I've just finished reading a book, The Heart of a People, that addresses the dialogue between the Christian and Jewish faiths. It's an excellent book that I highly recommend. As I cannot feasibly give it to all of you I will instead direct you to the website www.shorashim.com and encourage you to check it out.
One of the points discussed is the importance of true listening occuring between the two faiths without preconceived ideas and agendas from either side. In that understanding, I wanted to share a brief excerpt taken from the end of the book: "A classical rabbinic tale describes how an individual approaches one less fortunate and declares, 'I’m here to help you out and show you my love for you.' The recipient of this seemingly impressive display of love smiles sadly and responds, 'Thank you very much but how can you love me if you don’t know what hurts me.'”
May we all learn to listen. Shavua Tov!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Psalm 27
There’s a teaching that for each year of life entered into in an individual’s life the corresponding chapter in the book of Psalms may be read. As I am 26, that means that I am currently in my 27th year of life (Baruch HaShem!) and thus my chapter for this year is Psalm 27, which an excerpt reads:
By David. HaShem is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? HaShem is my life’s strength, whom shall I dread? …. One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary. Indeed, He will hide my in His Shelter on the day of evil; He will conceal me in the concealment of His Tent; He will lift me upon a rock. …. HaShem, hear my voice when I call, be gracious toward me and answer me. In your behalf, my heart has said, “Seek My Presence.” Your Presence, HaShem, do I seek. Conceal not Your Presence from me, repel not Your servant in anger. You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation. …. Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem.
Not to read too much of my emotions into it but I find it interesting that this is the particular Psalm for the year of my life considering where I’m at both physically (land of Israel) and spiritually. “One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary.” I remember on my 25th birthday I tried to soul search and find what I should ask of HaShem. What welled up within my soul was to come to Israel; the Land of His Torah, the Land of His people and the place where He chose for His Name to dwell. While I didn’t always seem to have a clear understanding of ‘how’ and the everyday grind of life requiring my immediate attention, it didn’t always seem like I was seeking that goal; but there was a quiet, but persistent progress that I’m not sure even I noticed, at times. Plus the closer I came to achieving the financial goal necessary for the reality the more I had to seek Him in order to asses my true intent (as well as check my sanity!). Bless Him, He allowed everything to come together and sent wonderful friends and family to encourage me over the 2 and a half years of persevering in this desire and now have the privilege of living practically in Jerusalem!
“Conceal not Your Presence from me…You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation” When I first came to Israel, I truly felt as if HaShem’s presence was hidden from me. It was very much a time of loneliness and uncertainty as I waded through the swirling confusion mentally, emotionally and spiritually of a new culture, environment, spiritual understanding, and life changes. Yet, I reminded myself of how HaShem had been my helper and salvation in times past.
Thus, “Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem”. In the midst of His concealment I was encouraged through the Torah that on the Mount HaShem will be seen and I made the decision to hold onto that. My first visit to the Kotel was confirmation of that hope and I was strengthened. Since then I’ve been blessed to meet the Richman’s and the Kempinski brothers who have also been instrumental in my encouragement and will to press on. The sages say that everyone can find themselves in the Psalms. I’m not sure if this is exactly what is meant, but perhaps it’s a start.
By David. HaShem is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? HaShem is my life’s strength, whom shall I dread? …. One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary. Indeed, He will hide my in His Shelter on the day of evil; He will conceal me in the concealment of His Tent; He will lift me upon a rock. …. HaShem, hear my voice when I call, be gracious toward me and answer me. In your behalf, my heart has said, “Seek My Presence.” Your Presence, HaShem, do I seek. Conceal not Your Presence from me, repel not Your servant in anger. You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation. …. Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem.
Not to read too much of my emotions into it but I find it interesting that this is the particular Psalm for the year of my life considering where I’m at both physically (land of Israel) and spiritually. “One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary.” I remember on my 25th birthday I tried to soul search and find what I should ask of HaShem. What welled up within my soul was to come to Israel; the Land of His Torah, the Land of His people and the place where He chose for His Name to dwell. While I didn’t always seem to have a clear understanding of ‘how’ and the everyday grind of life requiring my immediate attention, it didn’t always seem like I was seeking that goal; but there was a quiet, but persistent progress that I’m not sure even I noticed, at times. Plus the closer I came to achieving the financial goal necessary for the reality the more I had to seek Him in order to asses my true intent (as well as check my sanity!). Bless Him, He allowed everything to come together and sent wonderful friends and family to encourage me over the 2 and a half years of persevering in this desire and now have the privilege of living practically in Jerusalem!
