in a service while others need Debbie Friedman's Mi Shebeirach. As I was speaking she and a few others started chuckling and she said "it's a good thing that you're a cantorial student!"
After the study session I went home and cleaned the apartment with Amy. We threw out a bunch of trash, mopped the floors, cleaned the bathroom. It's gorgeous now! I think it's going to become a Friday afternoon tradition. We got dressed for Shabbat and at 4:45 we went over to the President of HUC's apartment (Rabbi Ellenson) where we had a very nice welcome reception. We all introduced ourselves, did a little text study, lit the Shabbat candles and went to services. Services were outside on the grass at HUC. The chairs were set up so that we faced the Old City and watched the sun set during the service. It was awesome -- in both senses of the word. We had dinner together and then after a long day I went home to bed.
Saturday morning I was up early to go to services at Kol Hanishama, a progressive synagogue in Emek Refaim. The service was beautiful and was especially cool because there was a bat mitzvah. The Rabbi was wonderful. It was a good morning. After services I went home and took a Shabbos nap and then met up with friends in Liberty Bell Park (Gan Hapaamon) for dinner and havdalah. It was a very fun weekend. I love Shabbat!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A visit to the Old City
Today has been wonderful! After getting up, Nancy and I went for breakfast and Cup o' Joe's. It was delicious! I ordered tea with mint and a sandwich with avacado, egg, lettuce, and tomatoes on wheat bread. De-licious! We did a lot of talking. She's such a warm person. She will be a fantastic cantor I think. We both ordered in Hebrew which was tons of fun. It's hard with the menu in English to do everything in Hebrew, but we got by.
After breakfast we went over to the YMCA to explore their facilities and prices. It is not a place I am going to join. While the classes look good, the equipment was only so-so. I also think I'm going to be getting a good workout with all the walking I am doing. The David Citadel Hotel is apparently much cheaper, so I'll think about that although I've never been so good at keeping a workout schedule, so we'll see.
At 12:30 I met up with a bunch of people to go to the Old City. Lydia (one of the interns) led us through the Christian and Arab markerts. Everything is SO beautiful! There are huge tapestries with fantastic embroidery. I will definitely need one for my room. Because it was lunchtime we stopped at two hummus places (we broke into two different groups). The place I went was very good, but I generally though it tasted a little bland. Not quite enough spice for my taste. After we stopped to test the other hummus place quickly and that was amazing. We also stopped at a photography shop with photos from the 1940s of Jerusalem. They were gorgeous. I will also be back in the near future I hope.
From the photo shop we walked to the Jewish quarter. We went to the Kotel which was wonderful. It felt good to be back but it was also ridiculously hot. I will have to go back at a cooler time.
We walked back to school very hot and very tired, gather my stuff and then went home to shower. I met up with Nancy, Lauren, and Adam for dinner. We all got falafel and beer. It was the best falafel I've had so far this year it's at a place very near to home (and right next to the supermarker. How convenient!). It was a very relaxing and fun dinner in the park. After, Lauren and I went back to my appartment to wait for Amy and watch Sweeney Todd. We got through about 40 minutes before we just started chatting. It was so nice. We seem to have many similar tastes in music (Dvorak, Charles Ives...) and I introduced her to Jason Robert Brown :)
Around 10 pm Amy arrived! We all sat and talked for awhile which was really nice. It's great that she's here now. I had done a bunch of apartment organizing, but now that she's here we can finally make it home. She has actually been here before (her brother lived in this apartment when he was a rabbinical student). Now the year can truly begin.
After breakfast we went over to the YMCA to explore their facilities and prices. It is not a place I am going to join. While the classes look good, the equipment was only so-so. I also think I'm going to be getting a good workout with all the walking I am doing. The David Citadel Hotel is apparently much cheaper, so I'll think about that although I've never been so good at keeping a workout schedule, so we'll see.
