Majestic moments in the midbar mountains

Majestic mountains complete with calming breeze and warmth

We’ve just returned from a four-day trip to recharge our batteries from the stresses and frustrations of school. Midterms were over and it was time for a well-deserved break. And break it was: we hiked, snorkeled, sang, prayed and talked. What an adventure.

            Just getting out in nature, not on my bike, and feeling the majesty of nature around me reminded me of why I love life. Standing at the top of Har Shlomo, gazing out at Egypt, Israel, Jordan and even Saudi Arabia at almost the same time was an incomparable experience. I recognized my insignificance in the place while at the same time seeing that I gain incredible power from being in that place. I will not bring about world peace, nor will I solve the problem of world hunger. I will however be able to harness the beauty I found in this place and bring it back to Jerusalem to help those around me.

Extra vertical

Taish's adventure's with my camera, on the way up

            I felt so calm, being up there, in shorts and a t-shirt, sweaty and gross, stinking as if I hadn’t showered in days. And that was just the first hour. We all sat there and marveled as the sun beat down on us and our own abilities dawned. We truly experienced the power of a strong united force, helping each other to conquer a rather steep climb. (I even got to do a little side – well, vertical – climb!)

            The way down was much longer. We slowly made our way across the Eilat mountains, grasping the hand rails for dear life and carefully placing our feet below us. As the entire thing was downhill, my knee ached, but I ignored the pain for the most part. Besides, what good did it do me to dwell on it when I needed to concentrate on NOT FALLING OFF THE SIDE OF A MOUNTAIN!

The way seems tough, but with patience, is feasible

            Throughout the hike, I was right behind Taish, our guide. By the way, he was incredible, humorous and all in all pleasant to be with. He even told us bad jokes (What is brown and sticky? Etc). But he was wonderful for Hebrew practice and aid. And a great source of amusement when it came to his English (we taught him the difference between be cautious and use caution) and the fact that our Hebrew was way worse than his English!

            However, the most important thing I realized was a need to exercise patience. No matter where we were on the mountain, I was in the front. In order to not lag behind, I often stay in front on hikes and found that this was no exception. At one point, Taish inquired as to where my off switch was. He simply was wondering if I knew how to slow down, and I of course told him no. Although that is not quite true (I do need to sleep every once in a while), I recognized the importance of sometimes slowing down and watching the world around, or taking the time to actually take in the sights.

            Fortunately, the Mincha service that Ben and Benj planned was much along that same vein. They didn’t use prayer books. Instead, we sang the words that have been imprinted upon our minds and hearts in the past few months and years. We joined as one voice, hearing our voices echoing throughout the canyon. The best part by far was the Amidah, where we found our own personal spaces to communicate with God, personally deceiphering the message we wanted to transmit. I found a space on top of a rock, looking out into the valley, and simply thanked God for the ability to be there, to appreciate my body and my abilities.

            The next day dawned early, bringing with it sore bones and a nasty head cold. However, physical sickness has never truly hindered me. So, I went out again, this time to Kibbutz Lotan. That is a place where I definitely want to spend more time, learning about Eco-living and farming/gardening in a place that is both in and not in Israel, depending on the person being asked and the time (shmita year or not-the year when the fields of Israel need to be left bare).

            From there we drove down to Eilat, through the city and past many plants and piers. We ended up at a Coral reserve, where we had two hours to enjoy the beach, sand, warmth, water, coral, and fish. Enjoy, I did! I immediately changed into my bathing suit and took my snorkel over the bridge to get into the water past the reef. The pier was placed there to protect the reefs, so people enter the water past the reef and will not accidentally trod on the delicate animals. I was awe-struck by how beautiful the reef was. Although not St John (in terms of warmth, beauty of the water, and sand), it out-shown it by a long shot. This was a straight reef, following the shoreline and full to bursting of fish! I saw eel, clown fish, giant Rainbow fish and more. I’m pretty sure a puffer fish showed itself at one point!

            I was in heaven. I swam around in the water, away from the protected reef site, and hung out above a reef for a while, relishing the feeling of being in the water and experiencing another eco-system at work. What an incredible experience. When I eventually tired of swimming and feeling my joints locking up from cold, I swam in and simply enjoyed the sand and warmth for a while.