“Conceal not Your Presence from me…You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation” When I first came to Israel, I truly felt as if HaShem’s presence was hidden from me. It was very much a time of loneliness and uncertainty as I waded through the swirling confusion mentally, emotionally and spiritually of a new culture, environment, spiritual understanding, and life changes. Yet, I reminded myself of how HaShem had been my helper and salvation in times past.
Thus, “Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem”. In the midst of His concealment I was encouraged through the Torah that on the Mount HaShem will be seen and I made the decision to hold onto that. My first visit to the Kotel was confirmation of that hope and I was strengthened. Since then I’ve been blessed to meet the Richman’s and the Kempinski brothers who have also been instrumental in my encouragement and will to press on. The sages say that everyone can find themselves in the Psalms. I’m not sure if this is exactly what is meant, but perhaps it’s a start.
Chanukah
Tonight is the 8th night of the celebration of Chanukah. Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of the new temporary home of the Temple Institute’s Temple Menorah. The menorah was created approx. 8 years ago according to the strict regulations given forth in the Torah and other Jewish sources; thus, the menorah is kosher for service in the future 3rd Temple. The location is just off the staircase that leads from the Western Wall to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. (Visit http://www.templeinstitute.org/ for more information regarding it and other vessels for Temple worship.)
I decided to attend this unveiling. True to Israeli culture it didn’t start when stated and as I had arrived early I had time to go and pray at the Kotel (Western Wall). While there my thoughts turned to Chanukah and I was struck by the fact that I was in the country where the miracle that we were commemorating actually took place. And not only was I in the country but the city and I was actually standing a relatively short distance from the actual location of the sanctuary where the temple menorah stood and the miracle occurred. To add to that I had an actual visual of what the menorah looked like as I had just seen it the week before in the Cardo and we were about to rejoice in the progression of the new menorah to its destined location. Oh, that you could hold on to understandings and awe like that for a little longer.
I decided to attend this unveiling. True to Israeli culture it didn’t start when stated and as I had arrived early I had time to go and pray at the Kotel (Western Wall). While there my thoughts turned to Chanukah and I was struck by the fact that I was in the country where the miracle that we were commemorating actually took place. And not only was I in the country but the city and I was actually standing a relatively short distance from the actual location of the sanctuary where the temple menorah stood and the miracle occurred. To add to that I had an actual visual of what the menorah looked like as I had just seen it the week before in the Cardo and we were about to rejoice in the progression of the new menorah to its destined location. Oh, that you could hold on to understandings and awe like that for a little longer.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Mazel Tov!
As I mentioned earlier, apparently in Israel whenever one has good news to share, whether it directly affects the sharer or not, the listeners heartily rejoice in the good news with that person - so I want to share with all of you the good news of my brother's wedding that is going to take place in approx. 4 hours from the writing of this blog - I am so excited for him and his fiance. Proverbs says that he who finds a wife, finds good. So I rejoice with my beloved brother in his having found good and with my new sister-in-law in having been found. While distance separates me from physically being there my rejoicing is no less diminished in your shared good and desire for the richest of blessings on your new life together - let the adventure begin! Mazel Tov!!
About Kibbutz Tzuba
Kibbutz Tzuba was founded by young families just after the State of Israel was reestablished in 1948. One lady that I met recently is a child of one of the founders of the kibbutz. She has lived here most of her life and is now raising a son here. Dorit also has lived all but 4 years or so of her life on the kibbutz. Her parents arrived just after the kibbutz was started so aren’t considered founders but are definitely long-time members. The kibbutz has fruit orchards; vineyards; olive groves; a hotel; a glass factory that manufactures bulletproof glass (and I found out recently, they also produce dishware from the leftover glass products which are used in the hotel as well as sold to the public); dairy farm (this is located at another kibbutz as they share this endeavor with a few other kibbutzim); chicken barn; auto-mechanic shop; beauty shop; small clothing store; small grocery store; post office; pub; conference rooms; amusement park/game room for young children complete with a petting zoo; furniture store; gift shop; community dining hall; laundry room (where yours truly hangs out 3 days a week); and other ventures that I can’t think of at the moment. When Kibbutzim where first created it was with the idea of a socialist mentality - that everything would be shared on the kibbutz including cars, phones, etc. Nowadays, many are beginning to privatize which includes Kibbutz Tzuba so members are beginning to have to pay for certain services, albeit at a very minimal price.
