the CRAZIEST thing ever happened to me last night as I was walking home from parking my car. As I was walking up the street, a cab came rolling around the corner and as it drove away it appeared that a ton of papers comes flying out. i walked up to see what it was, and it wasn't papers IT WAS MONEY!!! lots of ones and fives all over the street!
I picked it up in this huge bulge and waited for the taxi to come back, but it didn't and I waited some more and then walked up the street and it still didn't come back. A nurse walking to the night shift at the local nursing home asked if I was okay, since apparently I looked as if I were in a total state of shock and I relayed the story. She said she felt bad for the driver, but what an idiot to have left his tips by the window and that I should just go home and not stand on the street with a butt load of cash in my hands.So I shoved it in my pocket (hardly fit) and walked home. I dumped it on Sarah's bed, told her the story, we counted it up and its $80! She was on the phone to her friend Kira who is putting bets that it was one of those 48 hour specials where they tape the 'what would you do' scenario
I don't know what to do. I called the 5 cab companies in the brookline area, left my name and number and said if any driver comes in talking about losing money, they are able to identify the amount and in the area they lost it I am happy to return.
i have been asking folks for their suggestions as to what I should do. Here have been some of the responses:
Friend One: "I think I say keep some and donate some...maybe there is a way to donate it to people who need taxi rides who might not be able to afford it..."
Friend Two: "Just give it a few days, call every day, and even call out of Brookline. Call Newton, Cambridge, Allston, and Brighton as well. But call every day for a week and if by then no one shows up- give it to tzedakah. Alternatively, take it to the police because then it is out of your hands and you are no longer responsible....But I wouldn't keep it, Shirah. That's tainted money and not really rightfully yours. If it were $5 but this is a lot of money. Probably not what you wanted to hear but that's how I feel."
Friend Three: " Funny enough, I'm remembering some Jewish moral about just this scenario. It says that one is supposed to keep all of the money because tzedakah requires intention. Finding money that one then gives away lacks intention. Do what you will with that. I think that you've taken enough action to try to get the $ back, that you should feel just fine in keeping it... or giving it away... I think it's entirely up to you at this point. I like the 10% for tzedakah idea and keeping the rest. Or if you're really crazy, pay it forward. Just walk into the street, throw it up in the air and walk away (or stick around to watch what happens)"
Friend Four: " i wouldn't worry about ensuring that you call every possible place nor that you call every day. i would just make a call to these other companies to leave your info. and then wait a week - f/u with them to double check and if you don't hear anything, i think the tzedakah option is a really nice idea :)"
Friend Five: my opinion is that you can keep the money. it is certainly not "tainted" - people lose things all the time and you found it totally innocently. here is why i think you can keep it.
1) the owner has likely despaired of getting it back, which means that you aren't really obliged to return it.
2) in "lifnim mishurat hadin" terms it would be good to return it, but you have already revealed the administrative difficulty of carrying out the task (you could still keep trying according to Marni's suggestions, but remember it could also be a cab customer's money, further decreasing the likelihood the owner expects to find it/you will find the owner).
3) money is fungible, that is, it's not a unique object and if the owner is somehow identified you can pay them with another set of bills that equal $80 at no loss to them (money's fungible nature also plays into the fact the owner does like likely expect to get it back)
Friend Six: " i think you are all crazy--- go out, get a stripper. a few bottles of champange and have yourself a wild and crazy night! Just kidding...yeah, donate it I guess and take your self out to a really good dinner and movie.
Friend Seven: "I think its hard to say what I would do because I am not the one right now with the 80 bucks but we can totally talk about it tonight over a few beers and nachos... your treat right???? what if you would have walked by 3 minutes later after the cab had passed and the money was left on the street..... just like finding some money on the street.... what would you do? would you have the same dilema???"
Brother One: "The most noble thing to do would be to give it back to the stripper community. Perhaps use it on a Happy Hour at your local club."
Boyfriend One: " If noone calls back in 24 hours go spend it! OR you can make a charitable contribution to "Brookline Dermatology Associates"--we accept payment in 1's, 5's, 10's, or whatever denomination you'd like!"
What do you think??
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Quite Some Time
It has been quite some time since my postings have been somewhat regular. I could blame it on work, but I think at the end of the day I have just felt somewhat blah in my mental stimulation. I rarely find myself engaged in the conversations and learning sessions that really triggered my emotions and internal questioning the way my time at Pardes and working at Nesiya did.
It is the end of April here in Boston and yet it is still 45 degrees outside making me feel as if it were still the start of March. It also means that I have been here 8 months now and luckily i am not itching to get the hell out!
Big updates:
1. I was accepted to the Brandeis Hornstein/Heller joint program for Fall 2008 that will allow me to graduate with a Masters in Public Policy and a MA in Jewish Professional Leadership. I have really enjoyed my experiences here at the National Intiative for Children's Healthcare Quality, where I have been since October, but I also know where my true passions lay and look forward to going back to that table of conversation.
2. I have been dating this great guy now for about 6 months named Brian.
He is a dermatologist here in Brookline, and in a true stereotypical fashion we met at a Channukah party. We recently returned from my parent's house for Passover and he seems to have passed with flying colors. I guess anyone who can share a room with Jake for 3 days, talk sports, finances and politics, put up with screaming children and the rest of the tests the Rosin household puts you through is someone worth keeping around...even if he has never seen the Goonies.
3. Jake has one upped my blogging efforts and write quite a witty news brief on random news stories from around the world including his two cents on them all. I feel it my duty as a sister and an avid reader to publicize on his behalf: http://www.jroz-afternoonupdate.blogspot.com/. Here's a recent photo of Jake and I at St. Baldrick's in March, and yes, I am shaving his head and got free beer to do it:
4. I am hoping to travel this summer mid-july-mid august before school begins in the fall. If you have recommendations on locations in SE Asia, central or South America--please let me know!
Here's to a great last day of April!
It is the end of April here in Boston and yet it is still 45 degrees outside making me feel as if it were still the start of March. It also means that I have been here 8 months now and luckily i am not itching to get the hell out!
Big updates:
1. I was accepted to the Brandeis Hornstein/Heller joint program for Fall 2008 that will allow me to graduate with a Masters in Public Policy and a MA in Jewish Professional Leadership. I have really enjoyed my experiences here at the National Intiative for Children's Healthcare Quality, where I have been since October, but I also know where my true passions lay and look forward to going back to that table of conversation.
