Erev Seder

Erev seders are not what some one might think a seder would be, and erev means night. So at first I thought it meant that we would be having seders once a week at night to learn how to set up and lead our own seders. Well, I was sadly surprised to learn that this is not the case. It is an extra two hours a week, on Monday nights from 7-9 that we're suppose to come to school and study even more. Yes, I'm sure you would be thrilled about this too, but in all seriousness, considering how many nerds and people who love what they're studying, it's not a bad idea. Except, for the time. I despise being out of my house at night on a school night. I want to be at home, showers, relaxed, and in bed at 10. I know I sound crazy that I want to go to bed at 10, but I get up every morning at 6 so I can go to the gym before my full day of classes starts at 8:30.  It's the one time of the day that is really just for me, and I really like to prioritize it.

Anyway, being the good student and law-abiding citizen I am, I went. I had two great partners to study with, our teacher gave a great speech about how there should be no excuses in the way of studying Torah, (it was a great speech) I was ready to study!!! But really, I wasn't. I was exhausted, my partners and I weren't very efficient, we couldn't think of references that we wanted to talk about. We were distracted.  We all had tea or coffee to try to stay focused, and my friend had an open cup which was making me so nervous and I kept telling him to move it away from my brand new books...(I told him about 15 times, I'm not exaggerating. Then.......a teacher came over and asked us how we were doing...and DISASTER!!! He knocked over his tea all over my brand new Tanakh! I was really upset. Not really because of the tea, although it was sad. But because I really didn't listen to myself. I knew I shouldn't have gone, even if it was "required" I was so tired, I had a lot of other homework I needed to get done, I didn't have any food at home to eat (I needed to go to the store), my apartment really needs to be cleaned, I have to do laundry, etc. The amount of anxiety that those two hours caused me was not worth what I was going to learn in those two hours, (which proved to be not too much) except that I have to take care of myself. No one was going to tell me not to go, so now, my tea stain on my Tanakh is going to remind me that I have to be my own advocate. As much as I love studying what I am studying and love doing what I'm doing, I have to put myself first and I have to be physically and mentally healthy. So if that means no more night seder, then no more night seder... 

PEP Tiyul

Today we had our first Educators Program tiyul.  The good thing was that I had never been to any of the places where we went before. The bad news was, I was tired, and the guide was very informative and nice, but not so funny and I had a hard time paying attention.

We first went to Mizpe Jericho, which is a look out point to see Jericho. We talked about the first few chapters of Joshua and his conquest into the land of Israel. That part was interesting because I had just read the chapters we were talking about. 

This is a Jordanian soldier just across the tiny stream that is the Jordan River. Many Christians come here because they thing this is where Jesus was baptized, but we were there to see the Jordan River and how Joshua and his troops may have crossed! 

This is a sad story. The Jordanians were using these monasteries next to the Jordan River as a fort to enter into Israel and commit acts of war, so the Israelis blew up the churches so they couldn't hide in them. I'm sure at one time these were beautiful places, now this is all that is left. =( 

This a mosaic from the floor of a synagogue in Gaza.   

So is this. It's King David, and it's really awesome because now a days Jews wouldn't have a picture or image of anyone, so it's really interesting to note that it was a later interpretation because 2000 years ago, it seemed okay. =) 

Personalizing Prayer

Today I had my first Personalizing Prayer class. Although the name might make it seem obvious to some, the class is suppose to help the students become more familiar with the Siddur, Hebrew prayer book, the language, and to really understand the words and meaning of the prayer. Some people would prefer a different class because it is too "touchy feely" but I think that is exactly what prayer is about. It is personal.

We start every class with a breathing/focusing exercise to clear our heads from the previous class. I really liked this part, because our classes run back to back and so often my head is still thinking about the discussion that I was having 5 minutes earlier.

Our discussion today was about the obstacles we face when praying. Some of the obstacles were focusing, language, embarrassment (in Judaism it is kind of a choreography at times in the service and it's not nice to do it wrong), a lack of connection to the meaning, a lack of place and time. All of these were issues that we had with prayer.  I also said that I didn't feel like I always have justification in asking things from God. Like, I am not asking for something vital, like I am not asking for God to cure cancer, I am asking for helping on a test or something, and sometimes I feel like it is too insignificant.


Then we switched directions and talked about getting up in the morning and our routines and the Modeh Ani מודה אני. I really like the morning prayer. It is technically suppose to be the first things from our lips in the morning, sometimes even before we open our eyes.


מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה, רבה אמונתך.


It translates:
Grateful am I before You,
King Who is living and eternal,
for you have returned my soul to me with compassion -
Abundant is Your faith.    

I really like that the first thing we are suppose to say in the morning is that we are grateful.  Also, I think the last line is interesting because it says Abundant is Your faith (in me). Really, God has faith in me?!?! That's great, it's like a early morning pep talk. I want to do good things all day. =)

The Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

Today my program had a trip to the Israel Museum. It is part of a history seminar in which we will be participating. It was much more interesting than I had expected. Mostly because we were looking at rocks, but because my teacher/professor was so knowledgeable, he really made these rocks come to life.  I would have run through this museum and the ancient history, but he did an incredible job of explaining the significance and relation to the Tanakh (Bible). 

When I was at the museum, my friend spotted a famous Israeli (Russian born) politician. Of course, we all my chutzpah, I went and requested a picture together. He really stirs up a lot of controversy in Israel, so it was funny to meet him. 

Lieberman

 There is a really cool "rainbow" in the entrance hall of the museum. So there was a great backdrop for pictures. This is my new friend Avi who is in my program.

Shemot

Shemot, which means names in Hebrew, is Exodus in English. I am reading Shemot in two classes, so I hope I will be an expert soon! The greatest thing is that I can actually understand a lot of the text in Hebrew. It's a really incredible feeling. I like to read it in English first, and then read it in the Hebrew. It may sound like cheating, but it's not. Since I haven't actually taken a biblical grammar class yet, I think it's a good way for me to start.

Today I had a doctor's appointment to get a physical for the gym. It was at 6:45, but I didn't see the doctor until after 7:30. Which meant I didn't get home until 9 after the bus ride. So I'm really exhausted, and I want to go to the gym in the morning. So I will have to be in bed soon if I want to make it there! Also, my blood pressure was 100/70. I think? They said that's good. But I have never really known what that meant.

Hopefully tomorrow will calm down a little. It's been run run run!! 

Blog identity

So, if you have been reading the blog lately, I was going through a small identity crises with the colors, but I think I like this now, although, I want borders around the pictures, so if someone knows how to do that, let me know!

Also, my new school linked their blog to mine, so their site is http://theseandthose.pardes.org/. It is really interesting to read what the different students are writing about, so if you like Judaism, or are just interested, it's a great blog! 

Day two!

I made it through another day!! And today I had three classes, although, I don't know why I wrote my schedule on here, because it seems to change every day.

I thought I was suppose to be in Mishna Bet. (Mishna is one of the two books that makes up the Talmud.) And I went to the class, and I was LOVING it!!! Then, 45 minutes into class, an adviser knocked on the door and pulled me out! I was really upset, only because I was so into the class. We learned about the history of the Mishna that it was codified around 220 CE for Yehuda Hanasi. The Mishna is the first codification of the oral laws. It was important because this is shortly after the destruction of the 2nd temple and the Jews were worried about preserving their way of life in exile. And, of course, they is the growing of Christianity, which is also viewed as a threat to their way of life.  The Gemara, the second book that makes up the Talmud was written between 220-600 CE. There are also two kinds of Gemara, Babylonia and Palestinian, named for the places they were written.

I could go on...like, Mishna means repetition, because before this, the rabbis would learn, and repeat to the masses. Nothing was written down and this is how it was passed from generation to generation. At the time, a rabbi was called Tanya, also meaning, one who repeats.

I also learned that a lot of Hebrew words end in Hey, ה.  and a lot of Aramaic words end in alef, א. So it's a fast way to know where the word came from, or what time it was written.

There are six sections of the Mishna, agriculture, holidays, women, damages (or civil issues), holiness, and impurities.  We were going to study the upcoming holidays until I had to leave class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now I won't get to study anymore Talmud until next year!!!!!!!!!!

Israel's million man march

This is a short clip from the protest, and this was very early in the night just after 9pm in Jerusalem on King George Street. The loud speaker from the car is actually saying, "The people want a just society."

"העם דורש צדק חברת" The people demand social justice, or the people demand a just society. Which ever way you translate the sentence, these Israelis really meant it. Last night, after Shabbat at 9pm, the people of Israel flooded the streets, especially in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. In Tel Aviv alone there were 300,000 people. If the same ratio of Americans would have marched in the US, it would have been 16 million people. But Israel is smaller. But you get the idea, it was huge! 