            Back at Kibbutz Yahel, we prepared for Shabbat and together walked over to the Beit K’nesset. Danny and Sam led me in one of the best Kabbalat Shabbat services I have EVER had, full of music, joy and warmth. The feeling of calm and peace that engulfed me was enough to last even to the moment, as I type these words back in Jerusalem. The two of them were enjoying themselves, and their excitement was strong in the air. Sara and Chase followed them with an equally lovely Ma’ariv, which led nicely into our walk back for dinner.

            Once the dishes from dinner were cleared (replete with Danny’s chastisement of another table “If you aren’t clearing, you’re doing the wrong thing” as a throwback to camp table-clearing), we pushed all the tables together and joined in a rousing rendition of Birkat Hamazon. Never in my life have I heard it sung with more gusto! Following that, we all continued to sing, doing all those songs we love most from camp and with passion! The sense of community I felt overwhelmed me and I was glad to be with such an amazing group of people.

            A few people weren’t completely satisfied with the amount of singing, so we took our sidduring outside the Moadon (“club”, but really hangout space) and continued to sing for another two hours or so. We were all smiling and laughing by the end. Shabbat with a group of people is such a joyful experience and I wouldn’t trade that opportunity for the world!

            The next morning continued the beauty, as we ventured into the desert for Shachrit. Shana and Max led an incredible service and truly amazed me with the pop-culture they used to tie the service together. At one point, when we weren’t sure if we were going to have a Haftorah reader, we took turns saying a bracha of something we were greatful for, to which we all replied with a shouted AMEN! The reverberation of our voices in the mountain was incredible.

            My d’var Torah was tweeked slightly by our location. Instead of starting in front of everyone as I initially intended, I went up on a rock behind them. Simon was lying down and I simply used him as a prop, having God (me) tell Jacob (Simon) that he and his ancestors would be as numerous as the dust on the earth. It was a beautiful way to start a d’var and allowed me to get into the moment and truly enjoy.

           This tiyul brought many surprise, including a new friend. Michael and I started talking on the road back in the machtesh, discussing the army and his service in it, and just kept talking through the weekend. I realized that I enjoyed talking to him. It was so odd, to realize I had spent almost five months with someone, yet knew very little about him or her. Although we interacted on a basically daily basis, we never got past the basics. Finally, we broke through that and got to know one another. Not only that, but I gained a friend. I'm most amazed by the small details of a change of scenery that can significantly change  perspective. I gained the older brother I’ve always wanted and just had a blast. He said he had to give in to me like a younger sister, but that I was pretty okay as they went. Seeing as I’ve always wanted an older brother (besides Noah, who is my OTHER honorary older brother), I’ll take it.

The Har Shlomo group, connected and happy after the hike!

            Lucy said it best. It was wonderful to truly reconnect with our classmates and realize how well we all get along. We are all incredible people and at this point in the year, we were finally willing and ready to open up to each other. We all met and interacted with new people on this trip and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to make new friends and enhance my relationships with these people who will be my future colleagues.

            Although I sit at my kitchen table with a congested head and little energy, I am filled with joy, strength and passion, and cannot wait to see what that renewed sense of purpose will bring to the future. Thank you to everyone who made this experience happen. It was well worth it. And, we even got to return to Jerusalem with a cease-fire in place!!!

Thoughts #2/3

Thought #2: Choice Through Knowledge

Judaism is everywhere, even in secular Tel Aviv

            In choosing where I was going to attend Shachrit services yesterday morning, I had a plethora of options. There was Shira Chadasha, where I know I am both comfortable and get a traditional worship experience. There was Moreshit Yisrael, close to me and therefore easy to get in and out of in time for lunch. There was Kedem, where I am slowly finding my voice and confidence in the more traditional liturgy, all the while having the opportunity to ask questions and learn when I don’t understand. Or, I could venture out of my self-imposed comfort zone and experience a new worship space.

