Last day in Tiberias. Very humid sticky day. We got all packed and left our stuff at the hostel for a while so we could do a last walk around the area. Took the bus back to Jerusalem....was a really long ride, got stuck in traffic and the bus stalled...oy vey. Finally we made it back here and I actually appreciate the dry heat of Jerusalem compared to the humidity of Tiberias. Found a cab and came to the apartment. Had to get some basics since we didnt have much food here.

Crashed for a bit and unpacked. Got ready and went to visit Raina and her mom at their hotel. Had dinner with them, Nathaniel, Heather, and Ben R. Was lovely spread of food. Ate and ate and ate. Was a really lovely evening. Thanks!

Today we all slept in. Jean, Rachel and I went to Tzfat for the day. We took a bus up there. Walked up to the Citadel which during the War of Independence was under control by the Arabs. We then climbed down and tried to go to the Ha'ari Synagogue which was named for Rabbi Yitzchak Luria who was a founder of Jewish mysticism. We also went to the Abuhav synagogue which was beautiful, built in 1490s. Of course we had to go to the Candle Factory, I got some Hanukah candles for us!

We walked through the artist colony, though not what I remember it to be. Made a quick stop for some lunch before heading back to Tiberias.

Met up with the rest of the crew and went out for a last dinner at a Chinese place along the Sea. Had a nice time with everyone. Some of us went to the Tomb of Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon, Maimonides. Despite the late hour there were still a handful of people there.

Afterwards we needed something for dessert so we hung out at a pub along the Sea for a while. I love slushies!

Sfat synagogue

Harry Potter Havdallah Candle!

Nimbus 2000 or Firebolt Havdallah candles!

Garden in Sfat

Today Jordan, Rose and I slept in and relaxed while the others went hiking. We went to the Hot Spring Spa where we went into these relaxing warm pools with water jets to rest against. It was so nice and relaxing.

Met up with the rest of the group in the afternoon and returned to Blue Beach. Spent the rest of the afternoon cooling off there.

For dinner a Jordan, Rachel, Jason, Jay and I went out to this kosher meat place where I got to have shishlik (kebobs) was fun. Afterwards we went out for ice cream/sorbet for dessert to celebrate Jason's birthday. Hung out alongside the water for a while and had fun.

Today I got up and got ready to go to Tiberias. As I was eating breakfast I turned on the TV to see there was a pigua (bomb) in Beer Sheva. Thankfully no one was killed except the terrorist just upsetting the day I am about to take off on a trip.

Went north in a car with Neil, Claire, and Rose. Hade a fun drive. When we got lost in Kfar Saba a little blue Peugot has us follow them back on track. Funny moment when Israelis asked us for directions!

Got to Tiberias, checked into the Hostel Mehouyas and met up with Jordan, Jean, Jay, Jason and Rachel. Went to the Blue Beach a lovely private beach with palm trees and great feeling water. Afterwards we went to Little Tiberias for dinner. Walked around the city and crashed for the evening.

Today, Heather and I went to Shira Hadasha for services. I really enjoy davening there. Such lovely tunes and a welcoming community.

Went to Heather and Nathaniels for some crepes/malwach depending on who you ask....were yummy. Went over to Michael F.'s for a bit. Came home napped and relaxed for a while. Hung out and packed to go to Tiberias Sunday.

Yay! First day of break. I helped clean up the apartment and organize my stuff. Went to the David Citadel Hotel with Raina (she is staying there with her mom who is visiting for the week!). We went swimming in their lovely hotel and relaxed.

So I came home and got ready for Shabbat. Tonight I am going to Mevasseret Tzion to meet Cousin Tommy's friend who's wife is the rabbi at the reform congregation there.

So a group from the hotel across the street from my apartment is going to Mev. Tzion for services too, so i am going to join them on their tour bus there. We got to see the new Reform Congregation being built there. (Very frustrating for the Reform community since they are in need of tremendous funding from outside donors. If they were an Orthodox shul the government would be giving them lots of money to fund it but because they are not and the leading faction in the government is Orthodox they do not get govt funds.)

Services were nice in their current location at the local high school. Afterwards went to the Rabbi and her family's for dinner. Met her 3 sons and daughter. Had a really nice time even though it was hard to follow their Hebrew. Now I have some Israeli friends.

