Rain, Rain, GO AWAY

Jerusalem with Rachel, Rosie, Jenette, Alyssa, and Tamara.

Yes, yes, I have not written for quite a few weeks now, and I swore to myself I would not let my blogging subside. Here's the thing, nothing new is going on in my Israel life. The weather sucks - its rainy and cold everyday all the time. School is always eventful, but nothing to write home about. And that's about that. 

Right now I am at my half way point. I return home to the states in almost exactly five months, but I'd rather not count. I am shocked that my first half has already came and went. I really feel comfortable here, but like I still have so much to do an explore. Now I have my sister and brother-in-law's visit to look forward to and I can once again be a tourist. 

Here are some things I am loving about Israel (cough, cough):

1. It is extremely rare to find someone who picks up their dog's poop from the sidewalk. Countless times have I had close calls into stepping into one of those mud pies. Just pick it up already!

2. The sizes in the stores are 1, 2, 3. Has the seamstress seen my booty? Not a satisfied customer!

"Do you love Israel? Come back for 10 more months!"

3. The city near by is 10 minutes away, but because Israel is the size of New Jersey, 10 minutes is just tooooo far. Lame excuse! 

4. I am also only am purchasing one item, so NO you may not cut in front of me for this reason. 

I love Israel, do not get me wrong. These are just some funny quirks I find on continuous occasions. I do have to say last all in one week I was given a free toaster, a free bicycle, and at a crosswalk a woman covered me with her umbrella during the rain. The little things and big hearts you find in this country supersede any of the other hoop-lah that may be frustrating. 

I hope you are finding special moments wherever you are living too.

L'hitraot!

xo

The Kotel - Both sides.

Twenty Twelve

We have 11 and 1/2 months until the world ends! Not. I don't believe in this nonsense. Things are too great for it all to just come to end. Yes, there is war and famine and poverty and natural disaster - but there is beauty, too, all over the world. There are mountains and oceans and there is delicious foods and wines, there is marvelous fashion, there is inspirational books, art, people, music - everywhere you go. If your mind is open to it, you will see colors and patterns that you didn't let yourself see before. The sounds of many languages all coming together like one beautiful song. It is there, don't look for it, just let your senses experience it. 

I don't believe in the "New Year's Resolution." Everyday you should wake up and make new resolutions, it is just easier this way. But to keep my mind open is my hope for 2012 (I also hope we make it to 2013...kidding). Lately, I have realized how wonderful things can be if you just let them be. Growing older and welcoming yet another year is not scary, it is not a damper on life, it is not the end of childhood. It is the welcoming of more knowledge, more experiences, more people to meet and risks to take. Pretend you have wings, spread them and fly. Too often we let money or other factors hold us back from living the way life was meant to be lived. Let your resolution for 2012 be to not let ANY factor stop you. I know, I know, it's reality. I have to fight off these thoughts like a dog fighting off fleas, but when you finally realize that money or something else is holding you back, you realize what a silly and insignficant disability this really is. The world is waiting to be explored by you. Books are waiting to be read by you. Music is being created for you to listen to. Visit a museum, spend a day in the park, trade driving your car to the supermarket for a bike ride, smell a flower, no, smell the whole garden, plant a garden, eat what grows in your garden, speak kind words about anything and everything, and remember that your life is for YOU. 

It is easier said than done, I know. You are looking at the master of easier said than done. But try. If you try you can always give yourself credit for trying. It feels better to try than to give up. I have multiple role models in my life that believe failing is just not an option and I am grateful for that. 2012 is a year of success and discovery. We had our hard times, they are over. So succeed, discover, grow, and let it ALL in.

Happy New Year!

tumblr

I have started another type of blog. I will definitely still keep this one, but this is more of the play by play of what I do. My tumblr will be short - just pictures and quotes. 

Check it out here: http://alanaerin.tumblr.com/

xoxo, L'hitraot!

חופש

A visual description of the Judean Desert.

As an American, freedom comes easy. Physical freedom, mental freedom, financial freedom, any freedom that one may lack, I feel we have full advantage of in the U.S. I feel that everything I do or have done up until this point in my life has completely been my choice. I have chosen to be the person I am, travel to the places I have traveled to, eat what I want, read what I want, go to university, have a Facebook account and a blog, and so on. As Americans we forget that not everyone around the world has these same freedoms. That they live under governments that choose their lives and their limits. This weekend was out Freedom Seminar in (the beautiful) Ein Gedi and Judean Desert. I had been anxiously awaiting this weekend because I haven't been to places like Masada and the Dead Sea in four years. Again, breathtaking. Again, a reminder of how amazing Israel is. The history that is Israel, the stories, the people that walked these deserts and discovered this land. It's all almost unbelievable.