2. I have been dating this great guy now for about 6 months named Brian.
He is a dermatologist here in Brookline, and in a true stereotypical fashion we met at a Channukah party. We recently returned from my parent's house for Passover and he seems to have passed with flying colors. I guess anyone who can share a room with Jake for 3 days, talk sports, finances and politics, put up with screaming children and the rest of the tests the Rosin household puts you through is someone worth keeping around...even if he has never seen the Goonies.3. Jake has one upped my blogging efforts and write quite a witty news brief on random news stories from around the world including his two cents on them all. I feel it my duty as a sister and an avid reader to publicize on his behalf: http://www.jroz-afternoonupdate.blogspot.com/. Here's a recent photo of Jake and I at St. Baldrick's in March, and yes, I am shaving his head and got free beer to do it:
4. I am hoping to travel this summer mid-july-mid august before school begins in the fall. If you have recommendations on locations in SE Asia, central or South America--please let me know!
Here's to a great last day of April!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Coffee In Hand
One thing I really enjoy about Sundays, is the ability to get things done. Laundry, emails, reading, errands and the joy of sitting at the kitchen table drinking a cup of joe.
I recognize that it has been quite some time since I last wrote. No excuses, just haven't done it. In fact, I haven't been doing much writing since I got back from Israel last August. I sometimes wonder if it is due to the fact that I don't have much to write about or that because I am not writing I am not allowing myself to process and think much of the way I have been doing within the last year.
I have missed that critical thinking aspect of myself and so I have signed up for a class in Radical Jewish thought being offered at a near by Jewish social justice co-op called the Kavod House (translation: house of respect). I am facilitating this afternoon's discussion about how radical Judaism and Jewish identity are understood and described in the articles we were assigned to read.
While I find the articles facinating, I can't say I agree with much of what is said. One article, by the Jews for Urban Justice, argues for a democratic socialist society which is comprised of autonomous religious, cultural, ethinic, and political communities that live side by side without a nationalized education system or capitalistic environment that makes them all conform to one train of thought. They fault mainstream education, political and capatalistic systems for the breakdown of culture, heritage and identity in communities such as the Jewish community among the Appalacian Native tribes, etc... They want to reclaim autonomy on religious practice (an evolved halakah--Jewish law, that incorporates egalitarian and humanitarian ideologies), a renewal of Yiddish as a common language for Jewish communities originally from E. Europe, and a new emphasis of pride and education in Jewish history, culture and practice. While I am all for a renewal of education and tradition and embracing an evolutionized halachic system, my questions lie in the realities of such environments with the polarization of Jews in N. America in various communities and if this can only happen when nationalized systems are broken down.
It seems as if the Jews for Urban Justice blame the deconstruction of the richness of Jewish community in the 'Americanized system' that whitewashes cultures to make a unified peoplehood that by default strips many of their past. By I want to challenge that idea with the statement that the fault cannot lie solely with such a system. If these things are truly important to an individual (i.e. Yiddish, Hebrew, Jewish education, Jewish songs, literature, etc...) than a personal responsibility must also come into play. It is the responsibility of the individual and the community to which that individual belongs to make these things a priority and therefore stress their place and importance. It is my frustration that the article overlooks this element of personal responsibility and it furthermore upsets me that these things are seen of such low priority by others that for many they will disappear.
I am interested in seeing how the conversations this evening go and to participate in this class over the next few months. I will be sure to keep you up to date.
The election for many is just around the corner and it has been a never ending conversation among friends with the overall message that they aren't looking at who is the most qualified democrat, but who is the democrat who can beat John McCain. I have already placed my vote by absentee, and I wish my girl Hillary luck on Tuesday.
I have gotten to do a lot of traveling in the last couple of months visiting good friends in D.C., NY and Chicago. I think it is time to stay put and get to know Boston/New England a bit more.
New photos are up on my flickr site (link on the right hand side of this page)
Happy Voting to you--Shirah
I recognize that it has been quite some time since I last wrote. No excuses, just haven't done it. In fact, I haven't been doing much writing since I got back from Israel last August. I sometimes wonder if it is due to the fact that I don't have much to write about or that because I am not writing I am not allowing myself to process and think much of the way I have been doing within the last year.
I have missed that critical thinking aspect of myself and so I have signed up for a class in Radical Jewish thought being offered at a near by Jewish social justice co-op called the Kavod House (translation: house of respect). I am facilitating this afternoon's discussion about how radical Judaism and Jewish identity are understood and described in the articles we were assigned to read.
While I find the articles facinating, I can't say I agree with much of what is said. One article, by the Jews for Urban Justice, argues for a democratic socialist society which is comprised of autonomous religious, cultural, ethinic, and political communities that live side by side without a nationalized education system or capitalistic environment that makes them all conform to one train of thought. They fault mainstream education, political and capatalistic systems for the breakdown of culture, heritage and identity in communities such as the Jewish community among the Appalacian Native tribes, etc... They want to reclaim autonomy on religious practice (an evolved halakah--Jewish law, that incorporates egalitarian and humanitarian ideologies), a renewal of Yiddish as a common language for Jewish communities originally from E. Europe, and a new emphasis of pride and education in Jewish history, culture and practice. While I am all for a renewal of education and tradition and embracing an evolutionized halachic system, my questions lie in the realities of such environments with the polarization of Jews in N. America in various communities and if this can only happen when nationalized systems are broken down.
It seems as if the Jews for Urban Justice blame the deconstruction of the richness of Jewish community in the 'Americanized system' that whitewashes cultures to make a unified peoplehood that by default strips many of their past. By I want to challenge that idea with the statement that the fault cannot lie solely with such a system. If these things are truly important to an individual (i.e. Yiddish, Hebrew, Jewish education, Jewish songs, literature, etc...) than a personal responsibility must also come into play. It is the responsibility of the individual and the community to which that individual belongs to make these things a priority and therefore stress their place and importance. It is my frustration that the article overlooks this element of personal responsibility and it furthermore upsets me that these things are seen of such low priority by others that for many they will disappear.
I am interested in seeing how the conversations this evening go and to participate in this class over the next few months. I will be sure to keep you up to date.
The election for many is just around the corner and it has been a never ending conversation among friends with the overall message that they aren't looking at who is the most qualified democrat, but who is the democrat who can beat John McCain. I have already placed my vote by absentee, and I wish my girl Hillary luck on Tuesday.
I have gotten to do a lot of traveling in the last couple of months visiting good friends in D.C., NY and Chicago. I think it is time to stay put and get to know Boston/New England a bit more.
New photos are up on my flickr site (link on the right hand side of this page)
Happy Voting to you--Shirah
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Proud to be a Friend and a Fan
I feel very lucky to have many friends in my life that make their dreams come true. Here is the newly released video of my friend Dov Rosenblatt's band: Fools for April. It debuted on MTV today and 2 additional songs will air as part of the Real Word Sydney on Jan 16th.