            Sara and I both decided we were up for exploring, so headed down to the Ashkenaz synagogue in Yemin Moshe. If I had thought about it, I would have realized that the synagogue was likely a remnant of the beginnings of the settlement and therefore much more traditional with mehitza and a significant amount of silent, quick davening. As soon as we walked in, we knew it wasn’t the kind of place either of us enjoyed. Although the mehitza did not reach the ceiling and we could see over it, we were facing the mehitza instead of East. Also, although we walked in at 8:45, the congregation had already arrived at the repetition of the Amidah. By the time I personally went through from Barchu until the end of the Amidah, I realized this wasn’t where I wanted to pray. Sara concurred and we slipped out the back to go to a much more communal service at Kedem.

            Kedem is an independent, egalitarian minyan where Sara was given the honor of an aliyah and I, hagbah [lifting the Torah for all to see, in respect of what was given by Moses at Sinai]. We both let out a deep breath when we walked in, as they were just getting to Barchu and we would be able to pray an almost full service with them. Not only that, but men and women were seated next to each other and the atmosphere was more welcoming.

            As we walked around the city, going from service to service to lunch, we discussed what we wanted to find in a service. In the past, my answer was traditional, right off the bat. Give me somewhere that does the whole service. But as we talked, I realized that my answer has morphed, even in the past five months. Not only do I want traditional, I want a service where I can feel like I am part of that community, that my voice is not only desired, but necessary to make up the minyan required for certain prayers. I want a place where voices are raised together, not in something that seems like a garbled chant, but in song and beauty. Moreover, I desire a community where I walk in and immediately feel like the community welcomes me, as both a visitor and a member of the congregation.

            By this point, I know the liturgy well enough to lead a Reform service (which, were it not for needing to add iyunnim and other odds and ends, I could likely do in my sleep). However, that isn’t the point. The point is that davening is a prayerful thing, allowing you to lead the congregation, but not necessarily separate you from it. That is what I have found. The place where I want to pray, both in this year and in my future life is a place where I am both welcome as a Jew, made to feel comfortable in the environment, and given the opportunity to wear my tallit.

            Reform Judaism has allowed me to explore all these avenues. I am not required to wear a tallit or wrap t’fillin, nor are any of my classmates. We, at the end of our learning, are expected to KNOW about the ritual and the meaning behind them, but we are expected to make our own decision as to whether or not it resonates with us. That is the beauty of where I sit. I can daven in a traditional setting while at the same time spending Shabbat afternoon cooking dinner for the homeless. And that is okay, because that is what makes Shabbat special in my life. I choose my own adventure. Choice through knowledge: it works! [Thank you Rebecca Vogel for helping me understand the importance of this idea]

Thought #3: Passion, talk, avenues of life

            I went to dinner with someone I met at shul the other week. While I truly enjoyed talking to him, by the time we hit the hour (of two hours) mark, I found myself getting tongue tied and losing words. Not only that, but a feeling of pure exhaustion settled over me. Normally, I am an eager dinner companion, ready and able to volley the conversation back and forth, keeping up a good stream of information and talk. However, for some reason, I found myself allowing the ball to drop more and more as I settled into my chair and gazed at my surroundings.

            Later that night, I realized something: we had spent two hours talking about Judaism. Usually, I am all for that. But for some reason, I couldn’t play out the game. I needed a break. After leading services, going to class, doing a 2-hour bike ride, and going to the shuk, I had spent almost all of my day either practicing, working on, or talking about Judaism. My dinner was supposed to be about getting to know the person. And it was. But it was all about Judaism.

You never know what is around the corner.

 

            Then something clicked. I love Judaism. I love it passionately and speak about it an inordinate amount. Hey, I’m in Israel studying to be a Rabbi, so it’s allowed, right? Of course! But, as such, I also need a break every once in a while. I need to keep my gambit of ‘other activities’ fresh so that I always have another activity or topic to turn to when Judaism simply cannot keep me talking. My life is Judaism, but that isn’t all it is. I am a friend, a daughter, a teacher, a cyclist, a photographer, a writer and so much more.

