Pesach to Present

I can not believe how long it has been since I last blogged. So much has been going on in my life and here in Israel- that I seemed to have spaced writing it all down despite my commitments to keep you all posted. I am going to TRY to sum it all up here- but its going to be difficult no doubt. Sometimes days feel like weeks here yet the month has felt like merely an hour. Im going to jump around a bit as my memory permits me-

Pesach was incredible in Israel. Even before the holiday began, the city began to prepare. Stores began to close, those scrumptious Passover candies became available in the candy shops in the shuk, less chumatz was being sold and bought, and lots and lots of cleaning. The transition this month from last ( Purim to Pesach really) was sooo interesting. At many of the shabbas tables I was at, we spoke about the preparation for pesach-not only the physical cleansing of the house but the emotional, religious, and physical cleansing of ourselves. We had break from school for two whole WEEKS! The first weekend I spent in Jerusalem. A close friend of mine was staying at her Aunts amazing house in an area called Nayot- basically a neighborhood at the end of the huge park – Gan Sacher. Until Pesach ( that Wednesday) my friends who were still in Jerusalem ( a lot of people had left the country to travel) hung out in Jlem- where I helped cleaned their apartments, and the like. Tuesday we searched for chumtz, and Wednesday burned it in the streets. I have never seen so many fires in dumpsters!

Wednesday morning was an extremely unbelievable morning. This year on the 14th of Nissan- a most spectacular event occurred. We blessed the sun- called Birkat HaChama! Sounds crazy I know, but in the Jewish tradition, every 28 years the sun rises on the same day it was created- returning to the cycle of creation. This day however was different because it fell on the eve of Pesach- something that occurs even more rarely- definitely less than once in a life time. What did I do for this special occasion? Watched the sunrise at the Kotel of course. I was one of about 50,000 people running at 540 in the morning to be crammed into the kotel davening under the chief rabbi of Israel and watching the sun rise over the holiest place in the world. The sun was unbelievably strong that day as I stood with my fellow Jews to watch this momentous occasion. Incredible.



Later that very long, exhausting day, was sedar. A few friends and I went to a family we have become close with in Nachlaot for Sedar. There were about 15 adults and 5 children under the age of 4, including a newborn- gathered around a vegetarian table, reading the Haggadah, sharing dvrei torah and other words of wisdom. We went until about 230 in the morning talking and sharing and questioning.

The next morning I began my crazy spring adventure. I was up about 800 getting ready to leave for Boombamella- a music festival held on Nitzanim Beach. About 8 of us camped out on the beach and spent three days hanging out, listening to music and enjoying the festival. All of the food they offered was kosher for Pesach- something we definitely took advantage of. Pesach seemed to fly by infact because food here is not an issue! Restaurants are open and change over to pesadic food, and everyone is in it together.

After Boombamella I came back to Jerusalem for a day (Sunday) and then left Monday morning for my trip up north. First I went to Tiberias- where we dipped in hot springs, saw the grave of the Rambam and Yochanan Ben Zachai, biked around the Kinneret and of course ate at the most amazing meat resturaunt in the country- Decks. ( I HAD FILET MINOIGN). After one night in Tiberias we headed to Haifa- saw the Bahai Gardens, stayed in an amazing hostel, walked around the city, went to a sculpture garden, a beer house where I had peach beer, ended pesach, and an art museum. We left early in the morning for Zichron Yaackov (my favorite place in Israel) for a Wine tour at Tishbi Winery. After the Winery we headed to Ceasaria to explore the ancient city and finally, after a train ride to Tel Aviv and a bus trip to Jerusalem, were finally home in Yerushalayim. We truly had an amazingly jammed packed week of traveling, and I have never felt so happy to back.


My shabbatot, since my last post, have been definitely diverse. I’ve spent a few in Jerusalem, one at Boombamella, and at Kibbutz HaNaton in the north. I have found Shabbat to be super stressful come Thursday night, but somehow by 2 pm on Friday afternoon, at peak packedness in the shuk- everything seems to be worked out. This Shabbat as well as the one before, I found myself in Gan Sacher in the afternoon. It is an amazing place to be on shabbas afternoon- people- secular, religious, jewish, muslim, old, young, are enjoying being outside and being together.

