Luisa's Adventures

2006-12-02T03:51:00.000-08:00

Mindy and I

2006-05-02T23:59:00.000-07:00

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!)

2006-03-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-03-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-03-07T22:26:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-03-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-02-28T21:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2006-02-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

Further birthday celebrations, dinner with Raina Wed. night where we had this wonderful Pineapple, Mango, Coconut Cream Sauce that was very delicious at Olive and Fish.

Partay for my birthday at Dirah #4 with a bunch of my classmates. Was really a wonderful time. Lots of drinks, German Chocolate Cake, guacamole, chips, and lots of other foods.

2006-02-13T22:31:00.000-08:00

Happy 25th Birthday To Me and to the trees (its Tu B'Shvat! Today was a lot of fun. I read Torah for the first time...with cantillation! We had a special Tu B'Shvat ceremony outside HUC by the playground with the children from the Gan. In Hebrew we read about the holiday. Had service review which was fine. Education seminar and Vagina Monologue rehearsals. Long busy day but very happy!

2006-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

Today we had the wonderful opportunity to hear Alice Shalvi in our Israel seminar on Women in Israel. She is the former President of the Women's Network in Israel and a strong activist for Israeli Women Rights. How Judaism tends to push patriarchy and rejection of women and how that influenced her own decision to join the Masorti movement. She discussed the exclusion of Jewish women from the 3 Batim- Beit Knesset, Beit Hamidrash, and Beit Din (agunot and conversion) She spoke about many different aspects of women in Israeli society. I was intrigued by her discussion about the Israeli army and that frequently thos with high army positions tend to go into high political positions except women. There are now 18 women in the Knesset.

As part of our exposure to women in Israel my group visited Bat Shalom a center that brings together the voices of Israeli and Palestinians from a feminist perspective. Was really interesting hearing how much the group does.

Afterwards we had a synthesis of our visits and a lunch regarding various volunteer projects my classmates do. It was very interesting and I hope to get to visit some of them.

The weirdest part of the day was the weather in the evening. All of the sudden it got dark with this grayness to the air. It was very windy and almost brown outside. Apparently it was some storm and with the pollution made for a cold night. Electricity companies were on high alert for high power usage. S'deh Dov airport ( a small minor airport) closed for a bit in the evening and some flights incoming to all of Israel airports were sent elsewhere. ......The next morning we woke up to a brown film on the steps outside the apartment from all the wind. Israelis compared it to a summer sandstorm only in the cold and not as sandy.

2006-02-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today we had a really incredible opportunity to visit and understand the Israeli military. We began the day going to Chatzor an Air Force base which was really incredible. We had a very warm welcome and heard a presentation on the Air Force by one of the women who is one of a few in the air force. Was really cool. They wear some heavy gear up in the planes. Their survival kit includes a boat, water and food that attaches to their leg in case they have to jump out of the plane. ........We got to see a plane and see many landing and they were loud.

Afterwards we went to Base 11 in Ramla (no folks not Ramallah) were we met with soldiers for lunch. Later we had a presentation about the army. I learned about the different uniforms soldiers wear on base and when off or on a different base than their own. I like how they call the insignia on their shoulders that tells rank one of them is called Felafels the other is a bar. You can have up to 3 felafals i believe. Had some intense conversations with israeli soldiers about their life and they asked us about our lives and our relationship to Israel and whether we would make Aliyah and stuff. Really deep. This was an incredible day!

2005-12-14T10:24:00.000-08:00

Only In Israel.....does your upstairs neighbor drop his kipah off of his mirpeset (porch) and it lands on your mirpeset and he has to come down to retrieve it (how else are you supposed to meet your neighbors!)

2005-11-18T22:05:00.000-08:00

Absolutely gorgeous day with sun and rather warm temperatures. Cooked a kugel, a lasagne, and apple crisp. Had 3 really sweet EIE kids and Heather over for Shabbat dinner. So nice. Lots of laughter and nice hearing and talking to these kids. We served, kugel, ratatoulle, salad, apple crisp and truffles. mmm good!

2005-11-17T23:58:00.000-08:00

Heard Edward Septimus (Daniel, a 4th years father) speak about infectious diseases and more specifically avian flu which has attacked some of the bird population and then been transferred to people. Was really interesting. Interesting to hear how Israel is actually at risk due to bird migration patterns and its proximity to Turkey which has had some cases of the bird flu.

Today at KEEP I let with Joseph who is a Consevative Yeshiva student. We did our session on Fall, taught the kids London Bridge which they loved. We taught the kids the words fall, jacket, hat, scarf, and pants through a memory game. Then we did leaf rubbings and they wrote the word FALL in twigs on top. Then we had the kids do relay races with fall clothing. Kids had lots of fun. So nice to see how smoothly things fell into place. Totally exhausted afterwards. Came home and did not move for about an hour. Went out for Claire;s birthday ended up at Zoli's had my drink and went home!