Feeling a natural high.

Teaching in Netanya doesn't provide many outdoor activities unless at the beach, so doing this was an amazing change of scenery. I also love getting together with the other Israel Pathways participants that we really only get to see once a month. We stayed at the Ein Gedi youth hostel. Our first day we hiked Nahal Mishmar. This is by far the most beautiful, fun, and rejuvenating hike I have ever been on. The energy it infused in me was better than the cup of coffee I drink every morning. The still quietness of the Judean Desert is nonexistent in my day to day life. You can listen to your own breath and your thoughts so clearly. It was something I think everybody needed. I was challenged to climb up higher boulders and shimmy my way across very steep and narrow cliffs to get to the other side. The challenge felt good, overcoming it felt even better. Five hours later the hike ended, I only wanted to continue.

Challenging and invigorating. Choose this path if you dare!

That night we had a not so great guest speaker. I wish I could share her name or what she talked about, but I have no idea. That was it for the night, and I slept like a rock. The next day we were given the option to hike early up the snake trail to the top of Masada or go about an hour later and take the cable car up. Because I had such an amazing time the previous day, I opted to do the Snake Trail hike. Only forty-five minutes, but ALL uphill. This one was much harder for me, but again I did it! And I felt great. Our Madrichim (directors) shared with us what Masada meant for them. Masada is another one of the incredible and historical stories that holds a special significance for the Jewish People and the Land of Israel. But we have all heard it before (thank you birthright) and we wanted to experience Masada in a new way. Learning what significance it held with individual Israeli's was a really unique way to deliver the story of Masada. I loved it. Straight to the Dead Sea Spa for some mudding, floating, and lunch! Just like every tourist visiting Israel, we caked ourselves in the special mineral filled mud of the country and slowly waddled our way into the saltiest and lowest point of the earth. The Dead Sea is something fascinating. No creature can survive in it because of the amount of salt and the are amazing little salt glaciers covering the floor. But float in for fifteen minutes and walk out with the most exfoliated, softest, freshest looking skin. It heals cuts and wounds. It is just magical. We had the most perfect weather this weekend to top it all off, so the water was the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise. It was our private island it felt like. (No pictures, my hands were too muddy!)

Waterfall at Nahal David.

We did a small Shabbat Service followed by dinner and then a dance party. Two birthdays were in the house so some of us got together with some drinks and music. I'm a granny and made it back to my bed by midnight, but I was ready for the following day and our second optional hike. I slept in until eleven am...like I didn't need it or something? And a big group of us just walked next door to the beautiful and easy hike up Nahal David, a nature preserve. There were beautiful waterfalls and strange/cute animals. It was breathtaking, the mountains surrounding us and the Dead Sea off in the distant. I was still crushing on the  beauty of Israel, it's not something you can get over too quickly.

We closed up the weekend with a summary of what freedom means to us, to Israel, to Judaism, and to the world. It's funny that this topic was for a group of Americans, but then I realized how good it was to reflect on it. We take it for granted. We have no idea how lucky we are. We try to help countries adopt a Democractic Government, yet no one's Democracy is anything like ours. There are many reasons for this and Israel is a good explain. Israel, Americas friend/ally, is Democratic to a degree...but it is NOT America. There are Arab-Israeli's living here who are not nearly free. There are Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza who are not either. They abide by very specific rules just because of the location of their homes. They can not drive on certain streets, live in certain neighborhoods, and they have a curfew. This is not free, but this is Israel. Many people can disagree with me about the level of freedom Americans have compared to other places in the world, and that is fine, but I AM grateful to be American. And I AM grateful to be Jewish. I have many doors open for me for these two simple and genetic reasons. I am where I am today because of these reasons. It is a blessing to say the least. 

A beautiful tree at the Ein Gedi Youth Hostel.

CHANUKAH in NETANYA

Latkes hear are called Levivot and they are not a popular Chanukah treat (depressing). Sufganiyot are jelly-filled donuts and these, however, are a popular treat for the holiday and I have definitely eaten my fair share. Chanukah in Israel is not nearly as big a deal as other holidays. People continue to work and university students go to class. There are parties and Chanukiah (menorahs) in the windows, but normal life continues throughout the eight days. The most interesting part of it all, I completely didn't realize it was Christmas until about 4 pm on the 25th. What a weird feeling! The other night all of our group went over to Shomy's (our director) house. His family is amazing. The made us the most delicious meal - I'm still full two days later. Yesterday I finally did get to eat Latkes. I spent the day in Ramat Gan and Even Yehuda visiting friends. I'm sad tonight the Chanukah festivities and meals are ending after tonight! I can't say I had a bad time though...

