Part of Am Yisrael

       It is so exciting to look back on the first day that I arrived in Israel and to recognize how much my opinions have changed regarding Israel itself. Before the trip, Israel was a place that I was honestly ignorant about, not only the politics and current events, but the history as well. Now being here for almost four months, I can say that I feel immensely informed about Israel as a whole, which only strengthens my connection to the land. I have challenged myself to form opinions on the way Israel runs as state, to look past the often exaggerated and false headlines of the news and look outside my room to the legitimate source of events. That doesn't mean that I agree with every policy, every decision and choice that Israel makes, in fact I disagree with many of them, but I have learned that it is more than ok to not see eye to eye with the actions that Israel takes. It is important to disagree and argue with the other side because it doesn't only give you a different perspective, but it also strengthens your own, just one of the lessons I've learned in my Jewish History class. This does not mean for a second that I am not a supporter of Israel, if I have gained anything from EIE it is that I will never stop supporting the existence of Israel, in fact for me it is crucial for Israel to continue to exist as a Jewish state.
       The people of Israel, Am Yisrael, is imperative for the survival of Judaism and a Jewish state in a world dominated by so many other religions. By identifying as a Jew, you are automatically part of Am Yisrael and its history. No matter where you are in the world, the beautiful and unique factor of Judaism is that there is always a community. Since the beginning of the Jewish people, we have been able to stay connected and thrive through the tangible and intangible relationships overseas or next door to other Jews. I, along with many others, live in a diaspora, but because of the unique quality of inevitable connection, Jews will always find other Jews no matter where they are or what they are doing. It is this distinctive characteristic of Am Yisrael, the ability to stay close and to identify with so many other people, that has kept us together as a strong community and has allowed us to persevere through hard times and thrive through good times.

Separation Barrier

Since I've been in Israel the past four months (I still can't believe I can say that) I have experienced and been exposed to the Israeli culture, the food, the people, and the values that encompass them all. However, living in Eretz Israel has awaken me not only to Israeli situations, beliefs, and events but the way Palestinians are affected in their daily life as well. The ongoing tensions between the two groups are extremely prevalent in every day life, especially the existence of the separation barrier that surrounds the West Bank. This wall was created as a reaction to the first and second intifadas of suicide bombers that threatened the lives of Israeli and Palestinian citizens. Although the safety of Israel is exemplified with this wall, the suicide bombings have ceased for the most part, and I personally think that the wall does not serve as an efficient long term solution. It worked for the situation at hand during the years of the intifadas, but now that the problem has been stopped, is it necessary to still keep the wall up? I think that in order to accomplish peace between the two sides, which everyone hopes for even if they don't admit it, keeping the wall up and limiting the rights of Palestinians is not a step forward in peaceful relations. Keeping restraints on the Arabs living in the West Bank, through permits, unequal rights, and limited boundaries, only results in pent-up anger from the Palestinians towards Israel and the people. To me, this wall serves as a metaphorical and literal separation between Jews and Palestinians, and until there is a change in the situation at hand, progress and change will not occur. 

The Kosher Monopoly

Our group had the opportunity to talk to Anat Hoffman who is the executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) and a founder of The Women of the Wall. She told us about the projects that she is currently focusing on, especially in regard to the Ultra Orthodox and the overpowering monopoly on religious values which they manipulate through the law in Israel. Even in the democracy that Israel claims to be, many civilians freedoms are denied and ignored such as at the Kotel, the legitimacy of reform rabbis, and your right on flight (the right to stay in your own seat even if an ultra-orthodox man forces you to move). One particular topic that Anat raised was the function of kashrut laws in Israel. Under the kosher law, a kashrut certificate must be received by the owner of a restaurant in order for them to claim that they are kosher. This caused problems for two restaurants who were fined because they claimed that they served kosher food even though they were not granted a certificate from the Rabbinate validating this entitlement. Fortunately, with the help of the IRAC, this case was taken to the High Court of Israel who came to the decision that businesses who receive a kashrut certification from a group beyond the Rabbinate are not allowed to be fined as long as they exclude the use of the word kosher. This was a huge win for the Reform Jews in particular, who have been fighting to freely express their identity as Jews in the eyes of the Ultra-Orthodox. However, despite the Attorney General's demand, parties in Netanyahu’s new right-wing government say they will fight for their monopoly on the word kosher. In a state that claims to be democratic, it seems a bit contradictory for a group which makes up only 20% of the population to have such an immense amount of power and say in the daily lives of other individuals. It is unequal for one party to prescribe and hold laws over individuals who don't adhere to the same beliefs. It is vital for Israel to find a balance between being Jewish and being overly Jewish and Jews should have the ability to define their Jewishness to whatever extent they desire and not have a specific group determine how to be Jewish. This is an ongoing problem in the state of Israel, and it is important to realize the significance of people like Anat and individuals working for organizations like the IRAC who are extremely strong and persistent in fighting for a change in the way that Reform Jews are viewed, and to keep growing, questioning and expanding the way we view ourselves. 

