So, I went to Ma'ale Adumim this shabbos, to my roommates's house, with Michal. It was actually a lot of fun, if kinda quiet. (I don't mind quiet - sleep is a great thing on Shabbos. A great and wonderful thing)
The bus goes past Yaffo, so Michal and I headed to Ben Yehudah for lunch before catching the bus out. We had a bit of a panic on the bus, because normally when we're heading for Daniela's, we'll call her when we cross into Ma'ale Adumim, and she'll stand at the bus stop and call when she sees us coming so we'll know to hit the button. But this time she wasn't picking up her phone and we didn't know the name of the stop or her home number. So we panicked. She picked up on the fourth or fifth call, and it all worked out fine in the end.
We got there early and hung out for a bit, and Shabbos (like I said) was a mostly quiet affair, with lots of reading. I read three books. All of them by Eoin Colfer (of Artemis Fowl fame - I read the latest one on Friday night) but it's nice to take a mental break every once in a while. Considering I'm spending some 9+ hours a day on limudei kodesh and reading Anna Karrenina in my spare time, mindless YA novels are wonderful.
When Shabbos ended, we watched the rest of the Transformers movie (we started it last week, on Saturday night, during Daniela's second birthday party. Her first on was midnight Wednesday night (she turned 19 on Thursday) and then on Sat. night a few of us who could make it came to her house for unhealthy food and awesome movies. But we had to cut the movie short to make it back to curfew, and Michal was the only one who had never seen it, so we finished it tonight. I still love that movie, even if it's aimed at 15-year-old boys. For those...slightly older people reading this blog, I'm talking about the live-action Transformers movie that came out this summer. Not the original animated one where Optimus Prime died. I never saw that one, and based on my inability to watch old animated shows for very long without frequent breaks, I doubt I ever will.)
Anyway, a bunch of teachers from S/A/R were in the country this weeked (winter break!) so the school had a semi-reunion tonight. Michal and I headed back after the movie, and I was still fairly early for the party. It was nice. I chatted with a bunch of people whom I like but I don't keep in touch with because we're not that close. Also, it was in the OU building, which is in between Ben Yehudah (where the bus from Ma'ale Adumim let me off) and my school, so when the party ended, I just hopped on the 7 and was back in school in minutes. It was a nice night, all around.
This week, we're having a three-day tiyul in Eilat, just because. Oh, and to make everything all better, we're leaving at 2:30 in the morning. Some girls are planning on staying up because it's just not worth going to sleep. Not me! So you might not hear from me for a while (not that that's a new thing)
This update is for you Mom! Can't wait to see you!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Another Shabbos, More Sufganiyot (I'm eating waaay too many of those...)
So, I'm on Chanukah vacation. I have to say, I like this system of Jewish holiday-based vacations. Tomorrow I'm planning on visiting my cousings in Tel Aviv, wish me luck. I 'm not really sure which bus to take.
But that's not waht this post is about. This post is about Shabbos. I was in Chasmonayim, with Rachel adn Joel and co. Rinat wasn't there, but it was OK, because I brought Eliana with me. I'm still sick (almost day 8 now!) so we slept in another house because Rachel's mom has a weak immune sysytem, but it was fine. We davened in that hosue on Friday night because it was raining heavily (heaviest rain I've been here for) and we had a fun vegetarian meal, I love the dairly quiches during shabbos.
We made it to shul really early the next day, and it was nice. During the Rabbi's speech, when they pull the curtains on the Machitzah back, I saw Josh and Ashy, so I went over after shul to say hi.
The shul as having some sort of shul luncheon, and Eliana and I sat at the family table, and had a meat meal. Somehow I always manage to do that whenever I visit, despite the fact that they're vegetarian. After lunch Eliana and I just slept for the rest of Shabbos, which was fantastic. Shabbos naps are saving me from my crazy schedule this year.
After Shabos Rinat was throwing a Chanukah party for her friends, which naturally included my whole senior grade. They were all invitied, less then half showed up, but it was a lot of fun. We made our own sufganiyot (it must be my fourth this year, which is crazy for me) and ate fun vegetarian hot dogs and chicken. We played some Jewish Tabboo, sat around and talked, stood around and talked, ate some more, sang some songs, etc. It was really fun. For the last half-hour or so, we watched the begining of the Simpsons Movie, and I take back everything I said to Zvi, it's hysterical.
Rinat had hired a bus to take a group to and from Yerushalayim for the party. I don't know how much it was to go both ways (I took the Chareidi Superbus into Chashmonaim again) but it was 15 shekel to take it back to Yerushalayim, so Eliana and I decided to take it back with everyone. It was fun, I chatted with Yael the whole way (and Ein Hanatziv is really laid-back) while Noam acted like a flight attendent on the microphone in front of the bus. The bus stopped at the Tachanah Merkazit, where Eliana and I got off and caught the 7 back to sem.
I'm probably going to try to go grocery shopping Monday, or at least run over the Makolet and buy milk, as I have none, but I'm missing home and the total lack of responsibility when I'm sick. You don't want to take care of yourself when you're ill, really.
But that's not waht this post is about. This post is about Shabbos. I was in Chasmonayim, with Rachel adn Joel and co. Rinat wasn't there, but it was OK, because I brought Eliana with me. I'm still sick (almost day 8 now!) so we slept in another house because Rachel's mom has a weak immune sysytem, but it was fine. We davened in that hosue on Friday night because it was raining heavily (heaviest rain I've been here for) and we had a fun vegetarian meal, I love the dairly quiches during shabbos.
We made it to shul really early the next day, and it was nice. During the Rabbi's speech, when they pull the curtains on the Machitzah back, I saw Josh and Ashy, so I went over after shul to say hi.
The shul as having some sort of shul luncheon, and Eliana and I sat at the family table, and had a meat meal. Somehow I always manage to do that whenever I visit, despite the fact that they're vegetarian. After lunch Eliana and I just slept for the rest of Shabbos, which was fantastic. Shabbos naps are saving me from my crazy schedule this year.
After Shabos Rinat was throwing a Chanukah party for her friends, which naturally included my whole senior grade. They were all invitied, less then half showed up, but it was a lot of fun. We made our own sufganiyot (it must be my fourth this year, which is crazy for me) and ate fun vegetarian hot dogs and chicken. We played some Jewish Tabboo, sat around and talked, stood around and talked, ate some more, sang some songs, etc. It was really fun. For the last half-hour or so, we watched the begining of the Simpsons Movie, and I take back everything I said to Zvi, it's hysterical.
Rinat had hired a bus to take a group to and from Yerushalayim for the party. I don't know how much it was to go both ways (I took the Chareidi Superbus into Chashmonaim again) but it was 15 shekel to take it back to Yerushalayim, so Eliana and I decided to take it back with everyone. It was fun, I chatted with Yael the whole way (and Ein Hanatziv is really laid-back) while Noam acted like a flight attendent on the microphone in front of the bus. The bus stopped at the Tachanah Merkazit, where Eliana and I got off and caught the 7 back to sem.
I'm probably going to try to go grocery shopping Monday, or at least run over the Makolet and buy milk, as I have none, but I'm missing home and the total lack of responsibility when I'm sick. You don't want to take care of yourself when you're ill, really.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Sick
This is day four of the unidentifiable illness of doom. I've managed to miss nearly all my classes, but Shani T. says the according to Talmud, the best cure for illness is to study Torah. Somehow, I'm less then surprised.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving...Sort Of
So, I wanted to throw a big Thanksgiving party, with all sorts of fun stuff, like maybe a turkey. Of course, that plan fell apart pretty quickly, as nearly everyone had some sort of family/friends from different Midrashot plans already. So instead I grabbed Eliana, and we decided to head for Emek Rfa'im, one of the two hang-out streets. Basically, there's a lot of food options. It's around 45 minute walk from school, give or take, so we decided to walk it.
