The Golan

So sorry for not posting in a while.. I was having issues with my computer and have also been very busy with finals. Anyways, I will post about Poland when I have my computer, but here is what's going on now. 

Yesterday (Sunday) we all left for a three day trip to The Golan! But before we actually went up North, we made a few pitstops.  First, we went to Weizmann Institute of Technology.  There, we got to play around in the hands on science "park." It was really fun and interesting. Our next stop was IDC Herzlyia. While we were there, we had an orientation-like presentation and heard a few students speak. Some of which had done EIE.  Our last stop was the youth hostel we are staying at. After having dinner, we spent the rest of the evening watching a movie outside.  

Today, wake up was at 6:30am so that we could get on the road early. First, we went to a gorgeous view point that looked over the entire Sea of Galilee. Next we went and saw a movie about The Golan. My favorite part so far was the olive oil factory. We got to taste different olive oil that they make, right there in The Golan, and try the cosmetics they make out if olive oil.  Now, we are currently waiting to go on a "water" hike... More like a short hike with a tiny bit of water involved. It should be fun, and it is really nice out!

Wow.

It's been almost two weeks already, being back an living in Israel, since my quick trip to the US. I was soo happy to be back at the kibbutz with all of my friends, although I was a little homesick the first few days back. The past week and a half has been relatively normal. Besides the fact that I got to take part in Yom Hazikaron (Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers) and Yom Ha' atzmaut (Israel's Independence Day). Sunday night, our entire group went to the Kotel, where a huge ceremony took place. It was soo big that that the President was there and said a speech. It was craziness trying to get through the security, people pushing and shoving everywhere. Unfortunately, by the time we got in, we had missed hearing the president speak. But before we all got through security, we witnessed something insane. It went from being super loud, everyone talking, to dead silent while the siren blasted all over Israel, back to crazy loudness again in a matter of a few minutes. That was something that I have never ever experienced and it is something I will never ever forget. There was such a wide variety of people at the ceremony: soldiers, Orthodox, tourists, kids, adults, men, women.. You name it and they were there. The part of the ceremony that I felt most connected to was at the end when Hatikva was sung by EVERYONE there. I looked around and we were singing and there wasn't one person that I saw who wasn't singing. At that moment I felt connected to Israel and everyone living there and to Judaism more than I ever have. I'm not exactly sure why, but I just did.
The next morning (Monday), we took part in the ceremony at the kibbutz ceremony. It was actually really cool to be thought of as part of the kibbutz and to see people and recognize them from just walking around the kibbutz.
Later that night, the atmosphere of the kibbutz and Israel as a whole changed drastically from being forlorn to being full of energy and joy. It was the change from Memorial Day to Independence Day. The change was so dramatically overwhelming, most of us weren't sure what we were supposed to feel or how we were supposed to act. To celebrate Independence Day, we had friendly competitions between the four Jewish history classes, a barbecue, had a celebration at the kibbutz, and then went to Benyahuda Street. Benyahuda street was beyond packed, it was so hard to move. But everyone around me was just giving off good vibes. People were dancing, singing, and just having fun all night long. We didn't get back to the kibbutz until about 12, and by that time everyone was so overtired still a little hyped up. To experience those two days was like no other. It's just another one to add to my already amazing list of experiences I've had since I've been here. They just keep rolling in and I'm just so lucky to be hit by them. Up next, is Poland!! I am leaving this Sunday and will be spending 5 days there. I don't even know how to feel about Poland and I know that once I get there I still won't know, but I'm okay with that. Details on that trip coming soon.

Included are pictures of the ceremony and the Kotel and Benyahuda street!

Back In The USA!!