Their EP is available on iTunes and I am glad to help shamelessly promote them. If you enjoy, be sure to pass on the good word.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
bout time
i have been back in the states since late august and i figured it was about time to update the blog. to be honest it was not until last week that i got the kick in the ass i needed. I was attending the Professional Leadership Project last week in LA and realized for the first time in months I traveled without my journal in hand and was scouring for napkins and pens to write down my thoughts. I have been back and have hardly written at all, not only virtually but tangibly.
I moved to Boston Sept. 1 and so far so good. Here is the quick update: After temping for the development department at the Jewish Women's Archive, I landed a job at the National Initiative for Childrens Healthcare Quality (and I thought my Senior Sigma Alpha Mu Jewish Campus Service Corps title was long). In any case, it is going well and although I am drowning in a whole new sea of acronyms I am enjoying the challenge of learning about a new industry.
It is great to be closer to the niece, i like having Sundays back and I really like the crunch of autumn leaves beneath my shoes. It is hard to be away of Israel, I miss the freedom of learning for the sake of learning, and the great community of friends I made.
My apartment is great with lots of room for guests--so take a hint and come visit!
I moved to Boston Sept. 1 and so far so good. Here is the quick update: After temping for the development department at the Jewish Women's Archive, I landed a job at the National Initiative for Childrens Healthcare Quality (and I thought my Senior Sigma Alpha Mu Jewish Campus Service Corps title was long). In any case, it is going well and although I am drowning in a whole new sea of acronyms I am enjoying the challenge of learning about a new industry.
It is great to be closer to the niece, i like having Sundays back and I really like the crunch of autumn leaves beneath my shoes. It is hard to be away of Israel, I miss the freedom of learning for the sake of learning, and the great community of friends I made.
My apartment is great with lots of room for guests--so take a hint and come visit!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Music in the Summer Time
This summer has been full of music amongst the work. With each free moment I get I seem to grab the opportunity to go see a show. In the last few weeks I have gotten to see Israeli music stars David Broza, Ehud Banai and Mosh Ben Ari. And of course, lets not forget Holler.
Pictures and video to follow! In the mean time you can check out what I have been doing this summer at www.nesiya.org. In the alumni tab click on photo albums kehillah summer 2007. I am staffing K3. Albums are listed at the bottom of the page!
Pictures and video to follow! In the mean time you can check out what I have been doing this summer at www.nesiya.org. In the alumni tab click on photo albums kehillah summer 2007. I am staffing K3. Albums are listed at the bottom of the page!
Alive
We are at the half way mark of the summer and Nesiya is going well. The kids are good, the experience is intense and I just had my first night of 8 hour sleep in over 3 weeks. We arrived in Jerusalem on Tisha B'Av (Monday) and went directly to the Kotel (Western Wall). It was a very bizarre experience for me as an educator. A day that mourns the destruction of the Temple, visiting the Kotel has the potential for a very powerful experience. Yet I don't like going there, I don't find religious meaning in a wall and find I get more frustrated than anything else when I am there.
We had spent the previous 2 weeks up north in the Galilee and Golan and the 2 weeks before that in the desert. Lots of conversations about the individual vs. the community and discussions about what kind of communities we would like to build for ourselves. I have many a journal entry written on these topics but neither the time or energy to retype them here.
We go to Tel Aviv Sunday and then to Kseifa-a bedouin community near Beer-Sheva where we will be doing a 3 day program with Arab teens. I am very excited for this part of the program. I think it will be both challenging for the Israelis who never really interacted with Arab peers before and discussing the reality that they are all citizens of Israel and for the Americans who most likely never factor in the Bedouin community when they are painted the picture of Israel.
After Kseifa we have one long week of arts programming down in Ein Gedi and then wrap up August 11 with the kids and Aug 15 in the office. Whew!
Until then...
We had spent the previous 2 weeks up north in the Galilee and Golan and the 2 weeks before that in the desert. Lots of conversations about the individual vs. the community and discussions about what kind of communities we would like to build for ourselves. I have many a journal entry written on these topics but neither the time or energy to retype them here.
We go to Tel Aviv Sunday and then to Kseifa-a bedouin community near Beer-Sheva where we will be doing a 3 day program with Arab teens. I am very excited for this part of the program. I think it will be both challenging for the Israelis who never really interacted with Arab peers before and discussing the reality that they are all citizens of Israel and for the Americans who most likely never factor in the Bedouin community when they are painted the picture of Israel.
After Kseifa we have one long week of arts programming down in Ein Gedi and then wrap up August 11 with the kids and Aug 15 in the office. Whew!
Until then...
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Ode to Elan
I like to think that I am someone who keeps my end of a bargain, and this entry is dedicated to an awesome friend who does the same: Elan.
This past week has been a bit chaotic with hours in the office lasting til 3am in preparation for the start of Nesiya. I am officially 'on the bus' tomorrow at 5:30am. So, today I took the day off. I am very much looking forward to Sundays resuming their place in the week as a relaxation day (as it universally should be!), having them here is a rare treat.
I spent Shabbat at Bridgette and Jon's house in Neve Daniel out in the Gush. She was not happy when I told her I was moving back to the States. The next 30 hours turned out to be one big guilt trip. I tried to emphasize to her the truth, that it was not an easy decision for me to make. It is not as if I look at one geographic location superior to the other. In fact that's my problem, I don't feel strongly connected to any one place. Right now my priority is to be closer to family (same time zone in 4 years)and attempting in stay in one city for 3-4 years (hopefully including graduate school). That's as far as I can go at the moment. She, and then I, questioned what happened to all my idealism. Honestly, reality. It's so unfortunate to say but I just cannot see eye to eye with many of my friends from earlier parts of my life be it religiously or politically. The strength though for me is that despite those differences, and in times disappointments, were still friends.
I have been crashing these last few days with my friends Francine and Adam. Francine was a fellow student of mine at Pardes this past year, Adam is Francine's boyfriend and coincidentally an old friend's older brother. The three of us, along with another friend Molly went to a sunrise David Broza, Shawn Colvin and Jackson Browne concert at the basement of Masada. The concert started at 3am. Although I could have done without the theatrics of Broza himself, the lighting and the backdrop of the desert, Masada , and eventually the sunrise were spectacular. As we were sitting there watching I could not stop thinking of 'if the Romans and Zealots could see us now' Do you think they would have also gone with the stadium seating the concert venue sports today or a more traditional ampitheatre?? Who knows who will be performing on the battlefields of today 1000 years from now...