Well, about 8 minutes into the walk, a dog picks us as the most interesting thing around. And this dog follows us. And follows us. In fact, the dog follows us all the way to Emek Rfa'im. Problem? We cross a bunch of BIG streets on the way. A big street in Israel can have up to three lights, with little island things you stand on in the middle of the road. And this dog was stupid, kept getting himself in the middle of the road before realizing we'd stopped at the last island-thing. We'd start shouting at the dog (I tried in Hebrew, it can't hurt right?) and eventually he'd come back to us. We spent most of the walk FREAKING OUT. And I don't think there's any sort of animal control in this country.
Anyway, when we finally got there he picked someone else to follow, and we ducked into Shnitzi's, which is similar to Chickies, but not as good (in my personal opinion, that is). Anyway, we both got sandwiches, and hung out, watching the crowd. Normally when I'm there (which isn't often at all, really) There's a ton of American teens with their friends. Lots of people I know at different Yeshivas and Midrashot. But this time, it was mostly Israeli's. Interesting change. More people started showing up as we left, but we decided to walk back, so we didn't want to stick around for too long. It was very cold outside.
Anyway, we got back around 11 at night, and I went back to my room to crash. Out of the four people in my suite, only Lani and I stayed in that night, as my roomie went to her parent's house (they made aliyah) and Rikki flew home, so it was pretty quiet. Now I just have to finish packing and get on a bus to Beit Shemesh for Shabbos.
Well, about 8 minutes into the walk, a dog picks us as the most interesting thing around. And this dog follows us. And follows us. In fact, the dog follows us all the way to Emek Rfa'im. Problem? We cross a bunch of BIG streets on the way. A big street in Israel can have up to three lights, with little island things you stand on in the middle of the road. And this dog was stupid, kept getting himself in the middle of the road before realizing we'd stopped at the last island-thing. We'd start shouting at the dog (I tried in Hebrew, it can't hurt right?) and eventually he'd come back to us. We spent most of the walk FREAKING OUT. And I don't think there's any sort of animal control in this country.
Anyway, when we finally got there he picked someone else to follow, and we ducked into Shnitzi's, which is similar to Chickies, but not as good (in my personal opinion, that is). Anyway, we both got sandwiches, and hung out, watching the crowd. Normally when I'm there (which isn't often at all, really) There's a ton of American teens with their friends. Lots of people I know at different Yeshivas and Midrashot. But this time, it was mostly Israeli's. Interesting change. More people started showing up as we left, but we decided to walk back, so we didn't want to stick around for too long. It was very cold outside.
Anyway, we got back around 11 at night, and I went back to my room to crash. Out of the four people in my suite, only Lani and I stayed in that night, as my roomie went to her parent's house (they made aliyah) and Rikki flew home, so it was pretty quiet. Now I just have to finish packing and get on a bus to Beit Shemesh for Shabbos.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Timing
Signs here tend to be in military time. Which is fantastic, as far as I'm concerned, because I love military time. It's more elegent then "am" and "pm" and I enjoy being able to switch back and forth in my head. Both the digital readout on all of my watches and my computer have been set in military time for at least three years now. The only thing that has seriously confused me was when I was at the bank. The bank opens pretty early, then closes for around three hours in the middle of the day (siesta, as far as I'm concerned, but most places seem to not take them here anymore. In Argentina, everywhere except Buenos Aires SHUTS DOWN during siesta.) and then the post office reopens. Anyway, the times were written left-to-right, but arranged right-to-left. I didn't realize it, and spent a good three minutes, staring at that sign, trying to figure out why the post office had the absolute wierdest hours ever. (I won't be writing in military time here, mostly, because most people reading this are American. I am starting to use it when writing notes to myself.)
Now, time difference is a whole 'nother ball game. Frustrating at absolute best. The East coast of America is normally a 7-hour time difference. I have one of those world-time options on my watch, and it's perpetually set to New York. I also got pretty good at counting back seven hours in the first few days of seminary. Ah, but then it all changed. The clocks here change right before Yom Kippur, so that the fast ends waaaaaay early. (This is also a political issue, involving the government, and the rabbinate, and the public complaints. But that's the basic expliantion.) Anyway, now the East coast is only six hours away. It means I don't call in the morning anymore, because I don't wake up that early, but I can call earlier in the afternoon. It also means I haven't spoken to Zvi in a while, because I'm normally in class before he's heading to school and I'm going to bed when he's coming back, roughly. Also, my roommate is from Seattle, so her time difference is also a whole different set of problems, and is also more frustrating for her. She sometimes does wake up early to call her friends, as they're all still up.
And then there's Sundays. Sundays here are just another work day. Much less of Christian influence then America, you see. It took a bit getting used to. Scratch that, I'm still not used to it. Saturday nights were the party night, and now I have class at 9:15 Sunday morning, so I'm more careful with then. Thursday night is that party night now, as there are no classes on Friday. But partying can't start until after Bkiut class, which ends at 10, or Mishmar (which is optional, but normally full) which ends at 11. And curfew is still 12:30, if you're planning on sleeping in the dorm. So...we watch movies, mostly. Good movies, bad movies, chick flicks, etc. Someone is normally wandering down the hall, knocking on people's doors and asking if they have any DVD's. (That happens every night, though, not just Thursday. Talia, a friend of mine at another seminary, came to visit one Wednesday night (I don't kn0w why either) and we found out she'd never seen Dirty Dancing. Needless to say, I was really really tired the next day during morning shiur.) Then whoever is in the room (I normally watch in Michal's room, because I'm friends with the room and it's right next door to mine.) votes on a movie, and there we go! The only problem is if you want to do things on Friday, you have to get up earlier to have time before you start heading to your hosts for Shabbos. So...not so much sleep Thursday night. I've ditched the movie a couple of times, because by Thursday night I am crashing. I don't get a lot of sleep during the week.
But our lack of free Sundays has resulted in me calling America around 7 in the morning on Sundays a few time, because I'm wide awake and chipper because it's lunch time for me, and I forget that there's no work on Sundays in America. It's a normal work day for me, after all. I laugh about it every time, because I find it amusing. I'm not sure anyone sleeping in my house Sunday morning would be inclined to agree.
Now, time difference is a whole 'nother ball game. Frustrating at absolute best. The East coast of America is normally a 7-hour time difference. I have one of those world-time options on my watch, and it's perpetually set to New York. I also got pretty good at counting back seven hours in the first few days of seminary. Ah, but then it all changed. The clocks here change right before Yom Kippur, so that the fast ends waaaaaay early. (This is also a political issue, involving the government, and the rabbinate, and the public complaints. But that's the basic expliantion.) Anyway, now the East coast is only six hours away. It means I don't call in the morning anymore, because I don't wake up that early, but I can call earlier in the afternoon. It also means I haven't spoken to Zvi in a while, because I'm normally in class before he's heading to school and I'm going to bed when he's coming back, roughly. Also, my roommate is from Seattle, so her time difference is also a whole different set of problems, and is also more frustrating for her. She sometimes does wake up early to call her friends, as they're all still up.
And then there's Sundays. Sundays here are just another work day. Much less of Christian influence then America, you see. It took a bit getting used to. Scratch that, I'm still not used to it. Saturday nights were the party night, and now I have class at 9:15 Sunday morning, so I'm more careful with then. Thursday night is that party night now, as there are no classes on Friday. But partying can't start until after Bkiut class, which ends at 10, or Mishmar (which is optional, but normally full) which ends at 11. And curfew is still 12:30, if you're planning on sleeping in the dorm. So...we watch movies, mostly. Good movies, bad movies, chick flicks, etc. Someone is normally wandering down the hall, knocking on people's doors and asking if they have any DVD's. (That happens every night, though, not just Thursday. Talia, a friend of mine at another seminary, came to visit one Wednesday night (I don't kn0w why either) and we found out she'd never seen Dirty Dancing. Needless to say, I was really really tired the next day during morning shiur.) Then whoever is in the room (I normally watch in Michal's room, because I'm friends with the room and it's right next door to mine.) votes on a movie, and there we go! The only problem is if you want to do things on Friday, you have to get up earlier to have time before you start heading to your hosts for Shabbos. So...not so much sleep Thursday night. I've ditched the movie a couple of times, because by Thursday night I am crashing. I don't get a lot of sleep during the week.