          This past Saturday was my baby brother Ben's Bar Mitzvah.  I left Israel Thursday afternoon and got to New York that night.  It was super strange to be back in "America," after spending so much time in Israel.  Besides that strange feeling, I was super duper excited because I saw all of my friends and family, and I was just beyond happy to be able to share that special experience and watch as Ben became a man.  Even though I was only going to be there for 48 hours, it was definitely a fun-packed 48 hours.  On Friday, I got up relatively early to start my day of errands.  First on the list was manicure-pedicure with my mom.  That was exactly what I needed.  After that, I felt tons more clean, from camping for a week.  Next on the list was breakfast.  I knew days before exactly what I wanted to eat that Friday morning.  An egg sandwich and a large half and half (half lemonade, half iced tea) from Bayview Deli, my fave.  After breakfast, I dropped my mom at home so she could do some things to get ready for the Bar Mitzvah, and so that I could go to school and surprise my friends.  Some of them knew I was going to be in school during the lunch period, but others didn't.  I got funny looks from people as I walked down the halls, and when I entered the cafeteria.  Those people knew that I wasn't supposed to be there, and were very confused.  I couldn't agree more.  It felt way too weird for me to be in my school, when technically I don't go there.  However, it was really nice to be able to see everyone.  I even got to see my math teacher and spanish teacher. After visiting the school, I picked up my mom and headed to the doctor for a check-up.  After the doctor, I went the Shine Hair Studio, where I obviously got a haircut.  Between the nail salon and hair salon, I was starting to feel like a human again.   I then headed to Urban for a quick dress shopping because the dress that I had gotten before I left for Israel was a tad bit on the small side, since I grew in the last two months.  Luckily, I found a gorgeous white dress in a matter of five minutes.  My mom and I then quickly drove back to our house to get ready for dinner.  Dinner was at the Glen Cove Mansion, where all of my out of town relatives were staying.  After dinner, was the oneg service, basically a regular Friday night Shabbat service with desserts afterwards.  Since I was still on Israeli time, I felt myself dozing a bit during the service, but at soon as I did, I would try and do something to wake myself up a bit.  Once home, two of my friends who I hadn't seen yet, came over for a little bit.  We were able to catch up some, which was great.  After they left, I fell asleep right away.
          The next morning, Saturday/the big day, I had to wake up pretty early again, because my mom wanted to get to the Synagogue with enough time to take family pictures, before the service started.  We took our family pictures outside, where everyone (mainly the girls/women) were freezing their butts off.    The anticipation was killing me, and the rest of my family, to see little Ben, who is the last of us three kids, to become a Bar Mitzvah.  He, and his friend Dylan, did a wonderful job, and I couldn't have been prouder.  The best part, was seeing him wear the tallis I brought back for him from Israel.  Right after the service, we drove to H on the Harbor, where his party was.  Fun fact: I also had my Bat Mitzvah party at this place.  The theme of the party was obviously hockey.  The place was set up really nicely: it had center pieces of squishy hockey pucks, and bleachers with a picture of an ice hockey rink behind it.  Since the party was in the day time, afterwards, my family and a few of my friends went back to the Glen Cove Mansion to hang out and have dinner.  But, before we went to the hotel, my friend Ali and I went on a few errands, to get some stuff that I wanted to bring back with me to Israel.  While at the hotel, I ate, chilled out, and had fun with my friends.  Still on Israeli time, I passed out on my friend Sarah's lap.  That was a sign that it was time to go home and sleep, especially since I had to get up early for my flight the next day.  Unfortunately, when I got home from the hotel, I still had to pack my bags for the flight back to Israel.  So my mom helped me by speeding up the process and putting the stuff in the luggage that I gave her, since she is an expert packer.  Once all packed, I was finally able to go to sleep.  Again, the next morning (Sunday) I woke up early to shower and pack last minute things.  I then said goodbye to Ben, went to the bagel store, said goodbye to Aine, and was the on my way to the airport.  Only my parents came to the airport because it was pretty early.  When I got there, I checked in, checked my luggage, and hung out with my parents.  I didn't have that much time before I had to go through security and board my plane.  So I said my goodbyes, and was on my way.
          On the plane, I originally had an isle seat, next to an older woman and her husband.  She had asked me to switch seats with her because she had a condition where she needed to be able to get up frequently and walk around, but I didn't feel comfortable sitting in between her and her husband.  So, I told her that if another isle seat was open, I would let her take my seat.  To my luck, a young woman and her baby moved seats and there was now an empty seat a few rows back from me.  I told the woman she could have my seat, and she was ecstatic!  Although the seat I moved into wasn't an isle seat, I felt really good about making that woman happy.  And just my luck, I ended up sitting next to a girl who was also 17 and flying alone.  We instantly began talking and had a lot of fun together on our flight.  It was nice to have someone talk to on such a long flight.    
          I landed this morning at 5:35 am and got back to Kibbutz Tzuba by 8 am.  It feels good to be back at Tzuba and to see everyone.  Even though I am missing everyone back home, at the moment, I know that I will be totally fine and have the time of my life.
       

