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!!!!!!
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