Shalom All!
This morning I woke up to a beautiful blanket of snow covering the kibbutz. I was late to class because I took the opportunity to snap some scenery pics. But don't worry I wasn't the only one and our teacher was quite aquiescent for the special event - I say special because snow here causes more or less the same type of commotion it does in West Texas: schools close, public transport shut down (ok, we don't really have that in WT) and everyone goes out to play. In fact, snow is so uncommon in all of Israel except on Mt. Hermon that people from Tel Aviv (45 minutes away) will load up and trek it to Jerusalem to see and play in the snow! That and the topic of the reports that came out about the 2nd Lebanon War have been the main two topics in the news here. Also similar to WT the sky is now bright and blue and the snow has become sludge all around with patches remaining on the ground and roofs. Last night some guys enjoyed the snow very much and were very rowdy - it was Carlos' (from Venezuela) first time to experience the snow and he definitely enjoyed it! This morning we had an hour break instead of our usual 30 min. break for breakfast as our teacher had a meeting. We took advantage of it and took a tiyyul (walk/hike) for photographs and of course ended up in a snow ball fight - I must say I'm not much of a formiddable opponent but at least I can keep you on your toes!
My biggest excitement lately was the opportunity I had to visit the Prophet Samuel's grave. A family who are friends of a friend had me over to spend a shabbat weekend with them during Chanukah. While I there they mentioned that Samuel's grave isn't far from their home. I expressed interest in visiting it and they graciously made arrangements to take me. I invited my friend Scott to come along as his Hebrew name is Shmuel (Samuel) and so he joined in the adventure. It was a cold, rainy day (sound like a story?) but we persevered. We had to first catch the bus into Jerusalem and then from the central station to my friends' house who would take us. As I had only been to their home once I didn't quite remember the street name and couldn't find the directions before I left so I was relying on HaShem and my memory (but I tho't I remembered what the area looked like well enough). HOwever, I didn't count on not being near a window on a crowded bus. It was really just by G-d's grace that we managed to get off on the exact street the house was on (we had actually passed the one I was looking for!). We met up with one of the sons that agreed to take us and we loaded into his car. As a side note - gas is extremely expensive here so it was very generous and gracious for him to be willing to make an extra trip for us. We arrived at the site which he explained how the Muslims tend to take over any Jewish holy sites yet this aides in locating them (but, at times they're not always accurate). As such, the site was actually housed inside a mosque but we didn't have to enter the mosque itself. The room it's in is actually divided by the sarcophagus (Scott, the wordsmith, gave me that word - google it if you need to!) men on one side and women on the other. People come to study and/or pray. Note - they do not pray to Samuel but to HaShem and rather pray in Samuel's merit - more or less the same idea Christians use when they pray in Jesus' name. When we walked up the ramp to the building - our guide, Hillel, pointed out the valley below (the area we were in is one of the highest places in Jerusalem area) and the valley was where Joshua fought the 5 kings and commanded the sun to stand still - I thought that was pretty awesome to see what I've read and taught about for years! Another part of the Scriptures brought to color! That has definitely been a highlight for me!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The Heavens Declare
Psalm 19:2-3 “The heavens declare the glory of G-d, and the firmament tells of His handiwork. Day following day utters speech, and night following night declares knowledge.”
I have a photo of a white rose with rain drops on it that I took just outside the machson (the laundry complex where I work). I was sharing some of my photos with a fellow ulpanist who works in the washing and drying of laundry. When we came across the rose photo I commented where I took the picture and he mentioned that he never noticed things like that.
I read a while back an article expressing how the technological advances of society, while good, more often than not have drawn our attention, and our soul, away from the heavens (heavens meaning HaShem). In the Western World (as well as other societies that unfortunately want to mimic it) individuals are inundated with media and the constant movement and noise of technology. Unfortunately, one result of this is loss of sight – sight to see the beauty of the world around that declares to those who will listen of the beauty of their Creator.
While technology has the capacity to reduce the stress of living through washing machines, microwaves, telecommunications, etc. so that we do not have to strive so much to live, it seems that it has advanced so rapidly that we don’t know, or didn’t take the time, to incorporate them into our lives – but rather incorporated our lives into the technology. We need to stop and ask ourselves if we have allowed these wonderful inventions truly to enrich our lives or merely take ahold of our lives. Do we know how to stop and enjoy the simple act of being? Can we be mindful of our Creator and the bigger picture of our lives in every act we perform?