But our lack of free Sundays has resulted in me calling America around 7 in the morning on Sundays a few time, because I'm wide awake and chipper because it's lunch time for me, and I forget that there's no work on Sundays in America. It's a normal work day for me, after all. I laugh about it every time, because I find it amusing. I'm not sure anyone sleeping in my house Sunday morning would be inclined to agree.
Advocacy
The David Project is an organization that teaches students how to advocate for Israel, specifically on the college campus. My program offers a course every Tuesday, I'm taking it. Last Tuesday night one of our teachers invited us to a talk he was having with some Irish tourists, who he hinted might be a bit anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian Arab.
To sum up, they were. Well, at least the ones who spoke. There was a whole large group, and we all sat around in a rough circle. We (the students of the class) were basically instructed not to talk, as this was supposed to be a learning experience for us, and we'd only had a few advocacy classes, so we couldn't really be expected to do a good job. They (the Irish tourists, and I only mention that they were Irish constantly, because their accents were very cool) mostly didn't talk. It came down to about four very loud, insistant people and maybe five people who actually waited their turn. It was clear that anyone who spoke had a pre-existing Pro-Palestinian Arab bent. Some were a bit more obvious in their bias, accusing Israel and demanding explinations. One guy tried to give the whole thing a religious basis, but he was also pretty anti-Israel. One woman was a little bit over the top (she claimed that you can "blame the victim" - at least when the victim is Israel.) but on the whole they were pretty polite. It was astonishing how wrong their facts were a lot of the time. How can you argue against things that aren't really true? They were nice peole before and after the talk at least.
It's a taste of what might come, but when we spoke about it in class the next day, some teachers expressed their personal beleifs that the whole process might be futile. I'm inclined to agree with them. Maybe it's the cynic inside me, but I don't really think anyone who has clearly made up his or her mind is going to change it, especially based on one hour-long talk. I do think it's important to do this, as peaceful discourse is always a plus, but most advocacy is not peaceful, sit-down discuccsions with people who want to talk. It's rarely a sit-down discussion with people who don't have an opinion. So...important skills to have, but it's not the most important part of advocacy. Intersting experience, though.
To sum up, they were. Well, at least the ones who spoke. There was a whole large group, and we all sat around in a rough circle. We (the students of the class) were basically instructed not to talk, as this was supposed to be a learning experience for us, and we'd only had a few advocacy classes, so we couldn't really be expected to do a good job. They (the Irish tourists, and I only mention that they were Irish constantly, because their accents were very cool) mostly didn't talk. It came down to about four very loud, insistant people and maybe five people who actually waited their turn. It was clear that anyone who spoke had a pre-existing Pro-Palestinian Arab bent. Some were a bit more obvious in their bias, accusing Israel and demanding explinations. One guy tried to give the whole thing a religious basis, but he was also pretty anti-Israel. One woman was a little bit over the top (she claimed that you can "blame the victim" - at least when the victim is Israel.) but on the whole they were pretty polite. It was astonishing how wrong their facts were a lot of the time. How can you argue against things that aren't really true? They were nice peole before and after the talk at least.
It's a taste of what might come, but when we spoke about it in class the next day, some teachers expressed their personal beleifs that the whole process might be futile. I'm inclined to agree with them. Maybe it's the cynic inside me, but I don't really think anyone who has clearly made up his or her mind is going to change it, especially based on one hour-long talk. I do think it's important to do this, as peaceful discourse is always a plus, but most advocacy is not peaceful, sit-down discuccsions with people who want to talk. It's rarely a sit-down discussion with people who don't have an opinion. So...important skills to have, but it's not the most important part of advocacy. Intersting experience, though.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Fruit is not in Shmitah yet, a fact for which I am eternally gratefull
Did you know that oranges here are green. You heard me. And they taste wonderful. A little fresher then American ones. Of course, nearly all produce tastes better then American produce here, but I'm not a big orange fan in America and I can't get enough of them here.
(Which may or may not have anything to do with my utter delight at the color. Green! I don't think I can eat orange oranges anymore. Green!)
I also need to figure out how to make food besides cerael and milk, as I'm getting a little sick of it as my main souce of snacking and my backup when I miss meals. I'm a little leary about buying vegetables, though, as I haven't quite figured out exactly what signs will tell me if something is keduashat shvi'it and such.
(Which may or may not have anything to do with my utter delight at the color. Green! I don't think I can eat orange oranges anymore. Green!)
I also need to figure out how to make food besides cerael and milk, as I'm getting a little sick of it as my main souce of snacking and my backup when I miss meals. I'm a little leary about buying vegetables, though, as I haven't quite figured out exactly what signs will tell me if something is keduashat shvi'it and such.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Ah, Hebrew
So these two Israeli girls (in the Israeli program) are offering an ulpan type thing for any girls who are interested in the American program. Now, anyone who knows me is fully aware of my hyserical Hebrew skills, so I figures this was probably a good oppertunity for me.
Well, the first part of the program is taking a test, to establish skill levels. The test is around five double-sided pages long and it gets harder as you go. I figured I'd go through a few pages and give up. But no, apparently I'm good enough to finish this thing! So I did. With occasionall complaints to the poor girls proctering us.
My favorite part were the sentance fill-ins. I just had fun with them. In multiple sentences I mentioned my desire for the test to end. Sometimes I mentined how I would never again travel withough my trusty Hebrew/English dictionary. Best part was when a sentance would begin with words I couldn't understand. Something like "Ani GIBBIERISHWORDSTHATIDON'TKNOW _________________________" I'd fill in the blank with something along the lines of, "aval ani no mvinah "GIVVERISHWORDSTHATIDON'TKNOW"' and that would be my complete sentance. It took me an hour and half, but I was entertained!
Well, the first part of the program is taking a test, to establish skill levels. The test is around five double-sided pages long and it gets harder as you go. I figured I'd go through a few pages and give up. But no, apparently I'm good enough to finish this thing! So I did. With occasionall complaints to the poor girls proctering us.
My favorite part were the sentance fill-ins. I just had fun with them. In multiple sentences I mentioned my desire for the test to end. Sometimes I mentined how I would never again travel withough my trusty Hebrew/English dictionary. Best part was when a sentance would begin with words I couldn't understand. Something like "Ani GIBBIERISHWORDSTHATIDON'TKNOW _________________________" I'd fill in the blank with something along the lines of, "aval ani no mvinah "GIVVERISHWORDSTHATIDON'TKNOW"' and that would be my complete sentance. It took me an hour and half, but I was entertained!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Too much to explain, so I'll sum up
Yom Kippur: We went to Kibbutz (No, I don't remember the name. It was more then an hours drive away) and the whole group split off to different minyanim, either at one of two Hesder Yeshivas, one in the Kibbutz shul, and one Sephardi minyan. I went to the Hesder Yeshiva on the main kibbutz campus, and it was wonderful. I didn't make it to everything (I was still feeling sick) but everything I was at was more inspirational then many minyanim I have been at. There was great singing, all of the guys were really into it, etc. There was only a half-hour break incorporated into the davening, and at the end we sang random stuff to stall for time until Maariv. Also, they sang every single line in Avinu Malkeinu, which was partially to stall for time, and partly the local custom, apparently. I wan't expecting it, though. I also noticed for the first time that the sun takes around twenty minutes to set here. Maybe less. One second it's light outside, the next it's not. A little bit disorienting.