            A few days later, I found myself at an intimate lunch with a few classmates. We were waiting to start lunch and talking about the future of Reform Judaism (go big or go home, right?). Somehow the topic of incorporating other parts of life into Judaism came up and I jumped on it. Having realized my opinions on the thoughts a few days previously, I stepped in with my half-formed opinion, intoning that life was about more than just davening. My friend then took every one of my interests and related it back to Judaism.

            Somewhere in that conversation, I realized that where we are and how we look at the world often depends on the person into whose eyes we are looking at the time. In their eyes is reflected our own thoughts and goals, wishes and ideals. Through them, we gain insight into ourselves, and truly learn who we are and want to be by engaging in dialogue with them.

            I have to shape my life to be what I want it. If I want to be outdoors and connect with nature, I have to find time for that. If I want to pray three times a day, I also need to make that a part of my life. That is the beauty of Reform Judaism. I have the power and ability to actively do that, to decide how I want Judaism to be reflected in my life and how I want to teach and bring it to others.

Don’t talk about it…we’re in Jordan.

Part I of my Jordanian adventure: -->

            For the last few years, whenever I travel to a new place and proceed to write about it, people have suggested I become a travel blog writer (which is basically what I was doing anyway), or that I write tour books. What’s funny is that almost all of the tour books sound the same, with a slightly different format, color scheme, and organization. Each time the comment was sounded, I replied with a steadfast NO! My writing isn’t good enough, I couldn’t support myself, blah, blah, blah. However, I realized that the way I narrate my adventures (yes, I narrate my own travels, to myself) sounds very much like the guidebooks that I frequently come across. Therefore, apologies/qualifications in advance for some of my rhetoric and free reign to anyone who might feel inclined to use my information in the future:

Israeli/Jordanian border

Getting there: Petra is a city only reachable by taxi, private car, or camel (but only if you have MANY hours to spare and are prepared for the really sore body that will come later. Once you pay the 103 NIS to cross the border from Eilat (there is an airport in Jordan, but it does not seem like the most commercial place, nor the best place to fly into) and get your passport stamped approximately 5 times, you will enter the no man’s land between the two countries. Before entering however, you may be engaged in a discussion that goes something like this:

Clerk: Excuse me!

Elana: Yes? What did I do wrong?

Clerk: Nothing yet. But you will if you don’t take off your necklace. And don’t put it under your shirt. You don’t want to advertise that you are Jewish.

Elana: Thank you (and then I proceeded to share this information with the group, to which we grumblingly un-Jewified ourself)

Another exchange had on the Israeli side:

Elana: Who wants a crembo? I bought one for each of us, just to chill us out!

Danny: Wow…such a Jewish mother!

Elana: eye roll

Worker: walks by, eyeing the crembo…

Sam: (to the worker) Can we bring bottled water that we just bought into Jordan?

Worker: Officially, no. But for the most part, yes.

Elana: (opening bag full of food) What about this? Can I bring this in?

Worker: Again, just close your bag and don’t worry about it. Crembo was definitely a good idea. Enjoy it.

Elana: Would you like one?

Worker: Really? (Elana nods) Only if we do it sneakily…

Ben: Way to bribe him, Elana….that does NOT seem legitimate!

Elana: At least we’ll get in! And whats the big deal. It wasn’t a bribe. I was just being nice.

Sean: Uh huh…whatever you say.

And for the rest of the trip, if you HAPPEN to do something like this, you will be accused of bribing the Israeli policeman. It will be worth it!

Once you reach the Jordanian side, after potentially saying shechechiyanu or some other appropriate prayer and potentially singing lech lecha, members of your party may suggest that the Hebrew, Jewish, and Israel talk cease. It is a good idea. Although Jordan and Israel currently have the most friendly border, there still exists animosity about Israel’s right to existence.

In addition, make sure you know for sure who your leader is. When you get eight people together, 5 or 6 of whom are strong leader personalities, it often becomes a mess of trying to direct the activity and happenings. Even if you are also a leader, sit back and let things happen. You will get there eventually. You might just have to settle for it being a little slower than your liking.

The guy at the border will ask for your guide (read: driver), who has all your passport numbers (or is supposed to and therefore supposed to be waiting inside the Jordanian half of the border) and then make you wait approximately half an hour for him to come through. Once that happens, it will be easy for you to get your visa and split into cars for the 1.5 hour ride to the city of Wadi Musa.