Merry Christmas to all those back home. Happy Chanukah to everyone. And I wish the happiest New Year to all!!!

xoxo, L'hitraot

You will never fully understand: The Israel-Palestine Conflict.

This past Shabbat I attended a Shabbaton sponsored by MASA Israel Community. The topic was Israel Security and Diplomacy. About 75-100 young adults joined together for the weekend in Jerusalem to learn, discuss, debate, share, and inspire ideas focusing on the issues that are always consuming this country and the people who live in it. As people from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Russia, and Brazil, we hear a lot about this conflict through friends, family, different forms of media, etc. But you never understand it the way it really is unless you are living it. Those not fully educated on the topic are quick to judge one side or the other as murders, racists, baby-killers and what not, but this is NOT the case at all. Both sides have made mistakes and bad decisions. Both sides are responsible for what has happened and still continues to happen here in the Middle East today. A weekend learning and participating in this event does not make me an expert, and I can't even say I'm the best person to write a blog post about this issue. But I do and have always felt strongly about this issue.

First we toured conflict areas including the border (fence, barrier, everyone calls it something different), Hod Hofsavim (where Hebrew University is located, and an area to look out and see Bethlehem), and we drove past a security checkpoint. After our tour we checked into Beit Yehuda Hostel, a beautiful hotel in Jerusalem with comfy beds and hot showers! We didn't have too much time in between settling and our first speaker: Benzi Grueber, the Vice Commander of Armoured Division 252 also serving in the army as a colonel. He has served the most days in the reserves compared to anyone else in the IDF and he miraculously keeps a calm, charismatic attitude even through all that he has done and seen. He talked to us mostly about the ethics that soldiers in the IDF use during decision-making. This is not normal decision making: should I get the black heels or the red ones? This is eight second, life or death decision making. This is, if we ambush this home, is the family inside decision making.

The inspirational lecture led into Shabbat. We lit candles, said Kiddush, did Kabbalat Shabbat and then ate one of my favorite Shabbos meals so far. SO yummy. Food comas and all, we had another lecture from Khaled Abu Toameh, the West Bank and Gaza correspondent from the Jerusalem Post and U.S. News and World Report. He has also been the Palestinian affairs producer for NBC News since 1988. Along with many other remarkable jobs and achievements, he is an "Israeli-Muslim-Arab-Palestinian" journalist and documentary filmmaker and overall fascinating human. Yes, there were questions he did not enjoy answering, but overall he explained that he doesn't have the answers (like anyone else) he reports on what he knows and what he discovers. He lives a nice life in Jerusalem with his family and travels to the West Bank and Gaza on a daily basis. Is this dangerous? What do the Arabs in these places think of a fellow Arab who gets to live in Israel and report for an Israeli publication? Is he crazy? All these questions crossed my mind, but he had simple answers for all of them. Someone has to do this job. An Israeli can not visit these territories the way Khaled can freely do so, so how else would JPost get their information? Arabs are okay with an educated man delivering news to the public eye that is fair and balanced. All these things we forget to think about in the heat of the moment. The rest of the evening was group discussions and debates. I learned form the Russian MASA participants there that most of them never knew they were Jewish until 6, 10, even 17 years old! Judaism and it's cultures, traditions, spirituality, etc. skipped a generation. Their grandparents practiced the religion, then with all the communism, their parents left it behind. Now that they have discovered who they are, they have chosen to bring it back into their life fully and even most of them have decided to make Aliyah (move to Israel and become a citizen). Amazing. 