At 12:30 I met up with a bunch of people to go to the Old City. Lydia (one of the interns) led us through the Christian and Arab markerts. Everything is SO beautiful! There are huge tapestries with fantastic embroidery. I will definitely need one for my room. Because it was lunchtime we stopped at two hummus places (we broke into two different groups). The place I went was very good, but I generally though it tasted a little bland. Not quite enough spice for my taste. After we stopped to test the other hummus place quickly and that was amazing. We also stopped at a photography shop with photos from the 1940s of Jerusalem. They were gorgeous. I will also be back in the near future I hope.
From the photo shop we walked to the Jewish quarter. We went to the Kotel which was wonderful. It felt good to be back but it was also ridiculously hot. I will have to go back at a cooler time.
We walked back to school very hot and very tired, gather my stuff and then went home to shower. I met up with Nancy, Lauren, and Adam for dinner. We all got falafel and beer. It was the best falafel I've had so far this year it's at a place very near to home (and right next to the supermarker. How convenient!). It was a very relaxing and fun dinner in the park. After, Lauren and I went back to my appartment to wait for Amy and watch Sweeney Todd. We got through about 40 minutes before we just started chatting. It was so nice. We seem to have many similar tastes in music (Dvorak, Charles Ives...) and I introduced her to Jason Robert Brown :)
Around 10 pm Amy arrived! We all sat and talked for awhile which was really nice. It's great that she's here now. I had done a bunch of apartment organizing, but now that she's here we can finally make it home. She has actually been here before (her brother lived in this apartment when he was a rabbinical student). Now the year can truly begin.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday is the second day of the work week...and Elizabeth's birthday!
7/7/08
Today was an awesome day! I finally feel as though I'm beginning to gain my balance in Israel. I'm becoming friendlier with people, I'm learning my way around, and I'm trying to use my Hebrew. It's all good stuff :)
This morning I walked to Lauren's apartment and went with her and her roommate Jacklyn to the Makhlah Kanyon (mall). They got tons of stuff. I got a few basic things for the apartment, but mostly was there for the company (and also my apartment didn't need so much. It was relatively well furnished already.) It was sort of like shopping for college again...but an apartment. We had two great taxi drivers. The first spoke some English and was a teacher apparently, so he helped us with our Hebrew. The one on the way back spoke very little English. He spoke in Hebrew to Jacklyn (in the front seat). I could pick out a bunch, but it was kind of hard to hear from the back seat. It was fun though.
We got back to Lauren's apartment and hung out. Their internet was being installed. A lot of work hadn't been done in their apartment which was very frustrating for them (it would never fly with tenants in America), but it will ultimately be a very modern looking apartment. While at the apartment, Haim (one of the interns) called me to set up a coffee date. They're doing one-on-ones with all the students to make sure we're doing ok. it's very nice of them. We decided to meet that afternoon.
In the meantime, Lauren and I went to meet up with the rest of the group for a supermarket tour. We ended up tasting different types of cheese. I had to find g'vinat eden. It was very yummy. After everyone bought their cheese we went to the park and ate and chatted. I learned the word ephsha pach which means trash can. It was a gorgeous mid-afternoon treat. Really. Can you go wrong when there's cheese around? I think not.
I met Haim at Cup of Joe's. It was so nice sitting and talking with him! I told him lots of stories which just felt so nice. It reminded me of why I want to do this. I told him about my old people and teaching and why I want to be a cantor. It was just very casual and he genuinely wanted to know about me. Not to say that the other students don't at all! You just need to get through the formalities of where are you from, what are you studying, etc. I walked away feeling rejuvenated!
I later met up with Lauren and Leah (rabbinical) for dinner. I had my first falafel this trip! Very very tasty. The falafel weren't quite hot enough for my taste though. I'll have to explore some more. We walked, ate, and talked up and down Ben Yehuda Street. The shops are so much fun! I didn't get to go the first time I came to Israel because it was so dangerous. After looking in many jewelery and Judaica shops, my feet hurt a lot. It was still a great time though. I think they'll be good friends.
