Ok, so I actually just wore my own tennis shoes but I did have issued to me army green cargo pants (that could fit two of me!), button down, long sleeved army shirt (again, one size fits all motif), cargo belt with canteen and pouch, and a cap (thankfully, new).
If you didn’t know I participated this last week (Mar. 9-13) in a program designed for Israeli youth to introduce them to the Israeli army experience, aka Gadna. Military service is virtually automatic in Israel when you turn 18 (it can be delayed tho’ for a year or so to do civil service instead). Hence, all the other groups in our program were 16-17 year old kids. You go to a real military base (but it’s function is primarily the Gadna program) and basically do a 5 day, 4 night simulation of the military experience.
Once our bus pulled up outside of the gate to the base a commander got on the bus gave orders in Hebrew and it started. I wasn’t expecting that although I don’t know why not. We split into guys and girls and lined up with our luggage behind a petite young looking girl in uniform w/an M-16 slung over her shoulder with an expressionless face and followed her into the base. We stopped when she said and then proceeded to follow orders which consisted of lining up the luggage and running to the opposite side of the road to line up in two lines, then into a chet, then moving the luggage some, etc, etc. basically it was practice for what was to follow. The young, petite girl informed us she was our mefekedet (commander) and that was how we knew her up until the last 30 minutes of our stay on the base. In many ways, the Gadna experience reminded me of camp except that the counselors don’t laugh and smile with you (or each other, if they can help it) and if you laugh or smile you get to do push-ups. As we have a pretty light-hearted group, needless to say several have improved their upper arm strength!
Each day started early being in formation at 6:20 am and it didn’t stop until 9 pm in the evening with a one hour shatash (personal free time in which you can change out of your uniform, shower, and chill) and then lights out with your commander standing in your room to tell you a bedtime story…uh, ok, there was no bedtime story. As a sidenote, all Israeli soldiers are issued a M-16 that they are required to keep on them at all times (no, we didn’t get that issued to us) so you go to bed with a silhouette of a person with an M-16 strapped around them.
Under the commander, one does not just walk from point A to point B – rather so many seconds are dictated by the commander to run from A to B and get into either 2 lines or the chet formation (chet is a Hebrew letter that is more or less a vertical rectangle without a bottom) this is how you move your luggage, go to the mess hall, the next station, clean the rooms, etc; and you count down the time shouting as you do it (may I remind you that this is all in Hebrew so my counting backwards in Hebrew has quite improved). Basically, nothing you do is on your own time – your time is the commander’s time. I know that several of you reading this have served in the military and know better firsthand of what I’ve only had a taste of so I want to say thank you and bless you!
Yours truly had lessons on techniques in the field and in urban areas which included how to maneuver, carrying the wounded, protection from a grenade, did a night trek of 3 km carrying radios, jerrycans, and stretcher (w/weight) crouching, crawling, walking, running (the real military does 50 km – so glad we didn’t do a complete simulation); had lessons on firing and cleaning the M-16; a condensed simulation of physical fitness (Gibushim) which consisted of different stations in which your tzvet (squad?) either competed against the clock or against other squads: relay of carrying stretcher (of course w/weight); push-ups/sit-ups/running in place; relays of army crawling uphill on a very rocky road (no, my knees are not the same anymore); 200m dash (I most definitely didn’t dash); relay of carrying 4x4 beams around the bend, up the hill and down the stairs; relay of carrying bags of sand uphill and back down. The Gibushim was a fun day but exhausting to say the least!
That’s more or less the overview. I could write a short novel on all that happened but most wouldn't be that interesting. However, it was really fun and challenging - did I mention that I got the award for our combined group - it's in Hebrew so I'm not really sure what it's for but maybe I'll find out one day...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Musuem, Shabbat, etc.
I apologize - I had problems posting this entry and tho't it had gone thru only to just discover that my last promise of a post wasn't kept! It was written when I said just not posted so here ya go:
Well, the Diaspora Museum is a definite recommendation! LIke any musuem in Israel you need more than one visit. It takes you through different 'gates' that cover the different values and ideals of the Jewish people and tries to show how those were kept and modified throughout the diaspora as well as gives you the history of the Jewish people. One room is filled with replicas of synagogues throughout the diaspora of those that are still standing and of those in times past. Each were unique in architecture yet maintained the basic elements in a synagogue (ner tamid, place for the Torah scroll, congregation facing towards Jerusalem).