2005-11-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

Today was a busy but productive day. In Israel Seminar we heard Col. Uri Dromi who was head of the Government Press and now writes for Ha'aretz. He was really interesting. Media in Israel has really changed from a wide variety of papers from various viewpoints to a few main papers with very similiar ideology. We went to the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, was a neat very experiential museum with screens and fims like Hapalmach and Herzl museums. Afterwards went to Ben Yehuda and picked up gift for the Adlers and a new phone card. Went to the shuk and bought lots of yummy fruits and veggies. Enjoyed having the afternoon off. Met the Adlers who brought me a bag of stuff from the States! Met Courtney for dinner at Joy, got to try wine from the grapes of this year so it was a November 2005 wine. Very light body. Tomorrow I am leading KEEP activity!

2005-11-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

Today is Rabin's 10th yarzheit on the hebrew calendar. During t'fillah a special section was added in his memory. We read about him and memorials to him during hebrew. The walk to school has been somewhat disrupted due to a visit by Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton. Apparently they are staying at The David Citadel but attending lots of stuff at the King David so my normal walk to school and back was interupted. Got asked where i was going one day. Had to put my bag on a truck with a xray machine on the way home from school one day. Can't wait to be able to walk my normal way to school not being watched every step!

Had a really fun Forum meeting and getting to know the Israeli students. Robert had a really sweet few words about the first year program.

Kings of Israel Square, The Day After by Ronny Someck
The candles are lit in the tin cans,
one flame after another like the spots
on the leopard shot in the jungle of his dreams.
His eyes, which almost saw the lamb dwell with the wolf, suddenly hang on the wall of blood on the way to the heart.
~Shalom Chaver
Yitzchak Rabin z"l

2005-11-11T15:29:00.000-08:00

Today I went on a tour of Christian Jerusalem(as you read this if you notice any errors, please let me know,"dont quote me." We went through the Old City, meeting at the Lion's Gate. We saw a Christian pilgrimage making their way along Jesus' path with a big cross and palm branches. First we went to the All Nations Church, Church of the Gethsemane (referring to the Olive Press that was most likely there since it is set on the Mt. of Olives. We had perfect timing and walked in during their welcoming of guests and got to see the Communion taking place. We then went to the Crusader's Church, St. Ann, the Grandmother of Jesus which is next a resevoir. We went along several of the locations along the 14 stations of the cross, the path that Jesus took. We went to the Monostary of Flagellation, St. Veronica's, an Eithiopian Church near the Coptic church, where we heard a priest read in Bez, the Bible from t'hillim. and finally ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Interesting and informative day.

Shabbat tonight at HUC, potluck afterwards, making roasted potatoes.

2005-11-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

Had a nice brunch today at Sarah's in honor of her birthday and her parents being in town.

Babysat in the evening for a family i met on Janglo. Energetic and cute 11 year old. Goes to a really neat Democratic School where the kids choose their classes and have workshops for taking the Bagrut. The mom had a freak out when she came home because the stepson was visiting and she didnt recognize him with a new beard. She thought i had brought a friend on the first time babysitting. No no! Ends up the mom's niece is married to one of my second cousins, small world folks!

2005-11-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

Breakfast at the King David Hotel with the HUC Board of Governors, 3 ed, 3 rabbinic and 3 cantorial students were selected to meet with them and speak about our experiences at HUC so far. Was a really nice breakfast, even had caviar but I didnt try it.

Went to the HUC Israeli Rabbinic Program Ordination. They ordained 4 students and honored the first ever ordained Rabbinic Sutdent from the Israeli program. Came home and relaxed after ushering.

Services at HUC and then a dinner at Beit Shmuel with the Board of Governors, good food!

2005-10-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Went to Shira Chadasha for Simchat torah. Got there just in time for Hakafot. Lots and lots of dancing. Their rule is that they only sing one song per hakafah. Ran into Jenny A. Was at services until 1:30 when i left and they were still going.

Came home and Navit was starting to move in.

2005-10-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Sukkot is only 7 days here so its time for Simchat Torah, going to Kibbutz Gezer for a celebration. Had a very farm atmosphere but lots of fun with a Yiddish band and lots and lots of dancing. Much fun.

2005-10-23T22:31:00.000-07:00

Finally caught up on my sleep...for now! Had a productive day of laundry, groceries, and some homework.

Got some really yummy cake at Eliana's that she and Liz made for her birthday!

2005-10-22T01:03:00.000-07:00

After an attempted night sleep, got up and went to shul with Annette and Tal. Came home and had yummy lunch in the sukkah. Hung out in the afternoon. Had a big dessert, Marzipan a hit! Took an end of shabbat nap. Got packed and Annette and Paul drove the 3 of us to the bus station. Took bus back to J-town, took city bus home (first time this trip!). Had a quick dinner and went to the Yellow Submarine for a David Broza concert. Wow, i didnt know a lot of his songs but he puts so much energy into playing his guitar and singing. He was really great to watch and listen to. Had a really nice time!

2005-10-21T18:53:00.000-07:00

Goin to Petach Tikvah to visit the Rosenbergs for chol hamoed shabbat. While I was waiting for Orna to call to go I was watching tv and i saw this cute kids show where they showed how to make a Sukkah out of food. You take a small cardboard box, spread chocolate spread on in, lay biscuit cookies as walls and put long pretzel rods as the scach mixed with green sour straws. Decorations can be made out of bisli and other small candies strung on strings. Was really cute!

