Boker tov from David Ben Gurion airport, again!
I'm sitting here at the airport, no mom I'm not going home, waiting for my Master's Program participants to arrive from New York. The college career fair is a week long informational tour, which will bring us around the country's higher learning institutions. All the interested parties are potential olim chadashim, new immigrants, except me. I am a oleh chadash who has already made the mushugana (crazy) decision to live here as a citizen. Needless to say, I am excited to learn about my options.
Over the weekend, I spent a lot of time with my friend Todd ( a fellow oleh chadash who I met on my Birthright Israel trip 2 1/2 years ago) who opened his home to me. I owe him and his flatmate Jessie a big thanks. I couldn't have managed during this difficult transition without the awesome accommodations and hospitality you showed me. Todah Rabah!
A cute Hebrew story: On Friday afternoon I actually gathered enough chutzpah to leave Todd's apartment and venture out into the wilds of Israel. Before Shabbat, I went for a walk to the neighborhood store. I wanted some wine, challachot (the twisty bread used to celebrate Shabbat), lettuce, hummus (NOT HAMAS!), and some veggies for a salad. I asked the store keeper: Effo ha hummus? Where is the hummus, but he heard in my oleh accent: Effo ha hemitz? Where's the bread products? It all worked out because I need the challahot (bread products) to go along with my hummus, which I found on my own with some creative searching. Ok, so not a fall down funny story, but it made me laugh and that's all that matters. You try living here!
Shabbat was peaceful and relaxing. I went to shul (temple) in downtown Kfar Saba off of Hertzel and Weizman street. Todd met me afterwards for a delicious dinner at his friend Yonatan's home. On Saturday I davened (prayed) at shar'arie shalom, the gates of peace, also know as my mattress; I slept in late. I managed to drag my lazy self to the corner shul for Mincha and Ma'ariv. Apparently in Israel, Havdalah is saved as a private, family experience at home because we didn't celebrate that aspect of the service in the shul.
On Saturday, Todd and I went to Tel-Aviv to supervise a Taglit Birthright party at one of the local bars. I forgot how much fun 240 screaming, hormonal, drunk college students could be. Take me back to the good old days!!! After the party was over, I stayed in, or rather I stayed up, in Tel Aviv to watch the Patriots game live at 3AM in Mike's Place, a famous English speaking bar on the water. Well, it's never easy listening to Greg Gumble at any hour, but 3 AM was rough. Eli Manning had the game of his life, and it still wasn't enough to beat Tom Terrific, Randy Moss and the unstoppable PatRIOTS! After Brady marched our troops down the field for the back breaking final touch-down run by Maroney, I triumphantly stood up on the bar, there were only maybe 20 of us in the joint by 6:15am, and announced: Let's hear it for the greatest team in N.F.L history!!! Now, dont make a fool out of me Tom and get beaten like a red-headed step child in the first round of the playoffs. Let's finish what we started in training camp; Super Bowl or bust! After the come back was finalized, I turned around, watched the most beautiful sun rise outside of Mike's Place over the sea, and walked to the bus station.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Now what the hell: Tears of sadness and joy
There are a lot of different topics discussed below. Most posts will not be this long unless I decide to write about my unrequited love for Debbie Gibson or some other random, long rant. Enjoy!!
Well it's been awhile since I've written last. You'll have to excuse my lack of dedication, and the long post which follows, but I was busy with Christmas parties, farewells and goodbyes, finally selling my car (hellish story associated with that one), packing and finally spending a few moments with family and friends to contemplate the magnitude of my decision to make aliyah and what exactly it meant for us all involved.
Late last week I went to a Celtics game with my friends Kevin, Chris, and Leeze. It was sort of a last night out with my best friends. Kevin and I met back in the 7th grade, and we've been best friends ever since. Without becoming too sentimental here (we've all shed a few too many tears these last few days), he's the brother I never had. I love him very much and will miss him. However I've already announced try-outs for Kevin's Israeli replacement, but prospects look dim. The Celtics looked amazing, and I think I might miss out on a historic season at the Garden, or whatever they're calling it these days.
On Monday, I finally sold my car during the 11th hour, and it was the toughest money I've ever made. It was an all day event during a time when I definitely didn't have all day to give to anyone but my suitcase which remand empty until about 10 minutes before the 12th hour. As nearly always, a very big thanks must be given to Kevin for helping drive me all of G-d's creation.