Getting back into the swing of things after my break was challenging to say the least.
My internship is going really well. I love the kids I work with and theyre getting used to seeing me around, remember my name and ask me for help due to my amazing English skills ;). Last time I was in, we were looking up lyrics to English songs they knew so they could understand what they were singing ( they love American Hip Hop- even though they don’t understand). Their all time favorite however is “Titanic”, also known as My heart will go on- something they didn’t know. It was surprisingly difficult to explain “ that is how I know you go on” as its translates really weirdly in Hebrew.

This past Tuesday was Yom Hashoah. Erev yom hashoah stores across the city shut down in honor of the day of Remembrance. At 10 am the next morning, a siren went off around the country for people to stop and remember the 6 million who perished in the holocaust. I was outside on my way to class that morning and watched the entire city stop. People got out of the cars, stopped literally in their tracks and thought. For the minute the siren went off, all that ran through my head was amazement that in light of such a tragedy there is now place of refuge, safety and comfort for the Jews of the world.

Wednesday came and I went on the COOLEST field trip of my life- the dead sea. With my environmental and natural source policy class, we ventured, through the West Bank, to the most northern spot of the Dead Sea we could go. We looked at the sad picture of the receding dead sea, the sink holes, the marks where the sea used to be and shrinking tourism. It was amazing to be able to ACTUALLY go out and see what we had been discussing in class- something I SO looked forward to about coming to Israel.

I could honestly go on for pages about the last month, but that will have to come in person when I see each of you.

My time in Israel is starting to come closer to ending and I am truly in shock. May will be here before I know it and just as quickly as this semester came, it seems its ending. I can’t wait to take these next few weeks as slowly as can- stop and smell the flowers- and enjoy my time in eretz Yisrael.

With Love,
Sara

Place of Pride

Pride is an attribute drilled into the heart and soul of the Jewish people. As my days go on here in Israel, my sense of pride in both the Jewish people as well as the state of Israel continues to blossom. Three events from this past week in particular further sunk this feeling into my heart- The 1000 day of Gilad Shalit going missing, Shabbat in the old city and seeing the movie Defiance with my Holocaust class.
Last Wednesday three friends and I, looking for an adventure to embark on in the holy city of Jerusalem, found ourselves in front of the Presidents house on Gaza Street. Pitched outside of his residence, were upwards of 5 tents, hundreds of pictures, letters, petitions and people all in support of returning Gilad Shalit from the hands of terrorists to Eretz Yisrael. The mood was quiet but hopeful; people were smiling and seemingly optimistic about the return of Israel’s beloved soldier. Across the street sat another, not so popular tent dawning a poster in bold red and black letters in Hebrew, “Yes, Free Gilad. But don’t free Terrorists.” Surrounding this tent were hundreds of candles and posters of all of those Israelis murdered in terrorist attacks since the year 2000. This unbelievable display of Israeli reality silenced my friends and I, leaving us with a pit deep in our stomachs that every Israeli undoubtedly feels when faced with such an agonizing emotion.
On our way to visit the tents, we were stopped by an Israeli teenager who expressed to us the scene that lay ahead. He said the family was optimistic, in high spirits surprisingly. We questioned him about the tent across the street and he simply answered, we agree with them too. The sense of community, caring and understanding that thickened the air last Wednesday night, undoubtedly gave me the chills. Israelis are confronted with a lot of adversity in their lifetimes- everyone knows someone who did something important, who risked their life for the State of Israel and the Jewish people. This event sucked me into the sense of pride rooted deeply in the neshama of the Israeli.
For the weekend I spent Shabbat in the old city. Surrounded by interesting, different, loving people, most of whom I had never met, I felt unbelievably close to God. As I walked through the Cardo, under those ancient arches to the Kotel, I heard loud and fervent noise. We turned the corner after the infamous gold menorah to a sea of people singing, dancing and davening Kabbalat Shabbat. It was jammed packed with people from all walks of life joining together to bring in Shabbat. We had dinner and lunch the next day surround by people who are living their dream by being in Israel- for however long that may be. I was yet again, overcome with pride to be a part of this great nation of people.
Something super specific to Israel is its relationship to the Holocaust. One of the classes I am taking here is Jewish and Non Jewish Relations during the Holocaust, taught by an accomplished historian and scholar at Yad Vashem. I have yet to take a Holocaust class in college, and I figured this was a better place than any. The history of the Holocaust played a huge role in the creation of the State of Israel in 1948 as well a reminder as to the importance of the future of the state as a rock and safehaven for the global Jewish community.
My class took a field trip on Monday to the Malka Mall on the edge of Jerusalem to privately view the movie Defiance- based on the book Defiance that we are reading for class. The film was about the Belski Partisans that hid and fought in the forests of Belarusia during WWII. The partisans in the end saved about 1200 people—rescuing them from ghettos among other places. The film as you can imagine was kind of gory and a bit sad at times. It captured however, the strength and pride in which this band of Jews stood up for themselves and fought against one of the cruelest peoples to walk the face of the earth. As the movie ended, an overwhelming sense of pride filled my heart. It had hit me when we walked out of the theater into the mall that the plight of the Belski partisans did not only go unnoticed or been forgotten but continues today in the very land that I am blessed to walk on every day.
The existence of the state of Israel after the atrocities that befell the Jews of Eastern Europe is AMAZING! Everything we have here was built by Jews, for Jews as a safe haven against those who had and could potentially decree our demise. From the ashes of the Holocaust, a thriving oasis in a harsh, cruel, hostile environment, Israel continues to flourish and survive despite its enemies wills. As I sit here, hoping to inspire all of you to love Israel as deeply as I do, stunned by its sheer existence and success, and listening to the Idan Reichel Project in the background, I am left purely with a sense of pride for what my people have done and continue to do for this land and its inhabitants.


