Parallel Lives

Throughout the year, there are different activities offered to HUC students which allow you to connect to the greater Israeli society. I have decided to participate in a program called Parallel Lives. HUC students are joined by a group of Israeli soldiers for a day of activities. Today's opening event was about making initial connections.

The day started HUC where we met the 7 Israeli soldiers who have chosen to participate. They all have amazing English. They made it very apparent that they do not mind speaking in Hebrew (despite our slowness and many mistakes) with us. It will definitely be a fun opportunity to practice Hebrew. After basic introductions we got on the bus and went to Ein Kerem. We visited a monastery and our tour guide made the point that there are many parallels between religions as well as people. The monastery was beautiful. Very ornate.

After we went to a garden were we sat in small groups that included one soldier and a few HUC students. We had the chance to ask them questions about the army: Were you scared going into the army? Do you think it's fair that girls don't have to serve as long as guys? Do you want to be an officer? What do you want to do after the army? What sort of unit do you belong to? Their answers varied. The soldier I spoke with had been nervous to enter the army, but it seemed to be such a natural part of life that it didn't matter. He is very glad to serve his country because if he didn't, Israel wouldn't exist. Although he couldn't provide a lot of details he was connected to the paratrooper unit and said that he had jumped out of a plane 5 times. Where you scared? Yes. Every time a little more.

We then went to a nearby spring and had dinner and had more time to sit and chat. It was a very low key day, but very good overall. I was happy to meet them and I can't wait to sit and talk with them more. Hopefully the next time we'll be able to talk a little more about why we're at school. One of the soldiers was curious about our choice to become rabbis because "it had never occurred to me that it was a choice." I think it will be a great year with them.

More soon,

Sarah