Airport Travels

The time has come!! I can't believe it!! My baby brother is becoming a Bar Mitzvah this weekend. It seemed that this time was soo far away, and now it's only a few days away. As I sit here in the airport, waiting to board my flight, I think about the past two months I have spent here and realize how lucky I am. So lucky to be given this opportunity to spend a solid amount of time in Israel, enough time to learn more about my religion and myself as a person. I am excited beyond words to be able to fly home for this oh so very special occasion and to be able to see friends and family, who I wasn't able to see before I left. I also am super excited to come back to Israel and spend another amazing two months. Stayed tuned for updates about being back in USA.

P.S. As I am writing this, I am watching a few orthodox men gather as many men or boys as they can (at least 10) so that they can daven. This I have never seem before, but because of my updated Jewish knowledge, I knew exactly what they were doing. I feel very proud of myself!! :)

Yam L'Yam & Haifa

This past week, I took part in Yam L'Yam, which is a hike from sea to sea. We started in the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and ended at the Mediterranean. This hiking adventure lasted for five days. During these five days, we slept in tents, learned survival skills, cooked our own food, and ate a lot a lot of matzah (since it was Pesach). I also learned how to use nature as your bathroom and what it feels like fr not showering for a full week. That was definitely not my favorite part. I had a lot of fun though, and I even made friends with our cooks! One night, my friends Alexa, Sarah, and I helped chop up some vegetables, which were then used to make a delicious tomato soup. After the five days were up, we all spent two days I. Haifa. There, we stayed in a cute motel. Since there was not enough room for all 85 of us, the girls stayed at one place and the boys stayed at another. The room o stayed in was awesome because it was a suite that I shared with seven other girls, several being close friends. The weather on Haifa was beautiful both days we were there. The first day, we just hung our and rested, since everyone was exhausted from the hike. That night we went to a synagogue for services. It was kind of funny how at the service it was all EIE kids plus a few others, who are members of the synagogue. The second day, we went to the Baha'i Gardens. This was my second time being there, except this time we couldn't walk down the whole thing because our group is too big. I wasn't too upset about it since I've already seen it. Before we made our way back to Tzuba, we stopped at an Arab village near by. That was a very different experience. A little intimidating at times because all of the shop keepers would do everything they could to get you to buy something from them. By the end of our time in the Arab village, everyone was eager to get back to Tzuba. When we were finally pulling in, my entire bus was cheering, including myself. If felt super good to finally be back and to settle into our new rooms. We got new roommates, and I was pleasantly surprised as to how much I like whose in my room. Coincidence how one of them happens to be my best friend's (from home) cousin. It's hard to believe that I have already been in this amazing place for two months. Looking forward to last two months and the experiences and adventures to come!

Pesach !חג שמח

After spending about five days at Goldstein Youth Village, I spent my Passover Seder with all of my cousins and two friends, Jamie and Alexa. The Seder was at my cousin Katriel's house, in Givat Zev. All of my cousins, except for two, were packed into that small house. It was extremely chaotic with of the screaming in Hebrew and rushing to get all of the food ready for dinner. But, this Seder was definitely an awesome experience. Although it was a few hours longer than what I'm used to, Alexa, Jamie, and I had a blast. We all sat around the table eating, telling stories, laughing, and eating some more. I'm pretty sure that I ate my body weight in food. Gotta love homemade Jewish cooking! The funniest thing that happened, is that by the end of the Seder, almost everyone had fallen asleep face down on the table. We were all exhausted and passed out as soon as we hit the bed. What made it so special was being around family that I don't see often, and the fact that my friends loved being around them. Since Passover in Israel is like Shabbat, we couldn't drive anywhere so we had a really restful day and was able to catch up on sleep. Tomorrow we are up bright and early and start Yam L'Yam! We will be hiking from sea to sea over a span of five days. I'm super excited, since I've never actually been hiking before. It will be one more awesome experience to add to my trip!

Ein Gedi- March 1-3 (Weekend before Gadna)

While at Ein Gedi, we stayed at a youth hostel, which had a beautiful view of the water, and the highway.  The weather was beyond beautiful, which everyone was ecstatic about.  The couple days we stayed there were more relaxing than I expected.  All we did all day was hang out with friends, walk around, and tan.  Friday night and Saturday afternoon, we had Shabbat services, which were lead by a few of my friends.  There was also another teen group that was staying at the hostel, and it turned out that some of the kids on my program go to camp with some of the kids on the other program.  Also while we were there, my Jewish History teacher, Oshrit, took us on a nice little hike to a waterfall.  It was a lot smaller than most of us expected, but it was still super fun, especially being all together.  Before we knew it, Sunday came and it was time to make our way to the army base and start Gadna.   