On a completely different note- I started my internship FINALLY last week. I intern at the Dati Meled Alternative School at 30 Hillel Street in downtown Jerusalem. This school is for “religious” drop-outs. Considered high risk in Israel- “ Meled’s students represent a growing phenomenon: the inability of many adolescents from observant families to operate and succeed in traditional educational frameworks. Some are victims of terrorism and have been emotionally traumatized by their experiences; others come from single parent families or immigrant families that have not been able to adjust to life in Israel. They may have left or been kicked out of their homes and driven to street drugs and petty crimes; girls are in an even more precarious situation.”
I work with these students twice a week helping them with English! They all ask me two questions initially- Am I religious and when am I making aliyah? So far I LOVE it. I am going to begin working with one girl, Miriam, in particular. She said she is one of 7 children, speaks not so highly of her American born father, and has a beautiful smile.
More to come on this for sure!

I miss all of you and REALLY want to hear about your lives in the States.

With Love,
Sara

Purim Good Purim Good Purim Purim Good Purim Purim

Living in Jerusalem is like nothing else. Some say it’s indescribable, magical, mystical, and crazy even. As January ran in to February and before I could breathe March appeared, I continue to scratch the surface of understanding those who describe Jerusalem. Under this umbrella of understanding lies the experience of chaggim in this wonderful country. A few posts back I wrote about the beauty of the holiday of Tu Beshavat in Jerusalem. Something permeates the air here on chaggim- and Shabbat for that matter- and I definitely caught a whiff the past three days when Purim engulfed the city of Jerusalem.

In Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated the day after the rest of the world celebrates it- called Shushan Purim. For the same reason holidays are celebrated for two days in the states ( it took a while to hear the news), Jerusalem- a walled city- heard the “news” about the Jews of Shushan a day later. In Jerusalem, therefore, we celebrate “shushan purim.”

For days I wrestled with costume ideas for this joyous celebration of yet another victory for the Jewish people in a foreign land- landing on the idea to be mother earth. ( Pictures will be on facebook eventually) Mother earth was a hard one for Israelis to grasp- going green isn’t as big here yet. I wore all green - a long flowing skirt and chacos to tie it together- with flowers in my hair and paint on my face.