With a good nights sleep and a cup of instant coffee, the next day brought on even more education and insight into the problems that lie within this tiny piece of land. Ethan Bronner, Bureau Chief at the New York Times started our day with an analysis on the Middle East today. He has done three Israel tours as a journalist reporting on this issue, first in the 80's for The Boston Globe, and the second in the 90's for Reuters. Yes, another remarkable person to hear speak. Lunch followed and then workshops. There were five to choose from and I attended New Media Campaigns and Negotiating Peace in the Middle East. My first workshop was similar to all I had been learning at SDSU. How to understand the power of New or Social Media, does it help or hurt in cases like the problems of the Middle East, and how you can manipulate this power for the better. Old media is slow, when things happen it is not aired on television or printed in the newspaper the way it is uploaded to YouTube or posted as someones status on Facebook, which is done within seconds or minutes of an event. The power of New Media can be damaging. Organizations such as the IDF have learned the hard way that Social Networking can very well be their enemy. Soldiers have to be much more aware of what they are posting ever since an incident in 2010. One soldier from an elite unit of the Artillery Corps shared details of an upcoming operation in the West Bank onto his Facebook page. Because enemy intelligence scans the internet for pieces about the IDF, he was removed from the unit and the operation was cancelled. This is just a glimpse into all the things we discussed in the workshop. Negotiating Peace in the Middle East combated a whole different topic on this issue. We discussed tips on negotiating in any issue, not just within politics. As well as preparing your negotiation, and the "Seven Elements of Negotiating." These seven elements include anything from body language, dress, and language, up to what you are putting out on the table, the standards you keep, alternatives (what you are willing to take off the table), and actually signing the deal/making the commitment. After we reviewed how important each individual element was we split into two sides - Palestinians and Israelis - and discussed the issue of Palestinian Refugees. How were the Palestinians going to have their 4.7 million refugees, once "kicked out" of their homes into either Gaza, the West Bank, or other Arab coutries (which have also kicked them out) and allow them back into Israel. Israel is risking a lot by doing so. We risk our status as Jewish state. Is this racism? The debate can go on forever. 

Shabbat was ended with a very quick Havdallah service followed by our last lecture by a panel on the De-legitimization of Israel, the impact of public relations on Israel's security, and what we can do as American Jews living in or out of Israel. The three men on the panel were David Harris from Israel Project, Dr. Jonathan Rynhold from Bar Ilan University, and Eran Shayshon from Reuters Institute. "De-legitimization" of Israel is something that isn't just discussed and supported by Palestinians here in the Middle East, but also by many groups in the U.K., the U.S., and all over the world. Just look at your college campus, you have a student-run Palestinian support group right in front of you whether you know it or not. David Harris made a point that stuck with me like glue, when speaking to these supporters, or anyone for that matter, do not use words such as de-legitimization, intifada, barrier wall, or any other negative term used in these discussions. These negative words hold a connotation and by using them, it says we agree. We want to legitimize Israel and we put the fence there to control riots, not to seclude or de-humanize anyone. Things like this need to be taught to others, others who may not know because they have not been here. I understand that Israel has made major boo-boo's. But many people need to understand that Israel is doing what they can right now. Right now being the key words. 

On top of all my new knowledge I met so many new and awesome people from other MASA programs around Israel including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Modi'in, etc. People from the U.S., the U.K., Australia, Brazil and Russia! These experiences don't really come close in comparison to any other. Yet another reason I am blessed. 

Baruch Ha'Shem!!!

*No pictures in this post because of Shabbat!

Israel is the same size as Rhode Island, but...

In Israel, no one  waits in line. Therefore, if you have been waiting expect to continue doing so. In Israel, people who are having friendly conversations appearing to be screaming at each other. In Israel, everyone honks their horns (all the time) not out of rage, but instead for warning. In Israel, don't expect to be apologized to if someone has bumped into you/cut you off/etc. In Israel, personal space does not exist. In Israel, the boys are not old fashioned and will not call you first. In Israel, the boys also have a stereotype that American girls are extremely easy, all of them. In Israel, a lot of things are different from in the States. A lot of things take getting used to and some I feel I may never get used to at all. However, there is something strangely spectacular about this place. I am still learning about this country, about its history, politics, security, and its people. Some days I just despise the man at the shuk because he is screaming the price of tomatoes (non-stop) and just won't shut up....

Now I am going to bed realizing that none of this matters, because it is simply amazing here.

Click here: Israel's Remarkable Achievements

two homes and a bunch of places inbetween.

It's funny how true it is: "You don't know what you got 'til it's gone." In my case I had to go thousands of miles away from home to realize how much love/appreciate it. In the past three months I have been lucky enough to realize I have two places I call home. I have my home(s) in America where my family lives and where I was raised/grew up/attended school. I also have Israel. I considered Israel home even before I ever came here because of my heritage, but now I have came and went and came and went and now live and left for a vacation and came back, make sense? This vacation in Spain was wonderful and beautiful and somewhere I had dreamed of going for many years now. However, it reassured me of the way I feel about Israel and how it is my "home." Enough about this, all my posts are about my pride and bladddy bladddy blah. So, SPAIN. We all got the week off from teaching, so Amy and I took advantage and booked our flights to Barcelona and Seville. We saw all the sites, walked all the streets, and ate almost all the food (or at least it seemed so).

BARCA

An outside view of La Sagrada Familia.

