Mindy and I

Flowers in a pool for those who died in battle in water. Yom Hazikaron, 4th of Iyar 5766. Very special day here. Had a memorial service at HUC before heading to the Gymnasia in Rehavia which was established in about 1910. The school has many teachers and students who were lost in battle or terror in Israel and so they hold a ceremony to remember them. Afterwards, Sarah, Dena, Jess, Jen and I went to Mt. Herzl and saw a ceremony for those who died as victims of terror and walked around the cemetery. The pool above was very touching. It was so interesting to see a Jewish cemetery full of flowers since that is not a Jewish tradition. Upon entering you could receive a Yarhzeit candle, flowers, drinking water, and blessings for reciting at the grave.

YOM HAATZMAUT IN ISRAEL! HAPPY 58th BIRTHDAY! Hours later the sadness ended and happiness erupted as we celebrated Israel's birthday. Went to Cacao for dinner in the Cinamateque and then to Sally's to her roof to see fireworks. Saw several very distant fireworks and some closer up from Har Herzl and the Sheraton. Afterwards we walked to Ben Yehuda where we saw insane crowds of young old and the like. Lots of shaving cream everywhere and a live band. Stood there for a bit and then walked home. As we walked by the Sheraton fireworks shot off the roof and we had an amazing show. (As Sarah would say we were where they would have blocked off entry in the US!)

So this morning I got up and went with Sarah, Jason, Michael, Ben, Joanna, Dena, and her sister to Tel Aviv on the bus. We then got a sherut to Holon where we saw the biggest parade in Israel "Ad Lo Ya Da" (Until You Don't Know) there were so many people and lots of music, spray foam and balloons. Saw the parade for a while and then took a cab back to Tel Aviv. We hung out for a while so people could eat and checked out the Market/art fair. Took the train back to Jerusalem.

Had just enough time to eat something and jump into costume before going to HUC for megillah reading. Yay Shushan Purim. Afterwards we went to Ben Yehuda, Matt A. and his friend Gilad met up with us. We got a private room at Zoli's where we had lots of fun. Afterwards we went to Mike's Place...was a young crowd but danced, drank and chilled. Then we went to grab some food. Gilad had to go and take a video at safra square at 2 in the AM so we did then and then I made the guys walk me home. GOOD NIGHT...had a lot of fun....so cool to see all these Jews out celebrating the holiday. Just hated the firecrackers they set off because the sound is like a bomb!

PURIM IN ISRAEL. So today is Taanit Esther but at HUC its a normal school day. Zohara brought in her daughter. We all did a little raffle for who would exchange Mishloach Manot with each other. Got a fun basket. After school was over came home and had a relaxing afternoon. Went to the fundraiser for Ride for Reform/Purim Shpiel with dinner by Rachel Bregman and drinks by Nathaniel. Was a lot of fun! Afterwards went home and finished an art project.

As part of the Rabbinic cabinet for UJC (yes i know i am not a Rabbi) I participated in their student seminar for students studying in Israel. We went to Tel Aviv and joined a conference called Tel Aviv One which was for young jewish americans to visit and learn about supporting Israel. We heard Yossi Wassa, an Eithiopian comedian and entertainer. Afterwards we went to Beit Shemesh Residential Center and saw how they work with Ethiopian and youth at-risk to be successful in school. Met with an Ethiopian boy and he taught be some words in Amharic.

We then backtracked to Netanya where we heard about the Ethiopian National Project which is trying to keep Ethiopians from becoming second class citizens as they join Israeli society. We helped plant trees with the neighbors. This really cute little boy helped us. Afterward we got to try some of the Ethiopian Shabbat bread which they made specially for us, it was really good.

For dinner we went to Yeshiva University in Bayit Vegan, their facility was gorgeous. Had a nice time meeting with the Yeshiva students and continuing conversations from that day with JTS and UJ students.

Today was really interesting. During our Israel seminar we explored environmental issues in Israel.

First we met at SPNI Jerusalem branch for introduction to SPNI and its work. It is this really gorgeous hidden place of Jaffa where they have lots of plants and nature preserve.

THen we returned to HUC for a lecture by Alon Tal: Zionism and the Environment. He wrote a book called Pollution in the Promised Land.

Afterwards we went to Neve Yaakov Wildflower sanctuary where they are trying to preserve native plants from French Hill that would have been destroyed during construction. We got a tour and got to see some really neat plants including the mandrake. Afterwards we dug holes for another group to plant flowers in and cleared a path of rocks. I was so impressed by the intensity of this grassroots project!

Afterwards Vagina Monologue rehearsals.

Today was a busy but powerful day. Went on a tiyul with the education students to visit Tali Bayit Va' gan school. It was so much fun observing some of the classes and talking to the students. We spoke to this adorable 6th grade boy who told us about the school and himself. It was so interesting hearing about how he likes the school and it is just the right amount of Judaism for him. He does want to go up and read Torah but would never want to wear tzitzit. His father, who made Aliyah did service for the military as a psycologist. The boy would not want to do something like that because he doesnt feel like he would be doing something but yet again he wouldnt want to be on the front line. Maybe air force commander?

Teachers in Israel make about 5000 shekels. Only one man at the school. was very interesting.

Tonight I went to a program on Agunot and it was just so amazing. All different Israelis there for the right of women in obtaining a Get, form of Jewish divorce. Really powerful. One story stands out of a man that would not give his wife a get and one week later married another woman and moved to L.A. and the woman is stuck hiding in her home. I want to explore this issue more.