This is also a little out of order but on Sunday I got a call from Rabbi Greg Litcofsky from Shir Tikva! He's on vacation in Israel so we met up for tea :) It was so nice to see him! We got to chat and he told me a bunch about the area. We walked to Emek Refaim and I saw some great restaurants and a book shop that I really want to explore. He recommended that I should just take a map and walk around in the next few weeks. I think that will be good. I actually like being on my own a lot. It gives me a better chance to use my Hebrew. The English becomes a big crutch, even when I'm just with one other English speaking friend. I try to ask what things are in Hebrew as much as I can though and I think things will become even better once Ulpan starts.
More in a few days! Hopefully by then I will have internet in my house....
Today was an awesome day! I finally feel as though I'm beginning to gain my balance in Israel. I'm becoming friendlier with people, I'm learning my way around, and I'm trying to use my Hebrew. It's all good stuff :)
This morning I walked to Lauren's apartment and went with her and her roommate Jacklyn to the Makhlah Kanyon (mall). They got tons of stuff. I got a few basic things for the apartment, but mostly was there for the company (and also my apartment didn't need so much. It was relatively well furnished already.) It was sort of like shopping for college again...but an apartment. We had two great taxi drivers. The first spoke some English and was a teacher apparently, so he helped us with our Hebrew. The one on the way back spoke very little English. He spoke in Hebrew to Jacklyn (in the front seat). I could pick out a bunch, but it was kind of hard to hear from the back seat. It was fun though.
We got back to Lauren's apartment and hung out. Their internet was being installed. A lot of work hadn't been done in their apartment which was very frustrating for them (it would never fly with tenants in America), but it will ultimately be a very modern looking apartment. While at the apartment, Haim (one of the interns) called me to set up a coffee date. They're doing one-on-ones with all the students to make sure we're doing ok. it's very nice of them. We decided to meet that afternoon.
In the meantime, Lauren and I went to meet up with the rest of the group for a supermarket tour. We ended up tasting different types of cheese. I had to find g'vinat eden. It was very yummy. After everyone bought their cheese we went to the park and ate and chatted. I learned the word ephsha pach which means trash can. It was a gorgeous mid-afternoon treat. Really. Can you go wrong when there's cheese around? I think not.
I met Haim at Cup of Joe's. It was so nice sitting and talking with him! I told him lots of stories which just felt so nice. It reminded me of why I want to do this. I told him about my old people and teaching and why I want to be a cantor. It was just very casual and he genuinely wanted to know about me. Not to say that the other students don't at all! You just need to get through the formalities of where are you from, what are you studying, etc. I walked away feeling rejuvenated!
I later met up with Lauren and Leah (rabbinical) for dinner. I had my first falafel this trip! Very very tasty. The falafel weren't quite hot enough for my taste though. I'll have to explore some more. We walked, ate, and talked up and down Ben Yehuda Street. The shops are so much fun! I didn't get to go the first time I came to Israel because it was so dangerous. After looking in many jewelery and Judaica shops, my feet hurt a lot. It was still a great time though. I think they'll be good friends.
This is also a little out of order but on Sunday I got a call from Rabbi Greg Litcofsky from Shir Tikva! He's on vacation in Israel so we met up for tea :) It was so nice to see him! We got to chat and he told me a bunch about the area. We walked to Emek Refaim and I saw some great restaurants and a book shop that I really want to explore. He recommended that I should just take a map and walk around in the next few weeks. I think that will be good. I actually like being on my own a lot. It gives me a better chance to use my Hebrew. The English becomes a big crutch, even when I'm just with one other English speaking friend. I try to ask what things are in Hebrew as much as I can though and I think things will become even better once Ulpan starts.
More in a few days! Hopefully by then I will have internet in my house....
Shabbat in Jerusalem
Friday evening I went to Alicia's (cantorial student here with her husband and two young children Ben 8 and Coby 4) for Shabbat dinner where I met my classmates for the first time. Everyone seems very nice. We had a pot luck dinner and said the blessings together. I chatted with a bunch of people. Jacklyn (rabbinical student) with her boyfriend were there. Daniel played guitar for a good portion of the evening which was lots of fun. I left on the earlier side of the evening as I was still trying to recover from my jetlag.