I am not sure how the three artists were chosen to perform together but the event was filmed by PBS and I believe will be airing sometime in December. We got ourselves back to the apartment around 9am--just enough time for a nap and to get to the pool by 2pm. I decided that I just wanted someplace relaxing to finish my book (Possible Side Effects, Augustine Boroughs)before 5:30am tomorrow.
Will try to update when I can from the road. Until then, keep hydrated!
This past week has been a bit chaotic with hours in the office lasting til 3am in preparation for the start of Nesiya. I am officially 'on the bus' tomorrow at 5:30am. So, today I took the day off. I am very much looking forward to Sundays resuming their place in the week as a relaxation day (as it universally should be!), having them here is a rare treat.
I spent Shabbat at Bridgette and Jon's house in Neve Daniel out in the Gush. She was not happy when I told her I was moving back to the States. The next 30 hours turned out to be one big guilt trip. I tried to emphasize to her the truth, that it was not an easy decision for me to make. It is not as if I look at one geographic location superior to the other. In fact that's my problem, I don't feel strongly connected to any one place. Right now my priority is to be closer to family (same time zone in 4 years)and attempting in stay in one city for 3-4 years (hopefully including graduate school). That's as far as I can go at the moment. She, and then I, questioned what happened to all my idealism. Honestly, reality. It's so unfortunate to say but I just cannot see eye to eye with many of my friends from earlier parts of my life be it religiously or politically. The strength though for me is that despite those differences, and in times disappointments, were still friends.
I have been crashing these last few days with my friends Francine and Adam. Francine was a fellow student of mine at Pardes this past year, Adam is Francine's boyfriend and coincidentally an old friend's older brother. The three of us, along with another friend Molly went to a sunrise David Broza, Shawn Colvin and Jackson Browne concert at the basement of Masada. The concert started at 3am. Although I could have done without the theatrics of Broza himself, the lighting and the backdrop of the desert, Masada , and eventually the sunrise were spectacular. As we were sitting there watching I could not stop thinking of 'if the Romans and Zealots could see us now' Do you think they would have also gone with the stadium seating the concert venue sports today or a more traditional ampitheatre?? Who knows who will be performing on the battlefields of today 1000 years from now...
I am not sure how the three artists were chosen to perform together but the event was filmed by PBS and I believe will be airing sometime in December. We got ourselves back to the apartment around 9am--just enough time for a nap and to get to the pool by 2pm. I decided that I just wanted someplace relaxing to finish my book (Possible Side Effects, Augustine Boroughs)before 5:30am tomorrow.
Will try to update when I can from the road. Until then, keep hydrated!
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Netanya Tigers
Some of you may know that Israel has begun a baseball league, creatively called Israel Baseball League. Last night was the second game of the season, but more importantly the first game of the Netanya Tigers starring Benji Engelhart. Here is my story:
I pulled up in a car with the Altschuls and Schors. There was a large Silver Spring showing. The field was in the midst of a sunflower field with one set of bleachers and rows of plastic chairs. The 'will call' box consisted of two men who had no name list under a makeshift tent at the entrance just off a dirt road. We got there just after the first pitch. Both dugouts were on the left side of the field, leaving all seating to the right. It took us a while to figure out which one of the guys in the orange jerseys was Benji. Then we spotted him, the one eating the garinim (sunflower seeds--fitting for the setting we were in), #10.
It was an interesting mix of people who came out to the game. Lots of shlubby guys in baseball caps, lots of families visiting and very few Israelis. We had a great time and hung with the other kids from Kemp Mill.
Esty and I had made a bunch of signs and we were definately one of the stronger sections of fans cheering broadly for the Tigers but loudly for Benji. We made several efforts to get him in the game chanting En-gel-hart and Put Benji In...but unfortunately a no go.
The game itself was only supposed to last 7 innings (maybe they'll upgrade to a full 9 next summer) but was called after 6 because of poor lighting on the field--it was getting dark. The end score was Beit Shemesh Blue Socks-2, Netanya Tigers-1. After the game we got to see the big star, take photos and get autographs. Heres one photo of Esty, Benji and Me:
I would like to try and make it to one more game over the summer, much of that will be dependent of scheduling and days off. I am feeling more and more that i am seeing less and less of anything outside these office walls. Looking forward to getting on the bus, hoping the heat will cool down and getting this summer started!
I pulled up in a car with the Altschuls and Schors. There was a large Silver Spring showing. The field was in the midst of a sunflower field with one set of bleachers and rows of plastic chairs. The 'will call' box consisted of two men who had no name list under a makeshift tent at the entrance just off a dirt road. We got there just after the first pitch. Both dugouts were on the left side of the field, leaving all seating to the right. It took us a while to figure out which one of the guys in the orange jerseys was Benji. Then we spotted him, the one eating the garinim (sunflower seeds--fitting for the setting we were in), #10.
It was an interesting mix of people who came out to the game. Lots of shlubby guys in baseball caps, lots of families visiting and very few Israelis. We had a great time and hung with the other kids from Kemp Mill.
Esty and I had made a bunch of signs and we were definately one of the stronger sections of fans cheering broadly for the Tigers but loudly for Benji. We made several efforts to get him in the game chanting En-gel-hart and Put Benji In...but unfortunately a no go. The game itself was only supposed to last 7 innings (maybe they'll upgrade to a full 9 next summer) but was called after 6 because of poor lighting on the field--it was getting dark. The end score was Beit Shemesh Blue Socks-2, Netanya Tigers-1. After the game we got to see the big star, take photos and get autographs. Heres one photo of Esty, Benji and Me:
I would like to try and make it to one more game over the summer, much of that will be dependent of scheduling and days off. I am feeling more and more that i am seeing less and less of anything outside these office walls. Looking forward to getting on the bus, hoping the heat will cool down and getting this summer started!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
TOO hot to Sleep!
There is a heat wave in Jerusalem. With no air conditioning or fans in the apartment where I am crashing, it is too damn hot to sleep! So instead of sleeping, between swatting mosquitoes and cold showers, I figured I would update the blog and catch you up to date.
Last Wednesday I went to Tamara Fine and Aron Skeversky's wedding. It was held in the hillside of the Jerusalem forest and was absolutely beautiful. Below are a a few photos and a clip post chuppah:
Myself, and fellow Hebrew Academy classmates Naomi Korb and Yael Davis (ne: Zemellman)
The wedding was followed by an intense 3 day Nesiya workshop surrounding The Jerusalem Unit: exploring holy place and holy space. The unit will consist of many parts, looking at the history and the current status of communities in Jerusalem. However, as a staff we focused on some really interesting topics regarding the relationship between Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and questions following one particular conversation. For me, they are not easy questions. In fact I find them very hard to swallow, but necessary to discuss.
