Perolman in the Promised Land

Put me on hold/ The Last Post

2006-06-07T18:29:00.000+03:00

I am supposed to finish packing for camp today.
I'm supposed to do all my laundry.
I'm supposed to finish packing and labeling the "New York" boxes, move them back into my room and let my parents have half their bedroom back.
I'm supposed to do all of this by 6:30pm so I can go with my dad to the Federation's annual dinner to honor 10 amazing Jewish women.
Am I doing any of this? Nope. I'm sitting at my computer, generally avoiding anything "real" I'm supposed to be doing. I'm planning on going to Starbucks in a few to get an iced coffee and then to the mall to return a bracelet I bought. Thats doing real stuff, right?

For those who are still reading, and others who care, this will be the last Promised Land post for a while. Maybe forever, I'm not sure.

I'll be at camp for the summer and will go almost immediately to New York to start my "A" year. Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

So make yourself a note to check back with us in early September and there will be an update. Either you'll be directed to a new site, or you'll just learn that Promised Land has moved on to that cyberspace in the sky.

Either way, thanks for being such loyal readers if you read- it made doing this so much more fun.

And like the song says, "I"ll see you in September..."

Love to everyone reading-

Home? Sweet, Home?

2006-06-03T02:17:00.000+03:00

Today my mom told me that I should update my blog in case people were still reading.

So for everyone reading: I'm alive, back in the states, slowly adjusting to life here.

Jet lag is over, shopping and American coffee drinking has begun, the endless social events and meals are continuing. Have new contacts, a cute new haircut and a supercool red cell phone.

Tomorrow I'm going up to see three of my best friends at the Appel Farm Folk Festival. I'll stay over in NJ and see Jamie before coming back to Maryland to have dinner with Adrienne.

One week ago I was davening under the stars in what I thought was my home.

Tonight I'll be davening under different stars and wishing I was back there.

Bittersweet? Liminal? Just plain hard. Yep.

SPELLING BEE!

2006-05-25T18:40:00.000+03:00

Let's do some spelling, shall we?

D-O-N-E. Thats what I am today!

R. Thats the letter I gained after this very long year.

T-W-E-N-T-Y P-E-R-C-E-N-T. How much of my Rabbinic Education I've completed.

K-A-T-H-A-R-I-N-E M-A-C-P-H-E-E. Who I want to win American Idol.

B-E-E-R A-N-D H-O-O-K-A-H. What I'm going to be enjoying tonight.

S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G. What I am going to do tomorrow.

S-H-A-B-B-A-T. My last one tomorrow.

P-A-C-K-I-N-G. What I MUST start doing ASAP.

B-I-T-T-E-R-S-W-E-E-T. What these past few days have been.

T-E-L A-V-I-V--F-R-A-N-K-F-U-R-T-- P-H-I-L-A-D-E-L-P-H-I-A. My route home.

L-E-H-I-T-R-A-O-T. Don't worry, we'll see each other again soon.

More End of the Year Pics

2006-05-21T22:16:00.000+03:00

Tonight my class, kitah gimmel traveled out of Jerusalem to eat dinner at the home of our [amazing] Hebrew teacher, Zohara. She lives in a *beautiful* house with her husband and three kids. Here is my class with Zohara [from R->L: Micol, Lauren, Zohara, Me, Luisa, Claire, Rollin, Josh, Elana, Shira (Zohara's daughter), Sarah, Heather).

Here I am with Zohara, the master [mistress?] of all things Hebrew.
Today: saw Mindy, did last-minute shopping, studied, dinner at Zohara's
Tomorrow: lunch with Mindy, studying with Julia
Tuesday: Biblical Grammar exam, studying/packing
Wednesday: Bible Exam, Liturgy Exam, studying/packing
Thursday: Hazal Exam, celebrating [on being done with my first year and having my R!]
Friday: clean and pack, pack and clean, goodbyes, last Shabbat...get on a plane...

Let the procrastination begin! Love to everyone still reading!

End-Of-The-Year

2006-05-19T15:07:00.000+03:00

The First Year class in Jerusalem 2005-6. I'm on the bottom right, second from the end.

The entire First year, Fourth year, Israeli Students, Staff and Faculty of HUC Jerusalem. Again, I'm on the bottom right.

End of the year pictures...end of the year picnics, end of the year Shabbat...must be the end of the year.

Finally. Finally?

2006-05-18T17:23:00.000+03:00

Today is the last day of school. The last day of my first year of rabbinical school. woah.

1 paper. 4 finals. 8 days.

Time to go party it up in Tel Aviv before the busy weekend of studying/socializing.

Love to all...feel free to leave encouragement/love/support.

I'm really excited to see these people

2006-05-15T09:00:00.000+03:00

Here they are at a Family Fraternity Event (I'm not sure what that means, beer pong and bagels?)

12 days...

To do before then:
Hebrew final, Part II (May 16)
Israel Seminar Paper (May 23)
Biblical Grammar Final (May 23)
Bible Final (May 24)
Liturgy Final (May 24)
Rabbinic Literature Final (May 25)

Pack boxes to be shipped (May 19)
Pack suitcases (everyday)

Today is Founder's Day (again, I don't know what that means) and we're having a closing ceremony and mandatory BBQ [Q: what kind of school has mandatory meals? A: A jewish one]

Friday night is our last Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner as a first year class. After that, people will be leaving as soon as their finals are over, some as early as Tuesday of next week, some are staying all summer, and still others leaving somewhere in the middle. I leave on May 27th and will be returning to the East Coast around 2pm that day.

At home I'll be celebrating all the holidays and birthdays I've missed and also my brother's graduation from Towson [yay dave!] I'll also be attempting to see most of my friends in the area and family before going to camp on June 11.

Hopefully before this experience is over I'll make some time to reflect on this year, this blog and other random things I like to talk about here. Topics may include: how many mulletts I've worn this year, obsessive internet tv watching, why i love the color pink and the hebrew root kuf, resh, nun. Stay tuned.

You look good for 58

2006-05-04T17:14:00.000+03:00

Yesterday was Israel's 58th Birthday. Starting Tuesday night, this country was CRAAAZY complete with Israeli flags EVERYWHERE, kids in the streets with cans of silly string and shaving cream, the LOUDEST music I've ever heard and tons of Jews from all over the world partying it up in J-town.

This is Ben Yehudah Street at the begining of the night- you can see that there are lots of people in the distance- the ENTIRE street was full of people singing and dancing and drinking, of course.

This is on Yom Haazmaut at the softball game/BBQ that we had at Kraft Family Field. From L-R: Lev, Mel, Shayna, Me, Rena and Sandi. I "womaned" the grills with Rachael and cooked lots of meat...most of which I don't think I'll ever eat again. The BBQ was quite possibly the most fun I've had in a while- good food, great friends, sunshine, Israel etc.

I am SO happy that today is Thursday aka last day of the week aka two more weeks and then finals and then I'm outta here! No really, it's bittersweet.

But between then and now I have about a hundred social events and a hundred things to do including: [actually copied from my real "to-do" list]: finish writing my Bible paper, start packing my shipping boxes, buying lots of stuff that I have wanted all year, and start packing one of these days.

But like the weeks before I came here...I'll leave the packing and saying goodbyes for later- I'm too busy enjoying my sof ha'shavua. Let the weekend begin- love to all who are still reading!

Life Catch Up

2006-05-01T22:05:00.000+03:00

Go ahead. Vote me worst blogger ever. It's ok. I never update, and when I do, I give general updates without pictures. No wonder you're reading Pink Is The New Blog instead.

I actually have lots of say about lots of things here so I'm going to break up the thoughts into some sections. Can you tell I've been writing a lot of papers lately?

School: 12 days to go. 2 papers written, 2 more to write. 5 finals to study for a take. I really can't believe that I'm about to be 1/5 of a Rabbi. Give me an R!

Professional Life: I was chosen as #22 out of 23 students for our New York High Holy Day pulpit lottery (yes, we actually have one of those.) Sad news for Karen. I'm working on finding a myself a HHD pulpit- any ideas?

I have gotten myself a teaching job on the Upper West Side teaching 4th grade 2 afternoons a week. I'm hoping to add another afternoon/evening and some tutoring/songleading to help with the income. Anyone know of a good place to get buisness cards printed? I already looked at vistaprints.

Apparently people think I can play guitar since on Saturday night at our Artists4Darfur benefit, I led Havdallah, accompianied a cantorial student and performed. Dar Williams, I hope I made you proud. Play the greed, dar, play the greed.

Not at the March, but we still did something to support Darfur relief. We had a program at school, Artists4Darfur planned by Jill, Owen and Julia- we raised $1000 and had activism-themed performances and watched two films put out by the SaveDarfur Coalition. Despite the small turnout, I was really proud of us--

In the last two days, I have received seven social invitations- every Shabbat between now and going home is booked. Good to know I have friends. I can't believe everyone isn't coming back to New York. Gulp.

And finally...some pictures to prove to you that I'm not dead, chas v'shalom. They're both from our pre-Pesach tiyul to the desert. I'm playing guitar and hanging out with my roomies-Rena, Mel and Shayna. update: yeah, blogger isn't behaving right now. we'll try pictures again tomorrow.

More to come on the Israel High Holy Days, wrapping up here, and how you can find me once I stop writing on this [gassssssssssssp!] Sorry to say it, but I'm not sure the blogging will continue after Israel. We'll see. More to come...check back later.

One Month Left

2006-04-26T07:43:00.000+03:00

Gulp. I seriously cannot believe it.

In the next month I will:
-write 3 more papers (History, Israel Seminar, Bible)
-take 5 exams (Liturgy, Hazal, Bible, Hebrew, Grammar)
-have 4 more Shabbats here
-try to live it up as much as I can for as long as I can.
-say goodbye to my life here in Jerusalem and many of my friends who won't be coming to New York.
-pack up my life into suitcases to take back to Maryland.

So there. Now it's on record, I can't take it back

What to do? Have the best month here. Do it all. Stop saying I'm going to do things and just do them.

May/June 26th '05- Maryland
July 26th '05 -J'lem
April 26th- J'lem
May 26th- Maryland
June/July 26th- Camp
August 26th- NY.

Time flies when you're having a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The End of Matza Season

2006-04-19T19:24:00.000+03:00

I love vacation. LOOOOOVE. L-O-V-E.

Mostly because I haven't had to do anything. I've slept in every day except for one when I got up at 9:30am. I've seen 3am for three mornings in a row.

I've watched 18 episodes of the second season of Grey's Anatomy. [I love this show- I miss American TV!]

I've listened to 8 L Word podcasts.

I've eaten easily a whole box of matza by myself as well as 2 passover chocolate cakes. My digestive system HATES me right now. Probably because I've eaten no salad or fruit in the last 7 days.

In the last two days I've begun to get some work done. I've written 4 pages of the Liturgy paper that I will finish tomorrow. I'll start Bible on Friday.

Passover is over here and I am super-excited to get some chametz in this city.
CHAG SAMEACH CHAMETZ Ya'll!

See Karen's Sad Face :(

2006-04-14T15:30:00.000+03:00

Ali left this morning. You know that someone's a life-long, amazing, best friend when you haven't seen them for 10 months and then they come for three days and suddenly you can't remember life without them. Plus, theres nothing like seeing someone whose known you longer than 9 months. She and I really had an amazing time. Lots of snuggling. Lots of Center Stage. Lots of laughing.

So yeah.

I finally got to sleep in today. It was fabulous. Beyond fabulous.

And now, it's Shabbat. I'm going to Shira Chadasha tonight after a 3-month hiatus. With the influx of Pesach tourists, I hope I can even get a seat. Then dinner with Rena and Michael's families. I'm making my guacamole.

Tomorrow I MUST [repeat MUST] begin my tons of work that I told myself I was going to do during break. In a week and a day I'll be back at school and I'll be kicking myself for being lazy during vacation. I think I'm going to try and tackle Biblical Grammar and save the paper writing for Sunday.

And thought some may argue with me, I LOVE PESACH FOOD. Matza brei, matza with cream cheese and jelly, matza with chooclate spread, matza with egg salad. Matza in chiken soup. It's all wonderful. Ask me again in 6 days how I feel, ok?

Time for guac-making and lazy friday-enjoying. Oh yeah, and some homework.

Lehit, ya'll.

Passover in Israel in Pictures

2006-04-13T20:13:00.000+03:00

The Kotel all empty and clean in preparation for the Chag.
Lots of Chasidish guys burning chametz near the Kotel. I though there was a fire or something. It made the Old City smell kind of gross. What's cool about this is that I had never actiually seen people "burning" their chametz before.
This is a sign when you walk into the Jewish Quarter of the Old City reminding everyone not to bring their chametz [levened bread products] into the city. Ali and I ended up eating latkas and salad at a cafe b/c there was no bread. Turned out that only made us want bread so much more. So we went home and before the seder ate pita and hummus, tortilini and chocolate with peanut butter. Then we felt really sick.
A great sign welcoming Pesach and visiters to the Old City. Actually, this sign is all over the city. What's funny is that the pictures is of Jerusalem is made out of Matzah. Ha ha. [sorry, bad Jewish/Rabbi humor]

More pictures from Ali's visit and a post on my first Pesach as an Israeli. It was awesome. To those celebrating second seder/day in the states- Chag Sameach V'Kasher!

Negev Pics

2006-04-11T19:57:00.000+03:00

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXmA

Check 'em out!

Not so much sleep but whatever...

2006-04-11T18:27:00.000+03:00

Thursday morning we left on our final tiyul, this time to the desert. I'll recap the highlights since most of the four days were spent relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery with my friends. Thursday after visiting Miztpe Ramon we drove to Kibbutz Yahel (the first Reform kibbutz) and picked up camping gear. We drove an hour south into Eilat and camped near the Israel/Egypt border.

I thought the camping was great, but some of my classmates didn't agree so much. Especially after they told us there would be a bathroom and there wasn't. Ashkenazi stomachs + every other girl on her period = need for bathrooms. Some people went back to the kibbutz to sleep, others stayed at the campsite. I ate dinner, smoked hookah and drank wine with Sandi, Mel, Rena and Shayna before getting some shut eye beneath the stars. I can't remember the time I've seen stars that bright and beautiful.

Friday we woke up, packed up the campsite, went hiking for about 5 hours and then went back to Yahel for Shabbat. I stayed with Rena, Mel and Shayna who turned out to be *fabulous* roommates and provided for much late-night entertainment. Plus, we had 5 episodes of L Word - Season 3 to start watching. I'm so hooked. [I've only watched 1-5 so please don't spoil the other espisodes- especially what happens with Dana...I have two weeks of waiting until the next episode!]

Shabbat was wonderfully restful- I helped lead tefilot in the morning and took and long shluff in the afternoon. I also led Havdallah with Emily Dunn. After dinner we watched more L Word and then joined in the fun at the group kareokee event. My standard piece, "Papa Don't Preach," wasn't available so I sang "Always be my Baby" by Mariah Carey. It was a really fun night [I mean, who wouldn't want to sing kareokee with Paul Liptz, Moshe and Gingi?!]

Sunday we woke up and visited Kibbutz Lotan before getting back to J'lem around 6pm.

Sunday night I met up with Rena, Deb and Rena's parents who are in town for Pesach. We had dinner at Foccacia Bar- [yummy bread before we can't eat it anymore] and I got home late in order to unpack, gather my laundry and clean my room.

Monday I met Rena early to have breakfast with her parents before getting Asher and getting in the car for a little day trip. We went to Rosh Pina, a little town about 3 hours north of Jerusalem. We shopped a little and had a late lunch at Shokolateh, a *fabulous* chocolate-oriented restaurant. Right before dessert we ran into Yael and Simon, the daughter and son-in-law of Rena's mom's friend's sister [confused? don't worry- i am too!] who are in town from London for the seder that we'll all be at on Wednesday night. We left Rosh Pina and made it back in time for me to go to dinner with my friend Robyn and SEVEN of her family members that are visiting. After dinner I rushed home for a quick shower and job interview with a religious school in New York. Assuming my references check out, I'll have a 2-3 day/a week job at a wonderful shul in the city. Names and details to come once it's official. After the interview and on cloud 9, Rena and I went out to celebrate Shayna's 27th birthday with Mel and Lev who were leaving at 2:30 am for Bellarus.