To become a member of a kibbutz is a bit of a process. You must go through a medical examination of sorts to ensure your mental and physical health; have references; live on the kibbutz on a trial basis for two years in which you work at different jobs on the kibbutz in order for the members to get to know you and for you to familiarize yourself with the kibbutz and its members. After this trial period the kibbutz members will vote on your status to determine if you can become part. I guess if you don’t ‘pass’ you have to look elsewhere to live! I was informed that currently Tzuba is not accepting families due to lack of space. (I believe each kibbutz sets up its regulations independently so this information is specific to Tzuba.)
A kibbutz is its own small town community where everyone knows everyone else and everyone else's business! Being small town girl myself, I rather enjoy the camaraderie shared among the members. One of the reasons I like where I work in the folding department is that you get to see the people of the community come in and out and greet one another, ask about family, the latest news and share in each others' good. Talma, one of my co-workers, just celebrated the birth of a granddaughter and Mazel Tov's were heard all day! One other interesting and different factor, at least from what I've observed here, is how involved the father seems to be publicly with their children. Everywhere you see dads with kids on their shoulders, holding their hand, pushing the stroller, feeding the kids in the dining hall. I guess this is something notable to me coming from my work with children whose fathers were absent, imprisoned or just didn't want to be bothered. For me, it's a really powerful scene.
To become a member of a kibbutz is a bit of a process. You must go through a medical examination of sorts to ensure your mental and physical health; have references; live on the kibbutz on a trial basis for two years in which you work at different jobs on the kibbutz in order for the members to get to know you and for you to familiarize yourself with the kibbutz and its members. After this trial period the kibbutz members will vote on your status to determine if you can become part. I guess if you don’t ‘pass’ you have to look elsewhere to live! I was informed that currently Tzuba is not accepting families due to lack of space. (I believe each kibbutz sets up its regulations independently so this information is specific to Tzuba.)
A kibbutz is its own small town community where everyone knows everyone else and everyone else's business! Being small town girl myself, I rather enjoy the camaraderie shared among the members. One of the reasons I like where I work in the folding department is that you get to see the people of the community come in and out and greet one another, ask about family, the latest news and share in each others' good. Talma, one of my co-workers, just celebrated the birth of a granddaughter and Mazel Tov's were heard all day! One other interesting and different factor, at least from what I've observed here, is how involved the father seems to be publicly with their children. Everywhere you see dads with kids on their shoulders, holding their hand, pushing the stroller, feeding the kids in the dining hall. I guess this is something notable to me coming from my work with children whose fathers were absent, imprisoned or just didn't want to be bothered. For me, it's a really powerful scene.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Meeting the Locals
I haven't written in a while as I don't know what to type – we’ve settled into a routine more or less and I don't have many news breaking stories to share. I think part of my delay is that I try to write well which takes longer so I'm just going to wing it and post so y'all will at least have more frequent updates! Aunt Becky - please excuse any grammatical errors!
2 weeks ago Shabbat was very nice as I was introduced to a family on the kibbutz who “adopted” me – the woman is from England and is both an English teacher and also writes textbooks. Her husband is from Finland (or Norway?) and they have 4 children, 3 are grown and the youngest is almost 13. The host mother wanted an English speaker in order to converse easily. While it’s nice for sake of relating it defeats the purpose of my coming to Israel for immersion into the language. However, little by little… I also spent this past Shabbat with them as well and met their oldest daughter and we had dinner together in the Heder-Ohel (dining room).
One highlight of my time here was that a woman whom I work with, Dorit, invited me to her parents' home for Shabbat dinner. I actually work with both her and her mother, Dalia. Dorit is 40 and lives in her own apartment but family time is priority so for Shabbat meals she spends time with them. Except for approx. 4 years, Dorit has lived her entire life here at Kibbutz Tzuba. Many kibbutz families once on a kibbutz tend to stay as do their children, grandchildren...you get the idea. However there are new individuals and families that move onto the kibbutz as well.
I hope to post an informational update about more kibbutz facts which will have to wait now as I have a Hebrew scrabble game to attend! Be well!
2 weeks ago Shabbat was very nice as I was introduced to a family on the kibbutz who “adopted” me – the woman is from England and is both an English teacher and also writes textbooks. Her husband is from Finland (or Norway?) and they have 4 children, 3 are grown and the youngest is almost 13. The host mother wanted an English speaker in order to converse easily. While it’s nice for sake of relating it defeats the purpose of my coming to Israel for immersion into the language. However, little by little… I also spent this past Shabbat with them as well and met their oldest daughter and we had dinner together in the Heder-Ohel (dining room).