What is the obligation of Jews in the diaspora (those Jews living outside the land of Israel) to Israel? What is Israel (Israeli) obligation to Jew in the diaspora? Where do obligations lie? To the land? To peoplehood? What should be our connectors? The land? The tradition?
These questions emerged after looking at a piece of biblical text-(Numbers 32:1-42) that describes the agreement made between the tribes of Reuven and Gad, with Moshe and the elders of Israel to remain on the east side of the Jordan. In receiving what they wanted, in return they agreed to fight with the rest of the tribes entering the land, and specifically as the first into battle. It was only then that they could return to the eastern side of the Jordan, to the land they deemed as more fertile and appropriate for their success. They had to define their commitment to their fellow Israelites, they had to do so through blood. They shared a defining point creating a shared history. But what happened when they returned to the eastern side of the Jordan? Did their children feel this same connection? Was it an ongoing agreement or a one time deal? What about their great-grandchildren? Will their shared history be enough to link them as one?
It seems to be an acceptable deal to Moshe and the elders, they approve it. What does this say about their commitment to peoplehood? What does it say to the commitment to a shared covenant that had been made earlier regarding the land of Israel?
Where do my commitments lay? In the face of a Judaism that again today has Jews living both within and outside of the borders of Israel, should every Jew around the world serve in the Israeli army? Should this be a necessary action to maintain this connection to brethren? Is it enough that my grandfather did it? How will I define my own connection? Will it be a decision I make or will it be defined for me? Have I fulfilled it? Is it an obligation that is every fully fulfilled?
Should we be fighting so hard for this unity? Unity between those within and outside the land? What are the benefits? Do these benefits outweigh the challenges? Will it be okay if we become a divided Jewish people? Will this be the divider? Geography? Or will it be within defined frameworks of halacha? What will become of the Jewish people??
Last Wednesday I went to Tamara Fine and Aron Skeversky's wedding. It was held in the hillside of the Jerusalem forest and was absolutely beautiful. Below are a a few photos and a clip post chuppah:
Myself, and fellow Hebrew Academy classmates Naomi Korb and Yael Davis (ne: Zemellman)
The wedding was followed by an intense 3 day Nesiya workshop surrounding The Jerusalem Unit: exploring holy place and holy space. The unit will consist of many parts, looking at the history and the current status of communities in Jerusalem. However, as a staff we focused on some really interesting topics regarding the relationship between Jews in Israel and Jews in the Diaspora. I wanted to share some of my thoughts and questions following one particular conversation. For me, they are not easy questions. In fact I find them very hard to swallow, but necessary to discuss.
What is the obligation of Jews in the diaspora (those Jews living outside the land of Israel) to Israel? What is Israel (Israeli) obligation to Jew in the diaspora? Where do obligations lie? To the land? To peoplehood? What should be our connectors? The land? The tradition?
These questions emerged after looking at a piece of biblical text-(Numbers 32:1-42) that describes the agreement made between the tribes of Reuven and Gad, with Moshe and the elders of Israel to remain on the east side of the Jordan. In receiving what they wanted, in return they agreed to fight with the rest of the tribes entering the land, and specifically as the first into battle. It was only then that they could return to the eastern side of the Jordan, to the land they deemed as more fertile and appropriate for their success. They had to define their commitment to their fellow Israelites, they had to do so through blood. They shared a defining point creating a shared history. But what happened when they returned to the eastern side of the Jordan? Did their children feel this same connection? Was it an ongoing agreement or a one time deal? What about their great-grandchildren? Will their shared history be enough to link them as one?
It seems to be an acceptable deal to Moshe and the elders, they approve it. What does this say about their commitment to peoplehood? What does it say to the commitment to a shared covenant that had been made earlier regarding the land of Israel?
Where do my commitments lay? In the face of a Judaism that again today has Jews living both within and outside of the borders of Israel, should every Jew around the world serve in the Israeli army? Should this be a necessary action to maintain this connection to brethren? Is it enough that my grandfather did it? How will I define my own connection? Will it be a decision I make or will it be defined for me? Have I fulfilled it? Is it an obligation that is every fully fulfilled?
Should we be fighting so hard for this unity? Unity between those within and outside the land? What are the benefits? Do these benefits outweigh the challenges? Will it be okay if we become a divided Jewish people? Will this be the divider? Geography? Or will it be within defined frameworks of halacha? What will become of the Jewish people??
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
How Can It Be June 19th??
Didn't I just get here yesterday? Where did the time go??
Didn't I just get here yesterday? Where did the time go??
I am once again in transition, repacking bags and looking for the next place to store them. Additionally I am in (not by choice) a transition of mindset. Although it was my intention to not be concerned with the summer until the summer was over, My Mother is correct and I don't have that luxury. So in the midst of being in the office full time preparing for the 40 teenagers I will be responsible for six weeks arriving a week from Sunday, I am also now getting anxious about finding a job. I posted my resume on Monster.com and realized that I am not as marketable outside the non-profit world as I thought. Shame...
I am hoping that the universe will work something out (as it always seems to do) and that something will come along allowing me to begin in early September. That’s right folks, I said early September. I arrive in the U.S. August 21st. I am going to rent a car at the airport (Unless I can convince my amazing, wonderful, brilliant, selfless, and possibly still unemployed brother to come pick me up--nudge, nudge, wink, wink) and drive north with all my things to the apartment my roommate will hopefully have found by that point. With no furniture I will probably make a quick run to ikea or crash with friends in the area for the night. Possibly find some things on Craig's List the following day and then high tail it back down to Maryland where I will pack up the rest of my things and drive back up to Boston. Anything’s possible...right??
Okay, back to packing!
Didn't I just get here yesterday? Where did the time go??
I am once again in transition, repacking bags and looking for the next place to store them. Additionally I am in (not by choice) a transition of mindset. Although it was my intention to not be concerned with the summer until the summer was over, My Mother is correct and I don't have that luxury. So in the midst of being in the office full time preparing for the 40 teenagers I will be responsible for six weeks arriving a week from Sunday, I am also now getting anxious about finding a job. I posted my resume on Monster.com and realized that I am not as marketable outside the non-profit world as I thought. Shame...
