Israel at Home

Good afternoon everyone!

Earlier this week, my teacher sent us a question to ponder in this week's blog. He wanted us to think about what role Israel will play in our lives when we get home (in 2 weeks). My first response was, "...but I am home"

Thinking about this is beyond scary. One, it means that I won't be in Israel soon, two, it means that I'm going home with no knowledge of when I'm returning, and three, it means that I actually have to put my new knowledge of Jewish History to use in defending Israel.

Before I came here, when I got into debates about the legitimacy of Israel, I was that annoying girl who just screamed that I was right and we deserved Israel...with no facts or support.

Now I have so much information. I know why we left the Land of Israel, where we went, why we went where we did, how we returned, why we returned, where we returned. I gained perspective on the Palestinian side as well. With all of this new knowledge, I can go back and argue with my peers. I can defend this amazing country. I won't stand there, without an answer, yelling back random things.

As well as defending and supporting the Jewish State, I will promote it to other Jews. I plan on participating and leading an Israel connection committee at my Temple. I will be sure to lead a program at the JCC during Yom Haatzmaut next year. Yom Haatmaut for us is amazing. Everyone goes to celebrate and have fun. But I dont think that everyone realizes the true awesomeness of Israel's birthday and I want to help them see that awesomeness.

As well, teaching and continuing to learn about Israel will always help me remember the incredible memories I've made here.

Shabbat Shalom!
Shoshana :)

HAPPY BDAY ISRAEL

Hey guys!

In the middle of last week, Israel celebrated her 66^th birthday. So let me take a moment to say “HAPPY 

BIRTHDAY ISRAEL!!”

To celebrate this AWESOME day, we went to Ben Yehudah Street, which is commonly a very touristy area filled with Americans. However, that night, Israelis took over the streets with inflatable hammers with Israeli flags painted on them (displayed below). They go around bopping people on the head. Which my parents warned me about, as it was a tradition 20 years ago as well. They failed to mention, though, the cans of soapy-foamy bottles that they spray at you. Don’t worry, it didn’t stain J

It was such a great experience. We got there and it was beyond crowded. Worse than Disneyworld on spring break and a Backstreet Boys reunion concert…combined. But like I said, it’s a touristy place. My friends wanted to go around and find presents for their friends and family. Going to just a store one block down took half an hour because it was so crowded.

I really didn’t understand why we were spending so much damn time looking for presents, ignoring the flourishing culture around us, in a place that we were definitely coming back to! (To prove my point, we went again last night)

So after wasting an hour brushing through drunk Israelis and American tourists, I found my way to a concert that was just smack in the middle of Ben Yehudah. Literally there was a fenced concert in the middle of the street, with sweaty teens (and old people) dancing everywhere. It was so cool!!!!

I stayed in the concert and simpy enjoyed myself. I was really able to enjoy and focus on the culture instead of racing and racing to get a Mezuzah for great aunt Sally. Sorry Sally. 

But everyone was able to relax and appreciate the culture enjoyed themselves so much more. It's these kinds of things that make me scream "I'M IN ISRAEL!!" It's just so awesome. I can't explain it farther.

Again, Happy birthday Israel, you’ve made it farther than a lot of people would have thought.

Shoshana J

Women of Israel Kick Butt

Hey Everyone!

I have a pretty cool woman to tell you about today.

Rania Okby is a prime example of a woman standing up to her community and tradition and showing the world who's boss.

Okby, a Bedouin Israeli, was the first Bedouin women to ever earn a medical degree. She did so several years ago, graduating from Ben-Gurion University. She and her mother both took major strides in the Bedouin community. Her mother divorced her father when he tried to marry a second wife. Okby was raised by her single mother and she stood out in her community.

Okby took strides in becoming a world, female leader in her field. I admire her greatly. Being a doctor is no small feat, and she accomplished it when she had no precedent in her community.

For the last ten minutes I've been trying to think of a way to make this blog longer, mainly with a reason as to why I look up to Okby. However, I can't say that I look up to her for any more reasons than I look up to other leading females. She did break the status quo, but so have so many other women in the world. I think it's really awesome that she gets special recognition, and even more awesome that she's a Bedouin. But to be honest, all of these women are awesome!! The world is finally starting to see that women can do everything that men can. So I look up to all of these women, Okby included.

I really hope that I can make a difference in the world too, and maybe someday be on a "Women of the World" list on some NY Times article.

Until next time,
Shoshana :)

Kobi Oz Concert

Shabbat Shalom!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. With all of the AP’s and SAT business that I’m dealing with here, it’s becoming very stressful. However, EIE gave us a chance to relax with an amazing concert.

The URJ (Union for Reform Judaism) board joined us at the concert, as they were here for the week. I had the privilege of speaking in front of the board, and our group. But I basically just shared many of the revelations and epiphanies that I’ve outlined in previous blogs, so I won’t bore you all with that.

After I, and another peer, made our speeches, the artist was introduced. His name is Kobi Oz. He is a renowned Israeli singer, who was previously the lead singer in a group named Teapacks. The group disbanded in the 2000’s, but he is still touring.

He introduced each song with a unique story. For his second song, he talked about dancing with his father at his Bar Mitzvah. Another song had a Holocaust background. And another dealt with the hierarchy from his hometown. These stories were, alone fascinating, but the fact that they were actual inspirations for songs was just so cool.  Actual, popular songs were based on a religious coming of age ceremony, a tragedy from Jewish history, and his home town. Rather than American popular songs which usually deal with illegal substances or sexual activity.

I think that this really highlights the difference between the two cultures. As well, the songs were awesome!! We were all so into the concert. With the lyrics displayed behind the stage, I had the opportunity to sing along. The songs were fun, upbeat, and relayed good messages.

It was overall an amazing, and surprisingly, educational experience. I’ll definitely be downloading some Kobi Oz music.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Shoshana J