Gadna- March 3 (Sunday)- March 7 (Thursday)

            We left Ein Gedi some time after breakfast, on Sunday.  When we arrived at the army base, which is in Sde Boker, they were not ready for us yet so we went to this little market near by for a bit.  Once we entered the base, and set our bags down on some benches, we were sent immediately to meet the commanders.  The commanders intimidated us all because they were only talking to us in Hebrew and only a few of us could understand.  Before we got split up into groups, we were taught the army stance that we would have to stand in the rest of the time we were there.  The way we got split up into our units was completely random.  The head commander would point to a person and tell them to go to the commander said.  I ended up in a really good unit, with a bunch of my friends.  The commander we had was the first commander that we met, and we were upset that we got her because she seemed scary.  But in actuality, she was the nicest commander on the base and every other unit was jealous of ours. Our commander then told us some info about the upcoming days. The next day, we got our uniforms, which consisted of a puke colored shirt and pants.  Unfortunately for my unit, there weren’t any jackets left by the time we received our uniforms.  For the rest of the day, we learned about 0 to use and shoot an M16 (a gigantor gun used in the IDF-Israeli Defense Force).  It was actually really cool to learn about all the different parts of the gun, especially since it was the first time I was up close and personal with one.  The next day, Tuesday, we had a few lessons in the morning and then headed off to the shooting field.  Once we got there, my unit was split up into five smaller groups, obviously I was the last one.  As soon as my group was called, I could feel all of the muscles in my body tense.  We got to the entrance of the building where we would shoot.  When we finally walked in, we all lined up on a blanket and sat in attention position, waiting for the Memem (higher position than commander) to give us directions.  The time finally came, I was lying down in shooting position, one hand on the handle and the other on the barrel.  As soon as I heard the command to “fire,” I moved my finger to the trigger and let it rip.  This was probably the coolest thing I have ever experienced.  Once I finished, I was in such shock that when people asked me how it was, I didn’t know how to answer.  It was such an awesome opportunity that I’m super glad I was given.  The next two days went by quite quickly and before we knew it, it was time to leave.  Even though I didn’t enjoy it at the beginning, I ended up having fun.   There are two things I will not miss about Gadna; waking up everyone morning at 6:00AM and having only twenty minutes to get fully ready for the day, and sleeping on flimsy cots in a tent.

Eilat/Bedouin Tents- March 7(Thursday)-9(Saturday)

            Straight from Gadna, we went to Eilat for another relaxing weekend.  Yet again, we stayed in a youth hostel, but this one was nicer than the one in Ein Gedi.  It was also nice because all 85 of us were in the same area and had our own little courtyard.  Thursday night we all went to the boardwalk, which was about five minutes walking distance from the hostel.  At the boardwalk we walked and shopped around.  The weather was amazingly warm, heavenly compared to what we dealt with at Gadna.  Friday morning, we woke up early and headed to the beach.  To our luck, it was a perfect beach day!  While we were there, I stretched out in the sand and soaked up the sun.  I even got to go snorkeling and see a bunch of cool-looking fish.  That night we stayed at the hostel and had evening Shabbat services.  After services, we had bonding time, where we did funny activities, including some short skits.  Some of the activities reminded me of the show “Whose line is it anyways.”  After bonding time, we had some free time before it was time for bed.  Saturday morning we got to sleep in, which I was super grateful for because I didn’t get much sleep while in Gadna.  Around 11, we had afternoon services and then lunch.  After lunch we went to the mall and boardwalk (which are right next to each other), and hung around.  Early into the evening, we packed up our rooms and had Havdallah service before we left.  Once all packed up and on the bus, we made our way to the Bedouin Tents, where we would sleep for the night.  Upon arrival we were greeted with beyond delicious food that just kept on coming and coming.  After dinner, we sat around a fire and sang some songs.  The next morning, we woke up a bit early so that we could ride camels!  This was my second time riding a camel, but I was still really stoked and had an awesome time!  I rode on a camel with Nina, and somehow we ended up being the very first camel, the one to lead the pack.  It was another awesome experience that I will never forget.