Cut to Today- Tuesday.
I got up at 4:30 am to get in the car to get to Ben-Gurion by 5:30 where my very best friend ALISON RACHEL was waiting for me there! Yay! I haven't seen Ali since July, before I left for Israel. She's on the last leg of her spring break trip (Budapest, Prague, Israel) before heading back to Madrid for the rest of her semester abroad. We took a quick morning nap, met Rachel for coffee, shopped til we dropped (literally) and did the Passover food shopping thing.

Then I aluminum foiled my entire kitchen in preparation for Pesach. I made chicken soup. I moved the chametz stuff into the oven room. I got a new toothbrush. Pesach is here whether I like it or not. Don't worry, I like it.

Plan for the rest of Ali's visit:
-Old City/Kotel
-Seder
-Day trip to Masada, Dead Sea and Ein Geddi.

Sleep? It's for the weak. Or, I'll start catching up soon. Pictures from the tiyul to come tonight.

Pre-Tiyul Post

2006-04-05T22:34:00.000+03:00

So what's more fun than missing school for a week, then having a 4-day week and then having a 4-day tiyul?

Oh yes, having 10 days off from day for Pesach Break after that. Can you see my smile from where you're sitting? It's HUGE! No school until April 23rd! Wahooooooooo!

I'm about done packing for our Negev tityul where we'll visit Mitzpe Ramon, S'de Boker, Eilat, Kibbutz Yahel, sleep under the stars, hike, snorkel and enjoy a lazy, chill Shabbat. I wanna get my brother one of those Kibbutz Yahel shirts that we all got when we were here on our NFTY trips.

I'm rooming with Mel, Shayna and Rena which should prove for an enjoyable time. AND, Rena was able to download the first five episodes of L Word. Sooo excited. I bought wine and cookies. Yes, its going to be a great weekend.

I'm also looking forward to having some time with my BFFAE, Miss Alison Rachel Petok who is coming on TUESDAY! [yay yay yay yay yay!] I haven't seen her since June. There is much catching up to be done. We'll do the Pesach thing, the shopping thing, the laying-in-bed-watching-center-stage-thing and the going to Masada/Dead Sea thing.

After that It'll be time to get down to work- make-up Hebrew work, a Bible paper, biblical grammar, a liturgy paper and research on my Kadima paper. I know it doesn't sound like so much fun, but it'll be really nice when all this work is done at the end of break and I just have to worry about finals. [Finals start in about 7 weeks if you can believe it.] [I'm going/coming home in 54 days. No I can't believe it either.]

For those who are curious about my post-biking recovery, I'll just say that most of the rashes have cleared up nicely. There is almost no pain in my knees. I even went to the gym today. I feel great and am super excited for the hiking, swimming and just being in the 90-degree desert weather!

Tiyul and biking pictures to come...Chag Sameach everyone...

Day 5: The "Aliyah" Day

2006-03-31T08:35:00.000+03:00

It's 7:34am the day after the ride. I'm awake because I went to bed at 9pm. I went to bed at 9pm because I was so physically exhausted that I was starting to get grumpy and whiney. So I went to bed. And now its 7:34 and I'm awake. Fabulous.

What hurts:
-my calves
-my stupid sunburned lips
-everything below my bellybutton
-my neck and shoulders
-my nose (stuffy)
-my throat (sore)
-my ears (just hurts)

What I need to do today:
-take my laundry in
-get a massage (12:15)
-get my haircut (1:30)
-finish writing my thank you notes and buy stamps
-get all the work I missed
-and on and on

How am I feeling NOT physically?
-exhilarated
-"the highest high I'll ever need" -me after going down the biggest hill
-SO SO SO proud of myself
-kind of amazed that I did it all. Some walking. NO riding the bus. Mostly biking. I rode myself all over Israel and most of the time I had a smile on my face.
-like I met some really amazing people-- from my classmates who I bonded with on a totally new level, to my classmates who I didn't really know before, to my future colleagues to the men and women who inspired me, motivated me and kept me going when the going got tough.
-my muscles ache, but I feel really really good physically and know that I'll feel even better physically when I'm recovered a bit.
-I climbed up that road in that picture. Yes, that tiny one in the distance. I still can't believe it.

The last day [bum bum bum bum BUM-- appropriate theme music]
So I had heard over and over and over again how tough the last day was going to be. How the climb into Jerusalem was going to be like anything I had ever done before. Blah blah blah. After Thursday afternoon I was pretty sure that I could handle anything they put before me. Ok, that works...until I saw the climb. It was a very very long hill...that just kept going and going and going. It didn't want to end. I rode most of the way with Neil and Claire who were *amazing* biking buddies. Finally, after the "main" climb, we had to ride up another big hill that almost seemed like it was going to be the end of me. Finally (after about 4 1/2 hours of riding) we got to Mivaseret Zion, the congregation outside of Jerusalem where we had lunch and heard about their community. One of our riders, Michael is a member there and told us all about it including their amazing Rabbi Mya who won a Supreme Court case to buy land from the government to build a building. Now their building (which I visited earlier in the semester) is built, but isn't finished yet.

We had lunch and then got back on the road so we would arrive at HUC exactly at 3:30 for the welcoming and closing ceremony. We had a police escort all the way into town and even though the final hour was tough and my body was hurting including my knees (which was a common problem since Claire and Rachael already had taped knees) I kept going-- adrenalin or just plain excitement- I don't know which. And then suddenly, we were done. We came through the tunnel and then were on Betzalel, then King George, then Hillel then Yaffo then King David and then 13 King David Street. Home. We ended up being a few minutes early so we got to hang out and hug each other before cutting the ribbon and running into the courtyard. Rachel and Bekah were playing "Heveinu Shalom Alecheim" and "Simin Tov U'Mazel Tov" and everyone was singing. From there it was kind of a blur but at one point all the HUC riders who had been away from their significant others for the week were kissing- I hope someone got a picture of it. It was priceless. Everyone also got roses and flags from the kids at the gan who were also waiting for us.

Anyway, after all the hugging we sat down for the closing ceremony and everyone who spoke on the first day spoke today. Michael Marmur told jewish biking jokes (the "chain" of tradition," and that the month of Nissan was named after a Japanese car company!). We got all received certificates and had our names called so people could cheer for us. Then there was cake (with a biker on it) and then a group picture up at Mercaz Shimshon. Then I got my stuff and went home where I laid on my bed for about an hour before moving again.

That's my biking story and I'm sticking to it. Expect more post-ride reflections and pictures to come very soon. Rumor has it that we'll be getting a CD with 1000 pictures on it from the ride and then I can pick and choose the ones I want to put up.

Thanks to everyone who has supported me through this entire adventure! Very soon I'll have a fundraising total and I'll be sure to post that right away. For now, it's 8:38 and I'm gonna have some breakfast and get ready for my recovery day. Happy Friday to all!

Day 4: The "Long" Day

2006-03-30T20:32:00.000+02:00

This is from yesterday, but we didn't have internet at the kibbutz, so I'll post it as if it were yesterday. Enjoy! And pictures will be up in a couple days-

Today was day 4. After 2 days of “easier” riding, we had heard that today was finally going to hard. We started off with some easy riding along the highway and moved into some off road riding. We took a few short breaks and only about an hour for lunch- certainly the longest of any day so far. After lunch we road to Modiin where we met with congregation Yozma- one of the newest Progressive congregations in Israel. One of their board members welcomed us and the schoolchildren in the Gan gave us medals that said “kol haKavod” on them. After the presentation by the guy we had a choice to either bike to Neve Shalom, or to ride in the truck. I heard it was hills with a steep uphill at the end. Yeah…that’s right…it was the hardest thing I have ever ridden- today and ever. It was one hill after another with almost no rest between them. I rode with Oded and Rachel C., who were great supports especially after my heavy breathing and slight hysteria caught up with me. Oded said I sounded like I was giving birth. Ouch. I told him that, similarly to giving birth, I was at the end, and I wanted it to be over. That’s why I was making those noises.

Now we’re at Neve Shalom for the night, our last night before the last day-- the hardest day, the day we’ve all heard about and dreaded. The ascent back into Jerusalem. All day we had aliyah jokes-- “its not called aliyah for nothing!” and “we’ll show them what it means to make aliyah.” And on and on. I also think that something started rubbing today during the afternoon which is making it hard to sit, stand, walk etc. Not such a fun feeling. But, depite the very long day and the killer hills, I actually feel ok. I think the two days of “recovery” riding really helped prepare my body for what we did today. And what we’re going to do tomorrow. I seriously can’t believe that tomorrow is the last day of the ride…after so many months of prep…its going to be over. Everyone is already talking about next year. Next year? How about next week- or next month when I will complete my first year of Rabbinical school. Or the month after that when I go to camp. Or two months after that when I move to NY…and here I go again. Time to focus.

Tomorrow is the last day of the ride when we’ll ascend into Jerusalem via Mevaseret Tzion and will complete our ride at 13 King David Street where, hopefully, lots of my classmates and friends will be waiting for us. Then, I want to go home where I want to take a very hot shower and get an amazing night of sleep.

At one point Howie said to Josh that he couldn’t believe that he had thought about not doing ride. Translation: He was really glad that he had decided to do the ride. And I am too. I am feeling really good about my decision to come on the ride and to ride all four days so far (and I’m thinking day 5 is gonna also be a 100% riding kinda day.) Time to shower, have some dinner and get to sleep in preparation for day 5. Laila laila!

Day 3: The "Easy" Day

2006-03-28T22:14:00.000+02:00

GO TEAM HUC!

I am writing to you from Kibbutz Shefayim near Neyanya. It's been a exciting and busy three days. Since it's 10:15pm and we have to get up at 6am, this post will be short and hopefully they'll be time for more later.

First of all, this is not easy. Even today, on our "easy" day, we still ride about 65 kilometes (39 miles) over about 9 hours. (Sunday and Monday we did about 75 km- 50 miles) The days are long. Wake up at 6am. Breakfast at 6:30. Services at 7:15. Start biking around 8am. Breaks at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30. Lunch at 1:30. Riding at 2:30. Breaks at 3:30, 4:30. Finish around 5:30 more or less (actually the entire schedule is more or less since the first day we had lunch at 3pm and today we had lunch at 12:30. oh well). Whenever they say we're going to be there, we usually arrive about 45 minutes after that.

I've been going to bed around 9:30 and getting about 8 1/2 hours of sleep. This, plus tons of food and water is what has gotten me through the days. Oh, and sunscreen- except yesterday I forgot my lips and now they're a little burned :(

Today, while attempting a little water stunt, I fell into a pool of water-- causing everything I was wearing to be soaking wet including my *cell phone* which was in my bike bag. It's curently drying with the hopes that it will work again soon. My shoes, shorts and biking jersey are also drying in my room.

Tomorrow and Thursday are supposed to be hard days as we begin to ascend back into Jerusalem. The longest hill will be about 750 meters with several 400 meter hills along the way. Woah.

Sorry to those who have written that I haven't gotten back to yet- I must must get to sleep and let my advil kick in so I have the strength to do it again tomorrow!

Love to all and thanks to everyone who has supported me thus far! Love to everyone!

PRE-RIDE EVERYTHING

2006-03-24T15:07:00.001+02:00

For 7 months I have been planning, training, working out, writing letters, making phone calls, entering information onto spreadsheets, going to meetings and talking about the

[insert appropriate pre-ride sound effects here]

RIDE 4 REFORM [wahooooo!]

The ride starts this Sunday, March 26th and I will return on Thursday, March 30th. I'll ride 220 miles through some of the most beautiful parts of Israel. I'll be sore, tired and hopefully, very very proud of myself.

Personally, I've raised $3000 [thats what you get when you send out 80 fundraising letters!] for the World Union for Progressive Judaism. The HUC team has raised about $11,000. I don't know what the entire ride has raised, but I can only imagine that its a big number.

There are ten of us: Ross, Matt, Howie, Neil, Oded, Josh, Claire, Jean, Rachael and myself. We represent 3 classes of future Rabbis and Cantors, HUC in New York, Los Angeles, Cincinatti and Jerusalem and a variety of ages (some of us just graduated college, some of us have children about to enter college).

How to keep up with me on the ride:

First, check out the riding4reform blog:

Second, check out the riding4reform website:

I am bringing my camera and computer, but I don't know what kind of internet I'll have. Hopefully I will be able to post every day, both on the r4r blog and my own-- feel free to leave comments on either blog so I know that you're reading.

How am I feeling?

I'm feeling good. I'm in the best shape that I can remember, I think, and I know that my body is physically ready to handle thing. However, one's physical abilities are often linked with mental focus and self confidence. Mentally I am feeling kind of scared and nervous about what I'm about to take on. I'm excited to meet the other riders and to see what all of our time and money is going to. I'm excited and proud to be doing something for the IMPJ-- a cause that I really support.

I love the feeling of riding and being so awed by the nature- the mountains, the green, the trees-- all of it. Riding my bike in Israel makes me fall in love all over again with this land, and in turn makes me fall in love with what I want to do with my life. I'm really looking forward to the stillness of the mornings and the sense of anticipation that I know I'll feel.

I know that I'm going to be sore, and that I'll hurt here and there. But I'm prepared with my bike shorts, comfy socks, special food bandaids, lots of ibprofin and my cool new bike helmet. So even if I'm super sore, I'll still look good.

Here's a pic from one of my first days of riding. Check back for pictures from my week of riding to come!

Thank you thank you to everyone who contibuted to this cause and helped me prepare- I am in debt to you. Feel free to comment and email during the week! Here I go!

bike? check. helmet? check. riding gloves? check. padded-butt riding shorts? check. tons of snacks? check. books, homework and knitting for the evenings? check. feeling of Oh my G-d, I can't believe its really here and I'm about to do this? check. i think i'm set.

Week Update

2006-03-24T14:07:00.000+02:00

This week was really busy- I'm not sure why exactly, but it seemed like every night was later than the next. A quick recep:

Sunday: class, voice lesson, dinner and NY Orientation with Rabbi Aaron Panken, the Dean of the NY Campus. Totally overwhelming with info on classes, working, living in NY (and paying for it!), finding an apartment, whicih neighborhoods to live in, financial aid and health insurance. Yep, it was pretty overwhelming. I sort of can't really believe that I am actually moving to New York next year.

Monday: Class, Reflection Groups, dinner with Jill.

Tuesday: Class, gym, choir.

Wednesday: Israel seminar all day, a visit from Shira Z., my old youthgrouper and friend.

Thursday: class, voice lesson, meeting up with Shira and her family, lunch with Rena, food shopping, cooking for Mexican night, Mexican night with Mel and friends followed by the L Word Season 2 finale. [Thank G-d Tina finally had the baby and she and Bette are back together], drinks on Rivkin, sleep.

Today: I took my bike to school in preparation for the Ride (more to come!), went to the bank, had breakfast with Rachel, cooked tofu and vegegtables for Shabbat dinner and am now enjoying some SATC and a quiet apartment.

Shabbat is also going to be busy: tonight I'm going to HUC to see my 4th yr. friends Howie and Jen lead services and drash. I'm having dinner at Ross and Rachael's wit the other HUC riders. Tomorrow I'm going back to HUC to hear Edie's sermon and then to have lunch at her house. Post- Shabbat I'll be packing for the ride and getting a *very* good night's sleep

I am going to try and post these Purim pictures from last week AGAIN. Let's see if it works this time. [15 minutes later] Doesn't look like its going to work. Oh well.

A pre-ride post and pictures will be up next. Love to all!

Purim Pictures Part Two

2006-03-18T21:34:00.000+02:00

Ok, I just spent an hour trying to post the pictures...so i'm going to post this and try the pictures in a little while. Until then, enjoy!

Ok, Purim, Take Two.

After spending most of Tuesday recovering from Monday night's adventures, I finally got up and dressed in time for Megillah reading at school.

I went as a red-headed Rabbinical student...or just me wearing a red wig (see pictures above)

The Megillah reading was done by our professors...dressed up of course! Eli was a wizzard of some kind, Tamar was wearing a sign that said "Laila Tov Yareach- Good Night Moon" and Naamah was a clown, I think. Rabbi Marmur's impressions of a first year student were especially entertaining.

