Toronto Take Over

*FROM 12/25-12/28*

Ok, so I wrote a long entry in my journal for these past few days but I do not have the energy to write them all up. So I am going to summarize.

After my last post we had havadalah. Which came complete with a lot of tears. Then we had time to get ready for banquet. At 7:30 banquet started in the Belmont with all the staff. We ate dinner and then had the ceremony thanking teachers. Yael and I were the “MCs” so we opened up and did the general studies thank yous. Then other students did Hebrew, upper staff, madrachim and JHist. we also watched the short version of slide show. After Banquet we had time to go change for after party. Which was in the Tzuba Pub (we weren’t aware there was such a thing). We had talent show and then watched the long slide show. Everyone loved it! I was so happy! Then the madrachim surprised us with a video they made for us about their “super powers”. It was so cute! Then we had a dance party. After that I went back to my room to finish letters and relax. Eventually my roommates and I went to bed at 4.

We woke up at 8, went to breakfast, cleaned our rooms, and packed up the bus. Then we met up with out Jewish history teachers at Mt. herzl. I found it really interesting and special that no matter what rank you are, all soldiers are buried the same way and in the same place. After we toured the cemetery we went to the old city for lunch. Then we went to the Kotel. When we went back in aug. I didn’t feel any connection to the wall, but I guess there is something about learning all of Jewish history that creates a connection. After the kotel we went to a look out and had our final few moments with our teachers. Then we went to Ben Yehuda for final shopping and dinner. After that we got on the bus and drove to the airport. Despite the snow on the East coast our plane took off on time. I luckily found myself with 2 seats and was able to sleep for a great amount of the flight. However, we never landed in NYC. We landed in Toronto b/c JFK was closed. We were all in a panic. The kids who had connecting flights has no idea what was going to happen and none of our phones really worked. By the time we got off the plane, went through customs, and got our bags, about half of our group had found a new way to get home. So Judy (who was our staff member) had to deal with making sure they got to the right place, the rest of us got to the hotel, and had to work with the staff in NY. Somehow it all got figured out but we then had to say bye to half our group. The rest of us went to a hotel in downtown Toronto; where we would be resting and relaxing for the rest of the day until we could go back to the airport. While we were at the hotel, a few more kids were able to get flights home and one by one we were dropping like flies. It wasn’t safe to shower, or nap b/c if you did you would miss saying bye to someone (I would know first hand). At 8:30 we met in the lobby with the rest of our flight and got buses back to the airport. We went through the entire check in process again and eventually got on the plane.

I am not really sure what time our flight took off b/c we all fell asleep the second we got on the plane. Because we had lost half our group, there were a ton of seats for us to spread out in. We landed at 4:15 in new york, but had to sit on the plane for another hour and half. It then took 2 hours to get our bags from baggage claim. Once we all had our bags, the 17 surviving kids (all northern east coast kids and one CA girl) walked out to the parents….finally! As much as we loved each other, all of us just wanted to get out of the airport as fast as we could b/c we had been traveling for so long. Mom and I took my bags to the car and went on our way to winter kallah. It only took 48 hours to get back the U.S.

Remember when we still had 4 months left?

Ok so I am posting this early b/c we have banquet and after party all night, so I will not have the time for writing and posting. That being said, I won’t be able to post tomorrow so my post on my last day and half and the flight home will be up after I get home and after winter kallah, once I have regained energy. This morning, I went to my first and last Saturday morning breakfast. I felt like I had to b/c I would never get the chance again. After breakfast, I wrote some letters to people and then went to services. For the torah service, Noah decided that each Jewish History class would get an aliyah and whoever wanted to could read a line of the portion. So, when my class was called up, I decided to read some torah. I was able to read it (with some help here and there from Rachel R. and Noah). After services, we had our last real meal in the Hadar (we aren’t counting breakfast tomorrow as a meal). I am not sure what I am going to do without my apple salad on Shabbat! Then we went back to our rooms to pack, write letters, relax, and in my case find a way to play slide show tonight. Eventually I was able to accomplish all of it, or will be able to in the next few hours (I still have letters to write). After this we are having havdalah and then banquet followed by after party. Then we have our last day in Jerusalem and head off to the airport and back to the exile. I don’t want it to end; 4 months went by way to quickly!

p.s. Merry Christmas!