I am hoping that the universe will work something out (as it always seems to do) and that something will come along allowing me to begin in early September. That’s right folks, I said early September. I arrive in the U.S. August 21st. I am going to rent a car at the airport (Unless I can convince my amazing, wonderful, brilliant, selfless, and possibly still unemployed brother to come pick me up--nudge, nudge, wink, wink) and drive north with all my things to the apartment my roommate will hopefully have found by that point. With no furniture I will probably make a quick run to ikea or crash with friends in the area for the night. Possibly find some things on Craig's List the following day and then high tail it back down to Maryland where I will pack up the rest of my things and drive back up to Boston. Anything’s possible...right??
Okay, back to packing!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Five Minutes
It all started from an explaination of the movie Run Lola Run. A clip from the film appeared on our all Greek 4 station TV in Santorini and I was relating to my friend how different the outcome of a situation, and on the greater scale life, can totally be altered by something as small as 5 minutes or less. Granted, I don't have a boyfriend who owes money to drug dealers at the expense of his life--but hey, five minutes are five minutes.
As a result of a bus that was five minutes late, Annie and I met a couple of girls from China who were awaiting the bus after returning the car the had rented for the day. They gave us all the info, the research they had done and it resulted in us following their plan and the next day we were able to explore Santorini literally tip to tip.
Before we had made it to Santorini however we spent two days in Athens. Although we had not yet had our 'five minute'discussion, in retrospect I will attribute our good luck to that as well. When we first arrived at our hostel we took the extra time to chat with the receptionist who informed us that the next day was Greek Earth Day and that all sites and museums would be free. That little piece of information saved us each about 40 euro! Earth day was beneficial to the earth...bringing rain. The Parthenon, the Acropolis, Greek Theatres, Olympic Stadium, National Garden, Hadrians Arch, all in the rain! But we had a great time none the less. We stumbled across quaint neighborhoods after making wrong turns, and found that the Athens meat market has LCD screens for TV viewers plastered along the ceilings. Athens is also donned with artistic grafitti, and a way of feeling you are in an old european town and a bustling city all at the same time.
No matter where we went there were sleeping dogs...couldn't explain it but if i get any choice in where i am placed in my next life...We took an early morning ferry from Athens to Santorini which allowed us to see a good deal of islands on our way over (it was an 8 hour ride). To bide our time we ate bannanas and peanut butter, read and played cards. When we got into Athens we met up with the representative of our hostel: Hotel Anna. They drove us up the VERY windy road of the Caldera cliff. Highlights of Santorini are: The red beach, Oia, and Perissia beach. Here are a few photos of Santorini (more on my flickr site)
From Santorini we took a ferry to Naxos arriving in the wee hours of the morning. Santorini, although beautiful is an island for the tourists. Almost all businesses on the island function only for tourist season. We were lucky that we travelled just before the season got busy. Naxos on the other hand, is an island that is much larger and functions primarily independently of the tourist season. It is known for its olive oil, grapes, and a special liqour made of citrons. You may be familiar with citrons because they are also known as Etrogs and used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. They have been making the liqour for just over 200 years and is only available on Naxos. Let me tell you, its strong. Equal in strength is its beauty. We decided to rent another car and went exploring. We found great little villages and bays along the east side of the island, rolling hills and old ruins. One of the major attractions is the Temple of Apollo. The temple was in the earlier stages of construction before the builders (or ruling party) decided to give up on the project.
It was also on Naxos that I rode my first bicycle in 8 years. 8 years! My tush hurt. Because it had been a while and I was riding along with a triatholon goer and a person who rides their bike to work I decided that on our return trek I would start a bit earlier and then we would all meet up together. I got lost. I ended up in this farming community where no one spoke english and I stuck out like a sore thumb. With no mode of communication I navigated my way back to the shore and an hour late, made it back to the rendevouz point. I accepted gladly the beer that was waiting!
Again a few photos:
All in all it was a wonderful trip. I arrived back in Jerusalem tanned and relaxed. I also decided it was time to make a change and got my hair cut (for those of you who were there think Jacob's bar-mitzvah). There are a couple more weeks until Nesiya begins. We have begun doing a lot of prep work for the summer and have been broken into staff teams. I am very much looking forward to getting started on the trip itself! But I am also looking forward to really utilizing these next couple of weeks here in Jerusalem/Tel Aviv. I have a wedding (Mazal Tov Tamara and Aron!), a baseball game (yay Benji!), multiple friends arriving in town via Taglit birthright-israel, Pardes students, and a friend's concert to attend before I jump on the bus with 40 teens. Hopefully I will make it to the beach one day as well!!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Decision
Well folks, here it is: I'm moving to Boston! What I will be doing there? Unclear. But I picked a city and I feel good about it. It is the in between, the going back and forth that has really been driving me crazy. I made the decision 48 hours ago and have been walking around smiling ever since--thats a good sign, right?
Only 2 more days left at Pardes. Thursday afternoon I jump on a bus to Tsfat for our second staff training weekend for Nesiya. I will be there until Sunday evening when I return to Jerusalem. Then, bright and early Monday I (along with Jenny, Max and Annie) will be on my way to the airport destination GREECE!
We have been planning the trip for a while and I am SO excited it is finally here. Our general game plan is as follows:
We arrive in Athens in the early afternoon. We will spend the night and the following day there before jumping aboard a ferry boat that will take us down to Santorini Island. We will be on Santorini for a total of 3 days with one night spent on the island of Ios. Then we head to Naxos for 2 days before heading back for our final night in Athens to catch our flight the next morning back to Tel Aviv. Whew!! If any of you have spent anytime in/on these places and have so me advice or 'must dos' I would appreciate it!
You most likely will not be hearing from me again until mid-June when I return but I promise a large post with photos!
Hope those of you on the west side of the ocean had a lovely memorial day weekend!
Only 2 more days left at Pardes. Thursday afternoon I jump on a bus to Tsfat for our second staff training weekend for Nesiya. I will be there until Sunday evening when I return to Jerusalem. Then, bright and early Monday I (along with Jenny, Max and Annie) will be on my way to the airport destination GREECE!
We have been planning the trip for a while and I am SO excited it is finally here. Our general game plan is as follows:
We arrive in Athens in the early afternoon. We will spend the night and the following day there before jumping aboard a ferry boat that will take us down to Santorini Island. We will be on Santorini for a total of 3 days with one night spent on the island of Ios. Then we head to Naxos for 2 days before heading back for our final night in Athens to catch our flight the next morning back to Tel Aviv. Whew!! If any of you have spent anytime in/on these places and have so me advice or 'must dos' I would appreciate it!
You most likely will not be hearing from me again until mid-June when I return but I promise a large post with photos!
