I haven't written in awhile. Things like this (writing) suffer when you start to really become present here. Again there is a card game going on in my room and talking about the day and of course some pretzels. People eat a shit ton of pretzels here... I basically don't want to see white bread, pretzels or really any bread for a large amount of time, TODA! So lets catch up here...quickly of course because I really do want to go and type these soon...but maye I'll have to wait...boo...lets start with Thursday. Things are starting to get less touristy ( minus the large bus) That we twist and turn through the Jerusalem streets in. I'd also like to note here that I have not thrown up in one week! BH! :) Thursday was some more good classes on Shabbat and Torah you know...which were I swear interesting but i am just getting exhausted so it was hard for me to get through. The afternoon was a mandatory seminar at Ner'Lelef regarding questions like the difference between animals and humans (freewill...ect.) and how important keeping the Jewish race alive is because really its a miracle we have survived. Jews make up 8% of the US population and 2.8% of the world! Now think about this....Jews should technically be unheard of but ask anyone and they will probably know what a Jewish person is or at least heard the term! CRAZY!
After this lecture I decided to take it easy at Ben Yahuda with some delicious veggie food and coffee bean. The seminar that night was my favorite so far. We discussed values and attempted to figure out why we wake up everyday!? What's the point? What's Rachael Jimenezs point!? We had to choose 10 of 50 values and I chose: Friendship, Judaism, Truth, Justice, Success, Loyalty, Spirituality ( G-d), Passion, self development and creativity. We then had to pick 5 which wasn't so bad, I picked : Spirituality, Passion, Justice, Truth, and Friendship. The next step was 2 and put them in order...this was hard. I had to really think about..."why do I do what I do? what do I believe in most?" I came up with 1. Spirituality (G-d) and 2. Passion. Sound like me? Today, yes.
Now the point is that keeping Shabbos is a time to celebrate what you really believe in, your values. I went to sleep with more than enough to think about including laundry and packing for Shabbos ( our trip to Tsfat, Galalie, Tiberias, Jordan River and a hike to remember).
Friday came and I was so excited for Shabbat. I needed it! And after all this week I was in need of good Shabbos food. I was excited to exercise my challah pacing ( as in don't eat a shit load of challah because you won't be able to eat the other 3 courses). First though we went to beautiful Tsfat! Which reminded me of a more crowded ( jewish) Mykanos. Filled with Art and jewelry shops in the midst of ruins. I finally got one of those Israeli wrap skirts. Can't wait to wear it in Cali! After a delicious salad we were off to a not so delicious orthodox hotel...can I say...wait maybe I won't say...
But besides the awful smell of the lobby, crowded with orthodox Israelis with at least 10 screaming children each. The rooms reminded me of a run down Motel 6 but we had it lucky because some girls had lizards, roaches, pee coming out of the shower, and blood stained sheets. WEEEEE! I nearly starved the food was so unappetizing. Sara is now considering becoming a vegetarian. But despite the little discomforts we got to sleep in till 11am and have wonderful learning sessions full of meditations and stories all by my favorite Rabbi Katz. I actually got a one on one with him about the entertainment career and Judaism and how do I keep holy considering the profession I am interested in. Ask me about the answer as it is personal and better to relate to in person. Needless to say, I have a lot to think about.
We ended Shabbos with a beautiful sunset over the sea of Galalie and we celebrated on a small boat with drums and Israeli music and dancing. I know there are videos! I hope people post them eventually.
Sunday we were right back to work, minus the classes. We wre off to an intense "Birthright" day full of serious hikes to a waterfall after driving through a minefield. And of course kayaking with Sara on the Jordan river! Being the 4th of July and all me and only two other people wore red white and blue...sad. I would have loved to go celebrate but after a three hour bus ride back to Jerusalem I just wasn't feeling it. Which is weird because if you know me you know it's my favorite Holiday!
So right around the end of week two I am feeling like I could stay forever and never go back and that it would just be easier that way. I am now already planning my next trip to Israel. And I have a Liz Gilbert moment and I'm like STOPPP!!! YOUR HERE!! LOOK UP!
So yes I will come home and on the 4th of July of all days I am feeling like I miss the good ol' ( not as ol' as Israel) USA...and of course Starbucks
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