Get Up, Stand Up

It is frustrating and disheartening to hear that racism and segregation are still such prevalent problems within our world. People are still not treated as equals, whether it is based on their skin tone, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexuality there is absolutely no reason that each and every human being should not be regarded as embodying the same rights as another other person in society. The protests on police violence that have been occurring in Tel Aviv is a result of decades of repression suffered by the Ethiopian Jews, a minority community within Israel. Perhaps this is a result of their lack of assimilation into an unfamiliar society, the differences within the culture, which influence disconnection and separation. Nevertheless, the Ethiopian Jews are Jews in every sense in my eyes, they are not any less Jewish than the citizens of Israel or the Jews in the diaspora, living all throughout the world. The protests were a response to a video released of a white Israeli police officer attacking an Ethiopian Israeli soldier, Demas Fekadeh, where the officers pushed him to the ground and beat him. The clashes reflected widespread frustration in the Ethiopian community which, three decades after it first arrived in Israel, has become an underclass plagued by poverty, crime and unemployment. It's sad to live in a world that carries so much beauty on its back, yet oppression and discrimination still lie in the foundation of our establishment. It is vital for this suffering to come to an end, however it seems that wherever a minority lies so too does the hatred of another people. No matter what the situation, no mater what the group, or the individuals who are being discriminated against, it is our duty and responsibility as neighbors, brothers and sisters to no longer sit back and watch these disasters and tragedies take place but to stand up with every bone on our body and join the movement to promote equal rights and equal opportunities for every living soul. 

Staying Connected

I've grown up in a Jewish community that has constantly been involved in the progression and support of Reform Judaism within the United States as well as Israel. One organization that has been brought to light these past few years in ARZA which stands for the Association if Reform Zionists of America. ARZA's platform advocated religious pluralism, gender equality, and represents United States Reform Jews in national and international Zionist organizations. Fortunately my connection to this organization goes beyond just hearing about it through the news because my Rabbi, Bennet Miller, is actually a chair of the corporation. I've heard him make speeches and talk about ARZA in the past, but never before have I been able to relate and connect with the goals and motives behind the organization until now, being in Israel itself. I am able to connect on a greater level to the intentions of the group because almost all of them relate to my life here in Israel and the lives of the people who surround me. The topics of religious equality have come up a significant amount since I've been in Israel for one, the Israeli government pays the salaries of 260 rabbis, 256 are Orthodox, 4 are Reform and only 3 are women. Marriage equality is another issue because only 20% of Orthodox Jews live in Israel, but marriages are only seen as being legal if they are controlled and conducted by the Orthodox establishment. Throughout the trip, our group has been present for the events that have taken place at the Kotel, specifically with Women of the Wall. We have been a witness to the progression and transformation of women equality and prayer at the wall in particular last week when for the first time in history, a full Torah and service was conducted on the women's side. This event and women's equality as a whole has played an important role in my life and is definitely a reason for my support of ARZA in their desire to gain equality at the Western Wall. It makes me happy to know that the experiences and events that I've been a part of miles away from home still has an impact to what is happening back in New Jersey.

The Heart and Soul in One

      Over the past week there has been a tremendous amount of celebration starting with Memorial Day, Yom Hazicaron, and then Yom Hatzmaut, Indepence Day. At first I didn't understand why these two holidays would be back to back, one which is filled with utter sadness, and the other overflowing with loud music and dancing. I realized that having Yom Hazicaron the day before Yom Hatzmaut made being in Israel incredibly more meaningful because I heard the stories and saw the tears of the people who fought for our complete freedom and Independence. The reason I was standing on the ground looking around at the beautiful view was only because of the strength, determination, and courage that was embedded in each and every living soul who died in order to made this country not just a dream, but a reality. On Yom Hazicaron, there was a certain silence that took over Israel, you could see it within every single person, commemorating the lives of their friends, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, aunts, and uncles. Unformately, it is inevitable to live in Israel and not know someone whose passed away from fighting, or know someone who knows someone whose life was put to the absolute test. I could feel this connection within each and every person on this day, whether it was in the two minutes of silence when the alarm went off, embellished within the stories of people whose greatest determination was the protection of their state, or within the tears that streamed down the faces of mothers and sisters, brothers and fathers who have been through the indescribable experience of loss.

      Each ceremony that I attended on Yom Haziaron was in hebrew, but I had no complaints for not understanding what was happening because it reached beyond the words and radiated through the members of the community, I didn't have to hear it, I could feel it to understand. It seemed as though all of Israel was connected for those few hours of mourning, remembering, sharing, and crying, there were no sects there were no divisions, everyone was united and everyone could feel the raw pain and heartbreak. At the ceremony at the Kotel, and the one on the Kibbutz we all sang Hatikva and never before have I understood the words more clearly and the true bravery and love that each individual who has fought and continues to fight for the existence of a homeland.

      The next day on Yom Hatzmaut, the mood completely changed and there was no longer a cloud of sadness guarding our hearts, the streets were filled with distinctive Jewish food smells, there was trumpeting music blasting though the air, there were many drunk, crazy dancing Israeli's jumping as high as possible and singing as loud as humanly capable for the happiness and freedom for which they symbolize. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and basking in the ability to walk the streets of Israel hand in hand with their family and friends. It's deadly to mourn for the loss of 23,000 each and every day, it's important to not only commemorate and remember their lives but to also celebrate their actions and their hope for a better place and a better time.

