Welcome to My World of Adventure

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day, or Yom HaShoah in Hebrew, and this morning at 10am a long siren sounded for remembrance. Everyone stopped what they were doing--driving, walking, eating--and stood in silence for one minute to remember the 6 million Jews and 5 million gypsies, disabled, lgbt, and others who were murdered. As I stood, I thought about the loss, but I also thought about the strength. Because though we faced hardship and discrimination, we fought back, and today Israel can stand strong. I am so proud to be part of such a tenacious people. We persevere despite the odds, every single time. And that is truly a blessing. Am Yisrael Chai!

And despite all that, I wouldn't give up living here.

I am slowly getting settled back in Tel Aviv, but this past weekend I went on a Shabbaton with the Jerusalem Soul Center.  It was the 4th Shabbaton I've been on with them (the first was the Golan for those who have been following).  This time, we went down to the Negev, hiked a mountain, rode camels, and slept in Bedouin tents.  Shabbatons with JSC are always amazing.  I always come back saying it was the best weekend in my life, and I always feel elevated on the return trip.  Somehow this time was even more so.  I love love love this community.  And I'm so glad that I was able to return to it when I returned to Israel.  The experiences are always unique, the conversations are always deep, and the people are always amazing.  As is tradition, at the end of the weekend, we all went around the circle and said one word to describe our experience, no repeats.  My word was "home".  The second it was spoken, sighs and groans trickled through the people who hadn't yet had their turn-- I had taken their word.  I must admit, I felt a little guilty using the word home when I was one of the only people on the trip who hasn't made aliyah (yet).  But to me, it was the perfect descriptor, because in this community and this space, I was home.  And in that moment I realized that Jerusalem Soul Center is a major part of why I came back to Israel, and will be a major part of my decision, should I choose to stay. :)

I'm not making any promises regarding this blog, but maybe occasionally I'll write something.  Thanks for following. :)

For the Shabbat after the Golan trip and immediately before Pesach, I visited some of my college friends who are studying abroad in Jerusalem.  It was so nice to see them and just hang out with people who have known me for years instead of only months.  They made a lovely Shabbat dinner too. :)

The Golan Heights: A Field, A Stream, A Sunset.

I am a very spiritual person, and it's really refreshing to be in an environment and with a group of people who share that spirituality.  I don't know how to put it into more words.  But it was an amazing Shabbaton and I look forward to more. :)

It was also my first time swimming in the Dead Sea.  I floated, used the mud, and reveled in the awesomeness of it all.  There is something so beautiful about the South of Israel.  Stark beauty in the barrenness of the desert mountains.  Hopefully these photos do it justice.

So thanks for sticking with me, and enjoy the posts!

But first, Pesach!  Time to go drink some wine and eat some matzah! ;)

This Shabbat I'm going to the Dead Sea!  My group is going to a Seminar near Ein Gedi/ the Dead Sea.  I'm excited! :)

Shabbat Shalom!

I decided to find a local synagogue to try to go to.  I had received an email from my program listing some in the area, so I checked a few out online.  One turned out to be located right around the corner from where I live, and it advertised an egalitarian service.  (One of my biggest issues with synagogues in Israel is that most are Orthodox and therefore don't allow women to do as many things as men do.  I feel more comfortable in an egalitarian environment where I can count as part of the minyan and wear my tallis if I want to.)  So I called the number listed and asked what time services were.  The woman was very kind and told me that I was welcome to stay for dinner after services as well.  I liked the services very much; they were what I am used to back home.  And the community was small but very friendly and welcoming.  Most of them had made aliyah to Israel, and were fluent in English as well as Hebrew, so there was no language barrier.  The dinner was a vegetarian potluck and the conversation was good.  We mostly talked about where everyone was from and where their families were from, tracing back.  I quite enjoyed the evening and I think I will go back again sometime.  I considered going this morning for the Torah service, but I just couldn't bring myself to wake up.  Oh well, there will be other opportunities.  Shabbat Shalom! :)