I went to Shabbat morning services with Nancy (cantorial student who I met in NYC) on Saturday morning. We both cried this morning! A hearing aid started squaling and I thought of home and lost it. It was nice to have her there next to me though. I felt better after a little while. After services and oneg we went to a pinic where I got to actually talk with more people. I spoke with Jessie (cantorial), Mirah (wife of a rabbinical student), Jason (Rabbi), Jim (rab), and a few other random conversations here and there. It's weird having to make friends again, but I'm slowing finding a great bunch of people to hang out with.
After taking a Shabbos nap, I went back to HUC for a shiur given by the dean (Rabbi Marmur) and the president of HUC (Rabbi Ellenson). It focused on Abraham Joshua Heschel's writings. I got a little lost be the end but it actually sparked a bunch of interesting conversations afterwards among students.
After ice cream and havdalah, Lauren, Nancy, Nikki (rabbi), Rachel (Nikki's partner), and Melissa (an intern) and I went to a cafe around the corner from my apartment called Cafe Joe. I'm becoming particularly close with Nancy and Lauren which is really nice. Can't wait for this week!
I went to Shabbat morning services with Nancy (cantorial student who I met in NYC) on Saturday morning. We both cried this morning! A hearing aid started squaling and I thought of home and lost it. It was nice to have her there next to me though. I felt better after a little while. After services and oneg we went to a pinic where I got to actually talk with more people. I spoke with Jessie (cantorial), Mirah (wife of a rabbinical student), Jason (Rabbi), Jim (rab), and a few other random conversations here and there. It's weird having to make friends again, but I'm slowing finding a great bunch of people to hang out with.
After taking a Shabbos nap, I went back to HUC for a shiur given by the dean (Rabbi Marmur) and the president of HUC (Rabbi Ellenson). It focused on Abraham Joshua Heschel's writings. I got a little lost be the end but it actually sparked a bunch of interesting conversations afterwards among students.
After ice cream and havdalah, Lauren, Nancy, Nikki (rabbi), Rachel (Nikki's partner), and Melissa (an intern) and I went to a cafe around the corner from my apartment called Cafe Joe. I'm becoming particularly close with Nancy and Lauren which is really nice. Can't wait for this week!
My first day in Israel
I arrived! The plane ride to Israel was nice. I got to sleep a little which was really good (I hadn't on the first flight). I was afraid that I would miss Lauren at the airport because we arrived about 45 minutes late, but as I waited in line to go through passport inspection, Lauren showed up! It was wonderful. After some navigation, we got our heavy bags and found the van (sherut) to get to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.
I got to my apartment and Rivka (the landlord) showed me aournd. She is very sweet. It hink she will be a great landlord. The apartment is wonderful. My bedroom has agreat view and a wonderful breeze. It's a good size. I made myself oatmeal and tea for "dinner," turned on the TV and managed to find Gilmore Girls and then ER on the Hallmark channel. Welcome to Israel! It was fun watching with the Hebrew subtitles. I put sheets on my bed and decided to take a shower (cold). I crawled into bed around 10 and fell asleep.
Friday I woke up, got dressed, unpacked a little and then left for HUC. It was incredibly easy to find and is maybe a 10 minute walk. It will be incredibly easy getting to class once school starts. I had planned to meet Lauren (fellow cantorial student) @ 10:30, but I later found out that she overslept. As I was waiting Rabbi Sisenwine walked by(Rabbi at TBE in Wellesley)! It was crazy and so exciting! We chatted for a little while - just enough to make me homesick. I'll see him again throughout the weekend and probably Cantor Sufrin as well.
I went home and continued to unpack my suitcase. It took me maybe an hour. My room looks more "lived in" now which is nice. It just lacks personality. I'll have to figure that out later. After I little while I decided I was hungry, so I left the apartment to find food.