As for actual purim- I spent the night at the Karlebach moshav outside of Modin. What an experience. The karlebach moshav is unlike anything. The gist of this place is about 7 couples in the early 1980’s were huge fans of Rabbi Shlomo Karlebach- decided it would be great to move outside of the craziness of a city to a more rural communities- where a lot was communal, their kids could run free and they could enjoy living their religious, hippie, nature-loving, Karlebach-inspired lives. The moshav now holds about 45 families, seemingly stuck in time. My friend Carly and I arrived just as megillah reading was beginning- after about an hour long journey, including a relatively normal blowing up of a suspicious item in the street which stopped traffic for about 45 minutes- to find men, women and children completely decked out in purim-garb! Following the reading of the megillah was a costume contest, a concert and of course a rave in the forest. Everyone was enjoying in the mitzvah of drinking wine on purim. We stayed on the floor of one of the founding families of the moshav- the Silvers- and the next morning made mishloach manot, a seudah meal and the like with them. There were other guests at the silvers as well- from Toronto, Argentina and Sweden!- and we had intense conversations about everything from American politics, Judaism, family, history and more. I found myself, about twenty minutes into our conversation, taking a step back realizing the true beauty in what was occurring in front of my eyes- only in Israel. I concluded after my less thatn 24 hours at the Moshav that is was essentially Jewish overnight camp for families. As Purim was ending on the moshav and the rest of Israel, and in full swing in the states, we began out trek back to Jerusalem to start it all over again!

We tremped back to Jerusalem ( hitch hiked- don’t worry we weren’t alone and the man was wearing a kippah and listening to Chassidic music also, ITS ISRAEL!) just in time to hear the megillah for time number three in Nachloat- the place to be for Purim. Later the night we met up with tons of friends and began celebrating! At about 11 pm the streets of Nachloat turned into the most intense party I have ever been to in my life even trumping the greatest party week of all time, little 5 ( sorry hoosiers!). People dressed in the most unbelievably creative costume, dancing, jumping rather; to Purim songs in the streets of the hippie religious neighborhood that is Nachlaot. I lasted until about 3 in the morning until my dancing feet couldn’t hold me any longer. The next morning I heard Megillah yet again, and helped make a seudah at the house I was staying at- sushi!!!! As for the rest of the day, the streets of Nachlaot became alive again, we delivered mishloach manot, met up with more friends, and enjoyed.

Purim surpassed every expectation that I had of it. It is unlike any little 5 party, Halloween, city wide event or the like. People running through the streets screaming chag sameach and good purim, doesn’t exist anywhere but here. Kodem Kol,
That’s one more point for Jerusalem!

Until next time,
Sara

Shinuim

Wow
It has been way to long of a time since I last poured my heart into a blog. The past three weeks or so have definitely been a roller coaster per usual of Israel. There have been a lot of changes including wonderful new things, the beginning of many new friendships and realizations about old ones.

Shinui (Change) Rishon: I finally moved from the Resnick dorms to the Kfar Studentim. Great Decision. I now have my own room- an almost fully equipped kitchen, internet, great roommates and a much closer walk to the new friends I have made. It truly is amazing how significant the change has been. I have found myself more outgoing, meeting more people and the like.
It was just what I needed.

Shinui hasheni: Classes started…finally! I am taking Hebrew, which for once in my life is easy. Environmental and Natural Resource policy of Israel and the Middle East, which is super interesting, is my second class. Today we talked about religion and Zionism and the environment. Its continues to amaze me how much the three major monotheistic religions have in common- including the idea that man has a responsibility to take care of the earth. We discussed numerous issues- spanning from the existence of God to the damning beavers do in Western Canada. I can already tell it will be an amazing class, melding environmental issues and Israel- what could be better, aside the fact that Israel has some MAJOR issues. Were going on a trip to the Dead Sea (ridiculous right!) to witness first hand some of the water issues facing Israel today. The professor happens to be the admissions dead at the Arava Institute- a world famous environmental studies school in the desert.

Another class I’m taking is on the rescuers and partisans of the Holocaust. The professor for this class works for Yad Vashem and is amazing. We’re going to Yad Vashem and to a private viewing of the movie Defiance! I have believe it or not, not yet taken a class on the Holocaust in college, so here it is! My last class yes there are only 4!) is the JESNA class. This class is all about Jewish education in North America- the issues, the promises, what we can do etc. Coupled with this class is an internship. My internship is at the Amit Alternative school. I’ll be tutoring “high risk” teenagers- something I feel like I have some background in thanks to my crazy summer with my favorite campers! This class also puts me on a list and invites me into a network of Jewish educators- keeping me informed about internships, jobs etc. until I tell them to stop. While I don’t know where my life will take me after I graduate- and being in Israel makes it extra tempting to come back here- having this network and option is both comforting and smart.