How long has it been since you’ve truly taken time to stop what you’re doing and look around you to see the beauty waiting to be seen, to contemplate the wonders behind the creation and the Wonder of the Creator? Get out of the city to a quiet place away from distractions and notice the world around. If you can’t leave the city, go to a park or your backyard or even in the middle of your walk from one building to the next, pause and look at the sky or literally stop and smell the roses. I challenge you to take time in the middle of your routine to stop and get out of it, even for a moment, to look around and to listen to the declarations of the heavens, night and day.
I have a photo of a white rose with rain drops on it that I took just outside the machson (the laundry complex where I work). I was sharing some of my photos with a fellow ulpanist who works in the washing and drying of laundry. When we came across the rose photo I commented where I took the picture and he mentioned that he never noticed things like that.
I read a while back an article expressing how the technological advances of society, while good, more often than not have drawn our attention, and our soul, away from the heavens (heavens meaning HaShem). In the Western World (as well as other societies that unfortunately want to mimic it) individuals are inundated with media and the constant movement and noise of technology. Unfortunately, one result of this is loss of sight – sight to see the beauty of the world around that declares to those who will listen of the beauty of their Creator.
While technology has the capacity to reduce the stress of living through washing machines, microwaves, telecommunications, etc. so that we do not have to strive so much to live, it seems that it has advanced so rapidly that we don’t know, or didn’t take the time, to incorporate them into our lives – but rather incorporated our lives into the technology. We need to stop and ask ourselves if we have allowed these wonderful inventions truly to enrich our lives or merely take ahold of our lives. Do we know how to stop and enjoy the simple act of being? Can we be mindful of our Creator and the bigger picture of our lives in every act we perform?
How long has it been since you’ve truly taken time to stop what you’re doing and look around you to see the beauty waiting to be seen, to contemplate the wonders behind the creation and the Wonder of the Creator? Get out of the city to a quiet place away from distractions and notice the world around. If you can’t leave the city, go to a park or your backyard or even in the middle of your walk from one building to the next, pause and look at the sky or literally stop and smell the roses. I challenge you to take time in the middle of your routine to stop and get out of it, even for a moment, to look around and to listen to the declarations of the heavens, night and day.
Life Abroad
Newsbulletin: Jan. 11, 2008
Cross-cultural experiences encourage adjustment and resourcefulness:
Situation: Wanting to order something behind a counter but your vocabulary is limited to both inquire and request the choices before you. Solution: You select items based on your limited vocabulary, not necessarily because of your preference or even knowledge of what you are ordering, but merely because that is what you can get out. For example, I ordered ‘te’ (tea) with the green lid only because those were the words I knew, not because I actually knew what flavor I was getting. (It turned out to be mango, which wasn’t bad!).
Situation: Climate control is limited to one space heater in a concrete room with high ceilings and otherwise poor insulation. Solution: I sleep with my hairdryer by my bed as a modern day equivalent to the warming pans they used in earlier times to heat the blankets. (It works quite nicely, I might add. J)
Situation: Food is not served in the dining hall on Saturday evenings which requires ulpanists to either take a ‘to-go’ box at lunch or order out after the Shabbat has ended. If you opt for the ‘to-go’ box and choose food that tastes better warm, unless you have friends with a hot-pan, you better think twice. Solution: Choose cold salads (we do, at least, have a small fridge) or set your food in front of the one space heater and wait a long time (it does work, however!).
Situation: Israelis have little concept of personal space – a small distance between you and the person in front of you in a line indicates you are obviously just standing aimlessly around and another will come along and insert their self into said distance. Solution: Lose the Texas mentality of “wide-open spaces” and learn to get ‘up close and personal’ for buses, food lines, etc.
This particular entry is a work in progress – as I observe more cultural differences I’ll try to add them. Please check back from time to time – but not too often! Personally, I’m not complaining – I rather enjoy the challenges and adjustments that intercultural interaction provokes and enjoy laughing at my own culture and its peculiarities in a foreign setting – and I really am enjoying my time here in Israel and encourage everyone to make the effort to visit!
Cross-cultural experiences encourage adjustment and resourcefulness:
Situation: Wanting to order something behind a counter but your vocabulary is limited to both inquire and request the choices before you. Solution: You select items based on your limited vocabulary, not necessarily because of your preference or even knowledge of what you are ordering, but merely because that is what you can get out. For example, I ordered ‘te’ (tea) with the green lid only because those were the words I knew, not because I actually knew what flavor I was getting. (It turned out to be mango, which wasn’t bad!).
