I am finally settled into my apartment and am adapted to getting back in the swing of taking classes. The classes I take are at the Judaean Youth Hostel, about a forty-five minute bus ride from my apartment. The hostel is really nice, but I am still happy to be living in the set of apartments owned by YC. It gives me a sense of actually living in the city and not in the bubble of the hostel. My roommate Scott and I refer to the hostel as "The Most Comfortable Prison Ever". Another pro to living in the apartments is a free bus pass. It might as well be called a key to the city. Although I still don't know my way around as well as I would like, it should only be another week or two before I have it down.
I am in Jerusalem for the studying portion of my experience. So, let me fill you in on my classes.
Ulpan (Hebrew): I moved up a level from last section, which means it is slightly more intense. My teacher is great. Her name is Sarit. She teaches beyond the text. For instance, this morning we all went down to the dinning hall and practiced ordering food at a resturant. I have ulpan 2 hours a day five days a week. I should learn a good portion by the time a leave.
Advanced Zionism: This a class I really enjoy. My teacher, Dr. Avi Berkowitz, is, well, a little different. He is a highly educated man, but sometimes his points of view are a little radical. I understand his points and, most of the time, the information he uses to back it up. I just don't necessarily agree with what he presents. Although, it is good to have to see a different point of view. Every week we go on a mandatory siyur (trip). Today we went to the old city, but obviously it wasn't planned out too well. I took advantage of time afterwards to explore a little bit of Jerusalem on my own. (See pictures below)
Jewish Prayer: taught by Rabbi Rob. This is a very interesting and thought provoking class. We spend each class examining and dissecting a prayer or set of prayers. Before this class, I never really put to much thought behind the history, meaning, and process of most prayers. I hope to get a lot out of this class.
Jewish Bookshelf: taught by Daniel Rose. This class is a basic intro into Tanach, Mishna, and other Jewish texts. We usually go off on some tangents, but I don't mind. I still learn a lot from them. I probably should be in an intermediate class, but I know I will still learn here. There is always more to learn.
Communication and Perusuasion: taught by two representatives of the David Project. The David Project is an organization in America the works with trying to spread factual information about Israel to combat anti-Israel entities. They work heavily in college campuses. I know that this class will be useful in the future. They have shown us some pretty crazy stuff that has been spread in the Arab media. Check out "Farfur". Hamas's version of Mickey mouse.
Well, Disney decided to sue. Guess what happened to Farfur?
Yes, "terrorist" killed him. Wonderful what extremest do for the world. By the way, Tel A-Rabi never exsisted.It sounds a lot like Tel Aviv, which was established in the early part of the 20th century, before that it was bunch of sand. Not a beautiful city like Hamas describes it.
But I digress.......
Besides learning about "Jew-hating-mikey-mouse-look-a-likes", I done a lot in the last couple of weeks. There is always so much going on in this city. I can't understand why so many of the people in my section have been going back to Tel Aviv every weekend. I love TA too, but there is plenty to do here. This last weekend was great. I went to two concerts and had friends over for shabbat.
The first concert was Thursday night. The bands that played were: Yaya (the bass player from Hadag Nachash) and Izabo at the Yellow Submarine, which is about a ten minute walk from my apartment. SWEET!
My friends from section 3, Zach, Dan, Aaron, and David, came Friday afternoon. Sarelle (sorry if I spelled it wrong), a friend who lives right down the hall, Malka (another friend) and I went shopping before the guys got here. When they arrived we hung out for a little and then a few of us head to Kabbalat Shabbat services at Shira Ha'dasha (A New Song). I had heard of this shul before, but was blown away by it. In orthodox Judaism men and women pray on different sides of the room and are divided by what is called a "Ma'chitza" and men are the only ones to lead the service. At Shira Ha'dasha there is a Ma'chitza, but women lead as well. Not only is that aspect great, the singing in the services was powerful and uplifting as well, which I have found a rarity in many othodox services. Everyone was poring all their might into each prayer. It was really great to take part in. Also, at the end of the service they pulled back the Ma'chitza to make annoucements. One generous lady even offered shabbat dinner to anyone who needed a places. An amazing atmosphere, and once again, my apartment is really close. Can't wait to go back.
We got back from shul and cooked dinner. I made some shintzel (fried chicken breast) breaded with bissle (a tastey snack) instead of the traditional mix. It worked out well and added a good flavor. Sarelle made a vegitarian dish of noodles, tofu, and various vegetables. Check out the eggs we cooked with, every single one was a double yoke. Hope I don't grow a second head out of the side of my neck.
We ate, shmoozed and had a relaxing shabbat. Saturday morning we inteaded to get up and hike the Jerusalem Trail, but we slept in unstead. Good thing too, becasue I later found out that it is closed druing the shabbat. Another time.
After my friends left Saturday I got ready for the second concert of the weekend. Guess who? That's right, COOLOOLOOSH! They were just as good the second time. The played at this venue called "The Lab", which is....REALLY CLOSE TO MY APARTMENT! Did I mention I love where I am located? I went with a good handful of people that live here in the apartments. Ok, so Coolooloosh played with Asaf Avidan and the Mojos. Two bands on one stage. Its too bad my batteries on my camera pooped out. So I stole a picuture from Hannah.
I don't really have a solid game plan for this weekend, but I'm sure it will be great. I'm thinking about going back to Holon Thursday night to see some friends and go visit the gan. Friday night I am going with Seth and Feldman to a dinner with a tour that is going to be here from Kansas City. It will be great to see some familiar faces.
Winter break is coming up. I am really excited. A lot of people are going home or to another country for break. I personally, find that silly. What a perfect opportunity to do something really cool in Israel. The people that are going home are more excited about going home than being in Israel, which seems so backwards to me. My friend David and I are in the process of planning an epic hiking trip. I'm so pumped. Also, my friends Keren and Pam are coming in around that time too. I am excited to see them as well.
Last night we hosted a Jam Session at my apartment with my new madrich Dan. I played a set of spoons :)
I will leave you with the pictures of my adventures from the old city to my apartment. Click them for full resolution.
A picture of the wall dividing Palestine and Israel
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