Shinui Shlishi- Relationships! I have found myself over the past few weeks extra social. Making new, wonderful friends, meeting amazing people who I have a lot in common with and the like. I spent the last shabbas hanging out with three wonderful ladies- lounging around all shabbas in PJ’s. It was wonderful to say the least. I began to realize that I needed to make the most of my time here and in light of some harder events, changes in a specific relationship- I found myself surrounded by people who were supportive and caring, loving and understanding. Even in my most personal relationship here, I have begun to make changes and seen great success. Being in the here and now is something i am trying very hard to work on. Sometimes it takes something shocking and painful to bring that to the forefront. Needless to say, that very personal relationship is being worked on- by purely starting from the beginning. The basis of any great relationship is a friendship and it is something lacking from this relationship in particular. Rewinding a bit has made us realize that what has been lying underneath the whole time—something very special and real.

Shinui Arba- I got my nose pierced!!! Its adorable and really classy looking, in my opinion. I feel more Israel, more earthy, and like it’s a really good fit for me. Im keeping in clean, don’t worry, and liking it more and more every day.

One other thing I want to mention, is a recent film I saw entitled, “ The Cemetery Club.” I’ve been trying to be super cultural while im here- movies, concerts and the like. Anyway, this movie was a part of a series on women film makers (just around Rosh Chodesh) in Israel. This film in particular was on two elderly women in Jerusalem who were apart of a group of about 20 other elderly Israelis who met in the cemetery every week. The film focused on their lives before coming to Israel as well as the early years when the state was being established. As the film progressed, more members of the club began to die. The members of this club were not only survivors of holocaust, but founders of the State of Israel. They have lived through both the most challenging and most thrilling parts of Jewish History. The women focused on in the movie represented a large group of people in Israel- who I now have much more respect for. What the old women who shoved me out of the way in the shuk this afternoon, has seen with her old sunken eyes, is more than I can imagine. A true appreciation and understanding flooded my heart at the end of this film, for the elderly in this state. Amazing.

I could go on forever about my time in Israel. Every day is another adventure; I see something that gives me the chills and especially things that make me reconsider how I have felt about something before, or how I experience it now.

Purim is coming up this week- school is out and im hoping to be mother nature!
I promise to take pictures and even more importantly- write about it.

I hope you are all doing wonderfully.
Id love to hear from you!!

B’ahava
Sara

THE case for Israel

This past Thursday night a few friends and I went to the Jerusalem film premier of the book-made to film- “A Case for Israel,” by Alan Dershwitz. Aside from my interest in supporting a fellow alpha gam-ish (My kid’s real mom Gloria Greenfield, produced the film) I saw this film as an opportunity to not only experience Israeli culture ( it was debuting at the famous Jerusalem cinemateque, overlooking the old city- NOT to be confused with the Jerusalem theater-which we did) but an opportunity to be presented with a very popular position in Israel as well as the global Jewish community- the right. A case for Israel interviewed a plethora of important, famous, well educated Israeli leaders, political figures, American professors, UN personnel and the like. The film presented numerous shocking, valid, strong points about Israel’s political, moral and ethical role in the world. Like any good pro-Israel film- the beginning clips explained the historical facts regarding the early years of Israel. ( Turns out when the Jews in England wanted to buy land in Israel, for the most part, they were being sold by former land lords from the Ottoman Empire- who hired the local Arabs to work the fields. ALSO, when the state was formed, Arabs were allowed to vote in the first elections.) And let me tell you, if you weren’t pro-israel before this film convinced you why you should be. Here are some of the points that stuck out to me:

- It is absolutely unbelievable that people- who claim to be human activists, feminist, pacifists, environmentalists, and the rest of that list of leftist personas- have pinned Israel to fight against and criticized for crimes against humanity. Aside from the fact that Israel happens to be extremely forward thinking, and just ( Israel’s supreme court hears cases every day of Palestinians in the territories- and often grants them what them plead for- where else does that happen?), there is a disgustingly long list of nations who murder innocent people because of their religion, their nationality, their political alignment etc- and those human rights activists are silent toward them? Most poignant to this point was one of Alan Dershowitz’s comments which to an extent were-the world pays attention when Jews kill Muslims, the world pays attention when Christians kill Muslims, but no one seems to care if Muslims kill Muslims. There is a much deeper problem underneath the hate most Arabs have for the Jews and that is the hate and disrespect that have for each other. How can peace be achieved with a people that don’t even have peace among themselves?