Succot: So, there is entire saga of calls made between me and Ruthie (a friend of mine going to another Sem. who I really wanted to spend some time with, so we were trying to get together for the first days.) and Tzippy H. (my cousin, who we were trying to spend the first days at). But in the abbreviating attitude of this post, it all worked out and Ruthie and I met a the Kotel Wednesday afternoon (we were supposed to meet at noon. I got very, very lost, first on the bus system and then later in the Old City. So we met closer to one o'clock.) and we went out to lunch before picking up her stuff at her Sem. and heading to the Tachana Merkazit (Central Bus Station). We caught the right bus, no problem, but ended up gettting off a stop late. Oops. Still, I called David (Tzippy's husband) and he picked us up. Good thing, 'cause Ruthie had at least three bags, and I had my HUGE Israeli backpack I had bought on Tuesday. It is large, blue, and awesome, I could smuggle small children in it, and I can fit six outfits along with toiletries and other stuff for traveling. It's a little unwieldy, but I like it.
Anyway, I then meet my second cousins - four boys and a little girl. Anyone who know me knows that it took me the better part of two days to remember everyone's names, but I've got it down now. :D Anyway, Wednesday night through Thurday was run-of-the mill, we went to shul, ate meals, napped. Thurday night, it got a little interesting. Ruthie is keeping two days of chag this year, and I'm only keeping one. So, basically, we found a local place that was having a second day davening (Reishit Yeshiva, for the curious) and we decided to go there. One of the boys drove me there so I'd know the way Friday morning, and I set an alarm before we went to sleep. And the next morning we got up bright and early and trecked to the Yeshiva. I brought a cell phone in case we got lost, and I hid it before we got there. The Yeshiva gate was propped open with a rock, but there weren't any clear directions, so we wandered for a bit unti we heard davening, and then we just followed the sound until we found it. We made pretty good time.
That afternoon we read for a bit. I was in charge of the lights and the fan. It was pretty hot, so we wanted to fan on, but it made this annoying THUMPTHUMP noise after a while, and it got hard to concetrate. So it was my job to fiddle with it, turning it on and off. Then Ruthie decided to take a nap and I went to check my e-mail.
That night was our last night and it was great. Some friends from up the street came to visit and we ended up hanging out in the succah until 1:30 in the morning, joking around and having a great time. The next day, after lunch, we went over to the friends' house and played Power Grid, this interesting German board game. The instructions were badly translated and hysterical to read. I also borrowed some books (I've been trying to get my hands on good R.A.H. and there he was!) I don't really get a lot of reading time, but I'll be here all year.
The bus ride home was a first for me. This very clearly drunk Israeli girl was harrasing me, but I couldn't understand most of what she was saying. She did insult my manners, though, which I found hysterical in retrospect, because she was loud and obnoxious, and repetedly told to shut up by other people on the bus. Still, adventure, right?
Ruthie and hung out in the Tachana Merkazit for a while. We met a friend of hers and ate dinner, while contemplating what to do next. I wanted to take the bus back to Sem. but I didn't feel comfortable leaving Ruthie in a cab by herself. So we took a cab together to Ben Yehudah, where she met up w/friends and I caught the last bus. (Funny fact. We both know Rami L. Me from school, and her from Machach. And guess who the first person we saw on Ben Yehuda was?) I got back to the dorm and crashed. It was an awesome weekend.
Succot: So, there is entire saga of calls made between me and Ruthie (a friend of mine going to another Sem. who I really wanted to spend some time with, so we were trying to get together for the first days.) and Tzippy H. (my cousin, who we were trying to spend the first days at). But in the abbreviating attitude of this post, it all worked out and Ruthie and I met a the Kotel Wednesday afternoon (we were supposed to meet at noon. I got very, very lost, first on the bus system and then later in the Old City. So we met closer to one o'clock.) and we went out to lunch before picking up her stuff at her Sem. and heading to the Tachana Merkazit (Central Bus Station). We caught the right bus, no problem, but ended up gettting off a stop late. Oops. Still, I called David (Tzippy's husband) and he picked us up. Good thing, 'cause Ruthie had at least three bags, and I had my HUGE Israeli backpack I had bought on Tuesday. It is large, blue, and awesome, I could smuggle small children in it, and I can fit six outfits along with toiletries and other stuff for traveling. It's a little unwieldy, but I like it.
Anyway, I then meet my second cousins - four boys and a little girl. Anyone who know me knows that it took me the better part of two days to remember everyone's names, but I've got it down now. :D Anyway, Wednesday night through Thurday was run-of-the mill, we went to shul, ate meals, napped. Thurday night, it got a little interesting. Ruthie is keeping two days of chag this year, and I'm only keeping one. So, basically, we found a local place that was having a second day davening (Reishit Yeshiva, for the curious) and we decided to go there. One of the boys drove me there so I'd know the way Friday morning, and I set an alarm before we went to sleep. And the next morning we got up bright and early and trecked to the Yeshiva. I brought a cell phone in case we got lost, and I hid it before we got there. The Yeshiva gate was propped open with a rock, but there weren't any clear directions, so we wandered for a bit unti we heard davening, and then we just followed the sound until we found it. We made pretty good time.
That afternoon we read for a bit. I was in charge of the lights and the fan. It was pretty hot, so we wanted to fan on, but it made this annoying THUMPTHUMP noise after a while, and it got hard to concetrate. So it was my job to fiddle with it, turning it on and off. Then Ruthie decided to take a nap and I went to check my e-mail.
That night was our last night and it was great. Some friends from up the street came to visit and we ended up hanging out in the succah until 1:30 in the morning, joking around and having a great time. The next day, after lunch, we went over to the friends' house and played Power Grid, this interesting German board game. The instructions were badly translated and hysterical to read. I also borrowed some books (I've been trying to get my hands on good R.A.H. and there he was!) I don't really get a lot of reading time, but I'll be here all year.
The bus ride home was a first for me. This very clearly drunk Israeli girl was harrasing me, but I couldn't understand most of what she was saying. She did insult my manners, though, which I found hysterical in retrospect, because she was loud and obnoxious, and repetedly told to shut up by other people on the bus. Still, adventure, right?
Ruthie and hung out in the Tachana Merkazit for a while. We met a friend of hers and ate dinner, while contemplating what to do next. I wanted to take the bus back to Sem. but I didn't feel comfortable leaving Ruthie in a cab by herself. So we took a cab together to Ben Yehudah, where she met up w/friends and I caught the last bus. (Funny fact. We both know Rami L. Me from school, and her from Machach. And guess who the first person we saw on Ben Yehuda was?) I got back to the dorm and crashed. It was an awesome weekend.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Rosh Hashana Part II
So, I'm at the Z.'s. I got to sleep in Miriam's office, which doubles as a very pretty guest bedroom. With my own bathroom. It was absolutely fantastic. Anyway, Wednesday night was the only "in" meal, at the Z.'s. Their awesome people, if I haven't mentioned before. And it was really nice, being with people that I knew pretty well.
The next day we all headed to shul, and made it in time for Shofar blowing. The davening was pretty good, but the women's section was mostly unsinging, which always frustrates me. (I'm planning on researching the shul I go to for Simchat Torah, so I won't have to deal with it.)
We went out for lunch, and I'm going to admit that due to the fact that I didn't write this right after chag, the days blurred together a little bit. So, on the first day, I believe that I met the woman who set up Mom and Dad (cool, right?). We went out that night as well, and the next day was pretty similar, everyone made it to Shofar blowing again and then we headed out somewhere else for lunch. Post-lunch was naptime on both days and it's a good thing too, because I was exhausted from adjusting to my new schedule during the day. I spent a bit of time reading The Thornbirds (excellent, excellent book) before falling asleep for a couple of hours.
Friday night was going to be the second "in" meal, but the M.'s (the people I went to on my first free Shabbos) invited me. They're one block up from the Z.'s. When I say up, I mean it, you have to walk up a path in between the houses to get there. So I went there for dinner Friday night, and I could barely eat after two days of stuffing myself. Really, I never realizing how crazy three-day Yuntif's are until I'm surrounded by people who are REALLY unused to them, and then it does seem a little nuts. Anyway, it was really nice going back to the M.'s and Betsy gave me some ideas for Chol Hamoed that I'm planning on checking out.
Anyway, Shabbos day was similar again, except I finished that book and I hung out with the family a little bit. After Shabbos ended the electricity flickered in and out, which I found kinda funny, as I theorized it was due to the crazy strain of everyone turning on their lights after a three-day yuntif, which was probably an unusual strain for the generators.
