Check out pre-Israel FAQs here and here.
______________________________________
What's it like to live in Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is a fascinating, vibrant, and complicated city. There is always something interesting to do, whether it is going to a concert in the shuk (market), attending an art festival, going on a beautiful hike, or wandering through a museum. I am certainly never bored. On a basic level, I love how easy it is to live a Jewish life here. For example, everyone has off from work on the high holidays (whereas in the States, it's a challenge). Living in Jerusalem is a feeling that is hard to describe, but I do know that I am thankful every day to be having this experience.
On the other hand, there are also a lot of bad drivers, radically-religious people, and dirty cats. So... can't win 'em all, I guess.
You've been in Israel for over 2 months! Your Hebrew must be really good.
One would think so. But, unfortunately, I don't have too many chances to practice my modern Hebrew, since I'm with English-speakers all day. My biblical Hebrew, on the other hand, is improving quite a bit. Which, in the real world, doesn't really help me at all.
Do you like your roommates?
I am happy to say that I love my roommates (and not just because I know that they are avid readers of my blog...hey, guys!). My one roommate, Laura, is from Toronto and she goes to Pardes, also. My other roommate, Todd, is studying to become a rabbi at Hebrew Union College. Together, we like to cook delicious food, play heated games of banana-grams, and have deep, wine-induced conversations. They also put up with my shenanigans.
Here's our most recent picture together:
Har har. We say that we are like "Three's Company," even though none of us have ever actually watched the show.
Do you like your school?
My school is GREAT. I find it to be a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, and it's a wonderful learning community. This particular kind of learning challenges me in a very healthy way. Every day, I leave feeling like I learned something new and fascinating, even if at times, I feel like I want to bang my head against the wall.
Did you make a lot of friends?
Yes, Mom, I made friends.
And what do you do outside of school?
Between classes and the extra-curricular activities that are offered, I don't have too much free time outside of school. Usually my free time is spent with new and old friends; going out to eat, cooking big dinners, or exploring Israel together. I just started taking a "scribal arts" class, where I am learning to write Hebrew letters, in the hopes of making artwork with it (you know, because I needed another art-hobby). I also started running again this week. Now that the huge chunk of holidays are over, I anticipate getting into a more regular rhythm.
What do you miss about home?
The biggest thing I miss is, of course, being geographically close to my family and friends. Also, I miss fall leaves, Penn State football games, cheap home goods, and good Mexican food.
Stay tuned for more FAQs!
No comments:
Post a Comment