Mini-mart near our Hostel

Wadi Musa is the city that sprung up around the ancient city of Petra. You know, the place with all the electricity, running water, dirt, restaurants, cats, hostels, hotels, homes, taxis, taxis, and taxis. But honestly, it’s not that bad. It is all located on a giant mountain/hill (what do you call a giant mountainous rock formation that seems like a mountain from the bottom but doesn’t even begin to compare with the natural border between Jordan and Israel?) and will be incredibly hospitable to all who choose to venture there! The people love Americans, and love ripping them off. But mostly just love meeting new tourists, even if their English is rather non-existent. Some facts: 1. Wadi musa is Arabic for “stream bed of Moses”. Interesting that the town is named after Moses and you can see Aaron’s tomb from the High Place of Sacrifice. Coincidence, I think not! 2. Foreign girls are well liked. If alone, Jordanians will offer them food, hot tea, free food, and many other things, if not marriage itself. While they are completely genuine, I suggest going with at least one or two guys to make sure the females don’t get hassled…

Life, Love and In between!

"That's not a good way to die - before you've told the end of your story."

From the Mount of Olives

             Everyone has a story to tell, a unique tale that weaves the intimate details of their lives into a single narrative, capturing who they are, from where they come and to where they will go. Each time we sit down to write such a narrative, it seems overwhelming, a task too daunting to allow completion. However, if we consider life as a series of vignettes, the story all of a sudden takes on a less terrifying component. Instead, it becomes a story, easy enough to write in the span of an afternoon.

If we are not careful, if for some reason we choose not to continue documenting our time and efforts, that story can be lost, or at least not transmitted by our pen. Instead it may become part of proto history, spread by someone else's voice instead of our own.

Always consider what you want your story to be. Never forget that your story will end. Live a life filled with love, compassion, choice, freedom, light. Find what makes you glow.

Yesterday I participated in the Jerusalem Pride Parade. I wasn't sure I wanted to at first, seeing that I was tired from our biblical history tiyul. However, I decided that going to the parade was way more important than my participation in a wine festival. (Both events were on Tu B'Av, the Jewish Day of Love). The experience of seeing so many people out, happy, and able to express themselves was utterly fantastic. These displays of affection were beautiful, acceptable, even wanted, and demonstrated how important it is for communities to be open, accepting and equal to all members. Although I did not buy a flag, I willingly waved one throughout the parade and am proud to have stood with so many people. Just as the religious of Jerusalem have a right to their voice and their space, so too does every other person deserve their voice to be not only heard, but actually listened to. Yesterday, I learned the importance of both a single voice and a crowd. Next year, in Jerusalem, may there be equality. This year, in Jerusalem, may there be equality and may everyone be heard.

Let everyone write their life story as truthfully as possible. How will you write yours? What will your story demonstrate?

Belonging in 'Binical School

Figuring out how the numbers work out and what is apportioned where in this weeks Torah portion: Mattot

WHY I LOVE RABBINICAL SCHOOL!!!
My day today:
I gave a presentation in Hebrew class that was supposed to be 10 minutes and lasted 25 (all in Hebrew), I enjoyed Hebrew class and understood it. I made plans with people and have people to hang with tonight and tomorrow night, The first day of Biblical history was amazing and I love learning history, and then Torah study was epic! We ended up doing math and also spending a good 30-45 minutes studying 1 verse!!! Only in Rabbinical school is that okay/completely normal and people appreciate it and also love it.
I have found where I need to be and the reason why I’m here! Plus, I get to be surrounded by people who enjoy this stuff as much if not more as I do, which is incredible! I am so lucky!
The actual day will come later, because let's face it, it isn't every day that one realizes they are finally in the right place, doing what they are meant to be doing!

"And you shall find for yourself a friend..."

Excerpted from Pirke Avot 1.6

A closed gate is easily traversed, with an open mind (or a key)

I went to the shuk today with different people than I normally go with. Now, I assumed that the shuk would be the shuk, that I would get my stuff and have just as much of a good time as I usually do. However, it was a completely different experience, as though I was in an alternate universe. Although I still bought my produce, cheese, and spices, I felt distant. My partner in crime was not with me. I didn't have someone to make the aisles more friendly and the throng of people more tolerable. I didn’t have someone who also knew the shuk, who was comfortable with the prices and could spare me a shekel or two if I needed it.