The next day was Tzom Gedaliah, so the Z.'s fed me (and I have to say that everything I ate over the three days was delicious. Chag is always the best time for the good food) and I took the bus back to the Tachanah Merkazit. I wandered around, totally unable to find my bus back to Sem. for a while, until Aviva (my Madricha) picked up her phone and gave me directions. It is much more complicated to find that bus then it should be.
Anyway, I have to go run and do my laundry before Succot, because I won't be able to do it on Chol Hamoed. I'll update about Yom Kippur later. If you have any questions, comment or e-mail me!
The next day we all headed to shul, and made it in time for Shofar blowing. The davening was pretty good, but the women's section was mostly unsinging, which always frustrates me. (I'm planning on researching the shul I go to for Simchat Torah, so I won't have to deal with it.)
We went out for lunch, and I'm going to admit that due to the fact that I didn't write this right after chag, the days blurred together a little bit. So, on the first day, I believe that I met the woman who set up Mom and Dad (cool, right?). We went out that night as well, and the next day was pretty similar, everyone made it to Shofar blowing again and then we headed out somewhere else for lunch. Post-lunch was naptime on both days and it's a good thing too, because I was exhausted from adjusting to my new schedule during the day. I spent a bit of time reading The Thornbirds (excellent, excellent book) before falling asleep for a couple of hours.
Friday night was going to be the second "in" meal, but the M.'s (the people I went to on my first free Shabbos) invited me. They're one block up from the Z.'s. When I say up, I mean it, you have to walk up a path in between the houses to get there. So I went there for dinner Friday night, and I could barely eat after two days of stuffing myself. Really, I never realizing how crazy three-day Yuntif's are until I'm surrounded by people who are REALLY unused to them, and then it does seem a little nuts. Anyway, it was really nice going back to the M.'s and Betsy gave me some ideas for Chol Hamoed that I'm planning on checking out.
Anyway, Shabbos day was similar again, except I finished that book and I hung out with the family a little bit. After Shabbos ended the electricity flickered in and out, which I found kinda funny, as I theorized it was due to the crazy strain of everyone turning on their lights after a three-day yuntif, which was probably an unusual strain for the generators.
The next day was Tzom Gedaliah, so the Z.'s fed me (and I have to say that everything I ate over the three days was delicious. Chag is always the best time for the good food) and I took the bus back to the Tachanah Merkazit. I wandered around, totally unable to find my bus back to Sem. for a while, until Aviva (my Madricha) picked up her phone and gave me directions. It is much more complicated to find that bus then it should be.
Anyway, I have to go run and do my laundry before Succot, because I won't be able to do it on Chol Hamoed. I'll update about Yom Kippur later. If you have any questions, comment or e-mail me!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
And Now For Something Completely Different
Update on lack of updates: I'm sick. Not deathly ill, but I have some sort of cold/virus and I'm physically miserable, so I'm spending most of my spare time huddled under the blankets. Hopefully I'll feel better later, and I'll spend more time updating you all on my life.
Have a meaningful Yom Kippur, in case I don't get back by then!
Have a meaningful Yom Kippur, in case I don't get back by then!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Chesed and Bus Rides (aka Rosh Hashana:Part One)
So, Tuesdsay. Morning was standard Gemarah class. But instead of ending at 12:30, we ended at 12:15. And instead of heading to lunch, we hopped on bus for a ride the was rumored to last an hour, but lasted closer to two. And when we got off that bus we walked into a middle of field and were handed sharp knives and plastic bags.
Why? You ask. No, this wasn't a Battle Royale-esque battle of the Sem. girls (which would be hysterical, no doubt about it.) No, this was actually us doing one of the most fun Chesed projects of the year (as far as I know).
There is an organization in Israel that collects food from various places, including big events like weddings, and distributes it to the many, many Israelis who live below the poverty line and cannot afford food. One of the things they do is go to fields that farmers aren't going to harvest from and collect the food for these people. Y'see, sometimes it costs more to collect the food then is worth it for the farmer. In this particular situation, the price of eggplant had gone so low that a particular Farmer judged that it simply wasn't worth the time, effort and money to collect the vegetable. The problem was that the organization found out about it a few days late. So we (and one other group of people) spent our time combing the field for any eggplants that still retained the sleek purplish-black of healthiness, and hadn't get turned gross and brown. We got quite a few, actually, but it was disenheartening to see the sheer amount of brown ones we had to pass by.
Then we headed back to school and had the rest of the day off. The next day (Wednesday) was just like a typical Friday - totally free, but you had to get somewhere for chag before sundown. I stayed up really really late (One of the girls in Sem. announced her engagement Tues. night. I was up waaaaay later then I intended, celebrating with everyone.) So I woke up and packed, somehow fitting three days worth of clothing (including backups and an outfit for Saturday night) toiletries, two pairs of shoes, and a brush into one backpack. I don't know how I did it, and I don't want to do it again. Then I sat at the bus stop forever, waiting for the seven to roll around. I did get a cartis, though! (Literally translating as "ticket", in this context it means a little card with ten squares on it. Every time I get on the bus I get a hole punched into the square until I have to buy another one. This saves me a lot of time, as I used to spend a good five minutes standing in front of the bus, digging around for 5.5 nis (new Israeli shekel))
Anyway, I got to the Tachana Merkazit (main bus station) and passed through security to go int. Once inside, I started hunting for flowers for the Z.'s (the people I was going to for Shabbos) No such luck. I must have passed every store twice, even stopping random people to ask them where they thought flowers could be purchased (Note I was asking in Hebrew. I tended to get confused looks until I said "Flowers?!?" in English. Then I got regretful shakes of head. Why couldn't I get such a response for Prachim? Argh)
I finally grabbed chocolate, because I was worried about the bus ride. I'm not a great bus rider, in the best of times. I've gotten off at the wrong stop, gotten lost, asked for directions wrong, you name it, I'll probably do it at some point. So I was a little nervous taking the bus the Beit Shemesh by myself. I'd taken a sheirut last time, and I was pretty sure I could pull it off again (Rachov Reuven, B'vakash?) but I wanted to learn the bus system, and I couldn't do it without taking it. So I found the gate for the 415, asked the driver if the bus was going to Beit Shemesh (Kein) and got on, after fumbling for the fare.
I ended up fumbling my way through asking the driver to drop me off near the Super-Hatslacha (the landmark Tifferet Z. told me to look out for) another Sem. girl, who I didn't know, was apparently getting off at the same stop. She asked the driver where the stop was, and I think she had a lot more luck then I did, because he signaled her before the stop and we got off together. We talked for a bit, and each called our hosts. Tifferet picked up, but her hosts didn't, so I asked Tiff to give me directions to pass onto the other girl (who's name, I believe, was Rivkah. But I'm not 100% sure, as I didn't see her again during chag) and I passed on Tiff's directions so the girl wouldn't get lost.
Then I walked to the Z.'s house. In conclusion, the trip was a total success. I didn't get lost, and I made it in time for a pre-chag shower. Pretty good.
To be continued....
Why? You ask. No, this wasn't a Battle Royale-esque battle of the Sem. girls (which would be hysterical, no doubt about it.) No, this was actually us doing one of the most fun Chesed projects of the year (as far as I know).
There is an organization in Israel that collects food from various places, including big events like weddings, and distributes it to the many, many Israelis who live below the poverty line and cannot afford food. One of the things they do is go to fields that farmers aren't going to harvest from and collect the food for these people. Y'see, sometimes it costs more to collect the food then is worth it for the farmer. In this particular situation, the price of eggplant had gone so low that a particular Farmer judged that it simply wasn't worth the time, effort and money to collect the vegetable. The problem was that the organization found out about it a few days late. So we (and one other group of people) spent our time combing the field for any eggplants that still retained the sleek purplish-black of healthiness, and hadn't get turned gross and brown. We got quite a few, actually, but it was disenheartening to see the sheer amount of brown ones we had to pass by.