After the reading, Mel, Sandi, Jill and I went to Joy Express for dinner and met up with Rena before getting some drinks at a bar on Rivlin. There we ran into an entire barful of HUC people...see the picture above of Neil, Claire, Rachael and myself-- Riders4Reform doing some "training."

Following the bar, a bunch of us went back to Shushan for dancing and fun. We left the bar late and woke up on Wednesday morning, er, afternoon. I did some homework, cleaned up the apartment and caught up on emails.

When I woke up on Wednesday, I received an email that the two-day encounter trip I was taking on Thursday and Friday had been cancelled. The trip was into the West Bank to visit with Palestineans in a safe environment and to learn about life on the other side of the "kav hayarok-- the green line" However, after the week's earlier incidents in Jerico, the organizers didn't feel so confident in bringing 45 Jewish tourists into the WB. Truthfully, I was not so sad as I was feeling kind of overwhelmed about schoolwork and some previous committments. The trip is supposed to be rescheduled when things calm down a bit, but I am quickly realizing that I don't have too many free weekends- between the ride, our Negev tiyul, Pesach break and finals.

Shabbat was a little busy-- I helped lead a Shabbaton for college students studying abroad- I led services, did the Torah reading and led Havdallah. I also attended the Bar Mitzvah of my friend Sean this afternoon. Plus, my usual Shabbat nap was moved so I could do history work with Rachel. I said I was going to go to bed early, but I'm not sure thats going to happen anymore.

6 days and counting until the RIDE! YAY! I can't believe it's so soon! Time to finally get to work- Shavuah Tov, Happy Weekend and love to all!

Purim Pictures Part One

2006-03-17T14:58:00.000+02:00

Purim was an all week party here...no seriously, Jerusalemites love to party and a holiday that commands one to "drink until you don't know the difference between Haman and Mordechi" is right up their alley. Or as my friend Mel says, "Ad-DeLow- Yodeah" Until DeLowe knows.

So Monday night, my friend Matt and all of us on the Ride4Reform team had a fundraiser/pre-Purim Party entitled, "Matt gets by with a little help from his friends." Matt has written a bunch of new music this year that he wanted to play for people- so there was a concert, dinner cooked by Rachael, drinks made by Nathaniel, a Purim Shpeal written and performed by a few of us and lots of Matt's friends who performed with him.

The first picture is of the shpeal- Howie is playing a first year and is holding a sign that says "I'm a First Year at HUC- everything is perfect and I trust the process" and I'm leading "faux" services. We got lots of laughs.

Next is me performing-- I played "What do you hear in these sounds?" by Dar Williams-- i love that song. Sean taped the whole show, so soon I will have an MP3 if you want to have a listen.

Next is David Segal as the real Texan inside him.

Finally, Matt and Jen- perhaps the most adorable couple in the world singing Babylon. Can I hear an awwwwww?

After the show, a bunch of us went to Shushan, an appropriately named club off BY street for a little Purim fun. There was drinking, dancing and a whole lot of Purim festivities. Certainly a night to remember.

Part two to come...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

2006-03-14T16:52:00.000+02:00

Happy Birthday to the Dad with the best advice, worst jokes and coolest hair. Hope you have a wonderful day! Love from your favorite daughter~

Pictures- finally

2006-03-12T17:43:00.000+02:00

Here are some some long overdue pictures from The Vagina Monologues- As you see I had some pretty dramatic costume changes! Mel also got some video from "My Short Skirt," but I haven't figured out how to let you see it yet- soon, I hope.

I'm finally home today after my Hazal (Rabbinic Literature) midterm, which was very fair, but very very long- my hand hurt from writing! I also just got my take home Liturgy Midterm and duedates for my Liturgy, Bible and History papers. Luckily, we have two days off for Purim this week and I hope that I can get something done then.

Time to go eat New Deli with Mel. Yumm.

Some things I've been thinking about

2006-03-10T12:00:00.000+02:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. And not so much sharing. But then I remembered that I have a blog where I can write whatever I want, and, everyone knows that writing things done is the best way to process things. So here we go- a random rambling of my thoughts at the moment...

1. Life in NY next year- specifically religious/observance. Do I want to continue to not drive, not travel, not spend money, not use my computer and not use my phone next year? Why am I doing (or not doing as the case may be...) these things at all? Is it meaningful for me? Will I want to be able to go uptown to BJ for services or meet a friend for lunch or coffee? Can Shabbat be something else? How am I going to work this out? Who should I talk to? (suggestions...please)

1b. Kosher life- I love keeping kosher- it’s something that is such a part of my life that I can't imagine it any other way. But is it still going to be easy and meaningful there- should I just become (return to, really) a vegetarian- Am I healthier for eating meat?

2. If I'm really putting in all my effort- I feel as if I've become a tad complacent and lazy here- it takes me days (ok, weeks) to return emails and I am terrible about answering my phone- when I am suddenly faced with all of my family and friends having instant contact with me whenever they want- will I revert back to the old me? Can I say that I like not being immediately available to everyone whenever they want?

3. I have totally lost my passion for Social Action and Social Justice- last night at Joe's, I heard a teaching by my good friend David Segal who spoke on the ideas of "doing"- that it is so important for us to be doing things to change, improve and repair our world. Being a Jewish community leader means doing just that. Getting off our tushes and going out and doing things. He also passed out copies of one of my most favorite poems, "To be of Use."

"...I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest,
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who stand in line and haul in their places,
who are not parlor generals or field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out..."

So why am I not doing these things? Why I am in school for so long when i culd be helping people? How can I help people the best?

4. Being Alone- Since I got to Jerusalem in July, I have not really had to be alone- ever. There is always someone to talk to, get lunch with, walk home with...It is somewhat exhausting sometimes...and being alone is something I really used to like to do. Now I don't like it so much. But I'm working on it...if I decide to live alone next year; I'm going to have to get good at it.

5. I am a (pretty) good fundraiser I sent out 80 letters asking for sponsorship for the Ride4Reform bike ride I'm doing at the end of March. I've received over $1000 already from just 10% of the letters! And, I helped to raise 14,000 NIS from the Vagina Monologues. It’s a nice feeling knowing that I'm going to have to do this one day as a part of my job and that I kind of know the beginning of what I'm doing.

6. I can watch the same 6 movies and still be entertained. Notting Hill, Center Stage, Garden State, Love Actually, Best In Show, Almost Famous. I love 'em all.

7. I am really excited to go home. Not that I want to go home right now, but when it's time to go I'll be very sad, but I'll also be really excited to see my family and friends and be at camp and then be in New York. I think I'm ready for the next phase.

8. I am a grown up (sort of). I have been avoiding that word for some time, but given my recent birthday and entrance into my mid-twenties, I think I'm game. I may not have "grown up" yet, but I feel like one sometimes.

It is freezing here- something about Purim that causes contant rain and freezing temperature-- I am off have some lunch, study for Hazal and get ready for services tonight- Love to all!

What Temple?

2006-03-08T22:37:00.000+02:00

This morning, I joined 30 of my classmates for a guided tour of Mount Moriah aka The Temple Mount. This is the place that Jews believe the First and Second Temples stood. It was a special for us to be up there because non-Muslim tourists are only allowed on certain days and at certain times. We were only allowed today from 8:15-10:15.

If you're planning on visiting the Temple Mount, follow these easy rules:
1. Women- wear long skirts, long sleaves and cover your head.
2. Don't bring any Jewish ritual items- tallit, tefilin.
3. Dont bring any books that are written in Hebrew.
4. Stick with your guide.
5. When you ask your Palestinean guide where the Temple used to stand, don't look shocked when he says: "What Temple?"

Um...ok. I'm standing on a piece of land owned by Israel, controlled by Jordan and the Palestineans, policed by the IDF and I just had a Palestinean tell me that no Temple was ever here...only in Jerusalem.

After the tour, Lev and I went to the Kotel for a little shacharit action and then I had breakfast at Coffeeshop. I think it was the first meal all semester that I've eaten alone. It was wonderful.
Julia and I studied over lunch for our Hazal midterm on Sunday and then I went to the gym before Israel Seminar.

Tomorrow we have a makeup liturgy class and Rachel and I have service rehearsal for our Kabbalat Shabbat this Friday. After rehearsal I'm going over to Joe's for a reception/evening of learning in honor of his grandfather who passed away last week. He was one of the oldest living alumni of HUC and we'll be honoring his memory by doing some learning together and eating together- of course!

Then, I'm going to Rena's to pick up Asher, whom I'm puppysitting for this weekend- we're going to have lots of fun- long walks around the city, playtime in the park and some snuggletime.

It's been a long week- but a busy and fun weekend to come! Love to everyone!

Creation Redemption Revelation

2006-03-07T17:49:00.000+02:00

So this weekend was our V-weekend- The Vagina Monologues on Thursday night, Shabbat lunch and text study on Ashet Chayil on Saturday afternoon, another performance on Saturday night and a lunch and learn with Nehama from the Religious Women's Crisis Center on Monday.

It's been quite a week for those involved in the show, especially those on the "other side"- aka production. As one of the two "producers," it was my job to make sure that all of the non-directorial elements of the show went smoothly including the set, programs, seating arrangement, tables for intermission etc.

To be honest, as much as I loved it, it was a hell of a lot of work. I was at school on Monday night from 6:30-10:30pm, Tuesday from 4:15-7pm, Wednesday night from 6:30-10pm, Thursday night from 1:30-5 and 6-11 and Saturday night from 6-10. Woosh. I felt (and am still feeling) a little frustrated at some of the women I worked with-- no names, but one person in particular who never said thank you for the immense amounts of time I put into the programs, specifically. They were a huge job-- and I just felt kind of unappreciated. Oh well. Such is life. I was proud of me, and I guess that will have to be enough.

And although the pre-show stuff was kind of annoying and stressful, the shows themselves went off without a hitch. Everyone was amazing- I was in three monologues, one of which, I got assigned a week before the show because one of our actresses had to go home suddenly. It was entitled "My Short Skirt" and is one woman's post-angry response to the idea that wearing a "short skirt" means that a woman is interested in sex, money, is looking to be raped, or is overcompensating for something else. It's an emotionally charged monologue- I don't really know how I feel about it-- especially because I'm not sure I totally agree with it. You see, I think there is a connection between how someone dresses and what kind of message they are giving off-- ESPECIALLY in positions of power/authority ie. the Rabbinate.

I am waiting to get Mel's pictures that she took during the show, but then you'll be able to see
how I was dressed...short skirt...boots...high ponytail- totally not me. But it was kind of nice to not be me for 2 1/2 minutes.

On Monday, after the lunch and learn with Nehama from the Religious Women's Crisis Center we presented her with our total fundraising amounts...drum roll please...

We raised a total of 14,097.30 NIS ($2997.41)

12,687.50 NIS ($2697.17) to the Women's Crisis Center here in Jerusalem

And 1,409.80 NIS ($300.24) to the VDAY spotlight campaign, Comfort Women.

That means that our small campus of only around 100 students raised half of the VDAY fundraising goal for large college campuses across America- in other words, we totally rock.

After the show was over I couldn't help but breathe a HUGE sigh of relief- this project has really consumed the last month of my life and I am excited to return to some normalcy.

I'll leave you with some words from my Vagina Monologues experience.
"My short skirt is happiness- I can feel myself on the ground- I am here... i am hot..."

OPENING NIGHT

2006-03-02T23:01:00.000+02:00

Tonight, we, the Vagina Warriors of the Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion performed Eve Ensler's THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES in front of a sold-out house on campus.

I performed Hair, When I was 12 my Mother Slapped Me and My Short Skirt.

I am exhausted, exhilerated and really really proud of myself. I rock.

And now I'm going to sleep. I think I've earned to sleep in.

Look for pictures and more things to come!

What I'm doing this summer- Officially

2006-02-27T17:07:00.000+02:00

That's right. Last week I hiked in the Carmel forest up north. This summer I'll be in Carmel again, but as the Unit Head at the URJ's Camp Harlam in lovely Kunkletown, PA. Yayyyy. Seriously, I'm grinning ear to ear. I had gotten then thumbs up about a month ago, but got the "official" call today. Again, Yayyyy.

Summer #6 at Harlam...103 days and counting!

Any Harlam-ites out there reading?

Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee

2006-02-27T14:32:00.001+02:00

When I die of biblial grammar, which will be very soon.

Please write on my tombstone:

HERE LIES KAREN.

SHE DIED OF TASHLUM DAGESH.

AND NOT BEING ABLE TO IDENTIFY IT.

AND FORGETTING WHEN ALEPH GETS ONE AND WHEN CHET GETS ONE.

(a little joke for the Rabbinic students out there)

I'm on the wireless internet at school- life is wonderful. Gym, home for a bit, back to school for rehersal and cast meeting...3 days and counting!

Tiyul pic/ short update

2006-02-25T18:00:00.000+02:00

Until I find some time to write my "official" tiyul post, check out my friend Mel's blog to see pictures of Rachel, Mel and myself in front of the Syrian and Lebanese borders as well as hiking in the beautiful Golan mountains.

Shabbat was wonderfully restful- now it's time to begin the first of three social engagements this evening.

What's going on this week?
Monday: Vagina Monologues rehersal
Wednesday: Vagina Monologues dress rehersal
Thursday: Vagina Monologues opening night! and post-show wine and cheese reception
Saturday: Vagina Monologues closing night

Oh yeah, and some classes here and there.

If you're in Jerusalem this weekend and want a ticket to the show, send an email to: mailto:hucvagina@gmail.com and let us know! See you on the stage!

Pre-Shabbat Pictures/Update

2006-02-24T16:28:00.000+02:00

Shabbat is a'coming here, so I have to be quick.

First of all, I'm home from the tiyul. It was great. More to come including lots of pictures from the Golan (where it was sunny and about 65 all week!)

To hold you over, enjoy a few pictures from Debra's wedding shower last friday...it was fabulous and a complete surprise for Deb who thought she was just having brunch at Timol with some friends. Ha! share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXiQ

Shabbat plans:
-dinner at Matt and Lindy's
-chanting Torah in the morning at HUC
-lunch in the park with Asher (ok, fine...and Rena too)
-seeing Scott and Aviva in the afternoon
-Motzei Shabbat dinner with a surprise guest
-post Motzei Shabbat drinks for Howie's birthday

And they call it the day of rest. We'll see about that.

Love to all- restful and wonderful Shabbats and weekends to everyone.

A few days away

2006-02-20T17:37:00.000+02:00

With everything going on, I totally forgot to mention that we're going on tiyul (a class trip) tomorrow. We'll be in the north, visiting the Golan and Galilee, drinking some great wine at the Golan wineries and taking a jeep ride in the Galilee!

Back on Thursday night with pictures and stories!

Happy President's Day if you're celebrating!

We Rock.

2006-02-19T20:40:00.000+02:00

Why will the HUC-JIR Jerusalem production of the Vagina Monologues rock??

1. We have a STAGE! Rachamim, our savior, found us a stage in the garage. Now all we need is lots of black fabric and some twinkle lights.

2. We sold 14 tickets roday (of 160) and made over 1000 NIS.

3. We have an amazing cast and crew that are working like crazy to make everything come together.

And last, but certainly not least...

4. We are the ONLY (yes, you read that right) performance in the ENTIRE STATE OF ISRAEL.

Yep, thats right, we rock.

Oh, one more thing- our Saturday night performance will be videographed by Sean, our director's husband.

So so excited.

"This too is Torah" -Talmud

Happy Birthday to ME!

2006-02-18T21:07:00.000+02:00

I know it's been almost a week since my birthday, but better late than never. Right.

First and foremost, here are the pics- enjoy! share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXdg

Recap of the weekend:

Thursday night I had dinner with my camp director Frank and my camp friends Matt and Jen- after dinner we made our way over to Mike's Place on Yoel Solomon- perhaps the most "American" bar in all of J'lem. I hadn't planned on drinking quite so much, but after a few birthday shots and drinks, the night got a lot better and I was dragged home by Rena, Rachel, Robyn and Edie. Quote of the night (by me, of course) [to Rena] "I want you to buy me a black velvet kippah."

Friday I woke up in the afternoon in time to nurse my hangover, shower and get ready for Shabbat. We had services at school, dinner with the class and then a dessert oneg for my friend Bekah's birthday. Got to sleep early- an early birthday present.