So I met Orna, her cousin Stacey, and Stupid, her dog at the bus station. Took a bus to Petach Tikvah. Paul picked us up and took us to the apartment. Met Eli and his wife Dalia. They are bothe really sweet. Their kids Tal and Ido are adorable. Natanel was home as were Adin and his wife Hadas. Full house! Went to their shul for shabbat. Had a really nice dinner in their sukkah. Stayed up late playing with the kids and talking!

2005-10-20T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sukkot Day 3

Today Michael, Jason, Rachel A., Nathaniel and I went to the President's sukkah. Was lots of fun, got to meet him and his wife. Lovely estate they live on. Visited their private synagogue. Had a band performing on the way in and a dance troup on the way out.

This afternoon we went to the Jerusalem March, had lots of different countries, Israeli banks, and clubs. Lots of fun, very European parade, everyone actually marched! Nathaniel and I got some really good hot drinks after, I got a mocha and they put squares of chocolate at the bottom!!! YuM

2005-10-19T21:01:00.000-07:00

Today when I got up it was really dark and cloudy. Started raining and rained all day! Eliana and I went to the shuk, got some snacks, pita, and Marzipan for the Rosenbergs! Rain and Eliana do not mix, she was not able to get a good grip with her crutches, but she made it without fall. Came home and worked on school stuff all the rest of the day. Really dreary and yucky outside, apparently this weather is not normal for now....phew that means it won't last. Looks like it will warm up by the end of the week!

2005-10-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sukkot Day 1
Went to Kol Haneshama with the gang. Had a group aliyah for those studying to be rabbis and "the one studying to be a educator" ;) Had a nice time. Shook shook shook the lulav. After kiddush we all went home and gathered what was in our fridges and had a big potluck in the HUC sukkah. Lots of good food. Hung out for a while and chilled in the Sukkah.

Relaxed for the rest of the afternoon. We then went to El Gaucho for Dena's birthday. Had lots of fun. Ate a great meal, yay Argentinian steak! Afterwards we walked on Ben Yehuda, lots of tourists! Saw the Chabad group dancing in the middle of the path. Jake got dragged in....not so good. Went back to Jess and Jason's and watched Harry Potter 1 but didn't finish. Called it a night.

2005-10-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

Went down Beit Lechem and got my haircut and Dave's, cute new cut! Ran some errands on Emek and came back to get ready for Sukkot.

Went to Kol Haneshama for services, half of the service was done in the sukkah where it was very cold. Came to HUC and had Pizza in the Hut with a bunch of people. We then went to Jason and Jess' and played cards.

2005-10-16T12:29:00.000-07:00

Jordan day 3

Early rise to get started in Petra. The city was the capital of the Nabatean Empire over 2 thousand years ago. It was the central meeting point for their spice routes which came from the Persian Gulf, W. Arabia and the Reed Sea. First we rode horses to the entrance of the Siq, a small and deep narrow gorge. At the end is the Al-Khazneh, or the Treasury (where the Holy Grail from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed). We continued on and some of us hiked for about 800 steps up to the monastery (Al-Deir) which was like the Treasury but much bigger and elaborate. We came back down and had some lunch, luckily there was some pasta for us veggies again. Rode a donkey back to the Treasury, he had a mind of his own and started going off with some horses and then took me up onto a hill for a snack....maybe he forgot i was up on his back? Walked back through the Siq with Robert and his kids. Took our horse back to the entrance.

Hopped on the bus and headed back to the border. Made stop so our driver and guide could break their fast, thought they would go somewhere with restrooms for us, no such luck, say it isn't a good place to stop. 45 min. to the border.

Exit Jordan and get back to Israel, so great to hear Hebrew again! Found our driver and headed back to Jerusalem, poured rain in the West Bank but made it back o.k. Jerusalem was much cooler than we left it.

2005-10-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

Jordan day 2

Stayed overnight in Amman, got up and drove to the Crusader's Castle in Kerak and then to Mount Nebo, one of the most holy sites in Jordan where Moses viewed the Promised Land and the Dead Sea. He also died there. End of Deuteronomy 34. "Had our shabbat torah reading, even though this parsha isnt until next week!" Saw direction of Jerusalem and Jericho too. Went to the Moses Memorial Church which had beautiful walls and floors of mosaics. Pope John Paul visited this church. We went to some mosaic store and they tried to sell their goods to us (guide must get commission).

Madaba, Byzantine and Ummayyad mosaics in the Church of Saint George, 6th century map of Jerusalem and the Old city. Discovered in 1884 when the church was rebuilt.

Went to a restaurant for lunch where they served salatim and even made us vegetarians some pasta! Yummy sweet fried donut hole things!

Drove to Wadi el Ram, vast beautiful desert. Took a Jeep ride around. The door to the jeep back kept opening, had to keep Roberts kids inside! Did some rock climbing, went up a steep sandy hill, was like walking on a stairmaster because it was hard to make progress. Saw a beautiful sunset in the desert. Great way to end Shabbat. Stopped in a campsite to catch our bus to Petra. Drove past a royal castle. Came to hotel and had a big dinner. Sang Happy Birthday to Eliana over baklava, they put the song on the speakers in english and arabic except they forgot to turn it off, was really funny! We checked out the Turkish baths but were too tired!