Most of the people want better housing prices, social reforms, and of course, Gilad Shalit. The protesters were smart in combining a lot of different groups into one huge rally. One sign said, "They can only read numbers." So maybe 1 million is enough. The government has promised social reform, but we'll see if that happens. 

First day of class!

I was a little disappointed after I saw Alex's first day of kindergarten picture with the sign that his Aunt Katie had made him. I couldn't understand why she didn't make me a sign that said, "First day of your second Masters degree." But oh well, I survived. And I took my own first day of school picture!!!  (and I'm just teasing. My sister is by far the most thoughtful person I know!)

Today was my first class, just one in the afternoon. I was going to take Creating Holiness, but I changed in into to Halakha. The teacher's name is Zvi and he is SO funny!! I really like it. We went over a lot of texts today about the month of Elul and getting ready for the High Holidays and repentance, before and during, the holidays. It was so fascinating, especially the differences between the Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions. I can't wait for more classes tomorrow!! 

Pardes Orientation

I landed on the 29th, and started orientation on the 30th. Jet lagged and all...I made it there. We have had three mornings of orientation, and three afternoons of intensive ulpan (Hebrew class). My classmates seem really wonderful and I am excited to really get started next week.

My classes are:
Humash/the Five Books of Moses
Intro. to Mishna and Talmud
Personalizing Prayer
Creating Holiness
Bekiut Nach (which I don't actually know what they means.)
and probably Torah Trope

So, it's a lot, but I'm ready, I think! ;-)

And the star of the show!!

Jack Hurckes was definitely the best part of the USA! I hope no one is offended, I had a wonderful time with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, ROI, and other family. But this little boy is just too much cute in one little bundle. He is so so perfect and he makes leaving the US almost unbearable! I can't wait to see you next time Jack, I love you!! 

One month in the USA

My month in the US was amazing!! So amazing that I didn't have time to blog.  We went to Yellowstone, which was unreal! It is beyond beautiful. We saw deer, elk, buffalo, birds, geysers, etc..but no bear =(

We drove through Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and there was a great Andy Warhol exhibit. Who knew he did a print of Golda Meir?? Not me!!  

And we saw Mount Rushmore! 

Steam at Yellowstone! It was very impressive at first, then you see it everywhere. Which, then, becomes less impressive. 

The first elk we saw. 

The falls. Gorgeous.

Grand Prism in Yellowstone, this thing doesn't seen real.

On the way home we sent to St. Louis and the Budweiser brewery. And also to Springfield, IL to the awesome Lincoln museum there. =)

It was such a great summer...and now I'm back in Israel...in JERUSALEM!!!!  

Fun with the Hurckes'!

Katie, Rick, and Jack got home from their Colorado vacation and I have been with them ever since!! I got to babysit Jack yesterday. He is beyond perfect. He is talking and running, he's so amazing! Today Katie and I did tons of shopping and then had dinner with Aunt Gail, Grandpa Al, and Grandma Rina. It was really a wonderful day!

I also had a Hebrew lesson this morning with Ulpan Or on Skype, it's really interesting, but I am looking forward to more lessons. It's really listening based lessons, and that's hard for me, so I think it'll be really beneficial!

Tomorrow ROI is arriving in CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer fun

I know I have been so busy, like all NFTY summers. But I want to take a second to write that I am having one of the most amazing summers with incredible kids and a knock-out staff. I feel like I (and my staff) are really helping these kids to be more of the amazing selves that they are and I am really proud of the job we're doing here.

Here is to a strong last 9 days of NFTY Summer 2011!!!!!!!

Shakshuka updates

Group Shakshuka is doing well. One of our kids is sick though, so I stayed behind today to be with her.  I have some extra time, so I thought some updates would be appropriate.

I had a day off yesterday and I went to Beer Sheva. Roi and I took a four hour nap, I did laundry, and we went to a really nice dinner together. It was a perfect day really. I had to leave Beer Sheva really early for Jerusalem in the morning, but everything was fine and there was even a seat on the bus from where I got on.  It was a good sign for a good day. We went through the City of David tunnels and then went to the Kotel. The kids really had a great day. It's really emotional for a lot of them to be there for the first time, and I am really happy to be a part of this experience for them.

Never too many group shots

Our girls

Some of our boys together at the wall.