Today we met for a briefing on the dissengagement. Was really interesting to get clear cut ideas about what happened and will happen. Some things I did not know:
-Residents of Gaza were pioneers supported by the State to live in the Gaza strip and then now they got evacuated.
-Gaza life was rather comfortable, had beautiful neighborhoods with lawns, but still required high security.
-Chief Rabbi Shapira said there wouldnt be a place for religious soldiers who assisted in the evacuation in the World to Come
-Many religious soldiers would go into the synagogues in Gaza, pray with the settlers and then evacuate them from the synagogue.
One thing I hope the media has made clear is that despite the religious being against the disengagement, many of them serving as soldiers continued through with their mission. The Israeli army dealt with this evacuation in as dignified a manner as possible, coming into the settlers homes and explaining why they need to leave. Soldiers babysat kids so that parents could pack. They hugged settlers and comforted them through this all.

On a lighter note, for the afternoon we went to the Sorek Caves where we saw Stalagmites and Stalagtites, was interesting but a little too Disneyesque. Afterwards we went to Nitzanim Beach. On the way we saw the "Caravillas" (temporary living quarters built for evacuees from Gaza) looked like simple homes which should be sufficient until they can settle permanently.

Beach was fun, went swimming in these monsterous waves....was great. Came back and vegged before going to bed!

My Ulpan Kitah singing with Osnat :)

Last Day of Ulpan....had a test. Then all the classes came together for a talent show to celebrate the end. My class wrote this hilarious song called "Rak Ivrit" (Only Hebrew) which is a joke on all the "Hebrew" words that are from English that we learned during Ulpan :) Everyone did a great job with their presentations.

Afterwards, we got our schedules for the year and an Academic Orientation....oy va voy, busy year ahead.

Raina, Heather and I headed out to Ben Yehuda for the evening. Had a lot of fun wandering the stores and having my first felafel of this trip (yeah i dont know how i havent had it yet!).

2nd to last day of Ulpan!
We met for the first half of class and then we went to Sograyim (means Parenthesis in Eng) a restaurant on Ussishkin and Narkiss. Had a really fun time with my class. We all signed a card for Osnat, my awesome teacher, bought her flowers and a gift certificate to a restaurant she likes in Jerusalem.

I really had a lot of fun. Ordered the breakfast special which was really yummy, omlette, cheeses, veggies and bread. We spoke entirely in Hebrew. After lunch we wrote the words to a song we would perform tomorrow for the end of Ulpan show. So funny....will share soon.

Oy Vey Luisa
So on the way home I wanted to get an envelope so that Emily D. could mail something for me to the States when she goes home. I went into the store and spoke in Hebrew...the clerk gave me a wierd look and said no they dont have them, I asked if the Post Office would sell them, she gave me an even wierder look. Heather then realized what was going on and told her I want an envelope and that I had accidentally asked for a broom! We cracked up the whole way home and I bought my matafa not to be confused with a matateh (broom). :)

time to study for the last ulpan test!

School as usual...then Rollin and I went on an adventure to Super Deal, as usual, we had a small list and bought a lot more than that. The cart was really heavy coming home!

Went out to dinner tonight with Roberta's family and Shira M. We went to this yummy Asian restaurant on Emek Refaim. Had a nice dinner, very long day.

Another wonderful Sunday of school. Chaverim committee( we are the community builders/ make sure everyone is doing ok people/b-days and other fun things) met to discuss our plans for the year with Nancy, she is great.

Tonight we all went to Togo for dara's (one of our interns) goodbye party...she has been really great and I am going to miss her.

Today I slept in again...boy was I behind on sleep. Went to Rose's for lunch with Sarah, Leah, Jordan, Nathaniel, Rachel A. was very yummy and fun. Came home and got ready to go visit Roberta and her kids at the pool at the Dan Panorama across the street. Had a nice time getting to meet them and escape.

Came home got ready and went on a fascinating walk of Rehavia with Naama's husband. Really neat and interesting history of the area and architecture. Had a lovely Havdallah on their roof with bourekas and other noshes. Came back to the apartment and hung out with Heather and Raina for a while but had to go to bed....school day tomorrow.