2005-10-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Went to Jordan!
Met early in the morning at Laurie's. Got our bus to the border. We had to drive through the West Bank. ON the way we saw sheep, goats, camels, lots of Bedouin villages. Had a big sign when we went below sea level. Saw Jericho on one side and Dead Sea on the other. Passed the Allenby Bridge. All of the sudden in the West Bank we pull over to some shady car repair place. Tire problem, had to change a tire, with all of us on the bus! All ok, got a little lost in a beautiful neighborhood near Beit She'an. Arrived at the border and took a special bus across the border to Jordan. Found our guide and tour bus. Toilets nearby are literally "squat pots."

First visit, Ajiloun Castle, first built in 1184 by the nephew of Saladin. Then we went to Jerash which is one of the best preserved Roman towns outside Italy. Saw the South Gate, Oval Plaza with ionic colonnades(1st C) , the Roman theatre with a band of retired soldiers, and some Byzantine Churches including Zeus' Temple, the Jupiter Temple and the Sanctuary Artemis. What is really cool is that the colonnades are never still and constantly shaking because of they way they are built. Our guide put a spoon in a crack in one and we watched the spoon quiver.

So we got to practically fast for a 2nd day because it is Ramadan in Jordan and few places were open and our guide wanted us to see the sites because they closed early for the holiday. Very hungry for dinner, not so much for the vegetarians. Crashed after a very long day!

2005-10-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

Lions and tigers and bears...oh my! I went to the Zoo today with a bunch of people for Ann's birthday it was so much fun. We saw lots of really cool animals including really cute monkeys that look like they are from the book Caps for Sale. One monkey had a little baby clinging to her....sooo cute. We saw some rambunctious baboons ;) and beautiful birds. At the top was a Noah's Ark activity center, in the welcome sign it said, "entrances in pairs not necessary" :) Very impressive place.

Afterwards Raina, Eliana, and I went to the mall for lunch and to run some errands. Came home, took a nap and got ready for Shabbat.

Going to Heather and Nathaniels for dinner.

2005-10-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

School...homework and stuff. Went to KEEP orientation to learn more about teaching ESL to Israeli kids. Had fun, ran into Hazan-Arnoff's again, this time Stephen and kids. Came home made dinner, had lanlord and wife come to collect rent, brought their little dog that jumped all over my bed!

Went to Rebecca and Sean's for Sean's birthday....was mad crazy fun. Drinks and dancing and just chilling....much needed.

2005-10-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

Today I went to Kol Haneshama for Rosh Hashana services day II. Had a lovely time. Thought they did a really nice service mixing the traditional tunes and familiar tunes. Afterwards I walked to Sally and Michael's house in Abu Tor for potluck lunch. Had a really nice time. Lots of great food and nice people there. I brought my banana/choc.chip bread. Went over well. Came home and relaxed for a bit. Then went over to Jordans and picked up some of Rachel A.'s leftover chicken soup for dinner. Hit the spot and worth the schlep to bring it home! Well Rosh Hashana is now over. Looking forward to a great year. The car horns are welcoming us back to a regular day.

2005-10-04T23:25:00.000-07:00

For the first day of Rosh Hashana I went to HUC for services....wasnt exactly my cup of tea, lots of choral singing and very little congregational tefilot. I did like that it was a rather condensed service and that it was actually going to end. We had a big potluck at the Moadon afterwards. Lots of desserts and drinks, not so much main dishes, still was good. All my kugel dissapeared Went home and took a nap then returned to Beit Shmuel for Tashlich with Gingy. He took us on this little tour as we went through the Old City through Zion gate. We went out of the old city through the Dung Gate to E. Jerusalem where the City of David is and climbed down the stairs at the end of Hezekiahs tunnel in Silwan and did tashlich there. Lots of people were there and not so much room. Apparently Jake and Jason got some rocks thrown at them because they were near this really loud big group of Yeshiva boys, I dunno. There was a lot of Israeli security ready to go.

Came back and went to Jordan's for dinner. Brought my tzimmes, were a hit with Jordan's brisket and lots of other yummy things like homemade chicken soup with matzo balls, thanks Rachel A. I tried a rare fruit that was spikey like an artichoke but bright pink and green. The inside was BRIGHT pink with little black seeds, tasted a lot like a Kiwi.

2005-10-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Only in Israel....when you get a call from a wrong number do they wish you a Chag Sameach erev Rosh Hashana!

Today has been a crazy day! Got up did laundry, went to the grocery, made a apple cinnamon kugel, 2 banana chocolate chip breads, carrot tzimmes, and helped clean the apartment!

Excited to be celebrating my first Rosh Hashana here in Eretz Yisrael. Have lots of exciting plans for the chagim. Look forward to sharing them. Here comes 5766!!

.....went to HUC for Erev Rosh Hashana services at Beit Shmuel. Afterwards we had a big buffet dinner in one of their halls. Had lots of food. Cappacino cake for dessert sure was a winner. Went home and went sleepy.