Etgar Keret

Etgar Keret is a renowned author who has made a definitive mark on the Israeli literary landscape with his unique and distinctive voice, which can be tender and mischievous, humorous and intelligent, out right ridiculous and yet somehow full of hope. Keret accomplishes the ability to illustrate a desire for his stories to explore and provoke ambiguity and to challenge aspects of life that have been made concrete over time and are now considered reality. In the story "Shooting Tuvia" a school boy tells the accounts of his dog Tuvia's life and the personal relationship that they form together. The dog seems to only be loyal and kind to the boy and acts wild with the other members of his family. After numerous accounts of the dog causing problems within the family, the father attempts to get rid of the dog. However, the dog always seems to find his way back home to the young boy, time after time. Infuriated, the father finally takes the belligerent dog, drops him in a forest and shoots him in the head-only for him to return home, tired, paralyzed, but ever-faithful to his owner. Just like all of Keret's stories, he is always engaged in a broader philosophical inquiry; his journey, and his questions, feel very personal and very humble. To me, this story exemplifies the true strength, perseverance, and persistence of the Jewish people and Israel as a whole. Although the Jews are unfortunately sometimes titled as the victims of hatred and violence, constantly kicked out of their homes, they nonetheless find the courage and strength to obtain their homeland. The father and family represent the anti-semitism and brutality that is prevalent in this day and age. The dog represents the Jewish people and their determination and endurance, their drive for their goal of a homeland, safe haven, and in this case, the young boy. 

Rachel Bluwstein Breathes Life into Death

There are so many people who embodied the bravery and courage to pick up and leave everything they knew as home to come to a new land, a new community, and start a new life. These people contributed to the solidity and legitimacy of Eretz Yisrael and their drive for a spiritual and cultural connection and home is still prevalent to this day. Rachel Bluwstein was born in Russia in 1890 and she was one of the pioneers who contributed to the formation of Israel. In 1909, when she was 19 years old, she visited the Land of Israel and speaking only Russian along with her sister, she decided to stay. Later, she settled in Kibbutz Degania, an agricultural settlement on the shore of the Kinneret. She worked hard and was an extremely dedicated community member until she was diagnosed with tuberculosis which made physical labor an impossibility so she was kicked off of the Kibbutz and forced to find a home elsewhere. Rachel turned to poetry where she lived out the last years of her life in loneliness in a room in Tel Aviv. She often wrote of her longing to be understood, of the feeling of insignificance of a sick woman in a world that revered strength and power, and of the constant tension between the desire to be loved and the fear of the artistically destructive emotional and poetic price of love fulfilled. Her poetry was especially touching to read while sitting so close to her grave. One particular poem that stood out to me is called "Kinneret" which beautifully describes the imagery presented through the view looking out into the water; calm on the surface but restless below the wind. She is able to capture the image that I looked up to after reading her words with such simplicity and beauty. It was incredible and moving to look around and see the exact illustation of the "small palm tree/ With its tousled branches/ Like a mischievous child/ Running along the lake shore to dip his feet/ Into the waters of Kinneret." As I read her words I could truly feel them come to life by being at the exact place that she was descibing and experiencing the same exact view that she was taking in that inspired her writings. Rachel gave up a life of comforts and culture to become a Zionist pioneer. When her life was cut short by a terminal illness, she responded by capturing the Israeli pioneer experience and her love for the natural beauty of Israel through her expressive and simple words which I like to believe gave her the hope and strength to stay alive.

Yom Hashoah: Remember and Never Forget

It's one thing to read textbooks, listen to lectures and hear statistics about the holocaust, but it is a completely different experience to be standing in Israel in remembrance of the six million whose lives were lost. Instead of hearing about yom hashoah, holocaust remembrance day, through the news or on tv, I was blessed to actually be in Israel while the day commenced. After hearing the announcement to gather at the lobby, we all frantically scrambled to meet as a group and to listen to the sirens being played. We were all talking and hanging out when the sounds of the sirens went off. All of a sudden everyone was taken by a deep silence and their conversations ceased as well as all movement. For two minutes out of the day we all stood next to each other, everyone had their hands to themselves and it seemed like we were all in our own worlds. For two minutes no one was talking like we had been doing seconds before, no one was giggling and making jokes. For two minutes the sirens echoed through the air in a bitter sweet whirlpool of sound which was reflected within every bone inside of me and could be heard throughout all of Israel. People driving in their cars, at the sound of the siren, stopped their vehicle in mid movement wherever they were and listened to the alarm. For me, it was an extremely surreal experience. I stood on the balcony of the Belmont from Kibbutz Tzuba overlooking one of my favorite, and most breathtaking, views of Israel. For two minutes the world seemed to stop and hold her breath, and everyone listening to the sirens mirrored that image without hesitation. It was remarkable and unfathomable to possess the duality of being in the moment, paying respect for those whose lives were taken away, and to actually be, physically be in the land where Jews fought for their right to live. I stood and thought and listened, because even in the darkest of times the birds are still singing, the cats are still running, and the trees are still rustling with their own song, and life is still active. It completely described the situation that we as a people have experienced that we may have undergone an extreme amount of pain, death and hardship, but we've persevered and continued to create our story and to live on. Israel, the army, and the Jews living throughout the world are a physical testimony and reminder of where we have come from, how far we've come, and the importance of continuing to live as a united people and to pass on the blessing of life. Yom hashoah, as well as every day, demonstrates that Jews are stronger than ever and that our spirits will forever stay on this earth. Knowing that all of Israel, the people I know and the strangers living miles away who stopped washing the dishes, stopped pushing on the gas pedal, or stopped eating lunch with their family were all listening to the same siren that I was, is an incredibly special moment and one of the most connected and united feelings I've had to Israel and its people. I will always have the image engrained in my mind of the two minutes of silence that said more than words. 