One highlight of my time here was that a woman whom I work with, Dorit, invited me to her parents' home for Shabbat dinner. I actually work with both her and her mother, Dalia. Dorit is 40 and lives in her own apartment but family time is priority so for Shabbat meals she spends time with them. Except for approx. 4 years, Dorit has lived her entire life here at Kibbutz Tzuba. Many kibbutz families once on a kibbutz tend to stay as do their children, grandchildren...you get the idea. However there are new individuals and families that move onto the kibbutz as well.
I hope to post an informational update about more kibbutz facts which will have to wait now as I have a Hebrew scrabble game to attend! Be well!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
An answer or two
Apparently, I forgot to clarify a few things in my previous posts. Thanks to all who email and ask questions.
My classes began the same week as my work did. Roughly, a week and a half ago. There are 2 classes, Kita Alef (beginners who cannot read/write/speak/nada) and Kita Bet (those who can read and write and possibly speak). I'm in Kita Bet as I could read and write, altho' I didn't really know exactly what I was reading and writing! Kita Alef, the students are basically all on the same page. In Kita Bet, there is more of a range of ability. I'm actually on the lower end of skill level as several students have had Hebrew through grammar school and 1 or 2 thru high school. Others' parents are Israeli so they have a head's up that way. There's about 10 students in Kita Bet and 25 students in Alef.
As there is only one actual room for classes, the two have to alternate class time. So when Alef is working, Bet is in the classroom and vice versa. My work is approximately an 8 hour day 3 days a week. Class is from 7:30 am - 1:30 pm 3 days a week and at least once in the evening from 5-6:30 pm but it might eventually go to 2 evenings a week. However, each week the schedule is different as they just continue the pattern including Shabbat into the flow even tho' Shabbat we have off. So one week I may study Sun, Tues, Thurs and the next week I'll be working those days.
Well, I hope that clarifies some. I have to sign off as I've spent quite a bit of time online since I was blessed to have 2 people chat with me on yahoo messenger since I began this post. The first contact with friends back home since I've been here - oh how I needed that! Shalom paz peace,
Melinda :)
My classes began the same week as my work did. Roughly, a week and a half ago. There are 2 classes, Kita Alef (beginners who cannot read/write/speak/nada) and Kita Bet (those who can read and write and possibly speak). I'm in Kita Bet as I could read and write, altho' I didn't really know exactly what I was reading and writing! Kita Alef, the students are basically all on the same page. In Kita Bet, there is more of a range of ability. I'm actually on the lower end of skill level as several students have had Hebrew through grammar school and 1 or 2 thru high school. Others' parents are Israeli so they have a head's up that way. There's about 10 students in Kita Bet and 25 students in Alef.
As there is only one actual room for classes, the two have to alternate class time. So when Alef is working, Bet is in the classroom and vice versa. My work is approximately an 8 hour day 3 days a week. Class is from 7:30 am - 1:30 pm 3 days a week and at least once in the evening from 5-6:30 pm but it might eventually go to 2 evenings a week. However, each week the schedule is different as they just continue the pattern including Shabbat into the flow even tho' Shabbat we have off. So one week I may study Sun, Tues, Thurs and the next week I'll be working those days.
Well, I hope that clarifies some. I have to sign off as I've spent quite a bit of time online since I was blessed to have 2 people chat with me on yahoo messenger since I began this post. The first contact with friends back home since I've been here - oh how I needed that! Shalom paz peace,
Melinda :)
Why Israel? (to borrow a phrase, Jana!)
Well, there seems to be so much to share. I apologize for not having more entries as apparently I'm in more demand than I realized! This entry may not be so much of a journal as it is a friendly chat to all my wonderful friends and family who keep up with me.
Before I forget to include this bit of info - if any would like my contact info here in Israel just email me and I'll send it to you. For obvious reasons, I don't want to post it.
Well I finally got to go to the Western Wall, or Kotel. I hadn't expected to go on my last trip to Jerusalem as I had planned on it being more of an individual venture as opposed to a group outing. There was much I had wanted to prepare for but sometimes life isn't as we prepare for it. I traveled to town with some of my new friends here, Carlos, Drew and Scott. I had originally planned to just find a nice sidewalk cafe where I could journal and read some while they wandered around. However, I ended up tagging along to get better aquainted with the area. Carlos was our guide and he took us to the Kotel.