I ended up going to a little cafe called "Little Italy." I sat down, opened the menu, and realized everything was in Hebrew. Oh my. I found a salad section and found a salad where I could recognize mostly all the ingredients (I saw it included cheese, so I knew I had to be safe). The waiter came and I managed to order in Hebrew! I was so proud of myself. The salad ended up having tomato, onion, cilantro (yum!), and fried cheese. Delicious! I took a little less than half home. I had tea with mint for dessert. I left feeling totally elated and in control. It's maybe the first time so far that I though --I can do this! Next up...Shabbat!
I got to my apartment and Rivka (the landlord) showed me aournd. She is very sweet. It hink she will be a great landlord. The apartment is wonderful. My bedroom has agreat view and a wonderful breeze. It's a good size. I made myself oatmeal and tea for "dinner," turned on the TV and managed to find Gilmore Girls and then ER on the Hallmark channel. Welcome to Israel! It was fun watching with the Hebrew subtitles. I put sheets on my bed and decided to take a shower (cold). I crawled into bed around 10 and fell asleep.
Friday I woke up, got dressed, unpacked a little and then left for HUC. It was incredibly easy to find and is maybe a 10 minute walk. It will be incredibly easy getting to class once school starts. I had planned to meet Lauren (fellow cantorial student) @ 10:30, but I later found out that she overslept. As I was waiting Rabbi Sisenwine walked by(Rabbi at TBE in Wellesley)! It was crazy and so exciting! We chatted for a little while - just enough to make me homesick. I'll see him again throughout the weekend and probably Cantor Sufrin as well.
I went home and continued to unpack my suitcase. It took me maybe an hour. My room looks more "lived in" now which is nice. It just lacks personality. I'll have to figure that out later. After I little while I decided I was hungry, so I left the apartment to find food.
I ended up going to a little cafe called "Little Italy." I sat down, opened the menu, and realized everything was in Hebrew. Oh my. I found a salad section and found a salad where I could recognize mostly all the ingredients (I saw it included cheese, so I knew I had to be safe). The waiter came and I managed to order in Hebrew! I was so proud of myself. The salad ended up having tomato, onion, cilantro (yum!), and fried cheese. Delicious! I took a little less than half home. I had tea with mint for dessert. I left feeling totally elated and in control. It's maybe the first time so far that I though --I can do this! Next up...Shabbat!
Traveling to Israel
So. My day on Wednesday morning (wow, almost a week ago) began with a mad rush to finish packing. I didn't think I had so much stuff! And it turns out that I have a TON of books. We finally got everything together and left the house at 2:15 (only 15 min later than planned) to head to Newark Airport. We got there, checked my baggage and then went to the gate. It was incredibly hard saying goodbye to everyone and there were of course tears. I managed to pull myself together and went past the point of no return...security. I got to my gate and within 45 min I was on the plane.
On the plane I arrived at my seat to find three british guys. They wanted to switch with me so they could all sit together. I initially said yes, but then changed my mind. They were nice enough but slighly peeved I think. Oh well. I read Home by Julie Andrews (I just finished the book the other night! It's FANTASTIC!!! I totally recommend reading it if you haven't already. It's an autobiography, but reads like a novel. Wonderful) I also watched Charlie Wilson's War with Tom Hanks. I love him. Does life get better? I think not.
I got to Heathrow and security opened one of my bags which was very annoying. I had to repack one of my perfect bags! Boo. Other than that it was fine. Next stop...Israel!
On the plane I arrived at my seat to find three british guys. They wanted to switch with me so they could all sit together. I initially said yes, but then changed my mind. They were nice enough but slighly peeved I think. Oh well. I read Home by Julie Andrews (I just finished the book the other night! It's FANTASTIC!!! I totally recommend reading it if you haven't already. It's an autobiography, but reads like a novel. Wonderful) I also watched Charlie Wilson's War with Tom Hanks. I love him. Does life get better? I think not.
I got to Heathrow and security opened one of my bags which was very annoying. I had to repack one of my perfect bags! Boo. Other than that it was fine. Next stop...Israel!
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