From Sea to Shining Sea

There is so much noise that is constantly overwhelming our lives, our thoughts, and our actions that  sometimes it only takes a few days of camping out in the wilderness to realize how much is taken for granted. Yam L'Yam was one of  greatest experiences so far on this trip. Being placed in a situation where it feels like you (and a few pairs of sweaters) against the world, is more rewarding than it may seem. For the first time in a long time I was able to be in the moment, be present to my surroundings, and hear my own voice and thoughts without the disruption of an updated Facebook status or a new Instagram picture. I didn't have to worry about any homework assignments, tests or essays, and I was able to find moments of silence, something that I take for granted more than I should. Even though being with my friends, making new friends, and walking together sharing stories and riddles never got old, I equally enjoyed the moments that I walked without saying a word. I was affected by everything around me, the birds singing, the trees swaying in the wind, the hot Israeli sun shining on my body, the insects flying into my eyes. I was awaken to everything, even the small things. I learned that only in silence do you recognize the constant movement and sounds of our world. All of the exterior bombardment of car horns, machines, phone notifications, and materials are subdued in nature, and a new level of noise is exposed within nature. While walking up the second highest mountain in Israel, Mount Moron, I realized that my blisters had grown blisters, but there was no bone in my body that screamed to stop, all I wanted to do was to keep going and to reach the top. I was completely overwhelmed by the view, it was truly breathtaking and being able to look far over mountains to a little gray dot signifying where we had begun the trek up created a feeling of pride. All week, after hiking for hours and reaching beautiful views, it became clear to me that even in the small state of Israel there is always something new to see and learn about. Even the times when I woke up from my body shaking because it was so cold or having to duck behind the closest bush for a bathroom not only made me appreciate showers and beds more but the trip also sparked the urge for adventure within me. I now have a new love for camping, hiking and caned tuna which I wasn't able to express before the trip and hope to continue when I am back home. The trip from the Kineret to the Mediterranean Sea which was full of sweat, stink and sore muscles allowed me to be at peace with my own thoughts and reminded me how incredibly lucky I am to be a first hand witness to the natural beauty of the land of Israel.

Be Your Own Weatherman – StreetWise Hebrew

It's incredible how approachable a language as complex as hebrew can be when it is taught in a friendly, relatable, and cohesive way. Streetwise Hebrew is a set of podcasts conducted by Guy Sharett who teaches Hebrew based on graffiti and tours around Tel Aviv. In the podcast "Be your own weatherman" Guy talks about key words used to describe the weather by incorporating his own voice, sound clips from weather channels, and simple songs. I think that it is important to use this method of extracting from outside sources, because it makes the lesson applicable to everyday life. The whole podcast was fun to listen to and I was intrigued the entire time especially since Guy was so passionate about the topic, it definitely rubbed off on me as well. When learning a new language, it is especially important to portray fun, easy, and clear information regarding the topic being presented because it makes the student want to learn and it helps in retaining the details. I think it is important to endorse yourself in listening to these recordings because it not only teaches new vocabulary, but you also get a taste of Israeli life and culture coming from a citizen. Being a beginner in Hebrew, I can say for sure that I was able to pick up some new words and phrases just with a short, ten minute audio recording. I definitely recommend this website to everyone, in particular, those who are trying to learn the language of Hebrew, or who are simply interested in the life of an Israeli.

Here is the link:
http://tlv1.fm/streetwise-hebrew/2015/03/03/be-your-own-weatherman-streetwise-hebrew/

Can You Tel I'm In Love With Aviv (EIE 2015)