Now one of the main attractions and goal of this trip for me has been to go to the Kotel and the Temple Mount as that is the very place where G-d Himself chose to place His Holy Name. In fact, in Judiasm, it's taught that this is the one place that never loses its holiness. Not to go into too much detail but it has been a bit of a struggle here at times as I have felt distant from G-d since my arrival; which is utterly frustrating as I am in the very land and almost the city where His presence dwells. However, I had been reminded in the Torah portion two weeks ago (to think I've been here that long!) that on the temple mount, G-d will be seen.
So, after we went through security and read a brief overview of the western wall we approached the area where the entrance for men and women is located. Just standing behind the partition and taking it in was such an overwhelming experience. I don't know that I could justly describe it. My time was relatively short in the presence of the King, but I did petition on behalf of my family. Friends, I will definitely remember you the next trip! It is my desire to frequent the Kotel and His holy presence while I'm here.
A question that keeps circulating among my fellow ulpanists (students in the language program, ulpan) is why do you want to learn Hebrew? I have several but the one I want to share with you is because I want to be able to speak G-d's heart language to Him. Granted, G-d is outside of all of our concrete and metaphoric expressions we use to try and comprehend Him with. Nonetheless, there is much to be said about speaking to a person in the language that their heart understands and expresses in. I don't know if I can say why I want this except that it is a desire of my heart and that is why I'm here.
For you prayer warriors - pray for my safety from the crazy Israeli drivers! Kristen, if you're reading this, remember Mexico and pray hard! Thankfully, however, on the Kibbutz there's no traffic as it's all contained and not many people have a personal vehicle so it's mainly on ventures into town.
Thanks again for all your love, support and emails - they really help! G-d bless you.
Shalom paz peace,
Melinda
Before I forget to include this bit of info - if any would like my contact info here in Israel just email me and I'll send it to you. For obvious reasons, I don't want to post it.
Well I finally got to go to the Western Wall, or Kotel. I hadn't expected to go on my last trip to Jerusalem as I had planned on it being more of an individual venture as opposed to a group outing. There was much I had wanted to prepare for but sometimes life isn't as we prepare for it. I traveled to town with some of my new friends here, Carlos, Drew and Scott. I had originally planned to just find a nice sidewalk cafe where I could journal and read some while they wandered around. However, I ended up tagging along to get better aquainted with the area. Carlos was our guide and he took us to the Kotel.
Now one of the main attractions and goal of this trip for me has been to go to the Kotel and the Temple Mount as that is the very place where G-d Himself chose to place His Holy Name. In fact, in Judiasm, it's taught that this is the one place that never loses its holiness. Not to go into too much detail but it has been a bit of a struggle here at times as I have felt distant from G-d since my arrival; which is utterly frustrating as I am in the very land and almost the city where His presence dwells. However, I had been reminded in the Torah portion two weeks ago (to think I've been here that long!) that on the temple mount, G-d will be seen.
So, after we went through security and read a brief overview of the western wall we approached the area where the entrance for men and women is located. Just standing behind the partition and taking it in was such an overwhelming experience. I don't know that I could justly describe it. My time was relatively short in the presence of the King, but I did petition on behalf of my family. Friends, I will definitely remember you the next trip! It is my desire to frequent the Kotel and His holy presence while I'm here.
A question that keeps circulating among my fellow ulpanists (students in the language program, ulpan) is why do you want to learn Hebrew? I have several but the one I want to share with you is because I want to be able to speak G-d's heart language to Him. Granted, G-d is outside of all of our concrete and metaphoric expressions we use to try and comprehend Him with. Nonetheless, there is much to be said about speaking to a person in the language that their heart understands and expresses in. I don't know if I can say why I want this except that it is a desire of my heart and that is why I'm here.
For you prayer warriors - pray for my safety from the crazy Israeli drivers! Kristen, if you're reading this, remember Mexico and pray hard! Thankfully, however, on the Kibbutz there's no traffic as it's all contained and not many people have a personal vehicle so it's mainly on ventures into town.
Thanks again for all your love, support and emails - they really help! G-d bless you.
Shalom paz peace,
Melinda
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Just Whistle While You Work
And the winner is...laundry. Yep. That's right. I'm folding laundry for the next 5 months for the entire kibbutz; clothes, towels, sheets, tableclothes, name a scrap of fabric and I'll probably be folding it throughout my stay here. Actually, though, I've already had 4 days on the job and I have been entrusted with the illustrious job of distribuing as well. I like to think of it as a promotion of sorts, tho the pay is still the same. Here's more or less how it works. Every member of the kibbutz is assigned a number which goes on any article you want laundered. Some of my classmates are in the wash room part and they sort laundry by color and content and then put in/pull out from the washer and dryer. Once that's done, it's bro't over to my side and we are responsible for folding the items in such a way that the number is either visible or easily accessible so that the ladies who distribute can quickly determine it's home. Trust me, if you don't fold it right the first time you will the second as a nice woman who speaks to you as if you are fluent in Hebrew will show you what you did wrong! Once you have a cart full of nicely folded laundry it is taken to the distribution room that consists of shelving units divided into cubby holes with that oh so important number. The kibbutzniks pop in and out throughout the day and check their shelf to pick up any items that are ready.