Saturday I relaxed and did some homework as I knew that I wouldn't have time to do it after Shabbat. I had been told earlier in the month that I would be expected on Saturday night- 8pm, "dressed up" and not expecting to be home early.

At 8pm on the dot Rena knocked on my door with a Hershey kiss and a chocolate martini. We walked to Rachel's apartment. When I walked into her apartment there were little tea lights everywhere, tables covered in pink tablecloths, a corner with martini recipes taped to the wall, sex and the city DVDs hanging from the ceiling and Sex and the City playing on the TV...it was a Sex and the City party for me!

And of course, everyone who is anyone was there...Rena, Rachel and Robyn,Claire and Neil, Matt and Jen, Esther and Mel, Sandi and Jill, David and Julia, David Segal, Jen, Deb, Michael Edie, Lauren, Alon and Rose- everyone had brought or made something for the event including mini-pizzas, spinach-artichoke dip in a breadbowl, guacamole, tofu pigs in a blanket, veges and hummus, olives, all kinds of cheeses and crackers. On the other side of the room was a table featuring all sorts of drinks and the equipment to make all kinds of martinis including choclotinis, appletinis and my personal favorite, flirtinis (vodka, pineapple juice and champagne). Yumm.

And of course there was dessert! Rena had made me a special strawberry shortcake birthday cake (see the pics) and everyone sang. Other than the singing, we all ate a lot of food, drank as much as we thought we could (for a school night!), talked, laughed, took pictures, and generally enjoyed the night. I got home around 11pm (an hour before my birthday began) and slept my way into my mid-twenties.

Sunday I had four classes and a voice lesson, but afterwards Rachel met me at Cafe Hillel for coffee before dinner. Then we met up with Edie, Rena and Rena's mom, Marcie who's visiting. We ate at Olive, my *favorite* place and I got the Thai Chicken- my favorite dish. I got home, talked to my whole family, did some homework and went to sleep with a smile on my face.

I was so touched that so many people, most of whom I hadn't even met 7 months ago, put so much time and effort into a party for me. It was probably the best birthday party I can remember-- I'm so so lucky and blessed to have the most wonderful friends here (R & R take the cake).

AND I have the most wonderful friends all over the world who sent me birthday emails, text messages, IMs, and called me on my special day. I love you all- thank you so much.

So now I'm in my mid-twenties. I look pretty good, no? Happy weekend- love to everyone!

I'll Cry If I Want To

2006-02-15T23:31:00.000+02:00

It was my birthday.

I'm 24 now.

I had a fabulous birthday weekend.

Once Rachel sends me the pictures, I'll upload them for your enjoyment.

I hope to write a long birthday post tomrorow.

For now, I must return to the land of hebrew verbs and Bible translation.

Love to all.

Talking to the People

2006-02-15T23:12:00.000+02:00

Today, at my weekly Wednesday Israel Seminar, our assignment was simple: walk around Jerusalem for three hours and talk to people on the street or in stores and restaurants. Ask them questions about life in Israel, the upcoming elections, Jewish holidays and observances and who should be put on the 1000 sheckel bill. Report back with answers and insights. Go and Learn.

My group consisted of Rachel, Mel, Jen, Edie, Sandi and myself- the six of us began at the top of Ben Yehuda street and decided that coffee was needed to gain energy and confidence for the task ahead. We ended up stopping in a makoloet (little mini-grocery store a la 7-11) and speaking to Chanina who owns the shop and has worked there for 20 years along with her husband David.

Jen knows Chanina b/c her grandmother loves Chanina's ice cream. We asked what she thought the biggest challenge facing Israel's society is and she responded that she thinks that young people should all get jobs instead of relaying upon the government or charities. She's probably going to vote (Kadima), she used to send her kids to Dati schools, but recently switched them to secular schools. When we asked her which holidays were more important, Israeli or Jewish, she answered that they are "gam v'gam"- one in the same- for her, being Jewish and being Israeli are two parts of the same identity. She also told us that to be Israeli is "to be a human being...Human beings don't send their children to blow up buses...Christian and Jewish mothers would never do that...Moslem mothers on the other hand...We know the facts." Wow.

We continued down BY street and stopped in a bookstore on Yaffo. There we spoke to the store owner and his friend who told us that "I'm right...he's left...but we used to go to school together." The friend spoke to Rachel and me for a while about why he isn't voting in next month's elections- He said that he would never vote for Olmeret because "Olmeret wasn't so good when he was the mayor of Jerusalem...why would we elect him to run our country?" He also told us that his favorite holidays were Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur because it was "time with me and my G-d." fascinating.

After our conversations, we rewarded ourselves by having brunch at Timol Shilshom, a very cool bookstore/restaurant off Yoel Solomon street. I got the shakshuka which was excellent. I also got some nice catch-up time with five of my favorite people that I don't get to hang out with as much as I'd like to (outside of school)

We went back to school for a debrief of our mornings with our classmates- I really really liked the conversation we had and I loved hearing the viewpoints that we got- Rachel pointed something out though- most of us only got the viewpoint of a very small sect of Jerusalemite- one who is out on the street in the middle of the work day, one who owns a store or shop, or one who works in a restaurant. We didn't talk to people who live in surrounding neighborhoods or who might be working in the middle of the day. David Segal also pointed out that this is the type of exercise that we can do anytime- we all interact with Israelis everyday and we should ask them questions- I'm especially excited to talk to my guy at Zigmunds (home of the best shakshuka in the country!), Avi, my laundry guy and Yitzchak and Avram who own the fruit stand up the street from my apartment.

Living in this country never ceases to amaze me...you never know what you're going to learn...

Hellllllo Mid Twenties

2006-02-10T15:30:00.000+02:00

Rachel and me, late in the night Robyn winking at me

So last night began my 24th birthday celebration. Even though the actual day isn't until Sunday, my amazingly wonderful and generous friends wanted to start celebrating as soon as possible. Last night we went to Mike's Place a popular bar for the English speakers where I was showered with lots of hugs and a few too many free drinks...including a "3 wise men" shot that I had a little too early in the night.

Lots of Love to everyone who came out...Matt, Jen, Billy, Josh, Neil, Claire, Rachel, Robyn, Edie, Deb, Rena, Jill, Sandi, Mel, Esther, Jen, Lev, Miriam, Vincent, Rebekah, Sean, Rollin, David Segal, and every one else who contributed to my super-fun night.

Tomorrow night continues the celebration...I'll post when I have more pics and stories. Happy early birthday to me!

Blog Lovin'

2006-02-10T13:44:00.000+02:00

Mindy says that there hasn't been any blog lovin lately- and she's right. Rabbinical school sure keeps a girl busy. But I can repent, right? Here's a very long post about the last week-

Monday morning I led my "official" Shacharit (morning) service for our Reform Liturgy Workshop. I worked with Claire, one of my classmates and friends and Maria, a very cool cantorial student. We had hoped to not make the huge deal of services that some of our classmates have made, but we wanted it to be clean and enjoyable. Since this week is Shabbat Shirah (when we read the song at the sea that the Israelites sang after crossing through the Red Sea), we used Shirat HaYam (the song at the sea) as a theme- I wrote a kavanah (what once would have been called a "creative reading" in my NFTY days) about the irony between a Midrash I found and the sinking of a ship in the Red Sea last Friday. We also used a popular tune for a line in Shirat HaYam as a niggun (song without words) at the beginning and the end. I hadn't felt nervous at all, and then suddenly, when services were about to begin, I did feel nervous! I tried to calm myself down and finally felt better a few minutes in. The toughest part about service leading is the post-service review. Everyone who participates-- the service leaders, the person who gives the dvar Torah, the three Torah readers and anyone else who wants to come have a lunch meeting with several members of the faculty for a review of the service. I've been to two already, but I was still a little anxious. It turned out to be fine, I got some constructive criticism about my Hebrew pronunciation and Tamar called me "intervally challenged," but all in all it was a pretty good experience and I'm really happy that it's over!

Moving on...Monday night we had our second meeting of the Vagina Monologues cast- and afterwards, we got an email from Rena, a 2nd yr. Rabbinical student who is organizing the show on our LA campus. She, and another student Sara went to Eve Ensler's performance of her new show The Good Body and afterwards they had a minute to speak to Eve and tell her about what we're doing. Here's an excerpt from Rena's email:

After the performance, Eve did a special session with V-Day organizers.
Just some question and answer time. Her message was simple and
profound - Stop giving in to the obsession about our bodies. Stop letting it
distract and derail us. Realize that we all do it. (Even EVE, the
crazy incredible ultra-liberal feminist). And then put all that time
and effort into changing "the fucking world."Before we left, I decided that
Sara and I needed to tell Eve about HUC. I invited her to see the show
on any of the three campuses of our Jewish Seminary (don't worry! i told her
we train future rabbis,cantors, educators and jewish communal service
pros!!!) and honestly, she was a bit in awe. Not just that Sara and I are
studying to be rabbis (in a religion that I'm sure she thinks of as
patriarchal...cause it is...) but just the idea that this was happening in
the "tribe". I can't tell you how often I forget how incredible and
radical what we are doing is. I can't tell you how often I get bogged
down in the details of trying to make it all perfect. I can't tell you
how often it doesn't occur to me that when my father was in HUC there were
like 3 women there. Seeing Eve Ensler, the true Vagina Queen and
ultimate Vagina Warrior be taken aback by us, by our production...well, it was
certainly a reminder. Who knew that this could be so big. It wasn't until
I finished the show last year that I realized we had changed the Jewish world
forever. And it wasn't until tonight that I realized how much the more so we are
doing that this year. -Rena P

That was pretty powerful. On the production side of things, we are starting to get busy- right now we're figuring out where the performance will be and lots and lots of details like costumes, building or constructing a set, creating music for the intermission and on and on...March 2nd will be here before I know it...that's all for now...a b-day update will be up soon! Love to all! (especially you Mind!)

First of Many: Rosh Chodesh and V Day

2006-02-04T17:32:00.000+02:00

I know I know I know. I get busy, I forget my blog. I piss off my family and friends.

Ok, so here's the first update.

Monday night was our first meeting of the cast of the HUC 2006 production of The Vagina Monologues. It was also Rosh Chodesh Shvat (the first of the Hebrew month of Shvat). The 19 of us met in Tamuz's apartment (the director of the show) and had wine, chocolate and a short Rosh Chodesh ceremony where we talked about our female ancestors (our moms, grandmothers, aunts etc.) and then spoke about women who inspire, motivate and make us think. I spoke about my favorite professor from Maryland, Max Grossman, who is, G-d willing, expecting a baby very soon. She is such a huge role model of mine (not to mention one of the reasons I'm here- she wrote my recommendation letter!)

Afterwards we talked about why each of us decided to audition for the show. Some people told stories, others shared painful memories, and all us listened. It was very powerful. Personally, I auditioned when I was in college and hadn't been cast. For lots of reasons, which I won't get into, I was really hurt that I hadn't been cast. I had sort of figured that I would never get to be in the show, which I had reluctantly accepted. And yet, here I am, acting and producing the show! I guess there's some truth to the saying "Everything works out in the end, and if it hasn't worked out, then it isn't the end." Looks like this is the end of this for me.

Oh, did I mention that? I am one of the producers of the show, along with my friend Jess, a cantorial student. We are in charge of all of the logistical details of the show, including the location, set, lighting, costumes, music and anything else that might need to be done to ensure a smooth and successful production. It's going to be a lot of work, but I'm up for the challenge. We only have four weeks to put together the whole show- it's going to be a busy month!

The show is Thursday, March 2nd at HUC. The cool part about being part of a show like this is that I know there are productions going on all of the country and world (1115 communities in 54 countries). HUC is also putting on productions on our Los Angeles and New York campuses.

For more info on the Monologues and V Day 2006, check out www.vday.org

Update #2 on it's way...Shavuah Tov...Love to everyone reading!

RENT in ISRAEL

2006-01-30T07:38:00.000+02:00

On Thursday night a bunch of us went to see RENT at Rav Chen in Talpiyot. Most of the people sitting in the theatre were Americans, who, like us, could recite the entire show by heart. (and how they could get a RENT poster in Hebrew!)

I thought it was fabulous. There were some things missing- like entire songs...and pieces of the plot that they wrote around...but all in all, I loved it. I had heard that Rosario Dawson wasn't great, but I thought she was so Mimi- especially at the end (I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it!), she really touched me. This is definitely one for the Wish List.

I also finished Rashi's Daughters: Book One Joheved. Such a good read, especially if you're into historical fiction/modern midrash OR if you study Rashi and want an inside peek into what his life could have been like. The author says in her acknowledgments that she has a 250-source bibliography that she complied while writing the book available for people who want to see where she got the historical facts. I don't think I'll be double-checking her sources, I think I have enough of my own work to do.

Off to marathon Monday...check this out
8:30-1:30 Class
1:30-4:30 Lunch with Naomi, errands, gym
4:30-6 Rabbinic Reflection groups
6:15-7 Voice Lesson
7:45-10 Vagina Monologues Rosh Chodesh gathering
10-Midnight- Homework and Crash.

I'm tired just thinking about it. Love to everyone reading!

Week One: Done

2006-01-26T17:59:00.000+02:00

First and foremost: Yay me for finishing my first week of school. For some reason it's been especially busy with lunch meetings, catch-up dinners with friends and nights that don't end until midnight. Not to mention I'm leading services in a week, am co-producing a show that's in a month and am training for a bike ride that its two months. Wowie.

Today I had Bible with Prof. David Weisburg. He spoke slowly in English, somewhat faster in Hebrew and gave clear answers to questions. I found the class challenging, interesting and exciting. This is in stark contrast to last semester's Bible experience where the main goal was "stay awake and attempt to look interested while being bored out of my mind." However, I'll need to work harder this semester- that seems to be a theme in most of my classes...

I also had my first Nusach class with Cantor Evan Cohen. It turned out to be a sort of "How to be a songleader/service leader" class, which I don't need to take so much. Sad. But he said we'd be moving to nusach next week. Goody. We're also going to be working on High Holy Day liturgy and nusach to prepare us for the near-future when we'll be leading HHD services, possibly alone. Possibly next year. Gulp.

And tonight is Thursday night, the best night of the week, the beginning of the blessed weekend. I'm going to a sushi fundraiser at Pardes (100 NIS buys you all the sushi you can eat) and then to see RENT, which finally is out in theatres here. I've heard mixed things. I'll let you know what I think tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Volunteering in the morning, hopefully grocery shopping in the early afternoon, services at Shira Chadasha and some major moosh time.

I've started a new book: Rashi's Daughters by Maggie Anton. I'm LOVING it so far and am always amazed when the clock reads 1:13am. Hopefully Shabbat will give me some time to read. Hah. Or do the tons and tons of homework I have to do for next week. Whichever.

But for now, it's the weekend. I'm off to enjoy my 48 hours of freedom...love to everyone reading! Um, no comments on my amazing cute and precious nieces?

Welcome to the World

2006-01-25T23:44:00.000+02:00

I know, three posts in one day...what is going on here? But I had to share the exciting news that my new baby cousiniece was born today! She's neither my biological cousin or niece, but she's family alright!

Her name is Cecilia Grace Zagorini. She was born today, January 25, 2006 and is 6 pounds, 15 oz. Healthy, beautiful, looks just like her mama and big sister Fiona (see the picture!). Cecilia's mom, Ariella is one of my oldest family friends who has known me my whole life. I was in her wedding. She was at my Bat Mitzvah. She and her sister Rachel are the closest things I have to sisters.

Tell me they aren't the cutest girls you've ever seen...go on...tell me.

Congratulations to Ariella, T.J., Fiona, Rachel, Donna and Mike, Mark and the whole family! I love and miss you tons and tons! Hi Ceci! Can't wait to meet you!

HUC VS. HUC

2006-01-25T17:30:00.000+02:00

Last night was a rare evening in history. The Hebrew Union College "HUC-YA" American Football team took on the Hebrew Union College "Mullet Men- 4th year" team. It was quite a game. I think we stopped counting after the third or forth touchdown was scored against us. Oh well, we still had a fun time, as you can see from the pictures above. Neil and Claire enjoying some quiet time during halftime, Mel enjoying a cold one during the game, Ross' mullet and Michol, Danny and Esther under a very small umbrella.

Yes, I know I'm sick. But I'm not going to get any better being miserable in my apartment alone. So I went to the game. But don't worry mom, I was wearing a hat, scarf, gloves and about 5 layers. I was very warm.