2005-10-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Today we had school, even thought I feel that we should have off to get ready for the Chagim. We had an all school including the Gan and all the staff Birkot Rosh Hashana. it was really cute, the kids all sang and we had wine, apples/honey, and cake. Did a special text study in Hebrew class about a Rabbi looking for someone to blow the shofar for Rosh Hashana. He gets 3 people and chooses a simple man whose main concern is supporting his family. It was a nice little story.

Had a really great liturgy class with Gingy today. We spoke about Rosh Hashana tfillot and Slichot. I did not know before but Sephardim start at the beginning of Elul while Ashkenazi do it after the Shabbat before Rosh Hashana or at least 4 days prior to R.H. He read us a story by I.L. Peretz which was really interesting. We spoke about the Shofar and he has made each of the sounds into a phrase, the funniest is Shevarim= happy happy happy, T'kiah G'dolah=Neeeeewwww Yeeeaaaarrrrrrrrr

Went with Owen to Pomerantz books and got my Machzor. Meandered around Ben Yehuda and came home.

2005-10-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

Peaceful and restful shabbat. Chilled read, went for a walk to Mishkenot She'Ananim and then went and sat in the park on Sokolov for a bit. After Shabbos Raina and I went to Ben Yehuda, wow it really is quiet off season motzei shabbat! We went to Mr. Zol where if you bought 200 Shekels of food you got produce for really cheap. Somehow we lugged it all home! Wheew...

2005-09-30T16:39:00.000-07:00

Today my life just feels like a balagan (chaos). The workers doing construction on Keren Hayesod which is outside my window were working there all night. I got woken up at 4 in the morning to them working. I therefore did not sleep very well. I put one ear plug in so that I could still hear my alarm when it went off this morning. Well I overslept it and did not wake up until Rachel A. called to tell me she was running late. OY....flew out of bed, put on some clean clothes and grabbed a cab to Pardes for our second meeting of the Jerusalem Leadership Institute, a group of Anglo Jews interested in learning about and with other Jews from all backgrounds.

Ran home grabbed some lunch and made shabbat dinner plans. Going to Kedma a egalitarian minyan that meets in the German Colony. They are eco friendly so I have to bring my own dishes, etc. Cut up a watermelon to share! Actually dont feel to excited for shabbat this week sadly because i have just been in a rush to do so much but at the same time the restful time is welcome!

2005-09-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a very busy day.....had Hebrew class and then Biblical Grammer. Came home had some lunch and had some fun with Sarah S. at Super Deal. Gotta whole lotta stuff.....its beginning to look a lot like a chag, everywhere you go! Came back finished up my beautiful papercut Rosh Hashana cards that I made for the auction. Did some laundry and caught my breath.....that hill from King David to Keren Hayesod is a schlep with my filled agala (shopping cart). Went and met Claire, Jordan and Sarah and walked to Kol Haneshama for our first K.E.E.P. meeting teaching English to local children, many disadvantaged. Had lots of fun meeting some of the other cool people there.

Went to a restaurant on Emek with Sheryl Berman, Neil, Claire and Sarah. Had a yummy portobella burger almost tasted like something from home! Went to the Katrina fundraiser/ Bingo night at HUC. Played a couple of rounds, had fun. Debra won my cards. I got a cup of candy for having one of the numbers called, woohoo....was fun. Time to crash...gnight.

2005-09-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Today is Shabbat....hooray! Did some prep errands and laundry. Came home and started dinner and getting apartment ready. Raina and I made eggplant lasagna.

Shira M. came over for Shabbat. We went to meet members of Kol Haneshama early and then joined them for services. Levi was not there so a Israeli Rabbinical student led. She did a nice job.

A group of us came back to our apartment where we hosted Emily H., Heather, Nathaniel, Shira, Matt from Leo Beck, and his friend Constantine, and Hart(friend of Jess) who is going to Arava with Shira. Had a lovely dinner. Hung out and chatted the evening away. At 1:30 i think i went to sleep

2005-09-22T21:39:00.000-07:00

Didnt want to get up for school but have a Hebrew test. Took the entire period practically. Regular day at school. Came home did some quick work then went to a Creative Kavanah class in Baka with Edna Miron-Wapner. It was awesome. First we just did a reflective piece on our year. Then we had a discussion of Rosh Hashana and Avinu Malkeinu. We did some meditation while humming Avinu Malkeinu. As we felt ready we could go off and do our own reflection of Aveinu Malkeinu. I did the cool drawing reflecting the fact that this is a communal prayer but yet a very personal one so i drew the community and all of the thoughts of the congregation surrounding them. I then got into a creation path with a set of hands that are also trees, fire and water, and a pomegranite. Very enjoyable and meaningful evening after a rough day. Somehow Raina saw me on Emek and I hopped in the cab with her home.

2005-09-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

I woke up at 3:00 a.m............yes in the morning! My class went to Slichot at a Sefardic synagogue in French Hill at 4:15 in the morning. This is a traditional service that is done during the month of Elul until Rosh Hashana. Was very interesting. Since the congregation is Orthodox, we (the women) sat in the balcony above. Was hard to see what was going on but very different dynamic of service as very participatory among congregants below. They bring tea to all the congregants which was nice. One of the really neat parts was that as they blow the Shofar they also sing and it was beautiful.

