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.