Throughout the film it was made very clear, the inequality with which Israel continues to fight for peace. The commander of the Israeli army was interviewed about Israel’s military operations, specifically about those most recently in Gaza. He commented on Israel’s moral dilemma in their military initiatives- the moral decision to let a kassam rocket fly into Israel and potential kill innocent children at a school or preemptively stop the kassam from taking off from where it is being launched from a school in Gaza
After the film ended those who were interviewed (at least 6 of them) came onto the stage!! Academics, UN representatives, and the famous Natan Sharansky, sat on the stage and answered questions regarding the film. Natan Sharansky most beautifully and poignantly responded to a man’s question about the outcome of the “Arab Israel conflict,” that a huge problem in Israel- is that we are fighting among each other- not united against the enemy.

The film brought up numerous questions, thoughts, dilemmas, hopes and disappointments for me. Coupled with my experience here so far, I left the film feeling extremely concerned for the welfare of the Jewish state. My understanding of the issues here is becoming clearer as I continue to become immersed in Israeli culture. It still astounds me everyday however, that I leave my dorm behind another student wearing a head covering. Often it is hard to tell who is Arab and who isn’t- its hard to know who to trust- is the glare because I am American, a women, a Jew? I have, therefore, taken on the mentality I assuming only the best- what else can there be?

I have many more thoughts on this topic, and I’m sure as time goes on that they will come to a more ripe understanding.

I would love to hear your feedback!

With love,
Sara

First few weeks in Eretz Yisrael

Shalom Chaverim
I arrived in Israel now about four weeks ago, and what an amazing four weeks they have been. I’ve been meaning to write a note for a while, and couldn’t decide what venue to use---but facebook seemed like the place the most amount of people would be able to see whats been going on soooo here goes!

ISRAEL is awesome. Living in Jerusalem is something i have been dreaming about for years now and it still shocks me that I am studying, living, and breathing Jerusalem for the next few months. I truly forgot the magic that glows here in Israel, the smells, the size of the produce, the crazy drivers, the beauty of the people and the land. My time here has been a whirlwind to say the least.

I am living in the dorms ( not the Student village for now- this might change though)- which could be alot worse. All of the girls on my floor are American and we are super close to campus which is nice. Of course I have met tons of people all of which i happen to have at LEAST one friend in common with, its amazing how USY comes back to haunt you ;) I have run into tons of people who i forgot were in Israel and those who I didnt expect to see- but thats Jerusalem for you! Everyone knows someone else who went to the same camp, or on the same Israel trip or to the same school. Its comforting to say the least.

As far as what I’ve been doing for the past few weeks--that is a good question- ALOT!
I have ulpan four days a week to start (though that changes next week), but thats always over by 2 in the afternoon leaving time open for traveling around Jerusalem and other places. Ive been to the kotel of course, the old city, Ben yehuda, machene yehuda a million and one times, the knesset, the israel musuem, Tel Aviv ( the beach and the Art fair specfically) and today unsuccessfully the biblical zoo. The Knesset by far has been the coolest place ive been. It was incredible to know how much had taken place in the room I was sitting in. Outside the main room, there is a HUGE Marc Shagall tapestry o the past present and future of the Jewish people. This tapestry, not only HUGE and beautiful encompasses so much of the spirit of the Jewish people that I had chills the entire time!

I’m taking the buses everywhere because they’re not only SUPER efficient at taking you anywhere you want to go, but really inexpensive. (5.90 a ride-- and today the shekl is at $1 to 4.06-- you get the picture). Food here is incredible. Everything is really fresh and availability is unreal (especially in comparison to Bloomington).

My shabbatot have been wonderful as well. The first shabbat i spent shabbas in Rechovot, a town about 20 min away from Tel Aviv with a friends staff from an Israel trip. The shul we went to was modern orthodox and almost everyone had made aliyah when they were young and are now raising their family in Rechovot. Hebr-ish was a wonderful way to spend my first Shabbat here. The following shabbatot I spent in Nachlaot- a hippie religious neighborhood in Jerusalem, at Kol Rina- a shul in a bomb shelter ( really safe huh:?!). Shabbat in Jerusalem is unlike anywhere else. Throughout the week everyone seems like they are in a rush, holding the weight of torah, the jewish people and the world on their shoulders. On Shabbat however Jerusalem is quiet (for the most part) and slow. It is in the most literal sense of its commandment in the torah- a day of rest. Safety wise—we felt nothing from what was happening in Gaza. Ive never felt unsafe ANYWHERE here, except maybe in a taxi with a crazy driver. Security is nuts everywhere- but that is the reality of the culture here.