     One of the most exciting aspects about being in Israel is the diversity presented not only in the culture and the people, but in the places as well. I love the ability to get into a cab, drive a few miles and end up in Jerusalem; a place resounding in spiritual essence and a connection to an ancient history. Then, to be able to get back into the cab, drive a few more miles north and arrive in Tel Aviv; a place filled with buildings, lights and beaches. This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to stay in Tel Aviv for the first time, and I absolutely loved it. From the moment I entered this bustling city I couldn't help but to notice the immense amount of buildings stretching high into the sky, the never ending roads leading far into the distance, and the young, fun filled and exciting atmosphere that engulfed every corner. The streets were filled with stores and restaurants fighting to be seen by their bright colored decorations and extravagant outdoor seating (one place had swinging hammocks as chairs). The beaches themselves were breathtaking. The water was so beautiful, it was almost like someone had painted and mixed different shades of blues and greens and blended them together perfectly into a tapestry of color. Looking out onto the beaches, they were packed with people of all ages. I was so intrigued and entertained by the young men and women who, quite competitively, partook in volleyball and head/food/hit the ball with any part of your body games along the nets that were set up on the sand. They would play for hours without stopping. It seems like there is definitely a natural talent for physical activity that is engrained in Israeli's, probably from working hard and training in the army for years.
     I found it so interesting how different of a feeling there was from being in Tel Aviv rather than Jerusalem. Tel Aviv is most definitely more modern from the architecture, the clubs, and the restaurants, it is aimed at young, adventure seeking adults. Everything felt very awake all of the time, almost like the city never slept, which was seen in the bright colors and busy streets filled with vehicles and constant movement. No longer were there Orthodox Jews walking around, or people selling red string bracelets, it honestly felt like a vacation within a vacation. I not only enjoyed the delicious food that was served to us right on the beach, but I also loved walking around at night when the city truly seemed to come alive and lit up every building in sight. To be able to experience both Jerusalem and Tel Aviv has been extremely important because not only have I seen two different places in Israel but I've also experienced two completely different ways of life, both equally important in forming Eretz Yisrael. I am so incredibly lucky to be a witness every day to the different aspects of Israeli life both spiritual and social. I truly get to experience the best of both worlds.

The Binding and Unbinding

       I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason and that each and every one of life's experiences is an opportunity to continuously learn and grow, and to finally find yourself spiritually, emotionally and mentally. For Mitisyahu, a song artist, the struggle of drugs, depression, and seclusion was prevalent throughout the majority of his life. He was constantly striving for something greater than himself, something that would provide the power to get up each day ready to experience rather than to numb out. He realized what many of us have a hard time acknowledging, which is that happiness can only be evoked from within yourself. For Mitisyahu, he was able to find a love for music and a devotion to God, an "invisible friend" who could guide, protect, and most importantly always be there to pick him back up when he fell. I connected a lot with his perspective on his experiences, especially with his last words about the significance of experience, of making mistakes, of living with the good and bad without the numbing of emotions. Mitisyahu, with his ability to persevere and his determination to go beyond the known, demonstrates an inspiring model for people of all ages to never give up on finding your path. Only when one is no longer afraid of making mistakes, of living outside of ones isolated box of comfort, one is able to engulf in the true foundation of love, happiness and a strong connection to faith.

The Women of the Wall

       Judaism has always emphasized the importance of group prayer. Each individual is able to see themselves as part of a larger, collective people when praying together, they experience a collective spiritual connection to a divine energy. I had the wonderful opportunity this past weekend to go the the Kotel and pray together with the Women of the Wall. The Women of the Wall is a group of Jewish women from around the world and from all different denominations who strive to achieve the right, as women, to wear prayer shawls, pray and read from the Torah collectivey, out loud, and freely at the Western Wall. They not only seek personal fulfillment in group prayer and Torah reading at the most sacred site, but also want to achieve recognition by the legal, social and religious Israeli establishment at the wall for the sake of all Jewish women. The group, with a membership that is not only multi-denominational but spans the political spectrum, embodies a message of tolerance and pluralism and is stronger than ever.

       Each time I go to the Kotel, I am never disappointed with the effect that it has on me, I am constantly in awe of its glory and beauty which it holds as a symbol of Jewish unity. This time when I entered the Kotel, I was not there just to take in the wonder of the setting and to focus on myself, but I was there to join in with a group of incredible, dedicated, and extravagant costume wearing women who are determined to fight for undeniable rights. As we all stood together with the Migilah scroll open wide, the voices of women rising high, a feeling of empowerment stemmed from within. Even though the sun was almost unbearable and standing up for one more second seemed impossible, we stood together, people from all different backgrounds and denominations and beliefs. That was the incredible aspect, that even if I had walked right past one of the women on the street without realizing, in these moments of prayer, we all stood as one united group with an invincible connection. I felt like I had done so much more than standing and listening, I felt as though I was part of this significant movement, supporting women from all over in striving for acknowledgment and equality. Taking an active and vocal role in community prayer empowered me to use my voice in prayer and struggle, even in the face of attempts to silence women and the Jewish people as a whole.

Will There Be One Jewish People

       Growing up as a Jew, the importance of unity as a people was always stressed upon. Even though I was aware of the different sects of Judaism as in Conservative, Reform, and Orthodox, I've always believed that all of these different aspects of Jewish culture doesn't divide us, but rather makes us stronger and allows our traditions to expand and grow. It is important to acknowledge that not everyone is going to have the same beliefs regarding a religion, some people may believe that the Torah is the direct words of God, while others may be more inclined to interpret the ideas into different meanings. One is not necessarily better than the other, but it is important to acknowledge all of the sides in an effort to learn from each other and address different opinions. In the article, two specific categories of Judaism are presented: the maximalists and the minimalists. The maximalist focuses on the social aspect of the Jewish people by meeting with others and expanding the horizon of teachings and important lessons that are offered. On the other hand, the minimalists are quite the opposite being tied down to their studies, narrowing their scope of integration with others, and focusing on "communal conformity" as much as possible. The consensus at hand is a split that is not focused on a theosophical standpoint, but that is between the way people regard Judaism.

