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!