Hope those of you on the west side of the ocean had a lovely memorial day weekend!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Nearing the End
This morning will mark my last Sunday at Pardes. Classes will run through Thursday and then the Academic year will be over. It is hard to believe so much time has passed. I have moved out of my apartment and will be crashing with a friend for the next month before starting my job as a bus counselor for Nesiya July 1.
I have been thinking a lot about what should come next, each day my heart seems to be motivating me back and forth between two different options. Do I stay here or do I move to Boston? Each are good choices, I just have to choose one.
I have been thinking a lot about what should come next, each day my heart seems to be motivating me back and forth between two different options. Do I stay here or do I move to Boston? Each are good choices, I just have to choose one.
Monday, May 14, 2007
The Unexpected
"It never rains in Israel past Passover", He said. "Not since I can remember".
Well, he was wrong. To everyones surprise I has been raining here quite a bit. Including a thunderstorm today. I have actually found it to be quite refreshing. The end of the Pardes year is looming. I have had to say goodbye to both my roomates, and I am still trying to figure out where I will be come late August.
This year has been wonderful. I have grown so much, learned a ton, and have made lifelong friends. It is hard to believe that May is almost over and 10 months have flown by so quickly.
I am still crazy as ever, but having so much on my plate has given me some distraction from the emotional goodbyes. I leave for a 3 day trip with my fellow Nesiya staff tomorrow morning. We are leaving bright and early for Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Crater) where we will camp overnight and then spend Shabbat in the Negev (desert). By the end of the weekend the senior staff will have decided how to place us in teams for the summer. For me this is the most exciting part. There are 12 of us, 4 staff (2 Americans and 2 Israelis) per bus. Everyone is great, but it will be nice to have a smaller group to start planning and really investing.
I am also looking forward to getting out of Jerusalem. I have been doing a little better in this department-but not by much. A couple of weekends ago I was up in a Druze Village near Acco called Pekiin. It is well known for its co-existence between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is also the only place that has constantly been inhabited by Jews (with a brief lapse in the late 1930-1940s for fear of rioting from nearby Arab villages) since the destruction of the Second Temple. I have also made it out to Tel Aviv for some recreation and Hebron for some education. I hope to share more about my experience in Hebron at a later date, but I'm still processing it all.
It is Yom Yerushalyim today marking the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War. It was during the war that Israel defended itself against the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebonese and Jordanian armies. It also unified Jerusalem and were able to take control over the Jewish quarter of the old city and the Kotel (Western Wall). Doing so gave access to Holy sites previously forbidden to Jews. Last night I got caught in the parade (literally) dodging tractors, agricultural floats, and dancing children to make it to my volunteering shift.
I know I haven't written in ages, apologies have almost become standard in my posts. But I hope whomever is reading that life is treating you well and I look forward to hearing all about it!
Well, he was wrong. To everyones surprise I has been raining here quite a bit. Including a thunderstorm today. I have actually found it to be quite refreshing. The end of the Pardes year is looming. I have had to say goodbye to both my roomates, and I am still trying to figure out where I will be come late August.
This year has been wonderful. I have grown so much, learned a ton, and have made lifelong friends. It is hard to believe that May is almost over and 10 months have flown by so quickly.
I am still crazy as ever, but having so much on my plate has given me some distraction from the emotional goodbyes. I leave for a 3 day trip with my fellow Nesiya staff tomorrow morning. We are leaving bright and early for Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Crater) where we will camp overnight and then spend Shabbat in the Negev (desert). By the end of the weekend the senior staff will have decided how to place us in teams for the summer. For me this is the most exciting part. There are 12 of us, 4 staff (2 Americans and 2 Israelis) per bus. Everyone is great, but it will be nice to have a smaller group to start planning and really investing.
I am also looking forward to getting out of Jerusalem. I have been doing a little better in this department-but not by much. A couple of weekends ago I was up in a Druze Village near Acco called Pekiin. It is well known for its co-existence between Jews, Christians, and Muslims. It is also the only place that has constantly been inhabited by Jews (with a brief lapse in the late 1930-1940s for fear of rioting from nearby Arab villages) since the destruction of the Second Temple. I have also made it out to Tel Aviv for some recreation and Hebron for some education. I hope to share more about my experience in Hebron at a later date, but I'm still processing it all.
It is Yom Yerushalyim today marking the 40th anniversary of the Six Day War. It was during the war that Israel defended itself against the Egyptian, Syrian, Lebonese and Jordanian armies. It also unified Jerusalem and were able to take control over the Jewish quarter of the old city and the Kotel (Western Wall). Doing so gave access to Holy sites previously forbidden to Jews. Last night I got caught in the parade (literally) dodging tractors, agricultural floats, and dancing children to make it to my volunteering shift.
I know I haven't written in ages, apologies have almost become standard in my posts. But I hope whomever is reading that life is treating you well and I look forward to hearing all about it!
Monday, April 30, 2007
83
I have been meaning to write for a while...and suprise, i got busy. Life is good, last week was jammed packed with emotion--Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtznmaut (Israel Independence Day). It made me realize the tension between feeling a part of the people/culture here and feeling distant all at the same time. Yom HaAtzmaut was the perfect day! I would write more...but i'm too tired. For pictures visit the bottom right link to Flickr.
Efforts have stepped up in training for this summer. I will be staffing a six week summer program with Nesiya. So as a collective staff of 16 (to be broken into groups of 4--2 Americans and 2 Israeli staff on every bus) we are meeting at least once a week until the end of June.
I hit the streets again last thursday night. The 2 am mornings have somewhat screwed with my sleeping pattern for the rest of the week. But I am telling you, the experiences have been worth it.
Amongst the crazy I have also been carving out a time for play. I scored a whopping 83 points in one turn of Scrabble on Shabbat afternoon--a new high for me! I even beat out an active player in the Jerusalem Scrabble Club. The word was Blissed (yes, it is the dictionary) on a triple word score connecting Pe and Od across. Maybe I should quit while I am ahead...
I also booked my tickets for Greece. I will be going with friends for one last hoorah from June 4-12. If anyone has any travel advice for the area I would love to hear it!
Thats all for now, hope to post more both in length and content in the near future!
Efforts have stepped up in training for this summer. I will be staffing a six week summer program with Nesiya. So as a collective staff of 16 (to be broken into groups of 4--2 Americans and 2 Israeli staff on every bus) we are meeting at least once a week until the end of June.
I hit the streets again last thursday night. The 2 am mornings have somewhat screwed with my sleeping pattern for the rest of the week. But I am telling you, the experiences have been worth it.