Since it was the 4th of July we got sparkles for our kids. It was a huge success! They really loved them.  Pictures to come! =) I hope everyone had a great holiday! 

Europe, birthday, and Israel!

I have been very busy since June 14th, the last post. I had NFTY in Israel orientation, met my campers, went to Europe (Prague, Krakow, and Warsaw) flew back to Israel, and camped for three night in the Arava, the southern desert in Israel.

It's been an amazing two weeks and has felt like a year. Working for NFTY is the most exhausting and most rewarding job someone could have.

I have a snippet for the parents:

My group is incredible. They are a mixed group from all over the US. They have more spirit, sass, and enthusiasm than I can explain.  They can all count to 100 and say short sentences in Hebrew. I feel like we jumped into Israel feet first. After the kids started singing after the plane landed, they haven't stopped! Yesterday we went to Jaffo to see the historical entrance to our homeland and all the participants picked Hebrew names to be called on the whole trip.  They are really embracing their heritage, religion, and Hebrew.  

Our group name is Shakshuka, a famous Israeli/Arabic food. The group was challenged to make a song for our group.  They split into small groups for the competition, you can watch the two final championship songs. The kids were absolutely amazing. We were blown away by the performances. Not only their excitement, but their use of Hebrew, and their references to Israeli cultural.

Group Shakshuka is definitely one of a kind and I am looking forward to our next few days in the Arava desert to really see them bound and continue to blossom.   

Baby Eytan!

Our wonderful Hungarian friends, Dina and Zoli, from ulpan, had a baby last month! They named him Eytan, and yesterday, I finally got to meet him! During the crazy June downpour Samantha and I went to their home for a visit! 

Samantha, me and baby EYTAN!! 

Mommy and Eytan

Masters of Middle East Studies from Ben Gurion University of the Negev

On Sunday I traveled to Beer Sheva to go to my graduation ceremony.  It was a beautiful night, not hot, and not too chilly.  There was a main ceremony where they had a few speeches, and then gave out the diplomas to the highest GPAs. Then we went to a smaller departmental ceremony where I received my MASTERS degree!!! 

Me in front of the sign for the humanities department.

Just got my diploma! 

Me and Yishai!!Yay!! No more BGU!! 

This is Avi, he lived in Northwest Indiana for a year as an Israeli liaison! We graduated from the same university in Israel at the same time! The world is so small =) Avi is going to The Paris School of Economics to get his Masters Degree! Good luck Avi, you'll do great! 

Relli, me and Avi, my great professors! 

Beeba!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beeba wrote a thesis, so she'll have to wait until next year for her ceremony! 

Me and Roi, of course!! Just a few more years until we're sitting here again for his degree! 

Up close! Check it out!!! =) 

Farewell/birthday lunch

David and Samantha and Shahar took me to lunch for my birthday and a small "farewell" since I will be leaving soon. We had a great time despite the food being less than wonderful. The view and company made up for it! 

My housemates!! 

Funny.

Happy dogs...crazy kid.

Samantha, looking spectacular as always!! If anyone needs a fashion consultant, let me know! She is the best and comes highly recommended! 

Birthday happenings

Since I will be in Prague on my real birthday, I decided to have a small get together with my close friends on Thursday in the park by our apartment. It was so lovely. All my friends made everything so special for me. Graziella made an incredible birthday cake that was 3 kilos of chocolate! Flavia made a mousse cake and cookies. Nicola made a lemon cake. Samantha made cupcakes and a pasta salad. My ulpan girl friend's got me a cute shirt from Zara. My downstairs neighbor gave me a scarf. And my ulpan teacher got me a cupcake sheet because she knows I love baking! Really, it was a perfect party. 

Roi and me!! 

All the food and cakes!!

I tried to carve 26 into the watermelon for my age. My mother has been doing this in the summer for parties. But she makes it look so beautiful and so easy! Well, let me tell you, it's NOT easy! and I wish my mother was here to help me! But I tried...

Ram, Flavia and me! 

Samantha, my neighbors, and me!

Nicola, my favorite Russian girls, and me!!! 

Roi, me, and Dima!! Dima is Roi's friend from the army, but now after knowing him for a year, he's my friend too! =)

Blowing out my candles!! and special thanks to Yishai for taking so many great pictures! 

Me and Graziella and the AMAZING cake!! 

My friends!!!!!!!!!!! =) 

Thank you to everyone for coming and special thanks to Samantha for making the party possible. You are the best!!