On Christmas eve (NO! I am not a Jew for jesus), I reconnected with some amazing friends and family before my departure. My family isn't exactly zionistic or even really involved in Judaism (I'll explain more later), but I'm really proud of the slight but noticeably transformation in accepting my Jewish identity and inevitable decision to make aliyah. My parents are conservative, and no I don't mean they belong to a conservative temple. They take change in slow, small, hard to digest bites, occasionally regurgitating. My decision to make aliyah was the most difficult one I've ever put them through since I majored in French when we all knew a college degree in Hungarian Basket Weaving would have been more applicable in the real world. Needless to say, my parent's view of the world is very different than mine, but I think we're finally willing to accept and respect our opposing views. My love for Israel doesn't replace the love for my entire family, even you Eric. All I want for them is happiness, and I'd like to think they understand living a Jewish life in Israel makes me happy.
On Dec 26th, my parents said goodbye to me at JFK airport. My mom seemed almost surprised that the organization Nefesh B'Nefesh, http://www.nbn.org.il/index.php , actually existed. I think she was glad to know I was making aliyah with hundreds of fellow Americans, many my own age. I have frequently questioned my motives for making aliyah but until yesterday I never once doubted myself. I am generally a very confident, value driven person who makes calculated risks when necessary. I really hope to make a life for myself here, and I believe in Zionism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionism and Judaism, but for a few moments after my teary-eyed parents and I parted, I wondered if it was really worth it. What the hell was I doing with my life? I had a serious, last minute gut check right in the middles of terminal 4 at J.F.K airport. People think I'm crazy for uprooting my life with a decent job, friends, family, and a good home for this war zone. Well it's not all mortar shells and mustard gas. There is a young country here filled with an unbelievable zest for not only making the Jewish people survive but thrive in a PEACEFUL, healthy democratic way, and I want to contribute. I should stop drinking the Koolaide, but my heart fell in love a long time ago, and I wouldn't want to believe in anything else. Am Yisrael chai!
The flight was long, but El Al and Nefesh B'Nefesh did a fantastic job. I couldn't have made aliyah without the hard work from both of these organizations. Thank you! I met some really cool (I dont ususally use that word, but it applies in this context) people from all walks of Jewish life. We have your Bal Teshuva cowboys, Hasidic Crown Heights homeboyz, secular, families, couples, singles, the young, and the young at heart. I was impressed and very proud of each and everyone of us. After an uplifting welcome ceremony filled with inspirational words of praise and wisdom, I received my teudat oleh (government issued immigrant card) and the initial installment of my sal kilta (immigrant absorption financial package). I have some appointments and meetings to keep within the next few weeks, mostly bureaucratic paper work, but my life in Israel has begun.
Well it's been awhile since I've written last. You'll have to excuse my lack of dedication, and the long post which follows, but I was busy with Christmas parties, farewells and goodbyes, finally selling my car (hellish story associated with that one), packing and finally spending a few moments with family and friends to contemplate the magnitude of my decision to make aliyah and what exactly it meant for us all involved.
Late last week I went to a Celtics game with my friends Kevin, Chris, and Leeze. It was sort of a last night out with my best friends. Kevin and I met back in the 7th grade, and we've been best friends ever since. Without becoming too sentimental here (we've all shed a few too many tears these last few days), he's the brother I never had. I love him very much and will miss him. However I've already announced try-outs for Kevin's Israeli replacement, but prospects look dim. The Celtics looked amazing, and I think I might miss out on a historic season at the Garden, or whatever they're calling it these days.
On Monday, I finally sold my car during the 11th hour, and it was the toughest money I've ever made. It was an all day event during a time when I definitely didn't have all day to give to anyone but my suitcase which remand empty until about 10 minutes before the 12th hour. As nearly always, a very big thanks must be given to Kevin for helping drive me all of G-d's creation.
On Christmas eve (NO! I am not a Jew for jesus), I reconnected with some amazing friends and family before my departure. My family isn't exactly zionistic or even really involved in Judaism (I'll explain more later), but I'm really proud of the slight but noticeably transformation in accepting my Jewish identity and inevitable decision to make aliyah. My parents are conservative, and no I don't mean they belong to a conservative temple. They take change in slow, small, hard to digest bites, occasionally regurgitating. My decision to make aliyah was the most difficult one I've ever put them through since I majored in French when we all knew a college degree in Hungarian Basket Weaving would have been more applicable in the real world. Needless to say, my parent's view of the world is very different than mine, but I think we're finally willing to accept and respect our opposing views. My love for Israel doesn't replace the love for my entire family, even you Eric. All I want for them is happiness, and I'd like to think they understand living a Jewish life in Israel makes me happy.