I spent Shabbat with Eve and her beautiful family and enjoyed it immensely. As the last bus on Fridays from Tzuba to Jerusalem is @ 3 and the buses in Jerusalem stop running around 3 I had to take an earlier bus in and hence I arrived at their apartment quite early! The daughters were busily cleaning and cooking making the last preparations before Shabbat. Eve is a physician in the emergency room and so she didn' t arrive home until just before Shabbat. The girls, Hannah and Rachel, were very friendly and I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. I went with Hannah to part of the service at their shul (synagogue) but we were later than she thought so we actually only caught the last 20 minutes or so! We returned home to a true Shabbat feast. The meal is served in courses and I'm not sure if that part is Israeli or Jewish but we started with little salads and dips (that part is uniquely Israeli, I'm told) which include hummus, salsa, challah (traditional Shabbat bread), diced cucumbers and tomatoes, and other tasty dips; for the main meal we had matza ball soup and then Hannah made some very tasty cookies. Afterwards, Bill, their dad, gave us an overview of the week's Torah portion and then proceeded to ask questions. It was a relaxed after-dinner discussion that included everyone. I stayed at a neighbor's apartment who was visiting family and Hannah joined me.
The next morning I attended services but this time with Eve, however, we arrived pretty much for the very end! Eve and I went on a walk as the weather was beautiful and we went to a nearby park. It was very piturespque with many families out enjoying one another. We went to Linda's (another lady I met at my Psalms' class as well as a friend of the Gerber's) and had Shabbat lunch with her and some other friends of hers. She is from England and her other friends were from there as well. We spent most of the afternoon there and returned home late afternoon.
Hannah and Rachel have a habit of reading together a book called "Way of G-d" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto on Shabbat. I also have been reading that book, but in English but didn't bring it. So they proceeded to read outloud in Hebrew and then translate. Not long after Shabbat ended, they heard "Havdalah in the Park" and so we raced down the stairs to see it. Havdalah means separation and its a short service after shabbat that kind of closes out Shabbat officially. A family from the neighborhood started doing the service out in the park with a guitar and other families gather and join in singing and dancing. It was very nice.
I can't believe that my time is almost over - it doesn't seem I've been here four months already. I definitely have mixed emotions. While I miss my family and friends very much I already sense that I will miss Israel greatly. However, I know for now I need to go home and I look forward to it. Much has happened while I've been away with my niece's accident and my grandfather's passing and my brother's wedding so I do long to see my family. One interesting experience though is approaching before my time ends. Apparently we are going to participate in a 4 day program, Gadna, that generally is for Israeli teens to introduce them to the Israeli military - so I'm sure I'll have a story or two! It's in about a week and a half. I don't know much but I do know early mornings await me - oy vey! But, I did hear a rumor that we'll get to shoot an M16, so that sounds quite adventerous! Well I need to go - the beautiful weather is calling me to walk! Be well.
Well, the Diaspora Museum is a definite recommendation! LIke any musuem in Israel you need more than one visit. It takes you through different 'gates' that cover the different values and ideals of the Jewish people and tries to show how those were kept and modified throughout the diaspora as well as gives you the history of the Jewish people. One room is filled with replicas of synagogues throughout the diaspora of those that are still standing and of those in times past. Each were unique in architecture yet maintained the basic elements in a synagogue (ner tamid, place for the Torah scroll, congregation facing towards Jerusalem).
I spent Shabbat with Eve and her beautiful family and enjoyed it immensely. As the last bus on Fridays from Tzuba to Jerusalem is @ 3 and the buses in Jerusalem stop running around 3 I had to take an earlier bus in and hence I arrived at their apartment quite early! The daughters were busily cleaning and cooking making the last preparations before Shabbat. Eve is a physician in the emergency room and so she didn' t arrive home until just before Shabbat. The girls, Hannah and Rachel, were very friendly and I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. I went with Hannah to part of the service at their shul (synagogue) but we were later than she thought so we actually only caught the last 20 minutes or so! We returned home to a true Shabbat feast. The meal is served in courses and I'm not sure if that part is Israeli or Jewish but we started with little salads and dips (that part is uniquely Israeli, I'm told) which include hummus, salsa, challah (traditional Shabbat bread), diced cucumbers and tomatoes, and other tasty dips; for the main meal we had matza ball soup and then Hannah made some very tasty cookies. Afterwards, Bill, their dad, gave us an overview of the week's Torah portion and then proceeded to ask questions. It was a relaxed after-dinner discussion that included everyone. I stayed at a neighbor's apartment who was visiting family and Hannah joined me.