Go Team HUC-YA!

Back to School: Semester II.

2006-01-25T16:10:00.000+02:00

The first week of second semester is almost over so I figured that this would be a good time to update about my new classes and the highlights of the semester. Enjoy!

Sunday:
*One block (90 minutes) of regular modern Hebrew with Zohara, the best teacher in the world. *One block of Chadashot- News with Hannah. The class looks to be challenging both in terms of learning a large vocabulary and the "newspaper" language and having a new teacher who is known for being tough. Her favorite phrase is "read like an Israeli!"
*One block of Rabbinic Literature- we now have this class twice a week- we're working on a Mishnaic Text called Pirkei deRebbe Natan- it's basically in the same category as Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) but wasn't put into the Mishna. We did one sugyah (verse) already and it was pretty interesting and somewhat challenging. Looks to be a good class.
*One block of Liturgy taught by the same teacher as Rabbinic Lit, Moshe. All and all, I think he's a very good teacher- he's JTS trained, but has a great liberal perspective on text and liturgy. This semester I'll be working on a liturgy paper or project either creating/reclaiming a ritual not done in the Reform community or writing about an element of prayer that I find interesting/exciting etc.
*After school on Sundays I have a voice lesson with Jay Shir, my wonderful and often hysterical voice teacher.

Monday:
*One block of Shacharit (morning) service led by my classmates in our Reform Liturgy Workshops. My service is on February 6th and my friend Rachel is giving the dvar Torah that day too! The two of us are also leading a Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday night) service together in March.
*One block of Modern Hebrew.
*One block of Biblical Grammar with Yossi Leshem, King of Dikduk (grammar). His first class was a little scary, mostly because I realized what I had forgotten (or just never learned) from first semester. But he has a very warm personality and was very patient. He's a superstar.
*A free block! Yay! For going to the gym, doing homework, having lunch with friends etc.
*After school on Mondays we have Rabbinic Forum- usually speakers or panels on all sorts of topics related to becoming Rabbis, issues we'll have to face etc. We also have Rabbinic reflection groups- five Rabbnical students meet with two faculty members once a month to reflect on whats being going on and to dialogue about "Ayecha?" "Where are you?"

Tuesday:
*First thing, there is a special minyan for Shacharit being led by my Rabbinic Lit and Liturgy teacher, Moshe. He's leading a minyan using Rinat Yisrael, the Israeli Orthodox prayerbook that we're learning liturgy from. It's a learners minyan which means that he will be teaching about the "classical- traditional" liturgy as we're praying it.
*One block of Rabbinic literature with Moshe.
*One block of Modern Hebrew.
*A free block!
*One block of History. This semester I am taking an Israeli Politics class with Paul Liptz, who I had last semester. We will be learning all about the Israeli Political system and following the upcoming elections (march 28). Part of the class involves reading the newspaper (or a few newspapers) and following a certain party throughout election season. I think this might be one of the most useful classes I'll take.
*Tuesday night's from 8-10pm I have rehearsal with the HUC community Hallel Choir.

Wednesday:
*Israel Seminar all day.

Thursday:
*One block of Modern Hebrew.
*One block of Bible with a new teacher, David Weisberg from Cincinnati. Haven't had the class yet, but am hoping it's gonna be good. After last semester, anyone is better.
*One free block
*My enrichment "elective" class. I'm taking Daily Nusach with a Cantor who came to HUC for his "year-in-Israel" and never left. He's now a cantor at one of the Reform Congregations in Jerusalem. I'm very excited for this class.

Friday:
*Every other week I volunteer at the Tali Bayit V'Gan Elementary school in Jerusalem, teaching music and playing Shabbat songs.

Wow. It's a full week and looks to be an even fuller semester. Big things to watch out for:
Feb 6- my service
Feb 21-23 Galil tiyul (class trip)
March 2- Vagina Monologues (which I'm co-producing)
March 10- my service #2
March 26-30 Ride 4 Reform!

I don't know that I can think past that. I'm still sick, fighting a cold that is determined to keep me down. I'm relaxing in bed for a little while before getting up to do some homework and see some friends.

I'll soon be posting about the RIDE 4 REFORM and the many ways to help me raise money for this amazing cause!

Love to everyone reading...more to come soon.

Jews like to Blog Too

2006-01-23T19:46:00.000+02:00

Enjoy this article from JTA about Jewish bloggers. I've come down with a nasty cold, so it might be few days til my next post. 'Til then, love to everyone reading.

Sermonizing mingles with sex talk
as Jewish surfers pick up blogging
By Rachel Silverman
January 18, 2006

PRINCETON, N.J., Jan. 11 (JTA) — At times, the chatter between American Jews can seem hushed, even silent.
While questions about assimilation, Israeli politics and Jewish identity swirl overhead, many American Jews maintain an arms-length complacency about it all.

But a post, click and hyperlink away, the burgeoning blogosphere offers a forum for Jewish conversation.

Jewish blogs, or Web diaries, run the gamut from kosher cooking to Israeli advocacy. They include leftist rants, dating melodramas, rabbinic ruminations and secular musings from all corners of the globe.

Last year, the Pew Internet and American Life Project estimated that 8 million American adults had created blogs. Though the number of specifically Jewish blogs is unconfirmed, those with knowledge of the blogosphere say the pool is substantial.

"I´d estimate the number of active blogs at some several thousand," says Steven Weiss, who currently blogs about religion (canonist.com), food (kosherbachelor.com) and the Jewish college experience (campusj).

“Among young, highly-affiliated Jews, J-blogs are very popular,” the 24 year-old New Yorker continues. “As you move up the age brackets, the popularity drops off somewhat, though many in the organizational and rabbinic establishment have started paying a lot of attention to them.”

The Religious Action Committee of Reform Judaism, for instance, launched a blog of its own last year at rac.org.

“The amount of interest in blogging has just gone through the roof,” confirms Alexis Rice, the RAC’s communications director. “I think the Jewish community is more connected now than ever before.

“A rabbi used to give a sermon and it was heard by 200 people in services Friday night,” Rice continues. “Now he puts the sermon on a blog, and thousands of people access it.”

What exactly are these Jewish bloggers seeking on the Web?

Some, like 30-something New York blogging guru Esther Kustanowitz, say the blogosphere connects them to a larger, global Jewish community.

“I started looking at other Jewish blogs to see if there were other people like me out there — single, Jewish and blogging,” she explains.

Alternatively, some blog to seek community with or build bridges to ‘the other.’

Thanks to blogging, Rachel Barenblat, the theology student behind the Velveteen Rabbi blog (www.velveteenrabbi.com), has become close to a Buddhist nun in Korea and a Baptist minister in San Antonio.

“I’ve come to feel very much like these people are my friends,” says the Massachusetts resident, 30. “That we’re sitting around a virtual coffee table.”

Tel Aviv resident Lisa Goldman began her site, On the Face (ontheface.blogware.com), as a means of catharsis and consensus-building during the Palestinian intifada.

“I try to go beyond the headlines and present people as individuals — not just the Palestinians and the Israelis,” says Goldman, 38. “Maybe my stories will help them to discover that the things we have in common outnumber the things that define our differences.”

Blogging has provided solace to communities outside Israel as well. After suffering substantial damage during Hurricane Rita, the Baton Rouge-based Congregation Beth Shalom looked to the blogosphere for respite (rabbizamek.blogspot.com).

“When the hurricanes hit, we felt the need to get information out regularly,” says the congregation’s rabbi, Stanton Zamek. “It was a way of not forgetting this history in motion.”

In addition to helping his congregants stay connected during a difficult period, the blog attracted significant media buzz.

“At first I was saying, ‘who’s going to read my musings about this or that?’ ” Zamek recalls, laughing. “But something caught the eye of the office of presidential speech writing, and I was invited to the White House Chanukah party.”

The blogosphere is not just a feel-good forum. In many instances, it’s a place for real debate and democratic engagement.

“Blogging has saved the Web from its abysmal fate as just another corporate content delivery system,” says Jerusalem blogger Dan Sieradski, 26. “Blogs provide public spaces — and safe spaces at that — for people to discuss what matters most to them.”

Sieradski´s Orthodox Anarchist site (www.orthodoxanarchist.com) illustrates his unconventional, off-the-cuff ideology. In one post, he explains that he´s a committed Jew but he strongly opposes authority, religious dogma and nationalism.

“My life is exemplified by tensions and contradictions,” Sieradski says. “Orthodox Anarchist is an attempt to embrace those contradictions, and even to try to make sense of them.”

In the blogosphere, this type of friction generates attention.

The number one thread on Jewlicious (jewlicious.com), a group blog focusing on Judaism, Israel and pop culture, addresses premarital sex in the Orthodox community. It pulled in 676 comments.

The No. 2 post, with 502 responses, tackles an equally contentious topic — the identity of Conservative Judaism.

Oftentimes, noisemakers walk a fine line between healthy debate and mudslinging.

“There are definitely blogs where the conversation tends to be acrimonious,” says Barenblat, who recently received anonymous hate mail. “People feel free to be obnoxious because it’s just through a computer screen.”

Fiery language also peppers the Jewlicious site, with posts often descending into vitriolic exchanges.

“It’s a paradigm for disagreement,” Kustanowitz said. “I think because of the anonymity and lack of accountability, people tend to not think before they write.”

One thing’s for sure — this wrangling free-for-all is not the mainstream media.

That’s because blogs assume a vastly different tone and style than their journalistic counterparts, online communications expert Diane Schiano says.

“There is this loose, free-floating, casual, even intimate approach to writing blogs,” explains Schiano, an adjunct professor at Stanford University. “It’s like teenage angst is being poured out.”

Dan Gillmor, a Palo Alto-based activist, blogger (bayosphere.com/blog/dangillmor) and author on civic journalism, noted that the unregulated atmosphere emboldens the citizen-blogger.

Take ‘Aussie Dave,´ the moniker behind Israellycool (www.israellycool.com/blog). His blog acts as a symposium for issues of Israeli politics, pop culture and news.

“When you have people reading you and listening to you, it’s like you have your own little soapbox,” the 31 year-old Beit Shemesh resident says. “It empowers the individual.”

Some claim blogs still act like an insiders’ club, however.

“The people who spend time to sit down and write on blogs have very strong opinions,” explains Paul Golin, associate executive director of the Jewish Outreach Institute. “You might have unaffiliated lurking on these Web sites, but they don’t feel confident enough to comment.”

Others admit the blogosphere tends to attract wannabe journalists, who see the Web as a viable marketing tool.

“A lot of writers use them to test the waters for their writing,” Schiano said. “It’s a new form of publishing.”

As a freelance writer who has gotten jobs from blogging, Kustanowitz affirmed this.

“I’m not going to lie — it’s also a place for self-promotion,” Kustanowitz says. “It’s doing P.R. work for me even when I’m not doing anything for me. That’s the Internet for you.”

Where exactly this blogging phenomenon is going remains unseen.

Schiano, for one, predicts a continuously evolving blogosphere.

“I think there will always be this room for grassroots voices on the net,” she says.

And as long as rabbis continue to preach, advocates to crusade, singles to gripe and ideologues to spar, Jews will continue clicking — and posting — away.

Eza Chamud!

2006-01-20T16:04:00.000+02:00

Enjoy some pictures of Rena's puppy Asher asleep on my laundry bag. Eza Chamud! (What a cutie!)

Ooooops! He woke up! And he doesn't look very happy with me...

Books, Part II.

2006-01-20T15:07:00.000+02:00

I finished My Sister's Keeper last night. Wow. I totally did not expect the ending and I was totally overcome with emotion- luckily it was 12:30am, a fabulous time to be consumed by heavy emotions. I had a weird dream about being inside a dog kennel. I don't think it was related to the book.

It is certainly one of the most touching stories I've read in a while. I'm thinking of reading some of her other books during my "free" time this semester. (What free time?)

Achievement of the Week: Went to the gym 4 times last week AND this week. Yay me!

Colloquium ended today. I was kind of annoyed that we had school on Friday, but overall its been a motivating and stimulating few days. I'm mostly enjoyed catching up with people that were in the states over break. I've had a realization that if I just chilled out a little bit and wasn't so overly critical of people, I might like them a little more. Zehu.

Matt's fiance Jen is back in J'lem. She and I met at camp a bunch of summers ago, and is one of the funniest sweetest people I know. It's also nice to have a friend outside the HUC bubble for coffee and such.

Speaking of camp, here's the official announcement: I just accepted a position at Harlam for summer 2006. Doing what? Well, you'll have to wait until I get the final go-ahead to find out. But it's set, I'm thrilled and it's a good feeling to have some sort of plans after I leave here.

Classes start on Sunday- it's a whole new ballgame. New schedule, new classes, new teachers. I'm especially excited for my "Chadashot" (News) class and a new Bible teacher. And I'm taking nusach.

I'm going to try and clean my room and get showered and dressed for Shabbat. Hope it's a restful one for you and yours.

Here's to second semester...Love to everyone reading...

Two books I'm SO into right now

2006-01-19T15:12:00.000+02:00

During the semester I hardly have any time for pleasure reading. However, I've read two amazing books- both of which I couldn't put down.

Stalking Elijah: Adventures with today's Jewish Mystical Masters by Rodger Kamenetz.
A follow up to his amazing The Jew in the Lotus that I read when I was college. If you're into JuBu's, Budhism, Spirituality, New Age Judaism, or if names like Reb Zalman, Judith Halevi, Art Green or Jonathan Omer-Man get you excited, you've found the right book. It took me a month to finish it, but that's because I started it during finals.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. My Mom brought me this over break and I have been obsessed with it ever since. In short, it's the story of a girl who was genetically created to donate her blood, bone marrow and eventually a kidney to her older sister dying of cancer. It's an intense read. I haven't finished it yet, so I can't tell you what happens next, but I'm loving the story so far.

And just for fun...my amazon wish list! (someone's birthday is coming up soon you know...)

I'll be back later tonight for a post on our Mid-Semester Colloquium. Love to all!

That time of the semester

2006-01-17T18:05:00.000+02:00

After 16 years of school it seems silly that I still get nervous about opening my report card.

Maybe it's just silly that I'm still getting report cards in the first place.

Whichever it is, I got my first-semester grades today.

They're fine, I'm fine. Slash I'm an overachiever and have super high expectations of myself.

My only gripe is that I did the worst in my favorite class and the best in my least favorite class. How much sense does that make?

Humph.

For now: playing with Jess for a few more hours before she leaves, reading for tomorrow and getting psyched up for semester #2...

A few sentences for now

2006-01-16T23:55:00.000+02:00

Vacation + Lots of friends visiting + not much else going on = karen doesn't update her blog.

Sorry folks.

Jess is here. We're having tons of fun. I'm enjoying my last few hours of freedom.

Colloquium starts on Wednesday.

Second semester starts on Sunday.

I promise a real update before then with pictures, details, the whole deal.

Happy Birthday Dr. MLK. Love to everyone...

I heart my friends

2006-01-12T14:40:00.000+02:00

I love my friends.

Especially the ones I haven't gotten to see in a while.

I've already seen JulieFink and SarahRubinShapiro and will be seeing Jamie, Wendy, Jess, Sarah, Rachael and a few others before they return to the states.

Ah, the perks of having friends in the Jewish professional world.

Movie Review: Ushpizin

2006-01-09T16:27:00.000+02:00

Rena and I rented Ushpizin last night. It's a very cute movie about a Religious couple in Israel during the holiday of Sukkot.

Basic plot (without giving away the end!) : The couple has no money for Sukkot, prays a lot, recieves a sukkah and two ushpizin (guests) that cause more trouble than happiness. There's also a 1000 NIS Etrog called the "diamond."

If you know Hebrew, make yourself watch it in Hebrew with the English subtitles- it's worth it.
Actually, even if you don't know Hebrew- don't watch it dubbed- you'll lose something.

Next movie during break: HARRY POTTER FOUR!