The ladies that I work with are very nice and actually some do speak a little english. However, one in particular was insistent that all of them speak to me in Hebrew only so most of them comply. I appreciate this as it's the only practice I get for the moment. L-RD willing, I hope to make friends with the kibbutzniks here so I can expand my opportunities to practice and plus get to know the locals.
Kibbutz Tzuba is really beautiful. If you go to the top of a nearby hill that has a Crusaders fort ruin you can see the outskirts of Jerusalem. I am so amazed that G-d has allowed me this awesome opportunity. Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me in this dream. I love y'all and please keep sending emails!
Shalom!
The ladies that I work with are very nice and actually some do speak a little english. However, one in particular was insistent that all of them speak to me in Hebrew only so most of them comply. I appreciate this as it's the only practice I get for the moment. L-RD willing, I hope to make friends with the kibbutzniks here so I can expand my opportunities to practice and plus get to know the locals.
Kibbutz Tzuba is really beautiful. If you go to the top of a nearby hill that has a Crusaders fort ruin you can see the outskirts of Jerusalem. I am so amazed that G-d has allowed me this awesome opportunity. Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me in this dream. I love y'all and please keep sending emails!
Shalom!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Fun times...
Shalom All - or as my new friends like to tease me - Shalom y'all.
I arrived at Kibbutz Tzuba this past Monday, Oct. 22. The official program started today, Oct. 25 and so I began Kita Bet which is the slightly advanced class (thanks to all my fellow Hebrew classmates and teacher in Odessa for that & of course, HaShem!) As I could already read the alef-bet and knew a few words they placed me in the second class. The rest of the class has a little more experience than I but I was able to stay up with them but it will definitely be a challenge! However, there's always the option of moving to the alef class if it gets to be too much. Tomorrow I shall discover what job I will have - as there is only one classroom the two classes have to alternate days. So while one class is in session the other students work for that day and vice versa. The students in class alef did jobs ranging from peeling potatoes and onions, to folding laundry, washing cars and helping with maintenance. I think they need so more help in the kitchen, though so chances are...!
My roommate is Tasha and she's from Canada. A really great aspect about the ulpan (language program) is that people from all over the world come as either tourists who want to learn (like me) or new immigrants to Israel. So far our ulpan group consists of wonderful people from Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Venezuela, Romania, Canada, and the four corners of the U.S. For some, the only common language we share (or will share) will be Hebrew so we're all interested in learning it soon for conversation's sake! One virtue I've noticed in this group is that they all seem interested in learning about the other and becoming connected.
Yesterday was our last free day before work and class so I took the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem. HaShem blessed me several times in sending me people to assist me. I bless G-d for Joe Good's teaching in which he talked about the store Shorashim in the Old City. As I was a little turned around in the Old City what did my eyes behold but the shop Shorashim! I entered met the very friendly Dov and Moshe who kindly directed me to the Temple Institute's store and musuem. Todah Hashem (thank you, G-d!). It was a good experience! Well I gotta go - thanks to all who've responded to my blogs! G-d bless you each!
Shalom
I arrived at Kibbutz Tzuba this past Monday, Oct. 22. The official program started today, Oct. 25 and so I began Kita Bet which is the slightly advanced class (thanks to all my fellow Hebrew classmates and teacher in Odessa for that & of course, HaShem!) As I could already read the alef-bet and knew a few words they placed me in the second class. The rest of the class has a little more experience than I but I was able to stay up with them but it will definitely be a challenge! However, there's always the option of moving to the alef class if it gets to be too much. Tomorrow I shall discover what job I will have - as there is only one classroom the two classes have to alternate days. So while one class is in session the other students work for that day and vice versa. The students in class alef did jobs ranging from peeling potatoes and onions, to folding laundry, washing cars and helping with maintenance. I think they need so more help in the kitchen, though so chances are...!
