Shabbat in Jerusalem--שבת בירושלים

Tonight in Jerusalem

So far, each shabbat in Jerusalem has been an incredible experience. After only being here for a few weeks, I can already feel myself growing accustomed to living my life on the Jewish calendar. The weekly rhythm here is so different from in the states; the school week starts on Sunday, and Fridays are now typically spent preparing for Shabbat. At home, shabbat has always been a priority. Even when my brother, Abe, had football games on Friday evenings, we would find a way to eat dinner together (even if it felt like the early bird special) or we would light the candles following a Mason High School football victory. I have always loved shabbat, most likely because it was such a great way to spend time with my family. Going to college meant that my shabbats changed, but they were still great. However, even during quarters when I had no class on Fridays, it would be untrue to say that I spent really more than half an hour or so getting ready for shabbat.

In Jerusalem, I don't "prepare for shabbat" by getting myself ready and presentable for services. Here, it's an attitude shift. Friday mornings I wake up and figure out what I'm cooking/bringing to a potluck that night. Then, I, with all the masses of women in this city, go to the shuk/grocery store/bakery to get what I need. Since everything is closed on Saturdays, sometimes this means getting whatever I'll need for lunch at school on Sunday as well. I have decided (and we'll see if this lasts into the regular school year) that Friday afternoons are best spent relaxing, instead of doing school work. I usually tidy up my room, get myself organized, and then leave my school books in my backpack. Then it's actually time to prepare for services!

Tonight in Jerusalem

This week, I had the opportunity to daven (pray) at Yakar Synagogue. Yakar is a synagogue that's a pretty long schlep away from my apartment, but I have a feeling I'll be going back again anyway. I had an AMAZING time davenning there. I had never experienced an orthodox erev shabbat service (friday evening) before, and this was a great first experience. There was a mechitza, which is something I didn't think I'd be comfortable with. However, this one was pretty see through (which makes me feel like maybe it was a formality? not sure) and I really appreciated that the man leading services addressed the women through the mechitza whenever he addressed the congregation. This community is also very egalitarian, and the women's side was often singing even louder than the men's side. The harmonies I heard, as well as the melodic mumbling of prayers during the service (on both sides) was a really incredible thing to experience. I'm still not used to a Hebrew-only siddur, but I enjoyed the challenge of following along. I'm really still floored by how awesome this service was. There was an entirely different feeling during the prayers; everyone seemed so spiritually connected to what was going on, whether or not they were just going through the motions, and I loved being able to really participate in the service.

After the awesome time I had at Yakar, it was time for a delicious dinner at the interns' apartment. Unfortunately (so sad!) the interns have to go back to the states, even though we all wish they could stay here with us. I had a great time spending the evening with two of our lovely interns and some of my classmates! We really feasted (my compliments to the chefs) and then we did some nice zmirot afterwards. Even though it's not something we ever really did at home, I love ending a shabbat meal with singing. It's so fun!

This morning, we went to HUC for morning services, which were good. Rabbi Yoshi is back from his visit to the states, and, for some reason, I feel like some sort of balance has been restored. Today, Rabbi Yoshi spoke about this week's Torah portion, as well as about how easy we can take things for granted. A lot of what he said resonated with me, and I reflected on how lucky I feel each day to be in Jerusalem. I am really loving being here, and living here, and getting to experience the Jewish state in such a hands-on way.

Tree in Tel Aviv

After an EPIC shabbat nap, I joined some of my classmates at Nicole's new home for seudah shishit, which was awesome. Nicole is here for the year with her husband and two adorable (and totally extroverted and hilarious) daughters. Their new place is unbelievable. We enjoyed some delicious food and a breathtaking view, and we had havdallah out on the mirpesset (porch) which was lovely. It's amazing walking back from peoples' homes and seeing the city wake back up after havdallah. I'm really glad that my class is starting to form our own traditions, and I hope these incredible shabbats continue throughout the year. There is really something unbelievably cool about living (and praying) in the city that Jews around the world are praying towards. Jerusalem rules.

One of Nicole's daughters, Vivian. She is hilarious. She was also the mustache fairy today.

Havdallah

Other cool things that have happened since last post:

1. The tent demonstrations are expanding across the country. Young couples and families are essentially camping out around Israel in major cities to protest the ridiculously high rent prices. This is a sign that things are peaceful in Israel; if people are able to focus on social issues instead of security, things are good =). Right now it's about 10pm and I can hear the demonstrators from my window, even though they aren't actually close to my apartment. There are THOUSANDS of people out right now.
2. We had a biblical archaeology tiyul (field trip) to the Eretz Yisrael Museum//Tel Qasile in Tel Aviv. We are seeing some pretty cool things this summer.
3. I keep getting different arrangements of songs stuck in my head. Right now it's the shalom aleichem (a song welcoming the shabbat angels) that we did Friday night at dinner. I don't know whose arrangement it is but it's so catchy.
4. Some of my classmates and our interns went Wednesday night to a karaoke bar called Capricorn for a night of hilarity and song. Song selections ranged from I don't wanna miss a thing (me) to California dreaming (Jeremy) to a French song that resulted in the bar being closed (....Vlad.)
5. It's been great. Thanks for reading. Shavua Tov, everyone. (shavua tov means "a good week" and it's customary to say this after havdallah, since that's when we start the new Jewish week)

Demonstrators

Kenny at Karaoke

We're learning a lot of confusing things.