Update: Family's Visit

2006-01-09T16:15:00.000+02:00

"If you ever have a free moment, you might consider checking out the travel brochures for the town in which you live. You might be amazed." -Shampoo Planet

So my family was here. Check out the pics: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXZw

I did actually read the guidebooks on Jerusalem and together with my Mom, Dad and brother did almost everything in them- it's a weird feeling when you realize you've never done most of the things that the guidebooks suggest-

We did (as suggested by the books):
*The Old City including Rosh Chodesh with N'Shei Ba'Kotel (Women of the Wall) and shopping in the Cardo
*Lunch at the American Colony Hotel
*The Israel Museum
*Yad VaShem
*Old Jaffa and Tel Aviv
*The Italian Synagogue and Museum
*Yemin Moshe
*Dinner at Yoja, Olive, Pizza Panini, Burgers Bar
*Beit Ticho
*Kanyon Malkha and a movie!
*Ben Yehudah Street and Emek Refaim

It was a packed, amazing ten days- I'm so excited that my family finally got to see my life here- what I do, where I go to school, where I shop, my apartment, my friends, my life.

I was sad to see them go- especially because the next time I see them so much will have changed- David will be a college graduate, I'll have finished my year in Israel (and 20% of Rabbinical school!) and will be moving again- to camp for the summer (G-dwilling) and to NY in the Fall.

Time to return to break now- Love to all reading-

Keep praying for Prime Minister Sharon and the people here. We need it.

A MiSheberach for Ariel Sharon

2006-01-06T09:13:00.000+02:00

May the One who blessed our ancestors Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebecca; Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, bless the Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel the son of Sarah of the Sharon family. In light of all the Jewish people praying for the Prime Minster's recovery, may God strengthen Prime Minister Sharon with courage and vitality, and cast upon him God's own spirit in order to heal him completely, spiritually and bodily, along with all who are ill, in the Jewish people and in the world. May God strengthen the hands of the Prime Minster's physicians, their hearts and their understanding, and let us say Amen.

from Ten Minutes of Torah, Union for Reform Judaism

Back to reality...

2006-01-05T21:18:00.000+02:00

Mom and Dad left last night. I was really sad when they first left, but bounced back.

I'll update on their visit soon and post the pictures we took.

Tomorrow I'm off to be a Shabbat Scholar for one of the Birthright groups- leading Kabbalat Shabbat, talking on a panel, co-leading morning services with Adam, helping to lead a 13 person B'nei Mitzvah service and teaching in the afternoon. It's going to be a jam-packed 25 hours.

When I get back I'll be kicking into high gear to finish the last of my assignments-my Israel Seminar paper due on Thursday (yay for extentions).

Movies I want to see: Harry Potter IV., Paradise Now, Ushpitzin.
Glorious days of vacation left: 12
Number of out-of-town friends to see: 8
Days til my birthday: 39

Thanks for all the great comments on the Steinhardt story! I guess people do really read this thing!

Lots of love to all...

A Marriage Proposal at Burgers Bar

2006-01-03T23:50:00.000+02:00

So today I took my Mom and Dad to Burgers Bar, one of my most favorite places to eat here in Jerusalem.

While in line, I recognized a man standing in line in front of us. It took me a minute to place him, but I soon realized that it was Michael Steinhardt, one of the richest Jewish men in the world and one of the main sponsors of the Birthright Israel program. His name is everywhere. I was a Steinhardt JCSC Fellow last year.

So I tapped him on the shoulder and introduced myself. We had the "what are you doing now?" conversation for about 30 seconds before he looked at my hands and asked me if I was married.

I told him that a wedding band goes on your left hand (I wear a ring on my right hand) and again he asked if I was married.

I said no.

He then called over one of his assistants and introduced him to me. His name was Alan, Single, Jewish, 39 and a lawyer in Manhattan. What more could a girl ask for?

I laughed, said I was a little young to be getting hitched and sat down to eat my lunch. I though the game was over.

However, when they were leaving, Michael came over to say goodbye and asked me again if I would be interested in marrying Alan. He was especially excited after learning that I would be moving to New York next year.

He said that if I agreed AT THAT MOMENT that he would pay for the wedding AND fly us to one of his Caribbean islands for the honeymoon. Alan piped in to say that he bet Burgers Bar would be willing to cater it.

An awkward silence filled the air as I realized that he wasn't kidding.

In a moment of panic I told him that my boyfriend wouldn't be too happy about me agreeing to marry someone else.

I did my nervous laugh. Michael looked disappointed. Alan looked relieved.

They left, I went back to my chicken salad and my Mom and Dad exchanged a "what the hell just happened" look.

Yes that's right, I had a chance to marry into Steinhardt's empire and I turned it down.

All in a days work here in the Promised Land.

Family's Here!

2005-12-28T09:08:00.000+02:00

My family is here. I'm estadic. We're doing the tourist thing and I'm speaking a ton of Hebrew to distinguish myself from the hordes of birthrighters and tourists who have filled the city.

Today: Israel Museum, Windows at Hadassah Hospital and dinner at a yummy meat restaurant.
Tomorrow: Tel Aviv.

Love to all...Happy Chanukah!

Who Needs Sleep?

2005-12-25T13:04:00.000+02:00

When you don't go to bed until 4am, being away at 1pm is a miracle.

Get it, miracle...Chanukah? Sorry, the bad rabbi humor sneaks out sometimes.

Dave got here at 1am and we were back in J'lem at 3:30am. I was up at 8:30 and took my Rabbinic Literature final at 9:40 and my Biblical Grammar final at 10:30.

Now it's 1pm and I'm awake and very happy. Half my finals are done AND my brother is here!

We're off to explore the Promised Land in the rain (we pray for it, remember?), meet some of my friends here and eventually end up at Burgers Bar for dinner. Then hopefully I'm going to get a job for next year. It's going to be a busy day yet.

Chanukah starts tonight and I'm so excited that tomorrow night my whole family will be here to light candles together. Now thats really a miracle. Love to everyone everwhere...

LAST DAY OF CLASSES

2005-12-22T20:40:00.000+02:00

Yes folks, its true. Today was my last day of classes as a first-semester Rabbinical student. I celebrated by having a couple drinks with some friends and getting my hair cut. I went to Dave's Salon in Baka and had my hair cut by Dave himself, a native born Bostonian who after 21 years still has the accent. He did a great job, second only to Margaret, my favorite stylist in the states.
I'm very happy with the results and will go back there if I decide to cut my hair before leaving Israel.

Tonight I'll be celebrating my friend David Segal's 25th birthday and hopefully getting a very good night's sleep.

Tomorrow will be a hard core study day of biblical grammar and bible before hosting Shabbat dinner for the L Word crowd.

Sunday morning (1:15am!) Dave comes and I'll also be taking my Rabbinic Literature and Grammar exams. Hopefully I'll also be having an interview for a teaching job in New York.

So in my last post I introduced everyone to Rena's new puppy- his name is Asher Garbayim (socks in Hebrew- because his paws are white like he's wearing socks!). He's 8 weeks old and amazingly cute and cudly. Yesterday while playing on my bed hge decided to adopt my dog stuffed animal- here's the two of them sleeping together. Adorable!

It's been a long semester- but it's not over quite yet...here's to the final FINAL push. Love to everyone reading...happy winter break!

I'm so glad I'm not in

2005-12-21T17:01:00.000+02:00

NEW YORK CITY.

Don't get me wrong, I can't wait to move there next year.

But I'm not so sad not to be walking to school in 20 degree temperatures or having to rescheduled my finals if I couldn't get into the city.

My friend David Singer, is living this right now.

Or read this to get the scoop on what it's like to be in NYC right now.

But for now, I'm happy to be in the Promised Land even with the rain and chilly temps at night.

Tomorrow is the last day of the semester- afterwards I'm getting my haircut for the first time since moving here and celebrating my friend David Segal's 25th birthday.

Shabbat will be busy with work and the Bar Mitzvah of my Jean's son. Then I'm off to the airport to get David! Monday the parents come! Tuesday I finish finals! 10%!

But for now, I must go back to conjugating lamed hey pual verbs and trying to figure out what the world is a tashlum dagesh. wowie.

Love to all, everywhere. If you are of a faith that has an important (or commercially enhanced) holiday, hope it's a good one for you.

Back to work now...love to everyone reading!

More pictures of the yet-unnamed puppy

2005-12-19T00:16:00.000+02:00

Karen and puppy Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuupy!

How Cute Am I?

2005-12-18T23:21:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, while walking to a birthday party, we ran into a family of dogs- a mom and seven puppies- Today Rena adopted one of the puppies. He may be the runt, but I think he was the cutest of the litter. I'll post more details soon. For now, enjoy a picture of Puppy Fraade. (Sorry, blogger was being slow- I'll post more pics tomorrow)

Quick run of the numbers before bed:
144 hours til my brother gets here
5 exams left to take
1035 sheckels we've raised for Ride 4 Reform
2 Shabbat services I'm leading for birthright
5 1/2 months since I've cut my hair
54 days til my 24th birthday
35 minutes I've spent working on this post

Love to everyone, everywhere, especially if you read my blog. Yes you Robert!

New York

2005-12-13T06:57:00.000+02:00

Last night we met with Rabbi Shirley Idelson, the Assistant Dean of the HUC NY Campus.

As part of the discussion we all had to say what we were looking forward to the most when we returned to New York.

I said Coffee. People laughed. I meant it seriously.

This morning I woke up at 6:15 to finish my homework, hoping to indulge my coffee desire. However, someone had finished the milk.

Now it's 6:44 and I'm making the final edits on my history paper with a cup of tea.

What I would do for a a vente cup of a house blend right now...

In other news, Vincent, our resident photographer and Miriam's other half, has completed our class website. Check it out! http://www.yii5766.com/

Back to the grind...love to all...

Spreading the good word

2005-12-11T18:15:00.000+02:00

If you ask any twenty-something about the best place to look for an apartment, buy or sell something locally, or just laugh at the randomness of the world, they would probably say Craigslist.

Well, I bet you didn't know that Craigslist founder, Craig Newmark is Jewish! He talks all about it and lots of other stuff in an interview he did with SomethingJewish.co.uk.

http://www.somethingjewish.co.uk/articles/1665_craig_newmark_interv.htm

In other good news, it's 6:12pm and I've already had 6 hours of class, a voice lesson, dinner and am about to start my work. yay me. Hopefully by the time I talk to my mom tonight, my paper will be well on its way.

Lots of work for Karen + Need to procrastinate = Lots of blog entries. Enjoy! Love to all...

Yom Shabbat...yom avodah?

2005-12-10T23:31:00.000+02:00

I almost never do homework on Shabbat. It's a rule of mine.

However, I had the realization yesterday that if I didn't do something today, I would be paying for it all week. So I did all of my Bible work and wrote about 2 pages of my history paper thats due on Tuesday. I even had time for my favorite part of Shabbat, the Shabbas nap.

I didn't really like doing work today and it certainly didn't make Shabbat as restful and enjoyable as I usually like it to be. But I'm in a much better place with my work than i was yesterday, therefore ensuring a much happier and better week.

Motzei Shabbat, Rena and I went out to Burgers Bar, one of my favorite places here and I had a grilled chicken salad that will go down in history as, well, a fabulous dinner.

These next couple weeks are going to be tough academically-
Dec 12. History Paper
Dec 18. Chazal Paper
Dec 25- (Dave gets here!)
Dec 26- Bible Exam (Mom and Dad get here!)
Dec 27- Liturgy Exam
Dec 28- Biblical Grammar Exam
Dec 29 Israel Seminar Paper

Just keep swimming...happy weekends to all! Love to everyone reading!

Promises Kept

2005-12-09T16:20:00.000+02:00

As promised, pictures from last week's tiyul (trip) to Haifa and the north. Enjoy!

share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXVA

It's almost Shabbat here so I'm off to services at school, dinner at Edie's apartment and a good nights sleep before, hopefully, a very productive and restful Shabbat so I can survive the upcoming week.

16 days til my brother gets here! 17 til my parents get here! 19 til I'm done with my first semester of Rabbinical school (10%)!!

Love to all reading...Have a wonderful weekend! For all those with snow days (or just snow in general), I'm jealous- enjoy it for me too!

Where are you guys from?

2005-12-09T14:13:00.000+02:00

Last night I saw Matisyahu, a Chasidic reggae performer at The Lab- a very cool bar/venue here in Jerusalem. Although I had seen him last year at Hillel Staff Conference, I was really excited to see him again, in a different place.

Ever since I bought his amazing live album, "Live at Stubbs" last year, I have been a huge fan. And that's hard to say as a woman studying to be a Reform Rabbi. Matisyahu, formerly Matthew Miller, of Philadelphia, belonged to a Reform synagogue before becoming involved with Chabad and the Lubavitch movement. Someone joked that this is what happens to Reform Jews who aren't kept engaged within the movement- they become Matisyahu.

The people at the show represented his amazingly huge fan base. There were religious couples, sitting in the back, older secular Israelis, at least a couple of Lubavitch Rabbis, tons and tons and tons of kippah and tzit-tzit wearing hippie yeshiva boys and us, the future Reform clergy of America. I couldn't help but think of the sociology of it all- here we were, all of us, seeing a fabulously talented Chasidic Jew rapping, in a club in Jerusalem. One of our professors, Rabbi Doctor Michael Chernick and his wife were also there, making me even more excited to have him as a teacher next year in New York.

Matisyahu puts most American hip-hop artists to shame. He writes his own stuff and his beatboxing (can I use that as a verb?) is fabulous. His lyrics certainly reflect his current values: rebuilding the Temple and bringing the Mosiach (Messiah). But if you strip away the super-religious lyrics, I think his stuff has a pretty good message- and his show was one of the most spiritual experiences I've had since being here. That's intense.

He hardly spoke during the show except to ask people to be careful crowd-surfing and to ask us where we were from.
Matisyahu: "Are you guys from American or Israel"
The crowd: "Ammmmerrrrriiicaaaaaaa"
Matisyahu: "We're all from Israel- this is where we're all from"

And that's something we both can agree on. Rock on Matisyahu.

A pitty post

2005-12-07T23:33:00.000+02:00

I know I know I know.

I'm terriable at this.

But you should know that I have negative time here, and yet, lots to tell you. And it's almost midnight here and I have a Hebrew mivchan tomorrow.

However, the weekend is soon a'comin and so I'll have lots of time to update including pictures from our Haifa tiyul, pictures from tomorrow night's Matisyahu concert and a long update about giving my first d'var Torah as a Rabbinical Student!

But before I go:

If you're interested in reading my d'var Torah, email me, or leave a comment.

If you're interested in contributing to the Ride4Reform (or just getting more info) I'm starting to collect names and addresses. Let me know if you want me to add you to my list.

And be sure to check back before the end of the week for lots more from the Promised Land.

Love to all still reading...I'm impressed...

Home from Haifa

2005-12-03T23:27:00.000+02:00

I'm back. It was a pretty good couple of days, nice to get out of Jerusalem (even nicer to come home) and I can't wait for the weekend...I mean, going back to school tomorrow. This week begins the three weeks before my family gets here so it's going to be all work and no play makes Karen a successful and dull girl.

Here's the schedule:
Dec 5- d'var Torah
Dec 12- History paper due
Dec 18- Rabbinic Literature paper due
Dec 26- Bible Exam
Dec 27- Liturgy Exam
Dec 28- Biblical Grammar Exam
Dec 29- Israel seminar paper due
Dec 31- Chanting Torah at services

Hope I make it...feel free to leave encouragement...love to all reading...

Hagiah Hazman L'tayel

2005-11-29T15:56:00.000+02:00

Translation: The time has come to travel.

From Wednesday, November 30- December 3 I'll be away with my class. We'll be visiting Tsfat, Caesaria, Zippori and spending Shabbat in Haifa at the Leo Baeck Center.

Thus, no email, no vonage. Mom, Dad & Dave- I'll talk to you on Sunday.

To everyone else- have a wonderful middle/end of the week and weekend. Talk to you when I return!

Quick run of the numbers:
26- days til my brother gets here!
6- days til I give my d'var Torah
2- books I want to finish on the trip
3- nights in a hotel that HUC is paying for
75- days til my 24th birthday
91- the first "A" grade I ever recieved on a Hebrew test (yay me!)

Love to everyone reading...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-11-25T12:10:00.000+02:00

Despite my earlier thoughts about being sad and lonely on Thanksgiving, I actually had a wonderful time. We had dinner at Rachel and Robyn's apartment with Rach and Robyn's friend Bryan, Joe, Neil, Jennifer, Rose, Mel, Elana and me! The food was homemade and wonderful, teh wine was a'flowing and the company and conversation made my night. We even played one of my favorite games, "pancakes or waffles?"Click on the link to see pictures from last night.