My roommate is Tasha and she's from Canada. A really great aspect about the ulpan (language program) is that people from all over the world come as either tourists who want to learn (like me) or new immigrants to Israel. So far our ulpan group consists of wonderful people from Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Venezuela, Romania, Canada, and the four corners of the U.S. For some, the only common language we share (or will share) will be Hebrew so we're all interested in learning it soon for conversation's sake! One virtue I've noticed in this group is that they all seem interested in learning about the other and becoming connected.
Yesterday was our last free day before work and class so I took the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem. HaShem blessed me several times in sending me people to assist me. I bless G-d for Joe Good's teaching in which he talked about the store Shorashim in the Old City. As I was a little turned around in the Old City what did my eyes behold but the shop Shorashim! I entered met the very friendly Dov and Moshe who kindly directed me to the Temple Institute's store and musuem. Todah Hashem (thank you, G-d!). It was a good experience! Well I gotta go - thanks to all who've responded to my blogs! G-d bless you each!
Shalom
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Color
I’ve heard before that when you read the scriptures in America, it’s in black and white; but when you read them in Israel, the scriptures are in color. I think that was well said. Today I was reading the Parasha (a portion of the torah that is read on a weekly basis) in Genesis where G-d makes a covenant with Abraham about the land of Canaan. I could picture the countryside I’ve already seen and the people I’ve passed on the streets. To think that I am seeing the promise of G-d fulfilled to Abraham right now through all this is awesome. My 3 companions are also part of this promise. I wonder, though, if they realize the enormity of that.
Travelblog 10/20/07
I flew out of Odessa, TX @ 1 pm on Tuesday the 16 of October. With brief stops in Houston and Newark I was on my way to the Holy Land at 11 pm that evening. 10 long hours later I landed at the Ben Gurion International airport in Tel Aviv and the adventures began!
Shira (a fellow classmate) and I somehow got connected with Soneta, an airport personnel, and she helped us get our luggage. That was somewhat of an ordeal as one of Shira’s didn’t show up. After she reported it we had to wait for 30 minutes to see if any other students showed up. Drew did and not much later we were off to get a taxi. Loaded, we headed east. Shira is from California and is 18 (about to be 19 in a week and a half) and Drew is also 18 and is from Oregon.
It was dark by the time we got on the road so you couldn’t see too much of the scenery. However, as we approached Tzuba the road became more winding and mountainous. When we got on the Kibbutz it began raining and we had no clue as to where to go. Drew ran to where we saw some people to ask and they directed him to the dining room as there were more people there who spoke English. We unloaded and made a dash for it. In the dining room we met a young woman, Lena, originally from the Ukraine who spoke English and informed us that the kibbutz director wasn’t there! She had his number and we were able to call and discovered that he wasn’t prepared for us yet and so we could not stay! Well I wasn’t expecting that as we had been told that those who had already scheduled flights for the original start date of the 18th could arrive as early as the 14th and have a place to stay until the class started on the 25th. Does that sound confusing? Apparently it was to all those involved in making our arrangements! But G-d provided the manager of the kibbutz hotel to be present during our surprising news and made some phone calls to the head honcho of the kibbutz movement, Sylvio, and arranged for one night’s stay at Hotel Tzuba. Afterwards we’d travel to Ramat Efal (near Tel Aviv) to stay at the headquarters of the Kibbutz Movement; hotel and travel expenses would be on the Kibbutz Movement’s shekel. During the hotel manager’s discussion with Sylvio another student walked into the dining hall to join our confused trio, Louis from Maryland. He had to find his own transportation to the kibbutz as no one was there to meet him at the airport – but he’s fairly familiar with Israel so it wasn’t too hard for him. So that’s how our happy quartet was formed.
Friday morning we went to Ramat Aviv to visit Shira’s grandparents and tour the town some. Her grandparents were very sweet even if we didn’t understand everything. Like any good grandmother she made sure we ate. The flowers are as beautiful as everyone’s been telling me. I’ve seen bushes of hibiscus and hydrangea and bougainvillea. Israelis seem to love flora too as their houses are surrounded in bushes or pots out on the balconies and in flowerbeds. It being Friday, we had to make sure and catch a bus before 3 pm when they stop running for Shabbat. Shira stayed with her family so Drew, Louis and I headed back; and I might add that we managed the buses just fine! However, we forgot to take into account that we needed to get food before the Super (grocery store) closed. [Say ‘Super’ with a Spanish-like accent and you get the idea]. Since we missed that we had pizza at a pizzeria before it closed and headed back to our lodgings. Thankfully, we had at least bought a little the night before so breakfast Shabbat morning we had (again) wheat bread with chocolate spread. If you’ve ever had Nutella, it’s similar but without the hazelnut.