I slept in...yay. Then did grocery/ laundry stuff. Earned my points as a homemaker! Made chocolate pudding/ choco chip cookies. Got great reviews. Cooked rice and made a salad for dinner tonight.

Shabbat at Har El...very small congregation. Afterwards went to small dinner at Leah's with Jennifer and Eliana. Came home and crashed after such a long day

Jew Boot Camp
Today we met for tfillah and had a sort of learners Minyan. Afterwards we were divided into three groups where we each went around and learned/practiced different parts of the prayer service so that everyone has done it at least once. First my group went to learn the various bowing/bending logistics of prayer. Then we went and each took the Torah out of the ark, practiced passing it, and then putting it way. First time for me. Was a very tall Torah in a ark that was high up! Then I lifted the Torah (hagbah) where the scroll is exposed for the congregation to see. Heavy! I read from the Torah and practiced the brachot too. Long day at HUC.


At night I went to Hutzot Hayotzer, The International Arts and Crafts Fair in Jerusalem with Heather and Nathaniel. We ate Chinese food which I swear had barbeque sauce in it and went to this little Arab tent where they served us sweet tea with nana(mint) and it was super delish. I got a cool pair of silver earrings and we saw a kids magic show sitting on these giant cushy pillows. We heard Ivri Lieder perform, he wrote the soundtrack to Walk on Water and Jossi and Jagger. Was a lot of fun.

August 17, 2005. Today begins the official evacuation of settlers in Gush Katif that have not left willingly.

Started off with a test in Hebrew....was pretty challenging but i am optimistic I did ok. Afterward we listened to the morning news and translated them (will explain about them later) For the last section of class we sang with all the other Hebrew classes, I love Israeli music!

Went to Emek for lunch with Courtney. On the way saw some girls rallying against the disengagement. Met Courtney and went to Aroma, had a nice sandwich. On the way out saw a parade of "orange cars." Found the Mechola ballet studio where I may take some classes. Came home and am off to a interpretive prayer class through dance!

Was interesting experience with the famous Reform Cantor, Bonia Shir's wife. She does this program of teaching dance movement as a release of violence in a poor part of Cincinnati where most of the students come from very unstable lifestyles. Different but I think it is a really great idea for the children!

Today was Tisha B'Av, the Ninth day in the Jewish month of Av where we remember the destruction of the First and Second Temples and other atrocities that have afflicted the Jews. We had to go to Ulpan for our Hebrew class for the first part of the morning where we read some Hebrew text about the holiday. Afterward we met to discuss some English texts as a whole about the holiday and observances. Some overlapped with our Hebrew texts. Was very interesting discussing the holiday and how many negative things have happened to the Jews on this day....for many what will be happening in the next few days will become associated with this list (the dissengagement of the West Bank).

We got to hear Anat Hoffman today who is a strong voice in equal rights for all in Israel and Jerusalem. She spoke about her work with the Arabs, prostitution prevention, women's rights to pray, and many important subjects. She is really remarkable to hear, especially how she made certain ideas pass on the Jerusalem City Council despite their large Orthodox majority. (She would make her proposals while the religious were taking a break to daven Mincha, thus having a more supportive group to accept her ideas).

We then davened Mincha together and left school very hungry and very cold from the air conditioning. Got hit by a blast of inferno outside where it was around 102 degrees Farenheight!

Came home and decided I needed to break my fast because I was just feeling delirious. Did some Hebrew homework and wrote a bunch of letters to folks at home. Had dinner with the roomies, finished some Hebrew work and am now going out to Restobar with Rollin to say goodbye to one of our interns, Adam who is returning to the States on Tuesday.

Hayom erev shabbat! As I am writing this, I can tell how things are slowing down that in almost 2 hours Shabbat will begin, the hustle and bustle of cars outside on Keren Hayesod is quieting, either that or all the ones who honk their horn all the time have gone!

It was so nice to sleep in today. One of the challenges of being here is finding that balance between getting sleep, studying, and having fun! I enjoyed not having to rush to get ready to be somewhere.

Went to Ben-Yehudah to return "Calvi" cuz the first one wasnt so nice and get a new one. (He is my new pet dog/ desk calendar, his name means "my dog"). The nice thing he is low maintenance, I only have to change him once a day :)

I found a pretty Druze purse that I bought and I also got a baby card, they are so cute here!