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?a=67b0de21b33029f66594&sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXRQ

I'm so thankful that I have friends who are like family here. I can't imagine my life without them. Hope you and yours had a wonderful day!

In other exciting news: My brother comes a month from today and my parents a month from tomorrow! Let the countdown begin!

Back to the grind...love to all reading!

HUC FOOTBALL RULES!

2005-11-23T17:41:00.000+02:00

Last night I went to my first HUC flag football game. It was freezing. But I had cold beer and a ski hat to keep me warm. We scored out first touchdown thanks to Mel, got our butts kicked by the 4th yr. team and had a blast. We celebrated at a bar on Azza where Rena's dad picked up the tab on the first round of celebratory drinks. Rock on Alan!

It's been a stressful week and I'm missing home already. I don't think I've ever not been with my family on Thanksgiving. Luckily I have not one, but two Thanksgiving dinners to attend. The first tonight at Rena's with her parents, sister and friend Evan, Deb and her dad, Edie and her dad and brother and some great friends. I'm making sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Should be good. Look for a thanksgiving post while you're eating your turkey tomorrow.

I'm thankful for everyone who reads this...Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday Mommy!

2005-11-18T12:11:00.000+02:00

Today is my Mom's birthday. Some may argue, but I'll insist that she's the best Mom in the world. I'm very sad that I won't be able to celebrate with her in the states today, but we'll make up for it when we're all together in December.

It's been a long week. I have a ton of homework. Lets do the numbers:
1- day until Rena's parents come to visit.
8- pages of a History Paper that I need to write.
10- days that Lauren will be in Paris.
11- sources for my D'var Torah that I need to read.
12- days until we leave for our Haifa tiyul.
14- people coming for Shabbat dinner tonight.
15- miles I rode today.

Time to get to work. Lots of love to everyone reading!

A Retraction of Yesterday's Post

2005-11-15T18:42:00.000+02:00

Check out this article from the NY Times today; a followup from yesterday's post.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/14/international/middleeast/14cnd-mideast.html?hp&ex=1132117200&en=ede523b157642943&ei=5094&partner=homepage

Well I guess if she's negotiating, she can have her own elliptical machine. Fiine.

History being made in the lobby of the hotel where I use the gym. Thats the cool part of living in this city. You never know who's going to show up or what's going to happen.

Love to all reading!

Thank you tax-paying Americans

2005-11-14T19:37:00.000+02:00

Do you ever wonder what your tax dollars are doing over here in Israel? Well I'll tell you.

Condoleezza Rice, the US National Security Advisor is staying at the David Citadel Hotel, next door to HUC. One of the nicest hotels in the city. Also, coincidentally, where I am a gym member.

Due to Condi's visit, one of the mere three elliptical machines was removed from the gym and put into her suite for her personal, round-the-clock use.

The gym is also randomly closed down when she is interested in doing some weights.

For this service, the hotel is charging her AKA the US government AKA the taxpayers of America...drumroll please...

$100/hour.

Grand total for two day stay in Jerusalem: $5000.

In other news, I had to wait an hour to get on an ellipitcal machine. Hope Condi had as good of a workout as I did today...

Last London Post

2005-11-11T14:02:00.000+02:00

FRIDAY- We woke up early to shower and grab some breakfast before taking the tube to where we were going to meet Rena's sister Sharon and her friend Ben. We got bloody lost on our way to the hotel (with our huge backpacks). Sharon and Ben arrived at the hotel after we did and there was lots of sister-ly hugging while Ben and I akwardly looked at each other. Actually, Ben was outside smoking and Sharon gave me a huge hug too.

After we settled into the hotel we all ate lunch at Garfinkels and I finally got to eat the fish and chips that I had been waiting for. Yummm. We then made our way over to Dali Universe- the Salvador Dali museum. It was great until we all got a terriable case of exhaustion and needed a caffeine break. Thank goodness there was a Starbucks next door and we could all indulge in our drug of choice.

After Starbucks we went back to Harrods- to get a gift for Sharon and Rena's baby cousin and for general Harrods enjoyment. We bought 2 pound appples (no, not how much they weighed, but how much they cost!)

Now being the Rabbinical student that I am, I had made plans to go to services on Friday night. Except that I didn't really know where they were. So we got lost. Then I found out that we were in a different part of London and about an hour's tube ride from them. So I scracted services and we started searching for a place to eat dinner. Long story short, we got very lost (are you sensing a theme here?) but finally found a little Italian place to eat. Our waitress was Brazilian who spoke Hebrew in London. How cool is that?

We ended the night at a sports bar with a few drinks. Cab back to the hotel. Sleep.

SATURDAY- One thing that I so miss in Irsael is being able to sleep in. I rarely get to do it. But on Saturday we woke up just in time to get our complementary breakfast and then went back to sleep. Around noon we finally ventured out to walk around Notting Hill and find some food. After omlettes and coffee we walked through the huge outdoor markets and in and out of the little shops. Before we knew it, it was time to go. We had gotten tickets to another film from the London Film Festival- this time a French film. Well, it was all in French and terriably depressing. We left in need of a major pick-me-up.

Sharon suggested sushi and since she was buying dinner, how could we say no? After some logistical troubles (me leaving my bag at the movie theatre and us having to go back and get it AND getting lost on the way to the sushi place) we finally settled in for a great dinner. Sharon over-ordered for all of us and after a few glasses of the house wine we were all feeling a little better.

After dinner we returned to the sports pub from the previous night. Good times had by all.

SUNDAY- our last day in London and we wanted to make it count. After checking out of our rooms we headed over to Speakers Corner- something especially reccomended by my friend Matt when planning our trip. Speakers Corner is basically the best (and worst) of free speech. Anyone can get up on a chair or ladder (or soapbox) and talk about whatever they most. Most of the speakers are speaking about religious issues- you should believe, you shouldn't believe etc. One man was holding an Israeli flag- Rena and I both realized that we were both a little homesick and were ready to go home.

We made a quick stop at the British National Gallery so I could see one of the originial Suunflower paintings. A final coffee stop and it was time to get on the Heathrow Express (like the Hogwarts Express!) toward the airport. We had a final goodbye dinner with Ben and Sharon and then made our way to Terminal 4 to catch our 10 pm flight.

We arrived in Tel Aviv at 3:30am, were back in Jerusalem by 5am, and asleep by 5:05am. Ahhh vacation.

It's been almost three weeks since we returned from our London adventure. But due to the immence amounts of homework, classes and other random activities, it feels like a month ago already! It was fabulous- more than I could have expected from my first trip to Europe! Hope you enjoyed hearing about my trip! Love to all who are reading!

London Update 3- Celebrity Sighting!

2005-11-11T13:18:00.000+02:00

For some reason, the last picture wouldn't post. So here it is again. Real, live, celebrities in their natural habitats. It was pretty cool. Read the last London post to understand the picture.

I'll Pencil you In

2005-11-08T07:50:00.000+02:00

(From an actual call I received yesterday)

Hey Karen, It's "Someone you want to hang out with" Do you wanna get dinner sometime this week?

Thats great! Lets see....I can do...

Sunday- I have a voice lesson- I'm not back til 6.

Monday- I am studying for my Hebrew test

Tuesday- I have choir from 8-10.

Wednesday- I have a TV date that I just can't cancel

Thursday- Thursday I have a chavarim program at my house.

Friday before Shabbat? Sorry, I'm biking and volunteering.

Saturday night? Dinner and studying for my liturgy test on Sunday.

Maybe next week I'll have a free night. Or maybe not. In case I was worried about my social life-lets just say, it's going well. Maybe too well. Perhaps I'll also be getting a dual Masters in "No Free Time" and "I can't say no."

In other news I'm recovering from a stomach thing due to some bad soup and the effects of my first flu shot. While waiting for my shot I had a five year-old (the daughter of one of my classmates) tell me that it "doesn't hurt AT ALL."

All is well here in the Promised Land- remember you can always send me email and tell me about YOUR lives (I'm pretty sure the world hasn't stopped turning since I left) mailto:krperolman@gmail.com. Also, feel free to leave comments (which I read!)

Until next time...Love to all who are reading...

Yizkor L'Yitzchak

2005-11-04T14:40:00.000+02:00

Today, November 4, 2005 marks ten years since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin. Last night I attended a memorial concert at the Jerusalem Theatre and it was a fascinating lesson in how Israelis deal with grief and memory.

The Jerusalem symphony orchestra performed an original piece entitled "In Memory of Yitzchak." It featured four singers and two choirs. During two places, snippets of his various speeches were projected over the music.

Though his words are 11 years old, they couldn't be truer:

We are in the midst of building the peace. The job is difficult, complex,
trying. Mistakes could topple the whole structure and bring disaster upon us
and so we are determined to do the job well despite the tow of murdering
terrorism, despite the fanatical and evil enemies of peace. We will pursue
the course of peace with determination and fortitude. We will not let up. We
will not give in. Peace will triumph over all its enemies, because the
alternative is grimmer for all of us, for our children after us. The L-rd
will give strength to His people. The L-rd will bless His people with
peace. - Yitzchak Rabin.

Ya'aseh Shalom. Na'aseh Shalom. Bo na'aseh shalom. Kein Yihei Ratzon.

London- Wednesday/Thursday

2005-11-01T19:14:00.000+02:00

Sorry its taken me so long to continue the London posts, but better late than never. So...where were we?

Wednesday we got up a little bit later and after breakfast at the hostel, made our way over to Buckingham Palace. We walked through the Queen's park, and stood with the rest of the tourists. And to be honest, despite all the hype, Buckingham Palace just looked like a building. We saw the famous guards and even how the royalty get from place to place!

Next we went to Westminster Abbey and saw where lots and lots and lots of important dead people are burried. Kinda cool, kinda creepy.

While looking for a left-handed store Rena (hey, no one's perfect) we found a "Fresh and Wild"- the UK branch of Whole Foods. We got soup and bread and sat at the back of the store and ate our lunch. Not only was the soup super yummy (me-pumpkin, rena-tomato) but it was really nice to be somewhere that felt like home. Living near a Whole Foods in the states last year spoiled me and truthfully, I can't wait to be there again...

After lunch we finally found the left-handed store. I never knew that stores like this existed before. They sell special pens and can openers and knives. Kinda bizzare,but Rena loved it.

We moved on to the Tower of London where lots and lots and lots of important people were detained, tortured and beheaded. Funnn. Next we took the tube to London Bridge- see pic below! We got there as the sun was setting and the air getting cold. We took a few pictures, debated about singing the song and finally moved on.

For our evening activity we ate at Wagamamas, a highly-reccomended Asian noodle resturant in London. My friend Matt (Soffer) told me that we had to eat there. So we did. The noodles were pretty good and the atmosphere reminded me of Noodles and Company (for my MD friends!).

Another Soffer reccomendation was seeing the comedy troup at The Comedy Store. The Comedy Store is where Whose Line Is It Anyway? originated. Although I couldn't understand half of what they were saying, I still thought it was great. Rena was a great sport.

Thursday was our last day of traveling before Rena's sister Sharon and Sharon's friend Ben joined us. After four days of non-stop traveling, we were in need of a little break. We slept late and headed over to Leichester Square to try and get tickets for the London Film Fesival. We got tix for "Elizabethtown," Cameron Crowe's new flic staring Kirsten Dunst and Orlando Bloom.

When planning our trip we gave the whole day to the British Museum. It's a HUGE place- and would probably take a whole day or maybe two to get through. We saw the highlights and spent some time in the beautiful library and education center. I also picked out a couple gifts. After a mid-day Starbucks break, we headed back to the Museum for part two. My favorite exhibit was the "Tree of Life"- a tree made of dis-armed weapons. It was incredible, really.

With a few hours to kill before the movie, Rena and I decided to see what was playing at the regular movie theatre and guess what was? CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY- a movie we had both been dying to see. So we pulled a double header, ate popcorn and candy for dinner and had a grand ole time.

I loved both movies- I heard that Elizabethtowb didn't get great reviews in the states, but I thought it was pretty good. One of the highlights was that Cameron Crowe, Kirsten Dunst and Susan Sarrandon were at the premiere! It was hard to get good pictures from where we were sitting, but I managed to get a couple. It was my first big celebrity sighting!

After the movie we made out way back to the hostel, packed and got ready for our early-ish morning. A final post on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to come!

Thanks for reading! Lots of Love to all...

Weekend Update

2005-10-29T23:23:00.000+02:00

I went biking on Friday morning- my first training ride for the Ride 4 Reform.

We started at 6:30. I got home at noon. We rode 16 miles. Apparently it wore me out.

I was asleep by 10pm on Friday night. I took a nap this afternoon. I'm still exhausted.

Shabbat was great- anti-social dinner at Rachel's, lunch at Ross and Rachael's and I got invited to a 2 year-old's birthday party for next weekend.

Tomorrow re-begins real life. We have full weeks straight through to finals. Papers, tests, divrei Torah and lots and lots of reading. Two words: bring it.

For now I'm working on my Israel seminar journal entry and my troupe for next Monday's Reform Liturgy Workshop.

I promise more London to come...lots of love...

Tough Day to be a Zionist

2005-10-27T07:50:00.000+02:00

One article to share before I head off to school. Not very good if you're Jewish or love Israel or believe in a people's right to exist or are just a human being that believes in a peaceful and just world community for all.

put down the soap box karen, put it down.

It is from the President of Iran who is calling for Israel and Zionism's complete destruction. He's also organizing aninternational "Day Without Zionism." He sounds bothlike Ayatollah Khomeni - and sadly, much like thefar-left American anti-Zionists like Noam Chomsky (recently voted "World's Foremost Public Intellectual"). (From one of my classmates)
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/10/26/ahmadinejad/index.html

Also, many of you may have heard about yesterday afternoon's suicide bombing in Hadera, a seaside town that is north of Netanya- maybe 2 1/2 hours here. I'm fine and everyone I know is fine.

It's been quiet here for so many months. Let's pray it stays this way. I'm off to class now- love to all who are reading...

Pictures from London!

2005-10-26T16:15:00.000+02:00

While you're waiting for the London posts to begin, enjoy my pictures!

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AaNWTlq2bOXMg

Posts to follow shortly...

London- Monday/Tuesday

2005-10-26T15:28:00.000+02:00

I know you've been patiently waiting for the London updates to begin.

A few ground rules:
1. I'll do my best to say everything- but I'll try to be somewhat short.
2. I'll post selected relevant pictures in the post
3. I'll post the link to all (150 or so) pics in another post.
4. Enjoy!

Monday: Rena and I left for the airport at noon. Once we checked in we had a celebratory lunch at the Kosher McDonalds while waiting to board the plane. Interesting facts: flying on Erev Sukkot means that the only secular Israelis will be on your plane. Two, M&Ms have started selling a "mixed bag" of plain, peanut and crispy m&ms. Yummm. the flight was 5 hours and we arrived at Heathrow Airport in London around 10pm. After getting our backpacks and exchanging our money (going from 4.58 shekels to the USD to 1.88 USD to the pound- OUCH) we got on the tube and made our way to the hostel.

Tuesday- First full day in London:
Woke up early to take advantage of the "free hostel breakfast"- which consisted of white bread toast with butter and jelly or cornflakes with sugar and whole milk. Don't worry, there was coffee and tea too. All you could eat and drink. We started early because Rena had made reservations to take a DUCK tour of London. In short, the DUCK is a vehicle used in WWII that can drive on land and is a boat too!- DUCK is an acronym for something I don't remember. Anyway, the 75 minute tour of London took us all over the city and in the Thames River too! It was a great intro to the city and we did a lot of planning as we saw things from afar that we wanted to see up close (Westminster Abby, Big Ben etc). Interesting fact: London is COLD- we were wearing coats, gloves, hats, etc. Burrrrr.

After the tour we stood in line in Leicester Square to get cheap tickets for a West End Show (It's like Broadway in London). I really wanted to see Mary Poppins, and well, Rena indulged me. The tix ended up being not so "cheap", but they were good seats for a musical thats only been open for 10 months.