The next morning I attended services but this time with Eve, however, we arrived pretty much for the very end! Eve and I went on a walk as the weather was beautiful and we went to a nearby park. It was very piturespque with many families out enjoying one another. We went to Linda's (another lady I met at my Psalms' class as well as a friend of the Gerber's) and had Shabbat lunch with her and some other friends of hers. She is from England and her other friends were from there as well. We spent most of the afternoon there and returned home late afternoon.
Hannah and Rachel have a habit of reading together a book called "Way of G-d" by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto on Shabbat. I also have been reading that book, but in English but didn't bring it. So they proceeded to read outloud in Hebrew and then translate. Not long after Shabbat ended, they heard "Havdalah in the Park" and so we raced down the stairs to see it. Havdalah means separation and its a short service after shabbat that kind of closes out Shabbat officially. A family from the neighborhood started doing the service out in the park with a guitar and other families gather and join in singing and dancing. It was very nice.
I can't believe that my time is almost over - it doesn't seem I've been here four months already. I definitely have mixed emotions. While I miss my family and friends very much I already sense that I will miss Israel greatly. However, I know for now I need to go home and I look forward to it. Much has happened while I've been away with my niece's accident and my grandfather's passing and my brother's wedding so I do long to see my family. One interesting experience though is approaching before my time ends. Apparently we are going to participate in a 4 day program, Gadna, that generally is for Israeli teens to introduce them to the Israeli military - so I'm sure I'll have a story or two! It's in about a week and a half. I don't know much but I do know early mornings await me - oy vey! But, I did hear a rumor that we'll get to shoot an M16, so that sounds quite adventerous! Well I need to go - the beautiful weather is calling me to walk! Be well.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Almonds and Aharon
Shalom, Hola, Aloha, Ma Kara?
I thought I'd expand the greeting I've been using for practically all my entries! I hope this finds everyone well. Well, it actually snowed again yesterday but was much more wet so slush was everywhere and it fell slushy in a way, too - too bad it wasn't flavored!
So aside from the snow we had beautiful weather last week and it is expected to be spring-like again this coming weekend. Which brings me to the 'almond' part of my title. The almond trees are blooming and should be in full bloom in just a few more days. I've noticed how I have the tendancy to relate my experiences as "this is my first......in Israel". I had my first Channukah, Tu B'Shvat and will have my first Purim celebration here in Israel! But a true first of the first is seeing Almond Trees blooming and of course it is my first time to see almond trees bloom in Israel! It's seeing in color one more time - remember that the decorations for some of the temple vessels were to have almond blooms as part of the design and that Aharon's staff budded with almond blooms as a sign that HaShem had indeed chosen and separated him as a leader and high priest for His service. May I just add that almond blooms are beautiful? Perhaps its only because I'm from West Texas but I'm struck by their beauty everyday. The hillsides are covered with them so you see them on the way into Jerusalem on the bus or just walk around the kibbutz. If you haven't checked my flickr page in a while I've posted some photos I took of them on a walk two weeks ago. Writing this I was just thinking that G-d appreciates the ascetic a little more than I realized. One part of creation is to convey His great handiwork so that it might convey His very essence - which learning from the almond bloom - is soft, light in both color and touch, fragrant and beautiful.
Through the friendly shopkeepers I've come to know I learned of a women's study once a week that I have now attended 3 times. It's a group of about 10-15 ladies who meet on Wed. afternoons to study from the Tehillim (Psalms) for one hour and then from a portion in the Torah using a great sage's commentary, Rashi. We read the texts from the original Hebrew but the discussion is in English, mostly (as these women have lived in Israel for extended periods of time - all but one are native English speakers - various Hebrew phrases have become ingrained in their conversation). I got in in the middle of Psalm 104 and the end of the Torah portion dealing with Noach (Noah). I still need to rewrite my notes on those but wow! they were jam packed. It'd probably be better to just record the lessons as there is so much new perspectives that I can't write it all by hand. Today we started Psalm 22 and the Torah portion dealing with Lech Lecha (Abraham leaving his land, et al and going where HaShem told him).