            Each time I went up to a vendor, I checked who was around me, making sure I wasn’t leaving my bubbe cart in someone’s way. I went in and selected my produce, careful to smell it first (therefore garnering a strange look from most of the sellers). Although I was with other people, it felt as though I was alone (reflecting much more upon me than upon them).

            A lesson was learned today, one I have refrained from learning for a while because of the implications it carries. We will always have friends that serve different purposes in our lives, with varying amounts of influence on us. They may simply be people to hang out with, fun to chill with or take trips with. Others may be more intellectual, stimulating the intellect and rousing curiosity. Still others can be well-rounded, filling multiple openings in your heart and soul. No matter, it is important to nourish different kinds of friendships, ensuring that you know which friend is best suited for each activity.

            I have always wondered about making friends. It seems so seemless for others, as though they just meet someone and then they click. However, I’d venture a guess that there is much more unknown than known about new relationships.

Open gate of possibility

            Friday night, a bunch of us were hanging out and talking about making friends. One person quoted a statistic that stuck with me: 10% of the people we meet, we just click with. They become fast friends and there is no work that needs to go into it initially. 10% of the people we meet we have to work at being friends with, but in the end, it will work out and we will be friends. The last 80% are people who we meet and attempt to be friends with but whom we don’t click with automatically. We may try to connect again and again, but just end up with a casual relationship. Although the numbers may not be accurate (and divvying people up into categories often leads to issues in it’s own right), this concept carries much weight.

            What do friendships mean to me? How do I view each person I meet: as friend, acquaintance, lover, teacher, partner? How do people view me? Do I present myself in a way that others find appealing? As we ask ourselves these questions, we explore self-image and self-ideology, deepening our place within our own world.

Higher Moral Self

A higher moral self. We often strive to be the best person we can be, either in terms of living up to our own expectations, or working to achieve morality through the eyes of another. Sometimes those expectations are well founded, seeded in reason, common sense, and love. At other times, they are deeply rooted in anger, frustration, denial, or pain.

            No matter from where the experience ultimately stems, we become focused on living life for the present and the future: who we are and who we want to become. Life becomes a path to take to achieve powerful self-ideology and image, a road towards wholeness and trust. We cast aside the hateful thoughts, those aspects of ourself that we don’t necessarily respect or want within. We focus on doing good, helping others, giving back. We are determined to move forward.

            As with any endeavor, we can easily stray from the mark. We may quickly lose our identity in the quest for self and end up stranded on an island of isolation and despair. We may feel physically lost, as though the path itself has been erased from right in front of us. Or, we may just be floating along, buoyed by unconscious thoughts and unceremoniously tethered here and there.

            However, the more powerful and positive aspects carry with them reward and tremendous opportunity. With these, we recognize our flaws and those aspects of self that have the potential to grow with us. Instead of bowing to the dissonant voices calling us away from our goals, we instead move towards a strength of will and mind that seems only to come to those truly searching for meaning and intent. There, we find who we are, who we will become. There, we truly hold love, life, learning, laughter and so much more to a higher standard and therefore have a greater appreciation for the intricacies that they may bring.

            Life always presents obstacles. How will you maneuver through them?

words, WoRdS, WORDS!! ALL OF THEM WORDS

Yesterday was wonderful. Rachel and I stayed in the library to do homework, and when we were done, we were both headed towards her apartment, so we went together. In her apartment, I ended up spending 15 minutes or so exclaiming over a guidebook (to which she asked if I often exclaimed aloud, even when alone (the answer of course being yes)). Finally we left for what turned out to be our collective errands.