       The different denominations of Judaism are not better than one another in any sense, but I think that the maximalists point of view will provide a foundation for the unity that is needed now more than ever between the Jewish people. We must reach out to each other, expand into different ground, dip our feet in the unfamiliar waters, and be able to listen and connect to others and the important aspect of unity in the Jewish culture. Adapting and interpreting in different ways is natural to the human experience, but time over time, history has proved to the Jewish people especially that unity and the powerful force of connection and oneness can override the power of our enemies. Once we are able to recognize and accept that the different levels of Judaism are all equally important for our religion, then this apparent split can be diminished, than will Judaism become even more solidified and strong.

Gadna Strong

       It's rare to be blessed with an experience that is composed of a sliver of time, but that is so incredibly rewarding in the long run. Spending four days at Gadna last week had an impact on my time in Israel that will undoubtably resound throughout the rest of my life. The program, developed for teens, is meant to portray the life of a soldier in the IDF from the food, setting, schedule, and activities. However, in addition to learning commands and jewish words, or how to stand perfectly in a straight line with five other people without talking, was the interjection of an understanding of the lifestyle and unified feelings of Israeli citizens. These people have lived, and grown up constantly ingrained with the importance of the IDF, of defending their land and people, of protecting the innocent and protecting themselves. I saw this priciple play true throughout the whole time that I was at Gadna, especially established by my commander. Even though she had to act strict as an authority, in charge of our group, our commander shared stories about her life as a soldier, growing up in Israel, and the lessons she learned protecting her country which underlined the importance of connections. For the first time, I was able to truly comprehend the extreme level of friendship and family that is embedded in Israeli culture and society, especially developed through the army. It was clear that everyone in the army had formed a tightly knit group that they regarded as family, as brothers and sisters. I too experienced this deep connection with my group at Gadna. There were people who I became extremely close with, sleeping together, eating together, sweating and running together. The situations that we experienced as a team in just the few days that we were together connected a small group of girls beyond what we could have dreamed. I could only imagine the relationships that are formed with the soldiers who are together for two or even three years under similar conditions, I can now grasp a picture of why those friendships are so strong and impactful. Even though I may not have been the cleanest or the best looking for the four days at Gadna, the smells override the lessons that I learned and the understanding of Israeli life, the deep connections that are formed, and my ability to be a witness everyday to the incredible nature of unity within Israel.

Balance Is Key

       I honestly believe that the art of balance is one of the most important aspects in life. For a generation overwhelmed by the coolest new gadgets, the most popular movies and songs, and an inherent desire to always want more than we have, it can sometimes be hard to learn how to balance all of the features that make up our lives. However, the reality is that you can't have everything and you can't do everything at the same time. Growing up Jewish in a community that is mostly Christian, I am often faced with the difficult decision of choosing between my social life with friends from school, or attending religious events, whether they be holidays, hebrew school, or family dinners. Many times, I've had to leave school early in order to be present for these times, or I've had to tell friends that I wasn't able to hang out with them. Having to choose between my religion and my American culture has been extremely difficult, and sometimes it makes one seem like it was more important than the other when that isn't the case at all.
       I remember the chaos that surrounded bar/bat mitzvah season (that one year where almost every weekend is booked with at least one bar or bat mitzvah and even when you think there are no more left, you are proved wrong). I'm not going to lie, I loved attending these parties, showing off my newest fancy dress and heels, having an excuse to straighten my hair and put on excessive makeup, eating free food and dancing all night with friends. For a thirteen year old girl, it was basically the dream. However, the complication was that for those weekends, I was solely with my jewish friends and family. I would have to tell people that I was busy if they asked to hang out and many of the times, I would miss out on activities that my school friends would be doing. Having to make the decision to choose between the two parts of my social life was extremely difficult at the time, knowing that if I went to one, I'd miss out on the other. But, I've learned that I can't do everything, and learning how to balance the two did not come easy. I made sure that I had time for my friends from school and my friends and family integrated in with my religion. I've come to accept the fact that both my Judaism and my American culture are part of who I am, and balancing the two is extremely rewarding because they both teach me so much. It doesn't mean that one is more important than the other, it just means that they are two equally impactful aspects of my life, that are significant in shaping who I am as a person today, and how I identify myself.

A Lesson A Day

       One of the most incredible aspects of being on this trip is the fact that our classroom is our surroundings and environment. Everyday when we wake up in the holy land, in Israel, it's not just the notes that we take on a page that are beneficial to the lesson of the day. Even just waking up to a view like no other, knowing that years and years ago this land was inhabited by our ancestors, is a feeling that will never get old. For me, learning is so much more than listening to a lecture and writing notes. The way I learn is by experience, by visual pictures and images, feelings and hands on activities. To go on our Tiyulim and be standing in the same area that an ancient building structure was made, looking at the same massive rocks that were put in place thousands of years ago, but that still remain in tact today, brings the classroom to life. In the sense that almost everything I have been learning, (especially being derived from the Tanakh) happened in Israel for the most part, when I'm able to look up from a text that I've been reading and see the actual, tangible place being described, it makes learning that much more meaningful.