On Dec 26th, my parents said goodbye to me at JFK airport. My mom seemed almost surprised that the organization Nefesh B'Nefesh, http://www.nbn.org.il/index.php , actually existed. I think she was glad to know I was making aliyah with hundreds of fellow Americans, many my own age. I have frequently questioned my motives for making aliyah but until yesterday I never once doubted myself. I am generally a very confident, value driven person who makes calculated risks when necessary. I really hope to make a life for myself here, and I believe in Zionism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionism and Judaism, but for a few moments after my teary-eyed parents and I parted, I wondered if it was really worth it. What the hell was I doing with my life? I had a serious, last minute gut check right in the middles of terminal 4 at J.F.K airport. People think I'm crazy for uprooting my life with a decent job, friends, family, and a good home for this war zone. Well it's not all mortar shells and mustard gas. There is a young country here filled with an unbelievable zest for not only making the Jewish people survive but thrive in a PEACEFUL, healthy democratic way, and I want to contribute. I should stop drinking the Koolaide, but my heart fell in love a long time ago, and I wouldn't want to believe in anything else. Am Yisrael chai!
The flight was long, but El Al and Nefesh B'Nefesh did a fantastic job. I couldn't have made aliyah without the hard work from both of these organizations. Thank you! I met some really cool (I dont ususally use that word, but it applies in this context) people from all walks of Jewish life. We have your Bal Teshuva cowboys, Hasidic Crown Heights homeboyz, secular, families, couples, singles, the young, and the young at heart. I was impressed and very proud of each and everyone of us. After an uplifting welcome ceremony filled with inspirational words of praise and wisdom, I received my teudat oleh (government issued immigrant card) and the initial installment of my sal kilta (immigrant absorption financial package). I have some appointments and meetings to keep within the next few weeks, mostly bureaucratic paper work, but my life in Israel has begun.
http://www.jr.co.il/pictures/israel/history/2007/a3869.htm To the left is a link showing a picture of me taking my first steps on the ground in Israel at David Ben Gurion airport among a mass of screaming Israelis welcoming me home. I'm in the background appearing tired and overwhelmed.
In other news, my sister announced she's expecting in late August! I was shocked and pleasently surprised. She and her husband just began trying last month. Well, it's great news. My parents, soon to be grandparents, can now occupy themselevs preparing for a new edition! Good luck Elizabeth and Matt. May G-d bless you with a beautiful, healthy, and quiet baby!! I want lots of pregnancy pictures!! I love you two so much, and I'm incredibly happy for you.
It's early in the morning, and I have to prepare for Shabbos. Look for another exciting edition of the cronicles of a stranger in a strange land after Shabbat. I'll keep you all posted. Enjoy the weekend!
If you love what I write, disagree with it, or have a new receipe for potato kugel you want to share, than instant instant message me at Mountdew2891 or email me at Mountdew2891@aol.com Regardless, keep reading. I promise it will get better!
Shabbat Shalom from Eretz Yisrael!!!!!!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Winter Wonder Yuck
Today's snowfall marked the 3rd snowstorm in less than a week! It took me almost an hour and a half (not that I'm in a hurry these days) to arrive at work. Now, I understand it can snow in Jerusalem( I remember a few inches falling back in Feb), but the weather in Israel can't be as cold or inclement as it's been in New England so far this year.
In other news: Dude, you're getting a Dell!
My Dell computer arrived last night, which was a breath of fresh air. I was confident but not totally certain I would receive my personal p.c. before I left. This laptop will be my lifeline to you my viewing public while I'm away in Israel.
I had dinner with my sister and brother-in-law last night. We talked about my aliyah, and she was less than thrilled with my name change. For those of you, who haven't noticed, I will be calling myself David, pronounced Dah-veed, in Israel. Dewi isn't a very Israeli sounding name, hell it's not even very Jewish. In all honesty, my birth name has been a contentious issue for me since I could remember. Dewi is sort of a family name. My Welsh grandmother grew up in Wales and liked the name. Dewi, which is supposed to be pronounced Day-we but everyone pronounces my name Do-we like Dewey in the Duck tales, is Welsh for David. Well history and tradition are all fine and dandy, but a name like Dewi teaches you to keep your dukes up on the playground. I was picked on incessantly, early, and often during my elementary and middle school years. I have considered changing my name several times, but it would kill my father, and the paper work is a headache. Since Dewi means David, and my Hebrew name is David Chaim, I figured I'd just go by David in Israel.
Many Jews who make aliyah change their name upon entering the holy land. It's not uncommon for an Issac to become Itzhak or a Debbie to become a Devora. This name change symbolizes a greater mental/emotional metamorphism. When we make aliyah, we are born again. We leave whatever lives we had behind. We're no longer lawyers from Monsey, NY or school teachers from Brookline, Ma. We are no longer theoretically but now literally B'nei Yisrael (children of Israel). Our lives take on a new meaning and a deeper cause.