Came back to school, davened shacharit and had a bagel breakfast and discussion of our experience.

Went home took a nap for a few hours, then got up and did some work and went to the shuk for the afternoon with Raina and Heather. Was fun, just a very long day especially when I had to go back to school at 7pm for an education presentation by another group. Came home and crashed before school the next day.

2005-09-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day. Led my group presentation on The Power of Their Ideas by Deborah Meier for Education Seminar with Melissa and Rena. We did a great job presenting this book on the concept of breaking large schools down into smaller schools within a school. For my part I divided the class into 2 groups of teachers, one from a small school and one from a regular large school and had them explore how relations with students would differ. In the small school I gave each participant a name card with their name on it and in the small school group, a card with a number. I tried to present the idea of how students become more than just a number and the personal connection small schools can create. Got good reviews.

In the evening had Women and Halacha class, was interesting we stared talking about time bound mitzvot and which women are required to do. This is a great class.

2005-09-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today it was rather dark when I got up.....boy did I not want to get up after last nights concert but that is the price for fun! It rained todaya lil bit and was rather cool....dont go summer!

School as usual, just from a very tired view point. Had a great meeting about interfaith relations, sounds like a great group to explore the Christian and Muslim communities in Jerusalem.

Getting ready for my education presentation on Tuesday, excited! Good start to the week!

2005-09-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

Had a deep sleep, feeling a little better. Had a lovely t'fillah session led by Tamar and Moshe. Sang a pretty tune for month leading to chagim. In Hebrew we continued our discussion of Israel's decision to destroy synagogues in Gaza before Israel completely leaves the area. Unfortunately, as of class, 4 synagogues had been burned.

Norman Cohen, Provost of HUC spokea bout how HUC changed to unify learning curriculum to prepare its students.

2005-09-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Today was a long day as Sundays are after the weekend. I wasn't feeling so well so i cancelled dinner with Sheryl and Ann. Came home and did a bunch of work, had pasta dinner with Raina. We made na na tea (hot water, nana mint leaves, and a little sugar) for dessert. was really nice to just sit and chill for a bit!

2005-09-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today I got to sleep in, how lovely! I read for ed class all morning and then went to Alon and Lauren's birthday party. Was a lot of fun, ate a bunch! Came back and read and read and read. Ate some dinner and finished up my work for school tomorrow......ahh the joys of starting the week on Sundays!

2005-09-09T00:12:00.000-07:00

Very nice not to have to get up for classes early. I did get up to get some stuff done and go to a meeting cross Jewish dialogue group. On my way to the meeting, which was really far away, I walked past Cafe Hillel where I noticed Yarzheit(memorial) candles burning. I looked at the memorial plaque next to the restaurant to see that this is the two year memorial. Took a moment to remember.

The meeting of the Jerusalem Leadership Institute was really great. Jewish Americans from all different backgrounds all interested in learning more about each other! I joined the committee to help identify different opportunities and activities going on in Jerusalem.

Came home and got ready for Shabbat. Made Mom's cucumber salad for dinner tonight. Grandma hope you are proud! Went to Kol Haneshama with Rachel A. and Jason. Had a nice time. There was a stray cat and dog that came into services. The cat sat next to Jason for a bit! Have to let them know to come back for Parshat Noah!

Had a lovely dinner at Rachel A. and Dena's. Jake, Jason, Emily D., Jess, and Michael were there. We played Contact was fun.

2005-09-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yay today I only have two real classes and then a Torah cantillation one that is an elective. Had Hebrew, my teacher Zohara was back...yay. Then we had Biblical Hebrew Grammar. Interesting teacher. She can write on the board and erase with the other hand. She also has to carry around a cigarette as if she is smoking it all the time and even puts it in her mouth but it isnt lit.

Took the afternoon to study and get some work done. Cantillation class with Tamar was great, going to be a challenge for me.

Went to the shuk with Dena, Rachel A. and Jake. Had fun, got some cukes to make a salad and figs (Mom dont be jealous, we get a carton full for about $2!). Came home wiped and then crazy me went to the mall with Raina to get some things. Had a gigundo dinner with shisklik (shishkabob), malwah, hummus, and salatim was very yummy. Walked around the mall and got some things.

Came home got the cukes sliced and marinating in salt. Called mom to comfort her. Cannot believe Betsy has gone off to Interlochen Academy, my baby sister is growing up.

2005-09-07T10:32:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of our Israel Seminar. I am in Dave Mendelson's group. He is extremely knowledgable about Israel. We read the Agnon story of the goat. I realized that I had read it before in Hebrew! Had an interesting discussion out in the park behind the King David Hotel. Came back and talked more about some Jewish texts and reference to Israel....too long a class period.

Met with Mel and Rena to discuss our Ed presentation. Came home took a nap and did a quick Supersol grocery run. Came home, made dinner, studied and went to bed!

2005-09-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

Shadchan(matchmaker) = slang for stapler...Hebrew word of the day!

Today is a jam packed day. Rabbinic lit with Moshe Silberschein, he is awesome, should be really interesting. Hebrew with Zohara but she wasnt here today so we worked on our assignments and then I went to the library to print out my Ed. paper and get some stuff I need for Bible class.