Then we headed back to school and had the rest of the day off. The next day (Wednesday) was just like a typical Friday - totally free, but you had to get somewhere for chag before sundown. I stayed up really really late (One of the girls in Sem. announced her engagement Tues. night. I was up waaaaay later then I intended, celebrating with everyone.) So I woke up and packed, somehow fitting three days worth of clothing (including backups and an outfit for Saturday night) toiletries, two pairs of shoes, and a brush into one backpack. I don't know how I did it, and I don't want to do it again. Then I sat at the bus stop forever, waiting for the seven to roll around. I did get a cartis, though! (Literally translating as "ticket", in this context it means a little card with ten squares on it. Every time I get on the bus I get a hole punched into the square until I have to buy another one. This saves me a lot of time, as I used to spend a good five minutes standing in front of the bus, digging around for 5.5 nis (new Israeli shekel))
Anyway, I got to the Tachana Merkazit (main bus station) and passed through security to go int. Once inside, I started hunting for flowers for the Z.'s (the people I was going to for Shabbos) No such luck. I must have passed every store twice, even stopping random people to ask them where they thought flowers could be purchased (Note I was asking in Hebrew. I tended to get confused looks until I said "Flowers?!?" in English. Then I got regretful shakes of head. Why couldn't I get such a response for Prachim? Argh)
I finally grabbed chocolate, because I was worried about the bus ride. I'm not a great bus rider, in the best of times. I've gotten off at the wrong stop, gotten lost, asked for directions wrong, you name it, I'll probably do it at some point. So I was a little nervous taking the bus the Beit Shemesh by myself. I'd taken a sheirut last time, and I was pretty sure I could pull it off again (Rachov Reuven, B'vakash?) but I wanted to learn the bus system, and I couldn't do it without taking it. So I found the gate for the 415, asked the driver if the bus was going to Beit Shemesh (Kein) and got on, after fumbling for the fare.
I ended up fumbling my way through asking the driver to drop me off near the Super-Hatslacha (the landmark Tifferet Z. told me to look out for) another Sem. girl, who I didn't know, was apparently getting off at the same stop. She asked the driver where the stop was, and I think she had a lot more luck then I did, because he signaled her before the stop and we got off together. We talked for a bit, and each called our hosts. Tifferet picked up, but her hosts didn't, so I asked Tiff to give me directions to pass onto the other girl (who's name, I believe, was Rivkah. But I'm not 100% sure, as I didn't see her again during chag) and I passed on Tiff's directions so the girl wouldn't get lost.
Then I walked to the Z.'s house. In conclusion, the trip was a total success. I didn't get lost, and I made it in time for a pre-chag shower. Pretty good.
To be continued....
Monday, September 10, 2007
Monday Nights Rock. And Roll.
So, I did have Gemarah class this morning, and I grabbed the right books and everything, but I managed to call my chevrutah Laura despite the fact that her name is Lauren. Obviously I still need more sleep. And maybe a better head for names. But after Gemarah, and the last Rotating Ramim session (We got Rav Brown. I love him, despite the fact the I understand probably less then 30% of the class I have with him) I crashed on my bed for most of lunch, not quite sleeping, but not that awake either. Then Becky came over and we had a great time before the session on keeping one day of chag vs. two days of chag in Eretz Yisroel. Hysterically, despite the fact that the talk took an hour, the whole thing managed to hinge on the ONE THING Dad discussed with me for five minutes in America, which still has troubling logic. I'm pretty sure I'm keeping one day now. Then I had my People of the Book classes (I have to give a full post for those classes, I really like them).
Now, last night, after Selichot (which were fantastic tonight, by the way. I'm going to miss them here a lot) my roommate mentioned that she had a craving for shwarma, and did I want to join her Monday night to get some? Monday nights are unique here. There are no night classes, so if you don't take any optinal classes, you're free from 5 o'clock onward. I take no Monday optional classes, so I packed a bag and hung out until 6, when my Daniella got out from Aggadah. We gathered a whole group of people (Me, Becky, Shani, Daniella, Yamit, Miriam, Eliana L., and Hepsi) and walked to Emek R'faim. It's my second time there, but it wasn't crawling with Americans like it was Sat. night, so it was much nicer. I got a falafel (A real Israeli one!) with lots of pickles, and we hung out for a while, eating and chatting. The walk isn't too bad, a little less then 45 minutes, but I'm a slow walker, and it's uphill to get back, so Becky and I walked slower, talking. Apparently, sweatshirts in England are called "hoodies" and she thinks our definition of jumper is totally nuts. She also laughs every time I exclaim "AWESOME!" excitedly, which might explain why I'm doing it more often then normal.
We got back more then an hour before Selichot (at 22:30) so I had time to drown about a liter of water, and sit down before standing for Selichot, which is a little more then an hour.
Anyway, I'm going to head to bed because it's late and we have a pretty busy day tomorrow.
You'll hear about it later!
Now, last night, after Selichot (which were fantastic tonight, by the way. I'm going to miss them here a lot) my roommate mentioned that she had a craving for shwarma, and did I want to join her Monday night to get some? Monday nights are unique here. There are no night classes, so if you don't take any optinal classes, you're free from 5 o'clock onward. I take no Monday optional classes, so I packed a bag and hung out until 6, when my Daniella got out from Aggadah. We gathered a whole group of people (Me, Becky, Shani, Daniella, Yamit, Miriam, Eliana L., and Hepsi) and walked to Emek R'faim. It's my second time there, but it wasn't crawling with Americans like it was Sat. night, so it was much nicer. I got a falafel (A real Israeli one!) with lots of pickles, and we hung out for a while, eating and chatting. The walk isn't too bad, a little less then 45 minutes, but I'm a slow walker, and it's uphill to get back, so Becky and I walked slower, talking. Apparently, sweatshirts in England are called "hoodies" and she thinks our definition of jumper is totally nuts. She also laughs every time I exclaim "AWESOME!" excitedly, which might explain why I'm doing it more often then normal.
We got back more then an hour before Selichot (at 22:30) so I had time to drown about a liter of water, and sit down before standing for Selichot, which is a little more then an hour.
Anyway, I'm going to head to bed because it's late and we have a pretty busy day tomorrow.
You'll hear about it later!
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Selichot and Sunday Morning.
We're two for two in terms of Selichot inspiration, for those of you keeping track at home. But I did lose my place in the middle, 'cause the guy leading was great on the tunes, but not so great at the clear articulation.
I'm probably going to Becca The Madricah's room for baking tonight, to hang out with some people. I don't know what we're baking, but if we successfully manage it in her little itty bitty kitchenette, I'll be impressed with us.
Also, today was not the first day I woke up fifteen minutes before class, (which starts at 9:15 on Sundays and 8:30 on all other days) but today was the first day I grabbed the wrong books before class. That's a milestone, right? We have Chumash class on Sundays and Wednesday mornings for roughly 3.5 hours, and Gemarah on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for four hours, except when they do Rotating Ramim, more on that later. We don't have class on Fridays.) So I ran out of my room with my Rosh Hashana and my Jastrow dictionary, reached my room a few minutes early, saw that the Daf Yomi shiur was still in progress (My Ram gives Daf Yomi every day, sometimes before class and sometimes during lunch. I am not in this class, as it is optional and would take a HUGE chunk from my day.) I dropped my stuff in the classroom, walked down the hall eating my breakfast (my last green apple, I need to get more soon, before I start going through withdrawal) when it hit me that I had the wrong books. Oops. Luckly, I carry my Tanach with me everywhere, so I used it for the first hour or so of class until he sent us to chevrutah, when I ran up to my room and grabbed my Torat Chayim, my Mikraot G'dolot, and my notebook.