FYI. I am desperately trying to sell my 2003 Blue, Honda Civic. If you or anyone you know might be interested, than please contact me at Mountdew2891@aol.com Thanks!
In other news: Dude, you're getting a Dell!
My Dell computer arrived last night, which was a breath of fresh air. I was confident but not totally certain I would receive my personal p.c. before I left. This laptop will be my lifeline to you my viewing public while I'm away in Israel.
I had dinner with my sister and brother-in-law last night. We talked about my aliyah, and she was less than thrilled with my name change. For those of you, who haven't noticed, I will be calling myself David, pronounced Dah-veed, in Israel. Dewi isn't a very Israeli sounding name, hell it's not even very Jewish. In all honesty, my birth name has been a contentious issue for me since I could remember. Dewi is sort of a family name. My Welsh grandmother grew up in Wales and liked the name. Dewi, which is supposed to be pronounced Day-we but everyone pronounces my name Do-we like Dewey in the Duck tales, is Welsh for David. Well history and tradition are all fine and dandy, but a name like Dewi teaches you to keep your dukes up on the playground. I was picked on incessantly, early, and often during my elementary and middle school years. I have considered changing my name several times, but it would kill my father, and the paper work is a headache. Since Dewi means David, and my Hebrew name is David Chaim, I figured I'd just go by David in Israel.
Many Jews who make aliyah change their name upon entering the holy land. It's not uncommon for an Issac to become Itzhak or a Debbie to become a Devora. This name change symbolizes a greater mental/emotional metamorphism. When we make aliyah, we are born again. We leave whatever lives we had behind. We're no longer lawyers from Monsey, NY or school teachers from Brookline, Ma. We are no longer theoretically but now literally B'nei Yisrael (children of Israel). Our lives take on a new meaning and a deeper cause.
FYI. I am desperately trying to sell my 2003 Blue, Honda Civic. If you or anyone you know might be interested, than please contact me at Mountdew2891@aol.com Thanks!
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Losing my blogger virginity
Shalom and welcome friends, family, and seedy online readers!
This is my very first blog entry, and I am extremely excited to join the international blogger scene. For those of you who don't know, or have been living on Mars the last year, I am about to make aliyah (Hebrew for ascending or moving to Israel), and needless to say my entire life is about to change.
I've created my blog, entitled Stranger in a Strange land, to educate my viewing public (family and friends) as well as the greater international online community about Israeli life. Several of the central themes discussed will include hot button issues like the on going Middle East conflict/the struggle for peace, Israeli/U.S. politics, religion (Judaism, Islam, Christianity), and pop-culture. Other less controversial items written will include my very own struggle to assimilate and adapt to Israeli culture as a young Jewish immigrant. Often, my journal entries will simply be a daily explanation of what occurred in my life. This is my best and sometimes only way to communicate with my adoring fans( all 5 of you) back home. I can't promise that every entry will be a Pulitzer Prize Award, or that I'll have perfect speeling and grammer, but I will try my hardest to inform, educate, and not bore.
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and even years, I will be inviting you, the entire World, into my life with brutal honesty. I expect nothing but from you the viewing public. If you have any questions, comments, or criticisms, please send me an email at Mountdew2891@aol.com
This is my very first blog entry, and I am extremely excited to join the international blogger scene. For those of you who don't know, or have been living on Mars the last year, I am about to make aliyah (Hebrew for ascending or moving to Israel), and needless to say my entire life is about to change.
I've created my blog, entitled Stranger in a Strange land, to educate my viewing public (family and friends) as well as the greater international online community about Israeli life. Several of the central themes discussed will include hot button issues like the on going Middle East conflict/the struggle for peace, Israeli/U.S. politics, religion (Judaism, Islam, Christianity), and pop-culture. Other less controversial items written will include my very own struggle to assimilate and adapt to Israeli culture as a young Jewish immigrant. Often, my journal entries will simply be a daily explanation of what occurred in my life. This is my best and sometimes only way to communicate with my adoring fans( all 5 of you) back home. I can't promise that every entry will be a Pulitzer Prize Award, or that I'll have perfect speeling and grammer, but I will try my hardest to inform, educate, and not bore.
Over the next few days, weeks, months, and even years, I will be inviting you, the entire World, into my life with brutal honesty. I expect nothing but from you the viewing public. If you have any questions, comments, or criticisms, please send me an email at Mountdew2891@aol.com
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