Had our first formal Ed seminar. I am so excited. Talked about our papers on how we feel as Jews, our connection to Israel and how these two combine to being a Jewish Educator. I really think Sally is great and that this is just the start of something incredible!

Took a lunch break and then had History with David Mendelsson on the history of the Yishuv.

Long day, then came home made a quick dinner. Studied and went to bed!

2005-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Rosh Chodesh....one month till the Chagim. Already seeing the stores stock up on honey and other foods for the holidays.

Had T'fillah today. Was nice. Naamah and Cantor Schleifer led. Had Torah service. Todays classes were Hebrew, Zohara wasnt there so we joined Kitah D, with my old class, miss them :(
Then had Bible. The best part of today was Forum. We met for the first time as Education students with Sally and Rabbi Feinberg. So exciting to finally feel like an ed student! I am really excited about this coming year. Sally is involved with Partnership 2000 with Cleveland- Beit She'an. Going to play Jewish geography. She is also involved in a bunch of informal learning pieces which I cannot wait to learn more about! Yay for Jewish Education!

Crawled home, did my work, ate dinner and went sleepy!

2005-09-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

First day of School.

We joked how we didnt have the new outfit for the first day of school. Met Ben and Emilyot on the way to school. Ben played Mom and took a picture of us on our way to the first day of school, will post.

Ready set, busy day! Hebrew, Hebrew class 2, Bible and Liturgy. In class from 8:30 am to 4:15pm....long day!

Celebrated the first day of school/ Joe's birthday with a little party at their place. Had the yummy chocolate cake, so delish. Had to come home and go to bed....so tired after such a long day!

2005-09-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Took advantage of the rental car Rollin had from her trip and went to Super Deal. Got a bunch of stuff for the week to come! Came home unloaded everything. Went to some house sales, nothing special. Ran some other errands and came home for lunch. Enjoying the quiet afternoon before Shabbat!

2005-09-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

First day of School for Israeli schoolchildren! I got to sleep in today and I gotta say as much as i love my roomies it is nice to have the apartment to myself for a night. Got up finished unpacking and trying to get everything in order after being away. Not feeling so hot so took it easy this afternoon.

Started to feel restless so I decided to go to the Mashbir (department store). As I was walking down the street there was some eerieness as traffic lights were out and police were directing traffic. Everyone was walking in the same direction towards Ben Yehudah street. As I got closer I saw big crowds standing there. I asked a woman what was going on and could only understand part but that people were praying for those from Gaza. I figured I would try and walk around and go to the department store to go in. No such luck, mad crowds. So I heard some girls speaking English so I decided to get the real scoop what was going on. Apparently, 15 bodies from Neveh Dekalim in the Gaza Strip were being moved from the cemetery there to Mt. of Olives. So that explained the parade of ambulances. Decided I needed to get away from this area. Went to Supersol where I ran into Rachel, Rachel, Karen, Rena, Tammuz and Michael F. got some groceries and came home.

Now time to finish my ed reading and begin my paper due Tuesday....dont like being sent homework assignments during my break but mah la'ahsot (what can I do?)!

2005-08-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Sfat synagogue

2005-08-30T12:50:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter Havdallah Candle!

2005-08-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

Nimbus 2000 or Firebolt Havdallah candles!

2005-08-30T03:40:00.000-07:00

Garden in Sfat

2005-08-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-25T03:52:00.000-07:00

My Ulpan Kitah singing with Osnat :)

2005-08-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

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!).

2005-08-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-21T22:18:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-19T03:37:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-17T15:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-14T21:15:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-12T16:43:00.000-07:00

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.....

2005-08-12T02:54:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-11T22:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

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!

2005-08-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2005-08-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2005-08-01T03:44:00.000-07:00

Har Herzl with Ulpan class

2005-07-31T22:57:00.000-07:00

Sunday's are always hard since they are "work days," miss having that extra day of the weekend.

Went with Raina to King George Street shopping. Proudly conversed about curtains in Hebrew.

Tonight was ladies MEATMEET night....went with Rollin, Raina, and the galls. Oy so so stuffed.

The best part of today was that I decided to call the Uhers and see how they were doing since I knew Rebbie was due any day. I called to find out that they had a beautiful new girl named Eliana. I am so thrilled for them and very sad that I am not there to see here. One thing I look forward to going home for in January. YAY MAZEL TOV!!!

2005-07-30T21:41:00.000-07:00

Today was a much welcomed day of Shabbat...finally a chance to sleep in and relax. Studied some Hebrew and went to the park for lunch with Jill, Sandi, Star and Jordan. We had a really nice time, ate way too much. Had a nice relaxing rest of the afternoon. I needed to have some time to myself so I took a lovely walk to Yemin Moshe and loved to be able to look out at the walls of the Old City.

Tonight we did Havdallah at another park, it was really pretty. I love all the little parks here. Then I came home to get ready for another school week...trying hard to adjust to this Sunday is a work/ go to school day!