            The first stop was the used and rare book store right up the street from her house. I had been in it once before, so this time knew exactly what I was looking for. We thoroughly enjoyed looking through the children’s books but couldn’t find anything worthwhile or that looked like it had good enough pictures. However, I did find Harry Potter in Hebrew. I know I’ve read all the books a bunch, but hopefully that will help make the Hebrew easier, because I already kind of know what it is saying/context. For example, I figured out stuff relating to divination, because Trelawny started talking about seeing the students in the corporeal world! So cool!! Plus, its higher language, so it of course challenges me. But at least I get to be a little kid again in how excited I get (I tend to act like a little kid when I am reading and come across a word I know, especially in the newspaper or something, because it’s rare enough to still BE exciting!

            Anyway, we left there and went to what was Tesco in Prague and equivocal to super Target in the states. On the bottom floor is a grocery, the entry floor (קרקר) has a pharmacy, and the next two levels home stuff and clothing. Right in the entrance were two tables with items on sale. As most of the things there were books, I gravitated to them! A woman helped us find a good book (it rhymed!!) and then I picked out two I had read as a child: Cordoroy and something about a potty or pooping. Then to the grocery, where we decided we would make Shakshuka for dinner, and home.

            Back at Rachel’s, we sat on the couch and played Words with friends. However, we didn’t really interact, we just sat there playing our own games independently. Unfortunately, something tells me this will become more and more common in the coming generations, as they forget how to actually be with people and interact with them. We did figure it out, eventually coming together to cook dinner and eat and talk. And talk we did. We talked about working in a synagogue and having real life experience, about what that looked like and how it has shaped the place we are today. It’s fascinating to hear different people’s life experiences and learn from them, realizing that some we share and some we don’t.

            After dinner, I skyped with my parents (Rachel’s conversation with her mom earlier highly resembled mine with my parents). Then we decided to try out one of my new books, so took turns reading the little stories on each page! When we didn’t know a word, we looked it up. Oh my, was it incredible! We were both so happy and enjoyed it so much. Then, we looked up Lion King in Hebrew and watched a compilation of Lion King songs from the Hebrew movie! So awesome. Next I introduced Rachel to מץ פטל, so we spent another 11 minutes watching that. Then it was time for home.

            Yesterday was so wonderful! That is the kind of immersion and interaction I want out of my time here in Israel. I want to pick up as much Hebrew as possible and get as strong a grasp on the language as possible. That means soap operas, butchering words often, just trying to push them out, talking with Israelis all the time, reading the newspaper and listening to Israeli/Hebrew music. It will be hard and take time, but I want to do that. I just need to make sure it doesn’t get in the way of the relationships I have begun and will continue to make!

Tactility, taste, talking and trading (money, that is): The Shuk!

Of course you wanted to hear about the cuisine! Israelis have a much better healthy tendency than Americans, due to the fact that the food here is so fresh. I go to the shuk (open market) at least 2 times a week to get the freshest fruits, vegetables, spices and more. Honestly, whatever I can think of that I need in my apartment, whether to clean the floor or cook dinner in, I can find it there. Most of the shopping there is reserved for food, though. I love the fact that the fruits and vegetables are so cheap!

            One of my friends loves to experiment with his cooking and out of some mutually formed respect, we venture the shuk together. He has taught me to smell the peppers to see which are the most fresh, while I in turn am the one to spot the best deals on cucumbers (they are pretty cheap, but often come rather flacid, so we have to be careful who we buy them from). But hey, 4 NIS for 6 cucumbers is a wonderful price, and keeps both our apartments very happy! Also, we can try the cherries and other smaller food as we walk through, in order to make sure we are buying food that is both fresh and tasty. That makes the entire experience all the more pleasant! I love the freshest cherries and picking up a piece of dried pineapple! I get to experience foods here that I have never had, or always been too scared to buy in case I didn't like them. I now know I like dried strawberries and mango, but not ginger as much.

            Another wonderful thing about the shuk is that the same people are in the same places everyday. Jeff and I have found the person we consider "our" spice guy and "our" hummus guy. Amos, the hummus guy is absolutely fantastic, although tends to make fun of my desire to speak Hebrew all the time with his just as strong desire to break out his English! However, he knows us now, jokes with us, and gives us advice, free samples, and the freshest food! He also helps correct my Hebrew. The spreads we get there could be meals in and of themselves! I always pick up a thing of מתבוחה (tomato-y, spicy vegetable dip), hummus, hummus (chick peas are also called hummus in this country), and this week I tried baba ghanoush. All of it is spectacular! Plus I always have to get some mozzarella cheese (there is nothing like knowing you are getting the freshest cheese!