A majority of my friends had studied for a semester in this beautiful city and I always envied them. I would see pictures and hear stories and continue to tell myself that one day I would get to see it for myself. Living in Israel has given me a geographic advantage, a.k.a a much cheaper flight, so why not?! Night one we arrived around 11 pm, a perfect time for a full night of festivities considering the Spanish lifestyle. We settled, changed, and started drinking. Our hostel (Kabul in Plaza Real) invites all guests to go out to a different place every night of the week. This particular night (or every Saturday) was Razzamatazz. This is the biggest club I had ever been too - this coming from a Vegas girl. Inside there are five different rooms with different music, different scenes, different vibes. Just massive! We had a good time, but it was overwhelming. 

Gorgeous fountain in Park Citadel.

We got just enough sleep to venture out for our first day in Barcelona. We strolled on Las Ramblas, a very popular main street for Catalonians and tourists. A nice art market lined the street closest to the marina and Amy and I both purchased ourselves handmade glass rings. The Chelsea vs. Liverpool futbal game was showing at all the local sports pubs in the late afternoon, so we did as the Europeans do and grabbed a beer and screamed when someone scored. The following couple of days are mumbled and jumbled and blur together. The reason for this is not strictly to blame on alcohol, but also because of the 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm siesta and the miles and miles of walking and even the one day of riding bikes (uphill mind you). To sum a lot of it up, we got to visit the BEAUTIFUL La Sagrada Familia church and Park Guell - Antoni Gaudi's incredible masterpieces. This is a man who really blows my mind. I understand being inspired by nature, but to the level he has taken it is really something extraordinary and something I don't know how to put down in words. Every street, lamp post, apartment, sidewalk, even graffiti wall was gorgeous. The people too! I have never seen so many fabulously dressed people in one area at one time. Loved it.

View of Barcelona from Park Guell.

SEVILLE

Amy and I on the "Big River" in Seville.

One hundred percent ready to head South, we left Barcelona on Ryan Air (which I do not recommend to fellow or future travelers). My lack of sleep and carb-filled diet left me a bit ill and Seville was a place where I could get myself back in order, rest up, and enjoy the rest of my holiday. Again, we arrived late but did not do the correct amount of hostel research prior. So we searched the streets for a place to stay and finally settled on a very quaint Spanish-style hotel. We ate the yummiest dinner and got in our first good night of sleep, all set to jump into what Seville had to offer. 

Spanish Style in Plaza de Espana.

First thing in the morning we switched ourselves over to the most wonderful hostel, The Garden. We explored all day and saw beautiful parks, the university area, the massive cathedral, and got lost in Reales Alcazares (the oldest palace in Europe, still active today). The city truly had the Southern feeling to it that Barcelona lacked. It was mellow, laid back, and peaceful. No one was hurrying to get anywhere, no cars honking, and I saw barely anyone using a cell phone - Todo, we are not in Kansas anymore! The hostel offered free Sangria from 8-9 pm, a perfect opportunity for Amy and I to let loose before heading to our first Flamenco show! Wow, talent. I don't know what else to say. The dancers tell the most passionate and fierce stories with their bodies and the costumes. The way they clap and stomp their feet is something I have never seen before. I couldn't take my eyes off! We met up with others from our hostel for a pub craw. At the first bar we took mini Salsa dancing lessons, but unfortunately I never got to use my moves out on the dance floor. 

Plaza de Espana.

Our second full and last day in Seville we signed up to go on a walking tour of the city (again offered through the hostel). Our guide, Phillipe, knew SO much information and was really silly and cute. Fun fact, Phillipe is from Italy, so the fact that he knew every detail about Spanish history and landmarks, the language and was fluent in English just blew my mind. Even though we walked for what seemed like forever, the tour was wonderful. We visited the bull fighting ring on our own, grabbed one last scoop of the best ice cream I have ever had in my life, and headed back to the airport. 

Back in Barcelona by 11 pm, we had five hours to kill before our flight back to Israel. We went late night souvenir shopping (but don't get excited because it was too expensive, I couldn't buy all of you something), grabbed sandwiches and a beer, went back to the airport to sleep on the freezing cold tile floor (then got kicked off the floor), checked-in, and Hasta Luego!

Two girls taken over Spain. I feel satisfied, like I got to see everything I had hoped for and more. Like I didn't waste a minute. This post could be pages beyond pages longer, but the details sum up like this: Spain is wonderful and magical. It was clean and aesthetically one of the prettiest places I have been so far. The people were the most surprising because I thought they would know much more English and that they would be rude. Total opposite. Very few people knew any English and they were so kind. I look forward to going back again some other day.