Situation: Climate control is limited to one space heater in a concrete room with high ceilings and otherwise poor insulation. Solution: I sleep with my hairdryer by my bed as a modern day equivalent to the warming pans they used in earlier times to heat the blankets. (It works quite nicely, I might add. J)
Situation: Food is not served in the dining hall on Saturday evenings which requires ulpanists to either take a ‘to-go’ box at lunch or order out after the Shabbat has ended. If you opt for the ‘to-go’ box and choose food that tastes better warm, unless you have friends with a hot-pan, you better think twice. Solution: Choose cold salads (we do, at least, have a small fridge) or set your food in front of the one space heater and wait a long time (it does work, however!).
Situation: Israelis have little concept of personal space – a small distance between you and the person in front of you in a line indicates you are obviously just standing aimlessly around and another will come along and insert their self into said distance. Solution: Lose the Texas mentality of “wide-open spaces” and learn to get ‘up close and personal’ for buses, food lines, etc.
This particular entry is a work in progress – as I observe more cultural differences I’ll try to add them. Please check back from time to time – but not too often! Personally, I’m not complaining – I rather enjoy the challenges and adjustments that intercultural interaction provokes and enjoy laughing at my own culture and its peculiarities in a foreign setting – and I really am enjoying my time here in Israel and encourage everyone to make the effort to visit!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Shalom!
Shalom All!
What can I say? Things have more or less settled into a routine. However, about a week or so ago I definitely had a unique experience while helping Israel keep on top of their security. Earlier in the Ulpan some of the students were selected to participate in security check exercises at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Yours truly volunteered to participate! I got to meet some of the security administrators and go into those restricted areas you don't usually get to enter. On top of that I got to intentionally lie to the security at the airport! Don't worry, family. All was under survellience and I was perfectly safe, and just so you know Israel's security is really good!
We did two trips - one to Tel Aviv & Jaffo and the other to Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv/Jaffo we went to the home of the first mayor of Tel Aviv which is where the leaders declared the state of Israel in May of 1948. We went through the old city of Jaffo and saw the port. Jaffo was the main port/entrance into the land of Israel for ages - thus it was the port from where Jonah tried to flee and probably where King Solomon had the wood from Lebanon sent in order to make overland transportation shorter - the wood of course being for the construction of the first Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
In Jerusalem we visited the Yad Vashem Museum which a Holocaust Museum and research center. By the way it is also where President Bush will be visiting on his 3 day stay here. It is an overwhelming musuem and definitely worth more than one visit. Anything I say will be an understatement but it was terrible to see the capacity to which man can degrade to.
I must say it's been interesting being in Jerusalem during Bush's visit. We're pretty certain that we heard/saw the heliocopters carrying him and/or his personnel en route to Jerusalem as Tzuba is on the way. Also, several streets were closed in Jerusalem but as I travelled there I didn't notice anything different except that there was much more security personnel all around. Thanks for y'alls savlanut (patience) and I'll try to get something else on. I'm enjoying my time here and thank you all for your support and encouragement and prayers. I am still amazed that I am here!
What can I say? Things have more or less settled into a routine. However, about a week or so ago I definitely had a unique experience while helping Israel keep on top of their security. Earlier in the Ulpan some of the students were selected to participate in security check exercises at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Yours truly volunteered to participate! I got to meet some of the security administrators and go into those restricted areas you don't usually get to enter. On top of that I got to intentionally lie to the security at the airport! Don't worry, family. All was under survellience and I was perfectly safe, and just so you know Israel's security is really good!
We did two trips - one to Tel Aviv & Jaffo and the other to Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv/Jaffo we went to the home of the first mayor of Tel Aviv which is where the leaders declared the state of Israel in May of 1948. We went through the old city of Jaffo and saw the port. Jaffo was the main port/entrance into the land of Israel for ages - thus it was the port from where Jonah tried to flee and probably where King Solomon had the wood from Lebanon sent in order to make overland transportation shorter - the wood of course being for the construction of the first Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
In Jerusalem we visited the Yad Vashem Museum which a Holocaust Museum and research center. By the way it is also where President Bush will be visiting on his 3 day stay here. It is an overwhelming musuem and definitely worth more than one visit. Anything I say will be an understatement but it was terrible to see the capacity to which man can degrade to.
I must say it's been interesting being in Jerusalem during Bush's visit. We're pretty certain that we heard/saw the heliocopters carrying him and/or his personnel en route to Jerusalem as Tzuba is on the way. Also, several streets were closed in Jerusalem but as I travelled there I didn't notice anything different except that there was much more security personnel all around. Thanks for y'alls savlanut (patience) and I'll try to get something else on. I'm enjoying my time here and thank you all for your support and encouragement and prayers. I am still amazed that I am here!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Food for Thought
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!
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!
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.
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