            The spice guy is not specifically as friendly, but we love his shop and always go there for the spices. It may not be the best place, but it is cheap and we know we will get quality. As Jeff is much more adventurous than I, he will pick out random spices with which to experiment, while I try to stick to the more known ones. Something tells me that as I get more comfortable, I will venture further into the world of cooking. It also helps that I don't always know what I am getting! For instance, the other day I was trying to make fajita chicken, and successfully bought coriander or oregano, or something (whatever spice looks like parsley when not chopped-oh, cilantro!). However, when we got home, Ted tried all of the spices and tried a different one that was fiery hot! It turns out he tried the one that wasn't the cilantro, but thought it was. Basically, all of our spices can become something very different, very quickly. No matter, each meal and trip to the shuk is an adventure.

            The fact that you don't even have to barter in the shuk because things are so cheap is another advantage! But I still barter sometimes anyway, for the bigger stuff, because it is fun. For example, I tried to bring the pita guy down from 5 shekels for 10 to four shekels for 10, but he wasn't having it. Eventually, I just gave up. The next time, I sent Jeff because the guy got so mad at me! Hopefully we'll get them back to 5 shekels for 10 and I can get back on their good side!

            No matter, I will keep venturing into the shuk and trying new things!

            Israelis do eat fried foods, which has been a problem for me. The biggest problem is in restaurants, where even when something is grilled it is often layered in so much oil that I have to blot it off. I know it looks weird and don't want to do it, but it isn't about fear. Its honestly about having gotten one too many stomach aches that I am not willing to do that to myself again. I am working on ordering ungreasy things, and will hopefully learn how to say that in Hebrew, to make the whole thing easier. Basically, I just have to be careful what I order. And can't eat out too much too close together. The falafel and schwarma (yes, I have eaten lamb and enjoyed it, as long as I don't think about it too much) are both WAY too greasy for me, but I love both treats, so am willing to indulge every once in a while. My biggest weakness is when it comes to fries, which I will eat like nobody's business. Unfortunately, those are things that tend to make me the most sick! It means I have to stop myself, which is sometimes hard, but I am learning, and figuring out and yes, still making mistakes.

            Another great adventure I went on, which surprised even me, was going into a cafe. These places have some of the most delectable sweets, which I have always been afraid of and therefore avoided the complete place like the plague. However, I was with a friend who wanted something, so we went in. I didn't get anything at first, but felt like I was chickening out, so we went back. I wanted ice cream, nothing else, but ended up buying ice cream AND a sweet treat for later. That cake thing, reminiscent of tiramisu was one of the most decadent sweets I have had in a very long time. So long, fear of cafes! I need to learn to appreciate you and will soon be a frequent customer in you! Soon I will venture into the world of frozen drinks, but not yet!

Learning, Lounging and Living

I’ve slept at Jeff, Nicole, and Ted’s apartment more times than I’ve spent in my own bed. This has nothing to do with not liking Mariel, or disliking my bed (okay, it has a little to do with that), but more to do with these three individuals. All three are incredibly caring, warm people. They have a sharp wit, full of sarcastic remarks but also profound thoughts. The late night conversations the three of them engage in deeply resonate with me, pushing my thoughts to higher and better things. I feel elevated around them, as though I am capable of more things. Every conversation they have, whether I am participant or observer, I come away with a different view on life, or at least a new perspective on a traditional topic. No matter the hour, they are willing to begin a verbal spar, because most likely the opinions are opposing, but the end result is concurrance. That atmosphere is a hard one to cultivate and is definitely one I am drawn to. Most likely, I crave intellectual stimulation, and since I spent so much time searching for it instead of accepting those around me who would actively aid me in it, I need to re-learn how to spark it and therefore participate in it. These three individuals have helped me find a portal for introspection and ideology, self-respect, representation and conversational prowess that I both didn’t know I possessed and wasn’t sure I would ever find.