Amongst the crazy I have also been carving out a time for play. I scored a whopping 83 points in one turn of Scrabble on Shabbat afternoon--a new high for me! I even beat out an active player in the Jerusalem Scrabble Club. The word was Blissed (yes, it is the dictionary) on a triple word score connecting Pe and Od across. Maybe I should quit while I am ahead...
I also booked my tickets for Greece. I will be going with friends for one last hoorah from June 4-12. If anyone has any travel advice for the area I would love to hear it!
Thats all for now, hope to post more both in length and content in the near future!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Colored Skies
I arrived back in Israel Monday afternoon. A painless flight and sherut ride later, I found myself back at 4 Mendele. When I walked into my apartment I got kinda an eerie sensation. The kind you would get when your finals stretched til the last possible day but that more than half then dorm had already cleared out. Although we are all still here, it is only for a few more short weeks. Both Sarahs will be gone by mid-May.
That feeling has continued through the rest of my week. Pardes students have begun to drop off and before I know it my life here will be changing.
On Tuesday we had orange skies. Sands from the desert blown North by the strong winds created somewhat of a textured rain. Not wet, but hazy. In fact, haziness was quite appropriate for our general moods as well. Hearing of the shootings at Virginia Tech and all the victims...I heard the news the night before at my friend Jessy's birthday dinner. Her sister, a Virginia Tech student, called in hysterics. Luckily, She and her friends are okay. My thoughts go out to those who were less fortunate.
The warm weather I was hoping for (after snow and floods on the East Coast) has not quite arrived. But the longer days allow me to once again walk home in the sunshine, even at 7pm.
I went out on the streets last night with Crossroads, and it was a really interesting experience. Unfortunately, due to confidentiality I can't share too much. But I look forward to continuing my work with them.
Today the skies are blue and clouds fluffy white. The wind has somewhat tamed itself and warmer weather is expected for the weekend. I was at brunch with a friend when we saw four fighter jets stream across the sky. I think the image made everyone around us pause. It could be they were practicing for the upcoming Memorial Day this Sunday night and Monday, I hope so.
That feeling has continued through the rest of my week. Pardes students have begun to drop off and before I know it my life here will be changing.
On Tuesday we had orange skies. Sands from the desert blown North by the strong winds created somewhat of a textured rain. Not wet, but hazy. In fact, haziness was quite appropriate for our general moods as well. Hearing of the shootings at Virginia Tech and all the victims...I heard the news the night before at my friend Jessy's birthday dinner. Her sister, a Virginia Tech student, called in hysterics. Luckily, She and her friends are okay. My thoughts go out to those who were less fortunate.
The warm weather I was hoping for (after snow and floods on the East Coast) has not quite arrived. But the longer days allow me to once again walk home in the sunshine, even at 7pm.
I went out on the streets last night with Crossroads, and it was a really interesting experience. Unfortunately, due to confidentiality I can't share too much. But I look forward to continuing my work with them.
Today the skies are blue and clouds fluffy white. The wind has somewhat tamed itself and warmer weather is expected for the weekend. I was at brunch with a friend when we saw four fighter jets stream across the sky. I think the image made everyone around us pause. It could be they were practicing for the upcoming Memorial Day this Sunday night and Monday, I hope so.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Heading East
It is both a strange and natural feeling I have each time I prepare for another trip.
For the past two years they were trips across the country, more recently across the ocean. Being home this time around has made me feel the distance that much more.
My brother is on his way over to pick me up so we can have coffee before he drops me at the train. Then it is off to Newark International Airport, a short stop over in London and back to Tel Aviv.
I am excited to get back, see friends and begin school again. This next month is the beginning of the end. For me, that is a hard realityBy the end of May my roomates will be gone, many of my friends will have travelled back to the states and I will begin my next chapter in Israel. I will also know if that chapter will conclude in August or continue on. I will make sure to keep you all posted.
For the past two years they were trips across the country, more recently across the ocean. Being home this time around has made me feel the distance that much more.
My brother is on his way over to pick me up so we can have coffee before he drops me at the train. Then it is off to Newark International Airport, a short stop over in London and back to Tel Aviv.
I am excited to get back, see friends and begin school again. This next month is the beginning of the end. For me, that is a hard realityBy the end of May my roomates will be gone, many of my friends will have travelled back to the states and I will begin my next chapter in Israel. I will also know if that chapter will conclude in August or continue on. I will make sure to keep you all posted.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Quick Update from the Homefront
The trip in wasn't easy. El Al got us to JFK 2 hours late, add on an additional 1.5 hours for baggage to arrive and you get a missed flight to Washington D.C. After running back and forth through the airport with all my luggage to find out this wonderful news I called home. My call was greeted by the news that my Mom was having a procedure on her back the next day for a slipped disc and that I should be prepared to hit the ground running. After some tears in the airport I was able to get El Al to put me up in a hotel for the night. I was in bed by 12:30 and back at the airport 6 hours later. After waiting in line for 1/2 hour I was told that there were no flights available from JFK to the D.C./Maryland area and that they would book me on a flight from LaGuardia. I was handed an itinerary and pointed in the direction of the taxis. I made it across town to LaGuardia where I was told that the flight may not be possible since I had not reported the flight as missed the night before and that I was marked as a no show. After explaining my story and situation the woman took pity and I was booked. I landed in Maryland at 2pm.
It was nice to be home for Shabbat. I slept, and slept and slept and slept. Something I had not done much of the previous 48 hours.
Sunday, after all the pre-Passover cleaning and shopping had been done, I met Ayelet. She is amazing.
Monday morning I went to the Apple store to find out what could be done for my computer and my now dead iPod. I was told that they could replace the piece where my computer adapter had jammed for $145 and that they would replace my iPod with the same 20gb model for $69. So, for less than what a new iPod would cost me, I am all set--good news!!
I also cooked and prepared my first ever Seders, spent lots of time with baby Ayelet, played a few games of the Settlers of Catan, and got to spend some time with old friends from high school. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my week doing similar things. Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday) to all!
It was nice to be home for Shabbat. I slept, and slept and slept and slept. Something I had not done much of the previous 48 hours.
Sunday, after all the pre-Passover cleaning and shopping had been done, I met Ayelet. She is amazing.
Monday morning I went to the Apple store to find out what could be done for my computer and my now dead iPod. I was told that they could replace the piece where my computer adapter had jammed for $145 and that they would replace my iPod with the same 20gb model for $69. So, for less than what a new iPod would cost me, I am all set--good news!!
I also cooked and prepared my first ever Seders, spent lots of time with baby Ayelet, played a few games of the Settlers of Catan, and got to spend some time with old friends from high school. I am looking forward to spending the rest of my week doing similar things. Chag Sameach (Happy Holiday) to all!
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