Bigdei Balagan

The weather in Israel is very frustrating. I have made much about the ongoing lack of rain, and the implications the drought has on daily water usage. However, in a more light hearted assessment, I want to point out how selecting an outfit is incredibly difficult.

What do I mean? When I leave the apartment in the morning (7:00), the temperature could be in the low 50s (We'll use F). I'm wearing a long sleeve shirt, a fleece, and a light jacket, which keeps me plenty warm on my short walk to Pardes, plus it gives me something to wear during the hour or so when my sleeve is rolled up for t'fillin during shacharit. By lunch time (1:00) the temperature can reach the upper 70s and the same outfit can be worn with all of the appropriate zippers open provided that you walk in the shade. Walk in the sun however, and you're instantly too warm. After lunch (2:15), that combination is too hot for me regardless of the sun-shade situation. When classes conclude (5:00) the unzipped jackets can return, and then by the end of night learning (9:00 or later), they again need to be zipped up.

So as you can see, selecting the correct attire can be just as important as trying to save water.

Christmas in Israel

I along with what I imagine must be many Americans, Jewish and non, have at some point contemplated what Christmas in Israel looks like. Having just experienced it, I can tell you that for the most part it looks like any other day. Since Shabbat and Christmas coincided this year, I can really only say that Shabbat was Shabbat without any Christmas influences.

I can count on one hand the number of Christmas trees that I saw this year, and both of them were in the Old City near Jaffa Gate. Really it shouldn't be surprising that that was the location given the fact that Jaffa Gate is bordered on one side by the Christian quarter and the Armenian quarter on the other. You might say that this indicates a lack of multi-culturalism. However, my response is as follows: You don't see Sukkot decorations being sold on the streets of the United States, a place where multi-cultural values are highly touted, but the differing cultures don't live anywhere near as close together as they do in Israel.

On a personal level, this was the first year not being in my living room with my family on Christmas morning, Shabbat or otherwise. It was quite difficult knowing that I was rather far away from something that I have enjoyed for many years.

The Sports Divide

I am devout sports fan, it's probably fair to say that there is some sort of addiction. I knew it would be more difficult to follow my local teams, as well as the leagues at large whilst in Israel.

This evening as I was walking on Emek Refaim, the main street in the section of Jerusalem known as Moshava haGermanit (Germany Colony), every restaurant I passed was showing a soccer game, or football for those who are more civilized. On the contrary, last night (and other nights as well), I have struggled to find an effective method by which to watch and follow my local teams. Given their performance of both teams who are currently in season, I don't want to discuss either specifically.

Passing these establishments on Emek, did however, make me miss walking into a red-clad Verizon Center (home of the Washington Capitals) or FedEx Field (home of the Redskins) where I could be surrounded by others who care about those teams as much as I do. Instead, I'll settle for choppy video, radio broadcasts, and early morning readings of the Washington Post.

גשם ולא אש Rain and not Fire

Today was the first measurable rain of the season in Jerusalem. A damp cloudy chilly day has never looked so beautiful. It represents only a tiny amount of what would be necessary to alleviate the drought, but it's a wonderful start. I'm going to splash in puddles.

Also, the fires in the Carmel region have been contained or extinguished. All of Israel, myself included, is grateful for the international support that assisted in suppressing the raging fires.

Hebrew phrase of the day: Yored geshem! "Rain is falling!"

Hannukah in Israel

On Friday afternoon, as I was preparing for Shabbat, I found myself in front of a pan of hot oil. No, I was not making latkes or sufganiyot. I was instead whipping up a batch of shnitzel for Shabbat lunch. With the cooking completed, and grease splatters on my shirt ( don't worry, it's the shirt reserved for cooking) I went next door to pick up something from a neighbor, fellow Pardes student, and chevruta. As I walked down the stairs, all I could smell was fried food. I thought the shmek of shnitzel must be especially strong. No, what I was actually smelling was the latkes, sufganiyot, and shnitzel of every other apartment in the building. I reached the bottom of the stairs, and began ascending the stairs of knisa bet (door #2) and I was greeted with the same glorious smell.

Last night, after Shabbat, I was walking through the neighborhood looking out for hannukiot in windows, on doorsteps, outside gates and the like. I have never heard so many renditions of maoz tzur in one twenty minute walk. So as day number five of Hannukah approaches here in Israel, I am looking forward to a walking tour of the Old City, the national hannukia lighting at the Kotel Ha'maravi, and another night of festive celebrations of this beautiful holiday. Between the singing, the lights, and the smells, I have a whole new appreciation for Hannukah as a national celebration, and not as a Hallmark holiday that is attempting to compete with other holidays of the season.

Look out for pictures.

Chag urim sameach!