So, we are getting nearer and nearer to the "hitnatkut" disengagement from Gaza. I am filled with fear of what will come but feel as if most of it will be in the Gaza area. I just hate to see the radicals harm the innocent. On my walk today someone has plastered all these signs around the city and some compare the disengagement to the Holocaust with the infamous picture of the boy prisoner with his arms surrendered...very upsetting. Praying for peace

Came home and caught up on my blog. Made a tuna melt on pita that was so yummy and cleaned the apartment a bit. Finished my laundry, yay! Finally feeling a bit caught up. Will update Motzei shabbat.....

Ulpan as usual....been having a challenging time on the tests....trying to figure out what is best for me.

I joined Va'ad Haverim....we will help people celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, be there in times of need, as well as helping do group shabbatot and shul hoppin. (I am thrilled to be a part of this group) Rollin and I are taking on the birthday part.

Tonight we had a text study for our tiyul...long days= tired me.

TIYUL DAY....today was our last tiyul of the summer session. Our leader Ofir has been great, he actually grew up around the corner from me in University Heights for a little bit and went to school with our Mayor's kids.

Rollin and I walked to the Jaffa Gate together...on the way we ran into Matt. We walked through the Arab shuk to get to the Southern Wall excavations at Mercaz Davidson. Its really neat learning about the history and seeing Robinsons Arch. There was a small inscription in the wall that was pretty high up from when the street level was much higher. They date it from around the 7th century. It says "You shall see and your heart shall rejoice." Historians can date it by the relative height of it and that it was during a period of happieness because of the nature of the quote. We saw a virtual tour of the Kotel at the Davidson center, was so interesting to see what it would have looked like on the Temple Mount at the time and where everything took place. Everything was done from an archeological standpoint so they couldnt show what things looked like inside the Beit Hamikdash.

We took a break for lunch in the center of the Old City and then went to the Herodian mansions. Interesting to see the mikvot (ritual baths) in someones home. Afterwards, walked with Michael, Ben Z., Rose, and Rachel to the Kotel. Very powerful there everytime I go.

So glad to come back to the apartment and just relax for a bit. Jill and I went to Malka Mall for dinner at the chinese restaurant. Jeremy, his sister, and Raina joined us there. Jill and I then went and saw "Island" a very intense movie about cloning and the future. Like a rollercoaster full of action! Nice way to spend the evening. Came home, called the bro, got stuff done...gnight.

major hebrew exam today....took me a long time to do but feeling relatively good about it. I think i was the most prepared for this one....will see.

Today after class we had our community service meeting to discuss what projects we could explore for the upcoming year. Not so sure what I want to do yet. I think I want to do something that will really involve me in Israeli society and allow me to connect to the people....will keep posted.

Met for our Tiyul class tonight. Had half the class time in classroom and then travelled to the Holyland Model for the rest of class. Really helped put things into perspective. Just way to tired tonight.

Wow, so today, I woke up and it was really dark out, very eerie feeling since normally the Sun is beating through the curtains. On our walk to school we felt a light drizzle. Apparently it hasnt rained in August in a long time. Got incredibly busy with school and doing some studying....ran to Supersol to pick up a few things and ran into Matt's fiance Jen. The lady ahead of me and the clerk were even talking about the weather in Hebrew. Luckily mid-morning the clouds cleared and the sun reappeared, definitely cooler today (lower 80s). Came home, got some stuff ready for Stitch and Bitch which we were hosting and tried to get things in order.

Had a nice group over for Stitch and Bitch, yay! Then we walked over to Matt and David's for Jen's going away party. Was much fun, wish I could have stayed longer but I had studying and sleep that needed doing. Nominated Matt's surrogate to take care of him while Jen is gone......will take good care!

Today was a regular sunday...school....my teacher said that due to my improvement in her class, she thinks I can manage for the rest of the summer in her class.

Went to Ross' for dinner with Raina, Jason, Donna, Rose, Lev, and Ross' Rachel. Was very nice, he made tofu on the grill for us not eating meat. I ate so so much. Got to hear some Guster tunes too. We made these cookie sandwiches with chocolate and put them on the grill wrapped in foil...mitzuyan! We even grilled some marzipan which was great.

