Sun, Sea, Desert, and...Elvis?

Run to the desert. You will see all that you need to be. --Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Sometimes it rains in Jerusalem.

Just moments ago I made the journey from the USA to Israel.

Wait, you mean that was in June?

And now it's DECEMBER?

How?!

Here are some highlights:

A couple of weeks ago we had an Israel Seminar trip with some of the members of the HUC Board of Governors to Holon, where we got to meet with the CEO of the city, learn about the presence of the Reform community there, and see some of the town's highlights. We got to see one of the many children's story gardens in the town, where books come to life for the children. We also got to participate in something called "Dialogue in the Dark," where seeing participants are given a walking stick and follow a blind guide through an oppressively dark room. It was an incredible experience. Being able to have that experience, where you're entirely dependent on someone else, and you're not able to see anything (your eyes never adjust--you can't even see your hand right in front of your face) was really amazing. The activity ends with a conversation with the guide, where you get to ask questions about their experiences and lives. It was a really great trip!

Chameleon in a kids' story garden

The Board of Governors visit was a very busy week. The day after our trip to Holon, we got to hear from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. His address was very interesting, and it was a cool opportunity to hear how the Reform movement is perceived in Jerusalem. That night, I had the opportunity to go over to my friend Benjamin's house for a dinner and discussion with activist Kathleen Peratis, who serves on the board of several powerful organizations stateside. We got to hear about her experiences working with JStreet, as well as her take on some of the human rights elements of the world of Middle East politics. It was a great conversation; she answered all of our questions candidly, and she really inspired me to think critically about what's going on around me, whether or not I agree with her politics.

The next morning was the ordination for the HUC Israeli Rabbinical program. It was a beautiful service, and many people shared some meaningful reflections during the ceremony. I'm absolutely amazed at how much Hebrew I'm able to understand at this point. It is totally awesome. That evening we welcomed Shabbat together with the Board, and we had a great musical service at school. One of our summer interns, Amy, came back to Jerusalem to visit, and we got to have dinner with her that night.

Then, suddenly, it was time for our tiyul (טיול=trip/tour) of the south!

View from Park Timna

We had an incredible few days in the desert. We explored ideas about why the Torah was received in the desert (there were Moses and tablets-themed jokes the entire weekend) and we got to really explore how different the south of Israel is from the north.

Touristy photo at the colored sands

We started our trip with a stop in Yeroham, where we heard from the mayor of the town about his family. We spent some time up in the mountains, taking in the scenery and enjoying the fresh air. We visited the Colored Sands for an afternoon program and a quick mincha (afternoon prayer service). Then, after settling in at Kibbutz Yahel, we joined our JTS/AJU friends for a bonfire and dinner al ha-eish. I have never really seen stars like these, except the night we spent in the desert on birthright. We enjoyed being outside and had a great song session around the fire.

Stars in the desert

The next morning, we went hiking! The group I was with went to Park Timna, where we took in the incredible views. Some people even went paddle-boating afterwards! I had the opportunity to lead mincha for my group. We were at a place called Solomon's Pillars for the service, and the space was amazing. I felt honored to have had the chance to lead my colleagues in prayer!

Solomon's Pillars

After services, on our way back to the kibbutz, we stopped at Yotvetah for glida (גלידה=ice cream) and shoko b'sakit (שוקו בשקית=chocolate milk in a little plastic bag, kind of like a capri sun but without the straw). This trip was such a huge success that (spoiler alert) we went back the next day, too. We also had our very own Thanksgiving dinner! It was not really the same at all but it was still a really nice evening.

Israel's largest solar field

So Friday we went to Kibbutz Keturah, where we got a tour of Israel's largest solar field. After that, I went with a group to Kibbutz Lotan, where I learned about mud brick making, organic companion planting, and composting. From there, we went to Eilat! I've never been to Eilat but we had a lot of fun. We were at the very tip of the map of Israel! From where we were, you could see all sorts of other countries (who largely LOVE that Israel exists...oops). We went snorkeling (despite the chilly wind) and I have to say...it was awesome! I loved getting to see the coral and the fish.

View of Jordan from the beach in Eilat

Friday night we joined the Kibbutz Yahel community for Shabbat services. It was a very musical service, and it was great to have everyone singing to welcome in Shabbat. One of my classmates, Yael, and I wrote a d'var torah (דבר תורה–word of Torah. basically a little drasha/sermon) about the Torah portion. We gave the d'var in HEBREW! It was a challenging but rewarding activity. Yael and I have a pretty hilarious dynamic together, so I think it really worked. It was an wonderful experience, and I look forward to doing more things like this in the future.

So much beauty to take in at Kibbutz Yahel

Saturday morning we walked out (someone even shlepped a Torah!) into the desert for our Shabbat morning service. Everyone in the service did an outstanding job! I love when my fellow classmates lead services. Everyone is so supportive, and you end up leaving the service feeling so proud of your friends.

My awesome roomie Becka doing a great hagbah!

So, after a short but sweet time in the desert, it was time to head back to Jerusalem. We had a quick havdallah under the stars, and made it back into J'lem late Saturday night. Since then, we've been settling into the home stretch. Finals are shockingly right around the corner, which means a megavisit from the Muhlbaums is happening soon! This week's Israel Seminar trip took us to a hilarious Elvis rest stop and the Channel 2 News Studio. We've been talking about the impact radio and television have had on the foundation of the Israeli community, and it was really cool to have a behind-the-scenes look at the news station.

So confusing. Elvis!

Class photo from Channel 2

This weekend, despite the never ending to-do list I've accumulated, I went up north to Haifa to visit my dad's cousins again. It was, per usual, excellent. I feel so lucky to have family here! I got to practice my Hebrew, enjoy some fabulous home cooking, and I even did some sightseeing!

Qaesarea

Friday we went to Qaesarea and then had Shabbat dinner, and then Saturday we went on a trip to Rosh Hanikrah and Akko. There is something so magical about the water up north. I really loved having the opportunity to get a little change of scenery from Jerusalem. I came back feeling refreshed and happy to have spent some quality time with some tremendous people.

Grotto at Rosh HaNikrah

Rosh HaNikrah

So there's a little sampling of what I've been up to! Life is good, time is flying, and my poor camera is getting a workout. Israel is such a beautiful place and I'm so happy to be living here for the year!

Marina in Akko

Sunset in Akko

Thanks for reading =)

Panoramic view of Park Timna