Even though I don't quite fall in their age range (some could be my mother and some my grandmother!) it is such a joy to just sit and listen to them before, during and after. There's such a good, light hearted atmosphere in their conversations and the teaching and insights are refreshing and thought-provoking. I've made a connection with one fun lady named Chava, or Eve, and actually have been invited to spend Shabbat with her and her family this coming weekend! She's one of the younger ladies and has two daughters - one in high school and the other in college. Too, one of her neighbors also attends the study and is closer to my age and I think we might perhaps share a meal together during the Shabbat as well. I look forward to this weekend!
We go on a tiyuul (trip) tomorrow to Tel Aviv to the Diaspora Museum - I've been told that it's quite interesting so I'll take notes and give you my report. Y'all take care!
Shalom, paz, peace, adios, aloha
I thought I'd expand the greeting I've been using for practically all my entries! I hope this finds everyone well. Well, it actually snowed again yesterday but was much more wet so slush was everywhere and it fell slushy in a way, too - too bad it wasn't flavored!
So aside from the snow we had beautiful weather last week and it is expected to be spring-like again this coming weekend. Which brings me to the 'almond' part of my title. The almond trees are blooming and should be in full bloom in just a few more days. I've noticed how I have the tendancy to relate my experiences as "this is my first......in Israel". I had my first Channukah, Tu B'Shvat and will have my first Purim celebration here in Israel! But a true first of the first is seeing Almond Trees blooming and of course it is my first time to see almond trees bloom in Israel! It's seeing in color one more time - remember that the decorations for some of the temple vessels were to have almond blooms as part of the design and that Aharon's staff budded with almond blooms as a sign that HaShem had indeed chosen and separated him as a leader and high priest for His service. May I just add that almond blooms are beautiful? Perhaps its only because I'm from West Texas but I'm struck by their beauty everyday. The hillsides are covered with them so you see them on the way into Jerusalem on the bus or just walk around the kibbutz. If you haven't checked my flickr page in a while I've posted some photos I took of them on a walk two weeks ago. Writing this I was just thinking that G-d appreciates the ascetic a little more than I realized. One part of creation is to convey His great handiwork so that it might convey His very essence - which learning from the almond bloom - is soft, light in both color and touch, fragrant and beautiful.
Through the friendly shopkeepers I've come to know I learned of a women's study once a week that I have now attended 3 times. It's a group of about 10-15 ladies who meet on Wed. afternoons to study from the Tehillim (Psalms) for one hour and then from a portion in the Torah using a great sage's commentary, Rashi. We read the texts from the original Hebrew but the discussion is in English, mostly (as these women have lived in Israel for extended periods of time - all but one are native English speakers - various Hebrew phrases have become ingrained in their conversation). I got in in the middle of Psalm 104 and the end of the Torah portion dealing with Noach (Noah). I still need to rewrite my notes on those but wow! they were jam packed. It'd probably be better to just record the lessons as there is so much new perspectives that I can't write it all by hand. Today we started Psalm 22 and the Torah portion dealing with Lech Lecha (Abraham leaving his land, et al and going where HaShem told him).
Even though I don't quite fall in their age range (some could be my mother and some my grandmother!) it is such a joy to just sit and listen to them before, during and after. There's such a good, light hearted atmosphere in their conversations and the teaching and insights are refreshing and thought-provoking. I've made a connection with one fun lady named Chava, or Eve, and actually have been invited to spend Shabbat with her and her family this coming weekend! She's one of the younger ladies and has two daughters - one in high school and the other in college. Too, one of her neighbors also attends the study and is closer to my age and I think we might perhaps share a meal together during the Shabbat as well. I look forward to this weekend!
We go on a tiyuul (trip) tomorrow to Tel Aviv to the Diaspora Museum - I've been told that it's quite interesting so I'll take notes and give you my report. Y'all take care!
Shalom, paz, peace, adios, aloha
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Snow and Samuel
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!
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!
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!
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