Overall my first month ( ish) in Israel has been wonderful. I am continually discovering new things, meeting new people, experiencing different things and learning so much about myself and my people. This place makes me proud of my history and unbelievable hopeful for the future.

Please forgive me as my internet situation is still being worked out, so my availability is semi limited—but im working on it!
I hope you all are doing wonderfully wherever you are and I cant wait to hear from all of you!!!

B’Shalom,
Sara

The Day We skipped Ulpan for TuBeshvat

I have conformed. I’ve decided to join the ranks and begin a blog. This will most defiantly be beneficial to not only all of you lucky readers but myself as well.
For those of you who don’t know, I am spending the semester abroad in Jerusalem, Israel. I have been here for about a month, give or take, and it has already been unbelievable. I will post what I wrote to some family and friends the other week-

The name of my blog- Ein Li Eretz Acheret- means “I have no other country.” It is a famous and beautiful song here that I feel describes the connection I feel when I’m here.

Last Thursday I went to Tel Aviv for the night- its super easy to jump on a bus for about 19 shek- to see a Bob Marley tribute concert. Talk about an experience. The concert was a mix of different Israeli artist singing Rastafarian-Jewish music. I was surrounded the entire night by Rasta-Israelis with dreads, reeking of smoke and that- haven’t showered in a few days- smell. Covering the walls were banners showing “Rasta” pride- specifically a Rasta Lion banner in the front donning the Rastafarian flag with a Jewish star and a lion in the middle. This was unlike anything I have ever experienced Israelis performing English songs—most of whom were Ethiopian or other immigrants to Israel. It was incredible heat the messages of Bob Marley and Rasta connected to Judaism and in Israel of all places. The message was very much of love and peace and happiness for all of Gods people- a message that today is especially meaningful.

The concert was a great transition into my Shabbat. I spent the Shabbat at the Conservative Yeshiva (the other side of Beit Nativ and Fuchsberg for those USYers out there). It happened to be the beginning of the annual Rabbinical Assembly where I saw some familiar faces – including one of my staff members from Wheels ( JESSIE!). Most importantly from this past Shabbat, I was reminded where I come from as well as where I know I can and want to be Jewishly. The people I spent Shabbat with were as well educated, observant and loving of Judaism as the Chasids running around this city- something that is easy to forget here.

Following Shabbat I went to a yeshiva/yoga place/community center in Nachlaot (hippie-religious neighborhood right by the shuk) to see a concert of one of the local Rabbis. This concert topped my top ten list of most spiritual events in my life. Every song performed by this rabbi (there was a cello, piano and sax) moved through me like I have never experienced- fluidly and with ease. I had never been so impacted by music like this before- in the way it soothed and lifted me. It was incredible.

The celebration of TuBeshvat in Jerusalem can only be described by pure happiness. Erev TuBeshvat I went to a sedar at the Conservative Yeshiva and the next day decided to skip ulpan (the one and only)- as I was told there was a festival on Ben Yehuda. We got to Ben Yehuda by about 11 to find that the street was being set up for what seemed like a Disney event. About an hour later, people dressed as trees, flowers, mother nature, butterflies and the like were performing in the streets along with different bands, performers and dancers. It was INCREDIBLE. Celebrating the earth and the environment in Israel is especially beautiful given the nature of the water crisis and it’s seemingly lack of impact on the luscious agriculture produced here. Following the festival I went with a few friends to that same hippie religious- community center/yeshiva/yoga center where we planted trees and did other environmental activities with about 30 hippie-religious- Bal Tshuvot families. There must have been about 40 kids under the age of 4 running around covered in dirt and food under the watchful eye of all of the parents- a true kehillah. I tried Ethiopian food for the first time that night and spent the rest of it drinking wine with some close friends.

Overall, the past few days have been truly wonderful.
I am really going to try to keep up with this blog- so keep checking!

I think of all of you often and wish you could all be here to share this amazing experience with me--- COME VISIT!!

Until next time,
Sara