Today we went to Tel Aviv. We had the most insane sherut driver, being the last group to leave we arrived there first and i think my insides had their calisthetics for the year! We got there and stopped for food so that Ben and Jeremy could eat. Raina and I joined them. Afterwards we walked around Nachalat Benyamin which is a big arts fair they have every Tuesday and Friday. I bought a beautifully framed bouquet of pressed flowers btwn two panes of glass. We walked around and saw lots of neat things including a man doing work with glass to make little figurines. Had to help find the boys white long sleeve shirts for the Great Synagogue Men's Choir, an adventure in itself. We walked around the market place and saw lots of stuff, will have to go back. We all came back exhausted, and some how I ended up with the same Sherut driver (OY!).

On the way home I ran into Debby Jacoby-pessar and Rabbi Ruben, will stop by and visit them on Shabbat and pick up my stuff. Raina and i in a tired blur got our apartment ready to have Ben, Jeremy, Heather, and Nathaniel over for shabbat dinner. I took a power nap and then went with Rollin and Adam to Kol Haneshama after my inspiration to check out the service on Friday. Was really nice, will have to come back again when I can get here on time to hear Kabbalat Shabbat.

Dinner was lovely, Ben crashed on our couch, reminds me of my brother Ben at home who couldnt make it through shabbat dinner without falling asleep on the couch in the living room!

Today is tiyul day (trip). We met at the Lion's Fountain in Yemin Moshe. We went to Ketef Hinnom which is an old burial ground. Each year when someone died they would bury them in these caves with special slots for each of the bodies. Then after a year the bones were stored on a shelf below and a new corpse was placed in the burial slot. Special silver plaques were found in these burial grounds all rolled up. With great care they were opened by archeologists and they found the priestly benediction on them. They are the oldest biblical text in whole found along side the next oldest, Dead Sea Scrolls. I want to go and see them at the Israel Museum where they are on display.

We went to King David's tomb, where some believe he was buried. We also went to the Broad Wall and Mt. Zion. It was interesting entering the building where the Last Supper is supposed to have taken place. We concluded our day in Gai Ben Hinnom (interesting ending considering this is considered "Hell"). Where we read from Jeremiah about G-d's plan to punish the Jews for offering child sacrifices and prayed to other gods.

There is an interesting passage in Jeremiah about the song Kol Sason v'kol Simcha that we sing at special occasions like weddings....one passage has a negative connotation where "(G-d) will silence in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of mirth and gladness, the voice of bridegroom and bride. For the whole land shall fall to ruin." In Jeremiah 33, it ends,.... voice of bridegroom and bride, the voice of those who cry." Interesting.

Came home and crashed after such a long day in heat. Went to Beit Cafe "open mic night"...was awesome Joe M.C.ed, Raina and Rollin both sang beautifully. Went home for some sleep before Tel Aviv Friday!

Gai Ben Hinnom

Broad Wall

Mt. Zion

Today we got to have Rabbi Kelman from Kol Haneshama lead our morning t'fillah. He did an incredible job. I really enjoyed the way he led the service. For the first time participating in a meditation I really felt entranced in it and didn't want to leave that space to return to reality. I am definitely going to have to check out Kol Haneshama now.

Today my incredible Ulpan teacher, Osnat took us to the Herzl museum on Mt. Herzl....it was a really impressive memorial and education piece about his life. THe museum is brand new and includes things from his life as well as a video educating about him. We then went to his grave. The presentation really brought to reality what Israel has strived for over the years and where it has come, and its current battles.

Got to hear Danny Siegel again today. Wow, what miracle worker, he does so much to create a voice for tzedek and tzdakah.

Tonight was the first HUC Stitch and Bitch at Lindy's was much fun....great to hang with the girls and catch up on my knitting. The walk to HaPalmach was worth it. I really appreciate the set aside time just to chill and knit! Did some studying at Sandi and Jill's before going home to bed!

The absolute best part of the day was when I decided to call Rebbie and Scott, the parents of a family i babysat for to check in on them since I knew they were expecting a baby any day....they told me that they had a brand new baby girl named Eliana, I am so excited for them..MAZEL TOV :)

Har Herzl with Ulpan class