It's currently 5:20pm here in Jerusalem, and so I have some time to update my blog before we head to Shabbat services/dinner.
I arrived safe and sound on Tuesday around 3:30pm (local). It took me some time to get to my apartment, but on the way I had the opportunity to talk with a few different people in the sheirut (shared cab). I mostly spoke in English, because I was tired and wanted to make sure I got on the right sheirut, figured out money correctly, etc. However, now that I'm in Jerusalem and somewhat settled in, I have been speaking Hebrew as much as possible, unless I a) need to be absolutely sure of what I'm saying (such as when I exchanged money), or b) I don't know the majority of the words in the sentence I want to say. Otherwise, though, I have been communicating in Hebrew--and it's awesome!
Once I arrived to my apartment Tuesday evening, I met my roommates (who are awesome), Jeff and Nicole, as well as Ted, who was subletting my room until I arrived and still pretty much hangs out here (and is also awesome). We then went to dinner at another rabbinic student and his wife's apartment, where we watched The Newsroom, a new show on HBO (it was good, but I probably won't get into it).
Wednesday I checked in at HUC and got my phone, and then proceeded to take two tours: one of HUC and one of part of Jerusalem. Both were quite helpful. That night my roommates, myself, and Ted all made dinner which was delicious.
Yesterday (Thursday) I had a lot of free time, so I explored the Old City. I went to the Kotel, where I relearned how to properly lay tefillin (I had known how to do this before, but I wanted to ensure I was doing it correctly). I tried to find my friend Anas, who lives in the Old City, but unfortunately wasn't home at the time. The good news is that he is still living there, so I'll hopefully catch him later.
Last night two of the three student interns (they're all 4th or 5th year students) and the Israeli intern took us to dinner (most students went), then we split up and hung out at another two students' apartment.
Finally today I went to the shuk, the marketplace, where we bought great food for cheap. Now I'm cleaned and ready to go for Shabbat!
I will try to keep you better posted, but for now I just have to be quick about it. Soon to come: pictures of me exploring Jerusalem and pictures of my apartment.
Shabbat Shalom!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
T-minus 8 days until I leave!
Please be patient with me as I explore this here blogosphere and get my bearings straight as I figure out how to write a good blog.
Here's an update on how my Israel preparations are going so far. I have an apartment ready to go. I have all the books I need. I have my visa. I have my plane ticket. I have filled out all necessary forms and prepared all necessary documents. I have gone to the doctor and the dentist. I have figured out online banking, set up a Charles Schwab account, and done everything else necessary to bank in Israel. I have bought new hiking boots, new climbing gear, and have everything ready to hike, camp, and climb in Israel. Except for a few small things here and there, the only things really left are to buy some last minute items (e.g. toiletries) and pack. And then I'll be gone!
It's bittersweet, really. In this moment I can really only help think of Abraham, hearing God's voice and leaving the land of his father. I, too, will be leaving the land of my family, and my friends. I will be away from home for an entire year. The great thing about our modern world is that I can connect to everyone via phones, mail, or the internet--Skype will be a great tool for this year. Yet you all will still be far away.
Yet Abraham wasn't told to just go to any old place. He went to the Promised Land--and so will I. It is the homeland of my people, and for me it is in many ways a second home. This will be my third time there, and I have already lived there for almost half a year. While on the one hand I will miss home, on the other hand June 25 (my flight date) can't come soon enough. While I will miss my family (who better visit!), my friends, and Sam (fortunately for only two months--it could be worse), on the other hand I cannot wait to begin.
And so I will spend these last eight days doing what's most important to me: no, not lighting a menorah, but relaxing with friends and family. Soon enough, I will be on a plane headed toward Eretz Yisrael. Thus will begin one of the biggest steps in my life journey so far. And just like Abraham, I'm sure that I, too, will come out of this a changed man.
-Eric
PS - Please bear with me as I decided to write this at 1am!
PPS - Here's one of my favorite pictures of Israel: expect many more once I get there!
Here's an update on how my Israel preparations are going so far. I have an apartment ready to go. I have all the books I need. I have my visa. I have my plane ticket. I have filled out all necessary forms and prepared all necessary documents. I have gone to the doctor and the dentist. I have figured out online banking, set up a Charles Schwab account, and done everything else necessary to bank in Israel. I have bought new hiking boots, new climbing gear, and have everything ready to hike, camp, and climb in Israel. Except for a few small things here and there, the only things really left are to buy some last minute items (e.g. toiletries) and pack. And then I'll be gone!
It's bittersweet, really. In this moment I can really only help think of Abraham, hearing God's voice and leaving the land of his father. I, too, will be leaving the land of my family, and my friends. I will be away from home for an entire year. The great thing about our modern world is that I can connect to everyone via phones, mail, or the internet--Skype will be a great tool for this year. Yet you all will still be far away.
Yet Abraham wasn't told to just go to any old place. He went to the Promised Land--and so will I. It is the homeland of my people, and for me it is in many ways a second home. This will be my third time there, and I have already lived there for almost half a year. While on the one hand I will miss home, on the other hand June 25 (my flight date) can't come soon enough. While I will miss my family (who better visit!), my friends, and Sam (fortunately for only two months--it could be worse), on the other hand I cannot wait to begin.
And so I will spend these last eight days doing what's most important to me: no, not lighting a menorah, but relaxing with friends and family. Soon enough, I will be on a plane headed toward Eretz Yisrael. Thus will begin one of the biggest steps in my life journey so far. And just like Abraham, I'm sure that I, too, will come out of this a changed man.
-Eric
PS - Please bear with me as I decided to write this at 1am!
PPS - Here's one of my favorite pictures of Israel: expect many more once I get there!
Night view of the Old City of Jerusalem (from a random hostel)
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