Defensible Borders

     The debates over Israel’s territorial requirements have caused an uproar of conflicts and issues dealing with peace with the Palestinians. The numerous amount of hypothetical solutions, opinions, and disputes have been thrown around in hopes for a compromise, however, the desired peace of the two sides have many more complications then what is seen on the surface. One problem is that many politicians make convincing points, but they are not willing to listen to the other side in order to form some kind of compromise. For some, mostly the right wing politicians, giving up the West Bank is inconvenient and potentially dangerous for the rest of Israel, due to security concerns. However, even if Israel were to give up the West Bank as a solution, the possibility of a revolt or coup is feasible. According to Dore Gold, head of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, "it’s far better for Israel not to put itself in a position in which its vulnerabilities invite aggression but it is unable to respond with power." On the other hand, politicians on the left wing have proposed the two state solution, which may seem problematic and detrimental, but so far it has been the only long term solution (yet nothing has been put into action). The two state solution seems to be the most realistic result, however, the question of territorial division and borders is still prevalent, especially dealing with Jerusalem. What would be the result of the Arab population that is peacefully living next to Jewish ones? The diverse contradicting ideas and elements from all sides of the issue have made it extremely difficult to arrive at a steady solution for future peace, but now more than ever, a solution is necessary.

One Shuk Two Shuk Red Shuk Blue Shuk

       One of the most magical parts about being on this trip is the direct accessibility to the culture, tradition, and daily life of the people of Israel. On Friday, our group traveled to a shuk on the outskirts of Jerusalem, which is basically a busy marketplace. The atmosphere of the market was completely different then what I had been exposed to before on the trip. It was my first time actually engulfing and intertwining myself into the true essence of Israel, the daily lifestyles and people. I saw families with mothers caring for their small babies, young boys and girls running around aimlessly, couples kissing, old and young all gathered together in one small area. It's not that I hadn't seen situations like this before, it's that I was seeing these people live their lives doing their day to day activities which I could relate to (mostly shopping). Immediately after entering the shuk, I was overwhelmed by the amount of people buzzing around yelling, walking, biking, and pushing by. The narrow walkway leading straight through the market leaves a shopper little to no space to squeeze past dozens of vendors on either side of the road. It is easy to lose yourself among the colors, smells, touches, tastes, and sounds of the dried fruit, bright candies, silk clothes, and sparkling jewelry that scream out to you from every direction.
       Even though we were able to split up into small groups to travel around the shuk leaving the counselors behind, there was never a moment of fear from being safe or uncomfortable. Something about the unity, harmony, and collaboration of the scene transported me into a feeling of excitement to submerge myself into every object, food, cloth, and drink that I set my eyes on. It was my first time that I ate a falafel in Israel, and it was nothing far from incredibly delicious. As I walked around the shuk, falafel in one hand, Aroma iced coffee in the other, and a bag with a new pair of silky flowy paints that I had bought, it finally sunk in that I was in the land of Israel. I was here, in the moment, experiencing what almost every person goes through on a Friday preparing for Shabbat, roaming the market and preparing to celebrate the most heartfelt, richest, and truthful representation of Jewish life and culture.

"Crazy Jewish Mom"

     Many of us grow up under the wings of our parents, protecting, sheltering, and caring for their little babies. We are their most prized processions, their precious creations, and nothing is more comforting  to our parents than to know that we are safe and making good decisions. One of the hardest moments in the lives of parents is watching their children break free from their continuous care and support. Whether its for high school, college, moving out of the house after moving back in from college, or traveling the world, parents experience the traumatic feeling of not having constant control over their children's lives. For many parents, it is hard to accept the idea that their child will no longer be in their everyday lives, no longer having to send them off into the day with a bagged lunch and a kiss, and acknowledging the fact that they are slowly departing from their parental control. For Kate, in the article "Crazy Jewish Mom" her unnamed mother has a hard time letting go of the constant control over her daughters life. The article depicts the intimate relationship between a Jewish mother and her 26 year old daughter and the texts that she sends Kate, often referencing her love life, age, and weight. Her mother finds a way to interfere into Kate's life by setting up a JDate account and talking to men posing as Kate, constantly nudging her to work out, and making sure that she is as close to Kate (quite literally) at all times.
     For Kate, her mothers incessant texts are somewhat of a role model for the parent that she desires to be for her children. It's true that many parents discipline their children based off of the way they were raised and taught to behave. Similar morals and guidelines are often passed down from parent to child because it is the most familiar and they serve as a model for future generations. Sometimes, we need a little nudge in the right direction, a guidance to help us stay on track, but there are many times when we struggle to separate these "guidelines" from our own, honest decisions. For Kate, she is going to have to learn to live her own life, to create her own path and to use her mothers criticism not only as a reassurance of her love and care, but also to help point her in a direction that she may not have acknowledged. Even though she constantly receives advice from her mother, it doesn't mean that she has to agree or live by her words. The ability to understand her mothers position in supporting her, acknowledging her opinions, and then forming a life based on her own values, is extremely nurturing. As for Kate's mom, she will need to realize that the only life that she can control is her own, and that the best thing for her daughter is her independence.