I'll do a rundown of my classes later, but suffice to say, I love my Chumash teacher, but the class is in Hebrew and I'm definitely missing at least 40% of what he's saying (Waaaay down from my estimation of 70% on the first day, though). And chevrutah is not really my thing. It's interesting, and it'll probably be the best way for me to learn post-Seminary, but I don't enjoy it that much, mostly due to my poor Hebrew skills. It's hard to learn with someone when she's translating for you ALL THE TIME. Also, Jewish Guilt kicks in, and I feel like I'm not pulling my weight, etc. I might start prepping my Gemarah classes in Night Seder, and see if that helps. But honestly, my Aramaic skills are much worse then my Hebrew.
We also had some interesting lesson in Women and Halacha tonight, but they might be a little risque for my newly-minted blog, so I'm holding off on in-depth discussions about my learning for now.
See you next break!
I'm probably going to Becca The Madricah's room for baking tonight, to hang out with some people. I don't know what we're baking, but if we successfully manage it in her little itty bitty kitchenette, I'll be impressed with us.
Also, today was not the first day I woke up fifteen minutes before class, (which starts at 9:15 on Sundays and 8:30 on all other days) but today was the first day I grabbed the wrong books before class. That's a milestone, right? We have Chumash class on Sundays and Wednesday mornings for roughly 3.5 hours, and Gemarah on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings for four hours, except when they do Rotating Ramim, more on that later. We don't have class on Fridays.) So I ran out of my room with my Rosh Hashana and my Jastrow dictionary, reached my room a few minutes early, saw that the Daf Yomi shiur was still in progress (My Ram gives Daf Yomi every day, sometimes before class and sometimes during lunch. I am not in this class, as it is optional and would take a HUGE chunk from my day.) I dropped my stuff in the classroom, walked down the hall eating my breakfast (my last green apple, I need to get more soon, before I start going through withdrawal) when it hit me that I had the wrong books. Oops. Luckly, I carry my Tanach with me everywhere, so I used it for the first hour or so of class until he sent us to chevrutah, when I ran up to my room and grabbed my Torat Chayim, my Mikraot G'dolot, and my notebook.
I'll do a rundown of my classes later, but suffice to say, I love my Chumash teacher, but the class is in Hebrew and I'm definitely missing at least 40% of what he's saying (Waaaay down from my estimation of 70% on the first day, though). And chevrutah is not really my thing. It's interesting, and it'll probably be the best way for me to learn post-Seminary, but I don't enjoy it that much, mostly due to my poor Hebrew skills. It's hard to learn with someone when she's translating for you ALL THE TIME. Also, Jewish Guilt kicks in, and I feel like I'm not pulling my weight, etc. I might start prepping my Gemarah classes in Night Seder, and see if that helps. But honestly, my Aramaic skills are much worse then my Hebrew.
We also had some interesting lesson in Women and Halacha tonight, but they might be a little risque for my newly-minted blog, so I'm holding off on in-depth discussions about my learning for now.
See you next break!
Shabbos #3 Part 2
So we asked, and got, some help on the bus. First, we chatted with some Israel guys who must have had American parents, because their accents were perfect, and they translated for us to this Israeli woman who said she'd tell us when we got to Beit Shemesh. Then, when we got to Beit Shemesh, she asked us where we wanted to go, and told the driver to take us to Rachov Reuven. People here tend to be really nice when you need help with instructions. Street names aren't used as much as in America, it's more of pointing and gesturing, but I've never had anyone refuse to give me instructions, despite my terrible Hebrew skills.
Anyway, we got off the bus and Betsy M. came to meet us, and brought us to her house, where we met the rest of the family briefly before heading upstairs. We were staying in Zvi M.'s (although he might spell that Tzvi in English...) room because he was going to be in the army for the weekend, and he had an impressive weapons collection, which we admired for a bit, because some of those knives were pretty cool. Also he had a gun. (A rifle, I think) propped up next to the bed. I think guns are awesome, so I loved it. I wondered if he was supposed to have that with him, though, if he was at the army for the weekend, though...
Anyway, night was pretty simple. We went to shul, and came back and had a great dinner. Hillel M. (the youngest son, who is about a year younger then me) was the only one home, so we chatted with him during the meal.
In the morning we headed for shul (a little late...but we caught leining and the Rabbi's speech, most of which was lost on me). After shul we headed back to the house and had a little kiddush, which was a nice difference from home, as shul gets out MUCH earlier then at home. Then we headed to Pam and Gary's house, where we had lunch. I don't really remember meeting people from when I was six, but they were really nice, and I'll probably see everyone again in a few days on Rosh Hashana. Hillel and Gracie talked with Eliana and me about stuff like the army and Bagrut in this country, stuff I'm really interested in, actually.
After lunch, everyone headed for naps, except me, I read a Stephen King book, Misery, which I like a lot. Apparently there's a movie I need to see.
We had Shalosh Shuddis (which is how it's pronounced, even if it isn't how it's normally spelled) and I had tuna fish for the second time since I've been here. I can't believe how much I'm missing it, actually. (And Mom, no, I'm not obsessing about food. I just miss tuna, OK?)
After Shabbos we caught the Shuttle (Sheirut is the Hebrew word, I beleive) back to the main bus station, and a taxi from there. We were among the first girls back, which was nice, as I got to unpack, straighten my room a little, and then take the time to start this blog.
After I put up the last post, I went to a little talk from one of the teacher here, Sally. She spoke about a son of hers that was born a little more then a year and a half ago, names Moshe Rephael. He was born months early, and she went through a very difficult time in her life that she spoke to us about. I don't want to sound corny, because it wasn't. It was very inspiring, actually. She spoke to us about how different prayers affected her and her family differently due to that difficult time period, to lead into our Selichot.
I'm willing to admit that I've never had Selichot properly explained to me, either their exact purpose and what all the words mean, so I've never found them particularly inspiring. (The school offered a shiur that I meant to go to, but I was still walking back from the Kotel during the shiur. Story for another time.) Between the talk beforehand and the excellent, passionate tunes that were sung during Selichot, I actually found them very inspiring, despite the fact that we ended around 1:30 in the morning. I can't wait until the next round tonight.
More stories later!
Anyway, we got off the bus and Betsy M. came to meet us, and brought us to her house, where we met the rest of the family briefly before heading upstairs. We were staying in Zvi M.'s (although he might spell that Tzvi in English...) room because he was going to be in the army for the weekend, and he had an impressive weapons collection, which we admired for a bit, because some of those knives were pretty cool. Also he had a gun. (A rifle, I think) propped up next to the bed. I think guns are awesome, so I loved it. I wondered if he was supposed to have that with him, though, if he was at the army for the weekend, though...
Anyway, night was pretty simple. We went to shul, and came back and had a great dinner. Hillel M. (the youngest son, who is about a year younger then me) was the only one home, so we chatted with him during the meal.
In the morning we headed for shul (a little late...but we caught leining and the Rabbi's speech, most of which was lost on me). After shul we headed back to the house and had a little kiddush, which was a nice difference from home, as shul gets out MUCH earlier then at home. Then we headed to Pam and Gary's house, where we had lunch. I don't really remember meeting people from when I was six, but they were really nice, and I'll probably see everyone again in a few days on Rosh Hashana. Hillel and Gracie talked with Eliana and me about stuff like the army and Bagrut in this country, stuff I'm really interested in, actually.
After lunch, everyone headed for naps, except me, I read a Stephen King book, Misery, which I like a lot. Apparently there's a movie I need to see.
We had Shalosh Shuddis (which is how it's pronounced, even if it isn't how it's normally spelled) and I had tuna fish for the second time since I've been here. I can't believe how much I'm missing it, actually. (And Mom, no, I'm not obsessing about food. I just miss tuna, OK?)
After Shabbos we caught the Shuttle (Sheirut is the Hebrew word, I beleive) back to the main bus station, and a taxi from there. We were among the first girls back, which was nice, as I got to unpack, straighten my room a little, and then take the time to start this blog.
After I put up the last post, I went to a little talk from one of the teacher here, Sally. She spoke about a son of hers that was born a little more then a year and a half ago, names Moshe Rephael. He was born months early, and she went through a very difficult time in her life that she spoke to us about. I don't want to sound corny, because it wasn't. It was very inspiring, actually. She spoke to us about how different prayers affected her and her family differently due to that difficult time period, to lead into our Selichot.