My first Shabbat in Israel wasn’t quite what I was hoping as we weren’t anywhere near a synagogue and don’t know anyone or anywhere here. But nonetheless it was good.
We had a makeshift Hebrew class – I happened to bring some Hebrew stencils so I was able to use those to help introduce Drew to the Hebrew alef-bet. He was a good student as he has background in language plus the fact that we had nothing else to do to pass time! Louis helped out with the pronunciation of a few letters as he went to Hebrew school when he was younger and is more familiar with that than I am. We named the cats that frequent our dorms - Ari, Sara and David (can you tell we’ve been isolated a little too long?!).
I believe Monday we will be able to go back to Kibbutz Tzuba which will be nice as then we can tour Jerusalem hopefully before classes start on Thursday.
Shira (a fellow classmate) and I somehow got connected with Soneta, an airport personnel, and she helped us get our luggage. That was somewhat of an ordeal as one of Shira’s didn’t show up. After she reported it we had to wait for 30 minutes to see if any other students showed up. Drew did and not much later we were off to get a taxi. Loaded, we headed east. Shira is from California and is 18 (about to be 19 in a week and a half) and Drew is also 18 and is from Oregon.
It was dark by the time we got on the road so you couldn’t see too much of the scenery. However, as we approached Tzuba the road became more winding and mountainous. When we got on the Kibbutz it began raining and we had no clue as to where to go. Drew ran to where we saw some people to ask and they directed him to the dining room as there were more people there who spoke English. We unloaded and made a dash for it. In the dining room we met a young woman, Lena, originally from the Ukraine who spoke English and informed us that the kibbutz director wasn’t there! She had his number and we were able to call and discovered that he wasn’t prepared for us yet and so we could not stay! Well I wasn’t expecting that as we had been told that those who had already scheduled flights for the original start date of the 18th could arrive as early as the 14th and have a place to stay until the class started on the 25th. Does that sound confusing? Apparently it was to all those involved in making our arrangements! But G-d provided the manager of the kibbutz hotel to be present during our surprising news and made some phone calls to the head honcho of the kibbutz movement, Sylvio, and arranged for one night’s stay at Hotel Tzuba. Afterwards we’d travel to Ramat Efal (near Tel Aviv) to stay at the headquarters of the Kibbutz Movement; hotel and travel expenses would be on the Kibbutz Movement’s shekel. During the hotel manager’s discussion with Sylvio another student walked into the dining hall to join our confused trio, Louis from Maryland. He had to find his own transportation to the kibbutz as no one was there to meet him at the airport – but he’s fairly familiar with Israel so it wasn’t too hard for him. So that’s how our happy quartet was formed.
Friday morning we went to Ramat Aviv to visit Shira’s grandparents and tour the town some. Her grandparents were very sweet even if we didn’t understand everything. Like any good grandmother she made sure we ate. The flowers are as beautiful as everyone’s been telling me. I’ve seen bushes of hibiscus and hydrangea and bougainvillea. Israelis seem to love flora too as their houses are surrounded in bushes or pots out on the balconies and in flowerbeds. It being Friday, we had to make sure and catch a bus before 3 pm when they stop running for Shabbat. Shira stayed with her family so Drew, Louis and I headed back; and I might add that we managed the buses just fine! However, we forgot to take into account that we needed to get food before the Super (grocery store) closed. [Say ‘Super’ with a Spanish-like accent and you get the idea]. Since we missed that we had pizza at a pizzeria before it closed and headed back to our lodgings. Thankfully, we had at least bought a little the night before so breakfast Shabbat morning we had (again) wheat bread with chocolate spread. If you’ve ever had Nutella, it’s similar but without the hazelnut.
My first Shabbat in Israel wasn’t quite what I was hoping as we weren’t anywhere near a synagogue and don’t know anyone or anywhere here. But nonetheless it was good.
We had a makeshift Hebrew class – I happened to bring some Hebrew stencils so I was able to use those to help introduce Drew to the Hebrew alef-bet. He was a good student as he has background in language plus the fact that we had nothing else to do to pass time! Louis helped out with the pronunciation of a few letters as he went to Hebrew school when he was younger and is more familiar with that than I am. We named the cats that frequent our dorms - Ari, Sara and David (can you tell we’ve been isolated a little too long?!).
I believe Monday we will be able to go back to Kibbutz Tzuba which will be nice as then we can tour Jerusalem hopefully before classes start on Thursday.
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