After getting the tickets we took the tube to Harrods. For those who don't know, Harrods is a department store/gourmet food store/mall- It's pretty unbelievable. First of all, it's HUGE- 6 floors or something, and sells everything you could ever want- assuming that you have the $$$. They sell major designers and super-high quality versions of everything- clothing, bedding, food, entertainment etc. They also have a pretty extensive Christmas section- which was pretty busy considering that it was only October 20th.

We were told over and over again that one of the "must dos" in London was to have a "proper English High Tea." So we did just that. For a mere 20 pounds, we indulged in finger sandwiches, fancy desserts, scones and jelly and lots and lots and lots of real British Tea. Good food, great tea and amazing atmosphere. We felt underdressed in our sneakers and jeans as we watched buisnessmen and women having tea in fancy suits and high heals. Oh Well. We finished tea in time to get back to Leicester Square for the show.

The show was wonderful- and Mary Poppins isn't an easy show to do. Between the flying nannies, animated penguins and dancing chimney sweeps- not to mention that it's become a movie classic- pretty tough to try and imitate on stage. But it was great- the actors who played Mary and Bert were especially fabulous. Some of the details were changed slightly, but it was the same classic story. For the rest of the week we were humming one of the new songs, "Practically Perfect" It's hard to be practically perfect, but we make it look easy. Right?

We were exausted by the time we returned to the hostel and tried to get some sleep despite our new roommate- an Australian guy whose snoring kept us awake into the morning hours!

All for now...More to Come...Love to all who are reading!

There's No Place Like Home

2005-10-24T16:39:00.000+02:00

Back from London. It was beyond fabulous. More than I could have expected.

We left London at 10:30pm, got in at 4:30am and were back in Jerusalem by 6am. Slept until noon. Ate lunch with Rachel.

I've been uploading my pictures and unpacking before Simchat Torah begins tonight at sundown. School starts on Wednesday.

I'm also working on journaling about my trip and getting the pictures in some sort of order, so I can share them with all of YOU.

Really, there's no place like home. And its nice to come home.

Moadim L'Simcha- and lots of love to everyone reading!

V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N

2005-10-16T00:18:00.000+02:00

I'm on vacation. Fall Break. Chofshi Sukkot. Sukkot Break. Friday, October 14- Tuesday, October 25. Life is Sweet.

Rena and I leave for London on Monday afternoon- we'll be there through the morning of the 24th. On the itinerary so far:
*London Eye
*Double Decker Bus Tour
*High Tea at Herrods
*Piccadilly Circus
*London Bridge
* Dinner and Show at the Comedy Store Players
* British Museum
*Dali Museum
*Notting Hill
*Riding the Tube- and Minding the Gap :)
*And of course lots of time at Heathrow- terminal 4!

I don't think I'll be able to update while I'm away, so have fun catching up on old posts and get excited for several long posts and tons of new pictures!

Lots of Love to all who are reading!

Weightlifting

2005-10-11T17:25:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I participated in my first Reform Liturgy Workshop at school. My role was hagbah, or lifting the Torah scroll after it's been read.

Don't be fooled by the picture, hagbah is no easy task when the scroll is perfectly balanced between the two rollers. However, as we are nearing the completion of this year's reading, the Torah was almost totally balancing on the right side.

After three shaky practices, I walked up to the front of the room hoping and praying that I wouldn't drop it. The punishment for dropping a Torah scroll is a 40- day fast. Eeek.

But much to my surprise, I lifted it high enough for everyone to see and even showed the required three colunms of writing. It wasn't scary, or impossibly difficult, just took some practice and determination.

Mid-lift I couldn't think about the "weight" of Torah. The physical weight of lifting it high before my classmates. The academic weight of studying it and it's many commentaries. The spiritual weight of knowing that this text is somehow more mine than it was just three months ago. The weight of knowing that this is my future, and no matter how heavy it is, it is mine to carry.

It may sound depressing (and terriably cheesy), but it's encouraging really (and very true) . I already know I can lift it. It just takes practice and determination.

G'mar Chatima Tovah- may you be sealed for a good, healthy and happy new year. Love to all who are reading!

Timing is Everything

2005-10-09T21:52:00.000+02:00

For your information as readers of this blog:

From today, Sunday, October 9, 2005, until whenever Bush lets you turn your clocks back, the time change is as follows:

6 hours ahead of the East Coast
7 hours ahead of Central
8 ahead of Mountain
9 ahead of the West Coast.

In other news, I thoroughly enjoyed my extra hour of sleep this morning. G-d Bless falling back.

Love to all who are reading...

Jay Shir Quotations, Part 1

2005-10-09T21:46:00.000+02:00

Jay Shir is my voice teacher. Which is ironic because "shir" in Hebrew is song. He also directs the volunteer choir that I sing in on Tuesday nights. He is wonderful.

Jay uses metaphors to help me understand music. They entertain me so much every week that I thought I should share. Be on the lookout for more Jay Shir Quotations every Sunday.

Here are today's quotes:

"Karen, your grandmother was a hippo."
Translation: "Karen, we both know that you can take a deeper breath than that."

"Karen, please say the city you live near in the states in their originial dialect." "Bawlmore."
Translation: "I'm going to make you say stupid things for my own entertainment."

"I don't want you to throw it up there. Just get it there, but I don't want to know how."
Translation: "When singing a high note, don't spend too much time getting it there."

"Karen, there is a marked difference in your singing from the first time we met."
Translation: I think that one's self- explanatory :)

More quotes next week...love to all who are reading!

My New Baby

2005-10-07T16:52:00.000+03:00

The Pack/ Perolman Family is happy

to announce our newest addition:

Billy Bike Perolman

יעקוב אל'הו פרולמן

Adopted on October 6, 2005

in Jerusalem, Israel

To Proud Mom Karen Perolman

Proud Aunt Lauren B. Pack

12 pounds, 12 ounces

Brit Milah and Naming Ceremony TBA.

Isn't he the cutest? Obviously we'll be going for our first ride very soon...love to all who are reading!

Sukkasss in London

2005-10-03T14:22:00.000+03:00

"Sunday all the lights of London, shining

sky is fading red to blue

I'm kicking through the Autumn leaves

And wondering where it is you might be going to..."

-David Gray

Just wanted to share my newest excting news. Last Wednesday night Rena informed me that she would be meeting her sister Sharon in London over Sukkot break. She also informed me that she would like me to join her, if I was able to. Several days of arguing later, I finally talked to my Mom and Dad who gave me the go ahead.

So last night we booked the tickets and will be in London from October 17 through the 24th. We'll be there for all of Sukkot and will be back in time to celebrate Simchat Torah in Jerusalem. It's the best of both worlds.

I'll post again when I have more details to share! Love to all who are reading!

New Pictures!

2005-10-03T14:03:00.000+03:00

I'll soon be posting some new pictures to my photo website and will then figure out how to let everyone else view them too...I'm slightly technologically challenged... But in the mean time, here are some newly uploaded pictures from the beginning of Rachel's birthday at TOGO. Hopefully the captions will show up near the right pictures and you can meet some of my new 4th year friends.

Rachel and David Segal
Rena and Deb (An awesome 4th yr)

Jen, Rachel and Howie (Jen and Howie are two
cool 4th yrs who are getting married next year)
Me, Rach and Rena

Love to all who are reading!

Thoughts on a New Year

2005-10-02T01:15:00.000+03:00

You don't realize it.
It seems to come out of nowhere.
You don't feel ready.
You have to rush.
Ironing, cooking, mailing cards, calling family.
It's the same every year.

Once again, I feel totally unprepared for Rosh HaShanah (literally the "head of the year"- the begining of the new Jewish year) which starts on Monday night. Despite my active participation on the Kesher High Holy Day committee and planning a Rosh HaShanah song session, I still feel unprepared.

In some ways I feel as if I should feel more prepared since I live in Jerusalem, a city in which it's impossible to ignore the Jewish calander. For the last 30 days I've heard the sound of the shofar every morning. I've sung psalm 27 every time I've been at shul. I attended two selichot services. And I've made one "experimental" apple cake that got rave reviews from my friends. I sent Rosh HaShanah cards, picked out my outfits for the various services at meals I'll be attending and am looking forward to the three days off from school.

And yet, I don't feel "ready" to start a new year- I know that this new year will bring many challenges as I continue my first year of Rabbinical School, finish my year-in-Israel, move to New York, find a summer job, find a year-long job and re-adjust back into my life in the states. Next year at this time, I'll be preparing to lead HHD services, I'll be someone's student Rabbi and I'll have to help others feel ready for the most awe-some days of the Jewish year, knowing that I too don't feel ready.

On Thursday night over the aformentioned applecake, Rachel mentioned that she felt that HUC hadn't done a good enough job of preparing us for these days- that the month of Elul should have included more spiritual preparation. And I will tend to agree with her- where else should pre-Rosh HaShanah prepparation be greater and more complete than a Rabbinic Seminary?

I'm not sure there's more that can be done at this point except to bake the applecakes, get my living room ready for my guest and just go. Start the new year without over thinking it too much.

To my family and friends and readers all over the country, may you have a happy, healthy and wonderful year full of all the good things you want! L'Shanah Tovah U'Mitukah!

A Week's Update

2005-10-01T12:09:00.000+03:00

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for my serious lack of posts this week, maybe you can tell that it's been an insanely busy week...but I'll do my best to update on this week...Here we go!

Sunday...Hebrew, Bible, Liturgy, voice lesson after going to bed at 2am (not so hot), homework and dinner with Julia, home to crash.

Monday...Services, Hebrew, Bible, Rosh HaShanah meeting, gym, Rabbinic Forum, study until late at the Coffee Bean with the girls.

Tuesday...Rabbinic Literature, Hebrew, History, Kesher meeting, Zmirot, Choir, crash.

Wednesday...Israel seminar in Tel Aviv all day, dinner with Elana about volunteering.

Thursday...Hebrew, Biblical Grammar, gym, learning with David, quick trip to the shuk, dinner at Rena's with Deb, Edie and Michael, meeting, Hurricaine Bingo Night, post-bingo hang out with the girls, crash crash crash.

Friday...Woke up early, volunteered (more on that later), cooked chicken for Shabbat dinner, got myself and my apartment ready for Shabbat, went to the HUC "meet and greet" at Har El Synagogue, services at Har El, dinner at my place with Rachel, Robyn, Rena, Michael, Lauren, Alon, Deb, Edie, David W and his friend Brent until late. Cleaned up, went to sleep.

Today...services at HUC with an amazing d'var Torah by Rabbi Marmur, lunch and napping, dinner and studying at Coffee Bean...blogging...

The highlight of my week was definitly starting my volunteer work. I'm going to be teaching music at Tali Bayit V'Gan, one of the Progressive ("Reform") elementary schools in Jerusalem. Elana and I met with Ana, the volunteer coordinator on Friday morning and then taught for a couple of hours. We'll mostly be supplementing what the students are learning in class by teaching fun, new, "NFTY" melodies and reviewing liturgical songs. I'm so excited!

This past Friday we taught three first grade classes, two third grade classes and a second grade class. The kids are adorable, mostly well behaved and best of all, LOVE to sing! Since I spent the last year teaching Jewish music in a synagogue, I'm not used to kids who like to sing and who will actually sing with having to pull teeth. Elana and I will be switching off every week and hopefully one of us will be there every week. It's one of those volunteer projects that will really make a difference and I'll feel really good about.

I'm going to let my coffee buzz wear off and then get some sleep...it's going to be a big week here! Love to all who are reading!

Karen Goes Biking- Day 1

2005-09-25T07:57:00.000+03:00

Many of you know that I'm begining to train for a five day bike ride here in Israel that will raise money for Progressive (Reform) Congregations, Camps and Schools. It's called the Ride 4 Reform and this is the third year that HUC students from Israel and the states, Rabbis, Cantors and Educators from Israel and the states and others will come together for the ride.

Friday was my first "official" training ride with Neil, who has graciously offered to serve as my coach while I get my riding feet wet again ("It's just like riding a bike!"). Though I am in pretty good shape, I hadn't been on a bike since I was in high school. Maybe a couple times at camp, but not since then.

So Friday morning Neil and I suited up (Yes, those are SPANDEX bike shorts I'm wearing...Rena really wanted to take pictures and I couldn't get on the bike and grab the camera from her hand at the same time!) and went for a ride around our neighborhood and the Israel museum. Some parts were hard, some were easy, all were fun. All made me realize that I need to be doing A LOT more biking to get my body in the right kind of shape for this ride.

Here's the plan: 1. Buy a bike that is the right size for me. 2. Buy some riding gloves. 3. Buy a camelback (a water pouch you wear on your back). 4. Start riding a couple days a week. 5. Bike at the gym instead of running or using the eliptical machine. 6. Start doing weights to strengthen my back so I don't hurt so much after my next ride.

You'll be hearing much more about the ride in the months to come (like how you can sponsor me!) But for now, check out the Ride 4 Reform Website.

A new post on my various-selichot experiences and pre-High Holy Days thoughts to come! Hope all are enjoying their weekends and love to all who are reading!

A New Love

2005-09-22T19:30:00.000+03:00

Yes folks, you heard it here first. I am in love. Again.

A few weeks ago I heard the rumor that a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf would be opening in Jerusalem. Having spent most of my life on the east coast, I didn't know that on the west coast and especially for my friends in L.A., the Coffee Bean is where it's at. Starbucks is for wimps. And to seal the deal, my great friends Julia and David bragged about to me over dinner last week about Jerusalem's newest coffee establishment.

Rachel, Rena, Deb, Edie and I studied there on Monday night. I did my chevruta learning with David there today. I may be there again before Shabbat. And I definitly plan to visit the second Shabbat ends. Yes, I'm in love.

For those who visit me regularly in the Promised Land, you may be confused as I just recently confessed my love for Cafe Hillel. But the Coffee Bean has more than just great atmosphere. Their ice blendeds make Starbucks Frapachinos look like mediocre ice and powder.

I may need to add an extra gym day to make up for the ice blendeds that I see myself consuming in the coming months.

Things I love about Jerusalem: The Ultimate Mocha Ice Blended from The Coffee Bean. A little slice of the states (and heaven).

Other things I love about Jerusalem: The weekend starts at 4:00 on Thursday.

One last thing I love about Jerusalem: Finally understanding the difference between a shva na and a shva nach. Figuring out where the taam goes. And almost making my Biblical Grammer spit out her coffee after demonstrating the proper way to say the letter "ayin."

An early Shabbat Shalom from all of us here in the Promised Land. My sof hashavua (weekend) is calling! Love to all who are reading!

Homesickness and Bedwetting

2005-09-20T19:28:00.000+03:00

At camp we used to have an orientation session for the counselors that would be working with the youngest campers. We called it "homesickness and bedwetting." Don't worry, I'm not wetting the bed. Not yet, at least.

I've been homesick for the last few days. Today someone asked me how I was and I responded, "lifesick- i miss the life I used to have." Not to be too introspective on a public site, but I've been thinking- a lot- about home and life- my life in the states and my various homes throughout my life and now my new life and home here in Jerusalem.

Andrew: You know that point in your life when you realize that
the house that you grew up in isn't really your home anymore? All of the sudden
even though you have some place where you can put your stuff that idea of home
is gone.

Sam: I still feel at home in my
house.

Andrew: You'll see when you move out it
just sort of happens one day and it's just gone. And you can never get it back.
It's like you get homesick for a place that doesn't exist. I mean it's like this
rite of passage, you know. You won't have this feeling again until you create a
new idea of home for yourself, you know, for you kids, for the family you start,
it's like a cycle or something. I miss the idea of it. Maybe that's all
family really is. A group of people who miss the same imaginary place.
-Garden State.

Thats where I'm at right now. Missing home, but constantly learning new things about my new home. Missing my family and friends all over the world, but feeling so lucky to have people that I can call family here.

My life is calling- I need to go answer. Love to all who are reading...

Happy Quarter Century Rachel!

2005-09-17T23:05:00.000+03:00

Yesterday was Rachel Emma's 25th birthday. We had a great time planning 25 hours of fun- and I think she had as much fun as we did. From the wild night at TOGO, to the lunchtime scavenger hunt to the surprise oneg and final surprise birthday gift...I think we made her day.

To read more about Rachel's birthday check out her blog. It has all the details.

Today was the chodshaim, tomorrow starts week #3 and we're only two weeks from the Chagim- the High Holy Days- lots to do, must sleep now. Love to all who are reading!