I'm willing to admit that I've never had Selichot properly explained to me, either their exact purpose and what all the words mean, so I've never found them particularly inspiring. (The school offered a shiur that I meant to go to, but I was still walking back from the Kotel during the shiur. Story for another time.) Between the talk beforehand and the excellent, passionate tunes that were sung during Selichot, I actually found them very inspiring, despite the fact that we ended around 1:30 in the morning. I can't wait until the next round tonight.
More stories later!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Shabbos #3
So this Shabbos was the first "out" Shabbos of the year. That means that you don't have to be in school for Shabbos, you can go anywhere you please. In fact, it's encouraged that you do figure out your own Shabbos plans, either at someones house you know, or go with a friend to someone they know. Now, the school will let you stay in the dorm if you want to, but you'll have to make your own Shabbos. Also, if you have no place to go, the school will try to set you up somewhere. I'm considering asking the school to set my up in neighborhoods I'm interested in visiting, but that's definitely a plan for later in the year, as my Mom gave me a whole list of friends and relatives in Israel, many whom I don't know, or remember.
So I stated my Shabbos plans pretty early in the week, all things considered. I was still having major phone problems (A story that deserves a post of it's own) so I couldn't make calls all the time, and I sometimes lost my messages. But I did try to organize everything before the last minute.
I started by calling Rachel M., only to discover that she wasn't going to be home for the weekend. She offered me her house, but I'd really prefer to avoid having to make my own Shabbos for now, as I don't even know where to buy everything I need yet, and I don't always have to time to look. Undeterred, I called Miriam Z. Now, here it gets a little more complicated. She said that she'd be happy to have me, but they were hosting something at their house, so they didn't know if meals would be alright. She suggested calling Betsy M., a friends of Mom's who I didn't remember at all, but who only lived a block over from Miriam Z. in Beit Shemesh. I was a little nervous, not only because I was going to stay at someones house who I didn't really know (which was a little nerve-wracking) but that it was getting a little complicated for my first week out of schoool. So when I called Betsy M., I asked her if I could perhaps just stay with her, to make life a little less hectic on my end. She seemed totally enthusiastic about the idea, which was really encouraging. So I started asking around for advice on how to get there, and as I was talking to friends, I found out that Eliana L. was having some problems finding a place to stay. So I called Betsy M. and asked if it was OK for Eliana L. to come with me. She said sure, totally fine.
For those of you who know me, this all happened before Friday morning, which is pretty good for my typical procrastinator-esque approach to life. I hung out with some friends Friday night, and helped Abby put zours into a cake for her roommate - entertaining, colorful and tasty. Which meant I headed to bed pretty late, so Firday morning I woke up on the late side. Daniella -my roommate - had already left the room while my suitemates were still kinda getting up. So I got up, and started picking out outfits, shoes, and toiletries for the trip. I called Betsy M. for directions on how to get to her, and wrote them down in my organizer. (which I'm using a lot, actually. On a side note, I love it. I bought it at some random little store, and it tells me the Jewish date as as well as the secular one, and it list the Parshat Ha'Shavuah and lighting times on every Saturday.) Eliana L. and I decided to meet in the lobby at around 2:30 to catch a cab to the central bus station and take this shuttle/taxi to Beit Shemesh.
We take the cab over the bus station and decide to wander up the street to look for some sort of Shabbos gift to bring. I was in favor of flowers, but we couldn't find any in the immediate vicinity, and we were a little antsy about leaving, so we bought almonds, pistachios and this parve cake for our gifts, then hopped on the shuttle leaving to Beit Shemesh.
(to be continued...Selichot start in 10 minutes.)
So I stated my Shabbos plans pretty early in the week, all things considered. I was still having major phone problems (A story that deserves a post of it's own) so I couldn't make calls all the time, and I sometimes lost my messages. But I did try to organize everything before the last minute.
I started by calling Rachel M., only to discover that she wasn't going to be home for the weekend. She offered me her house, but I'd really prefer to avoid having to make my own Shabbos for now, as I don't even know where to buy everything I need yet, and I don't always have to time to look. Undeterred, I called Miriam Z. Now, here it gets a little more complicated. She said that she'd be happy to have me, but they were hosting something at their house, so they didn't know if meals would be alright. She suggested calling Betsy M., a friends of Mom's who I didn't remember at all, but who only lived a block over from Miriam Z. in Beit Shemesh. I was a little nervous, not only because I was going to stay at someones house who I didn't really know (which was a little nerve-wracking) but that it was getting a little complicated for my first week out of schoool. So when I called Betsy M., I asked her if I could perhaps just stay with her, to make life a little less hectic on my end. She seemed totally enthusiastic about the idea, which was really encouraging. So I started asking around for advice on how to get there, and as I was talking to friends, I found out that Eliana L. was having some problems finding a place to stay. So I called Betsy M. and asked if it was OK for Eliana L. to come with me. She said sure, totally fine.
For those of you who know me, this all happened before Friday morning, which is pretty good for my typical procrastinator-esque approach to life. I hung out with some friends Friday night, and helped Abby put zours into a cake for her roommate - entertaining, colorful and tasty. Which meant I headed to bed pretty late, so Firday morning I woke up on the late side. Daniella -my roommate - had already left the room while my suitemates were still kinda getting up. So I got up, and started picking out outfits, shoes, and toiletries for the trip. I called Betsy M. for directions on how to get to her, and wrote them down in my organizer. (which I'm using a lot, actually. On a side note, I love it. I bought it at some random little store, and it tells me the Jewish date as as well as the secular one, and it list the Parshat Ha'Shavuah and lighting times on every Saturday.) Eliana L. and I decided to meet in the lobby at around 2:30 to catch a cab to the central bus station and take this shuttle/taxi to Beit Shemesh.
We take the cab over the bus station and decide to wander up the street to look for some sort of Shabbos gift to bring. I was in favor of flowers, but we couldn't find any in the immediate vicinity, and we were a little antsy about leaving, so we bought almonds, pistachios and this parve cake for our gifts, then hopped on the shuttle leaving to Beit Shemesh.
(to be continued...Selichot start in 10 minutes.)
First Post
Ok, so first of all, Hi from Israel! It's me, Chana Yocheved. I'm making this blog mostly because I've been trying to keep in touch with so many of you (Family, friends, random acquaintances, whatever) who are interested in my year in Israel. And personally, I've only recounted most stores once, maybe twice maximum, because I find them boring after only one telling. So rather then deny some of you my riveting stories, I've decided to write them down once, and then you can all read at you own leisure and I will be saved from trying to come up with new and exciting ways to re-tell my own adventures. Feel free to share this with your friends! I'm keeping it public because many of you (in fact most of you) do not have Google accounts, and while I recommend that you get one, because they are very useful, I understand why you might not want to. As to why I'm using Blogger (which I've never used) instead of Livejournal (which I know very well), I'm experimenting, expanding my horizons.
Also note that these posts may be typed quickly, in between classes and at other inconvenient times. Spelling and grammar may not be at my normal standards of excellence. And my posts may be out of order for a while (but I will be sure to clarify whenever they are) because I'm starting this blog a little late in the game, and have a few weeks of material to share.
Because this blog is public, I plan to use initials or nicknames or just first names for people instead of full names, just because I'm like that. Feel free to comment or e-mail me about anything, but I can't promise responses due to my aforementioned lack of time.
Have fun!
Cy
Also note that these posts may be typed quickly, in between classes and at other inconvenient times. Spelling and grammar may not be at my normal standards of excellence. And my posts may be out of order for a while (but I will be sure to clarify whenever they are) because I'm starting this blog a little late in the game, and have a few weeks of material to share.
Because this blog is public, I plan to use initials or nicknames or just first names for people instead of full names, just because I'm like that. Feel free to comment or e-mail me about anything, but I can't promise responses due to my aforementioned lack of time.
Have fun!
Cy
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