2005-07-29T22:11:00.000-07:00

T.G.I.SH. Thank goodness its Shabbos. Boy it has been a long week. Tonight we are hosting a Shabbat dinner. I got up and did some last minute errands for the weekend at SuperSol. Headed home and began making my yummy gazpacho (recipe available upon request). Had to stop early to go meet Neil for lunch, we went to Atara on Azza and it was so delicious! When I came home, Raina, Rollin, and I finished up all the cooking and getting the apartment “guest ready.” I called Mom and Dad to wish them a Shabbat shalom and got ready to go to services. We went to the Conservative Synagogue, the service was lovely because students were leading. Raina's friend, Ben, led mincha.

Afterwards, Heather, Owen, Dena, Ben, Raina, and I all headed back to the apartment to meet Rollin for dinner. We had a lovely dinner of my gazpacho, lasagna, veggies, and of course Marzipan (this really awesome gooey chocolate rugelach!). It was a really nice group to have join us. We were all really ready for sleep.

2005-07-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

Today I am really excited because we are going on our first field trip (“site learning experiences”!)........bright and early we met at HUC to catch the buses. Off we went to the Tayelet- Haas Promenade for a brief overview of different points in Jerusalem and the Kidron valley. We took a little hike down a path and got to see pomegranate, date and olive trees. We boarded the bus and headed to East Jerusalem. Wow! What a difference from where we came from. Everything is in Arabic and the mannerisms were different. We got off the bus along side part of the Valley and saw the Mount of Olives Cemetery. Absoloms tomb is located there. It was so interesting to see the beautiful masoleums hewn out of the stone. All of the tombs have biblical names but were built in the 2^nd Temple period. A 3000 year old tomb we saw was the grave of Pharoah's daughter. Originally there was a pyramid on top by that was destroyed to use the stone for other uses. Along the same wall there were lots of openings that led to caves that were burial chambers. (Location: Silwan...Arab/Palestinian village)

It was amazing to be right next to the Old City wall and have the Al Aksa mosque right there on the other side. We continued down the road to Ir David- City of David. We stopped to look around and discuss David and Bathsheba. After lunch we headed down to Warren's shaft which led to water but was impossible to obtain water from since clay jars dropped down that far would hit the walls of the shaft and inevitably break. Off to Hezekiah's tunnel we went. So glad to have my Tevas! The water was really cold at first but felt great coming from the heat. We walked and walked and walked through the tunnel which seemed never ending. It was so amazing being inside and thinking that human beings dug it out over time. I would love to go back again and walk through it in complete peace!

After a shower and power nap....we went to hear Shlomo Artzi and Shalom Chinuch (think Israeli version of Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen) at the Sultan's Pool, they were amazing. Not to mention that we had the Old City walls to our right, a real, WOW I am in Israel moment!

2005-07-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

Picnic in the park

2005-07-19T03:43:00.000-07:00

Going to the Wine Festival

2005-07-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

First day of Ulpan, I am in a Kitah Daled with Osnat. She is great. We read a story and talked about it. Afterwards we played a game where we wrote 4 numbers significant to us and the class had to guess what each of the numbers meant. I did 13, 2, 6, and 4...guess their significance to me.

Afterwards Rollin, Raina and i did a much needed trip to the grocery!

2005-07-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Today we had services at HUC, pleasant. Ran into a Cleveland Rabbi from the congregation I taught at. Went to park for shabbos lunch. Lovely except for the guy who sat staring at us for the entire time. Luckily Robert came and guarded us :). Went back home and relaxed.

Evening reception with HUC alumni, ice cream, wine, pastry. Met the brother of a father whose kids I sit for (make sense). Small world. Nice little havdallah service.

Went with Jill to get new Harry Potter on Ben Yehuda. What a scene seeing ultra-orthodox to secular Jews pouring into Steimatzky to get their copy after Shabbat ended!

Tomorrow first day of ulpan....

2005-07-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

Today we had our last day of orientation. Welcoming by David Ellenson. Learned about adjusting to Israeli culture.

Got ready for Shabbat, all very tired.

Picked up my suitcase that Amy and Simon so nicely brought along on their Young Adult mission from Federation!

Shabbat at HUC, pleasantly nice. Dinner on patio, was lovely. Afterwards had a song session that was so much fun, everyone got into it and it was great.

2005-07-15T22:39:00.000-07:00

Today we met with Rabbi Ellenson and he spoke to us. We then had a cross-cultural workshop with Alyne Bat Haim about adjusting to life in Israel and the many realities we will face.....to be continued after shabbat.....

We went home and got ready for Shabbat. Naamah did a program with us on Shabbat and then we were joined by the community for Shabbat services. Afterwards there was a special dinner for us on the patio. It was really nice. The best part of the evening was when all of us students got up and sang and danced after dinner. How wonderful to feel such spirit from my classmates! Hope it continues for the rest of the year

2005-07-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

Shacharit, middle east update with Paul Liptz, Israel Progressive Movement presentation.

Went to Jill and Sandy's for dinner, very nice. They are much fun!

2005-07-12T23:46:00.000-07:00

Orientation began last night with a get to know you activity and ice cream.

Today we davened shacharit and had a series of speakers on HUC and Uplan.

Went to Malka mall had lots of fun going all around and getting stuff....really enjoyed my Whopper from Burger King!