An Unforgettable Connection

       Life is made up of many little moments, all equally important, and all strung together to create one tremendous and extravagant portrait. I like to think that this trip is just a small portion of the picture, however, it does not for a moment lack the vibrant colors, important sketches, and vivid imagery which are vital for the lasting impression which the beholder ensures. Every moment in the days that I have been here so far have undoubtably challenged and impacted not only my intellectual growth but my emotional, physical, and spiritual being as well. One moment that has influenced all of these aspects was when we had the opportunity to visit the Kotel, or rather, The Western Wall. From the moment I stepped off of the bus in Jerusalem, I was embedded by a feeling that I had not experienced yet on this trip, a direct connection to all four of the facets mentioned above, overwhelming me at the same time. The air I breathed in suddenly seemed lighter, and although there was an unfamiliarity to my surroundings, I was still comforted because there was a sense of unity and wholeness that I had not felt before between the people, the smells, the buildings and the views. As we approached the wall, I was engulfed by emotions. The view itself is breathtaking, without even having to be inside of the area, I could already feel a power greater than myself, something that I no longer had control over, guide]ing me. Unfortunately, it was inevitable to not be drawn to the separation barrier, disconnecting the women from the men. No matter if it is the first time seeing the wall or if you pray there everyday, this familiar or unfamiliar sight is disheartening, a reminder of the contrasting views and beliefs that make up the world. 

       Although the image of separation was evident, there was a remarkable beauty about being at the Wall, being surrounded by thousands of years of rich, devoted faith and history from people of all backgrounds and beliefs. That's the beauty of the Wall, it's been, and continues to be a physical feature of the power, resilience, and conviction of the Jewish people as a whole. As I walked to the front of the Wall, I noticed a group of women both young and old, grouped together standing next to the divider, raising their voices together as one in prayer. It was an incredible moment to experience, even from the outside. Not only were the women praying and chanting in song together, books raised high, but I noticed that they were actually praying simultaneously with a group of men only a few inches away from them behind the barrier. They were so close together that their prayerbooks seemed to be touching in the air. After finishing a prayer, booming laughter echoed from both sides of the divider as the men and women chuckled over a comment that a little boy made. These people, who did not see the faces of the opposite gender, were conjoined by their humanity, their faith and their worship. For a moment, watching them in awe, the divider seemed to disappear, and it became irrelevant to the significance of the situation. After being a witness to the holiness and complilation of the site, my thoughts regarding the importance and magnitude of the Kotel were validated. That moment, short and simple, filled with the foundations of religion such as faith, unity, and harmony and the simplicity of the capacities of human beings as in laughter, smiles, and song, were heightened. My thoughts regarding Judaism, my own identity, and the land on which I was standing were transcended by the coalition of an essence that reached beyond the minute element of a picture. 

In The Beginning

       I’ve always found it amusing how life constantly weaves and intertwines itself around us into a beautiful tapestry of opportunities, yet sometimes we somehow find a way to remain insensitive to the complete exquisiteness of the world. As a result of this incongruity due to the distractions in our everyday life, we are unable to fully and wholeheartedly accomplish our necessities or aspirations. We are a society of mediocrity; we ride the wave into shore by lying on top of its surface rather than taking the effort and responsibility to dive deeper into the waters to find ourselves in an inescapable world of unrevealed discoveries and experiences. Perhaps it is a defect in human nature to take the easy way out, to not commit fully because of an overwhelming desire to keep us safe from the unknown, to protect ourselves from the risk of a fearful outcome, of getting hurt. However, the great part about life is that we have the opportunity to make a choice of how we will deal with the situation, to either take the easy way out, or to delve a little deeper. This EIE trip has most definitely presented this opportunity to me. On this trip, I desire to dedicate myself to fully exploring the deepest waters, and not just the surface. When I am faced with a situation, good or bad, I am going to embrace it with open arms and an open mind. From the moment I looked outside of the window in the plane onto the land that I would spend the next four months of my life in, I was immediately filled with the desire to explore, to know and learn every inch of the endless ground, the trees, plants, mountains and sky. I am overwhelmed with the absolute purity of Israel, the truth and kindness that each person and thing embodies. The beauty of the expressive language, the fresh food, and the direct access into the simplicity of nature. On the trip and as a rule for my future, I want to have complete entry into my five senses. I want to be able to feel, hear, see, smell, and taste the essence of the land, the people, food, and culture on a deeper, more meaningful level. I want to be passionate about each an every one of my experiences on field trips and in my classes and think about them long after the day has ended. To be able to incorporate love and the essence of love into my studies and adventures, I know for a fact that when I look back on the trip and describe my experiences, life changing will be an understatement. At the core, this trip is my opportunity to submerge myself into the known and unknown waters, the comfortable familiar and the frightening yet exhilarating unfamiliar, and to take the lessons of each moment I breathe in when being surrounded by my own history and to exemplify the quality of my own being.