Packing Day, Last Shabbat and Last Program

Today was extremely long! We woke up at 7:30 and at 8:30 all met in the Belmont so that we could participate in the David Project. Which is an Israeli advocacy program. For 5 hours we discussed the background knowledge and how to defend Israel. We also learned the “ARM” method. In said method, you take the offensive rather than the defensive stance. It was pretty interesting but extremely long! I was so happy when it was over and I got to eat my apple salad! After lunch, we met in the Zula and got our EIE clothing and the mezuzahs we made a few weeks ago. After we got everything back, and we filled out our EIE surveys, we had several hours to pack up all our stuff. It was so upsetting putting all of our stuff in bags. And our room is still a mess of stuff! At 6:30 we had our last Friday night service. We danced and sung and of course had a regular service. It was extremely sad. After that we had dinner and then oneg. But oneg was our last group program. We did the same sort of thing we did for our first Poland program. Aka we sat in a circle and each person passes the rope to someone they wanted to give a wish or “gift” to and then the person said what they gained from the person that passed it do them. The main difference from when we did this for Poland and tonight was that for Poland we each picked a name and talked to a specific person. Tonight, we choose who we passed the rope to and the madrachim were not in the room at all. Everything was all on us. After well over 2 hours of a group heart to heart, I went back to my room to finish slide shows. And mission accomplished, they are done! And now, I am about to embark on my last night in my room…

A relaxing bike ride

This morning we woke up and went on a hike. We focused a little on Israel and water sources. We hiked to a really pretty waterfall. After that we went to the Northern most kibbutz in Israel. From the kibbutz you look right into Lebanon. We listened to the most interesting man speak. He made aliyah when he was 21, joined the army and fought in every major battle since he joined the army. After his 3 mandatory years he moved to this kibbutz and has been defending it since. During the 2nd Lebanon war, he and the other men of the kibbutz saved the kibbutz from destruction while they were being bombed for 36 days straight by the Hezbollah. He told us all about living so close to the boarder and about his interactions over his 70 years of life with the Lebanese. He was so interesting to listen to and really has so much to tell people. After that we made our way to a nature reserve. We ate lunch that we had brought with us and then went on a 8.5 km bike ride around the reserve. It was so pretty and peaceful and a really nice way to end our Security tiyul/ last experience as a group. Then we got back on the bus and started the 3 hour ride back to Tzuba. When we got back, we had time to relax, then dinner, and then had the first of our last 3 programs. We talked about what he have gained from the experience and how it ahs effected us. After our group heart to heart we paid for our EIE clothing (we put the final orders for it in this morning and we already have them! That would never happen in the U.S.). Then I typed up my blogs from the last few days and prepared to pack tomorrow and write letters to my friends (we are writing to people and the counselors are giving them back to us when we leave so we have something special).

Israel's Security

*FROM 12/22*

This morning we had to wake up earlier than we were now used to thanks to the exam schedule (aka 7:45). After breakfast, we got on the bus and drove up into the Mountains. At our first stop we talked about the 6-day war and it’s effect on the Golan. We also talked about Eli Cohen, who pretended to be a Syrian businessman but was really an Egyptian turned spy for the IDF. He helped the IDF find the Syrian bunkers by telling them [the Syrians] to plant eucalyptus trees around the bunkers for protection. These trees were actually a sign for the Israelis so that they would be able to easily find the bunkers; especially b/c the tree wasn’t native to Israel so it was easy to point out. Sadly, the Syrians eventually found out what he was doing and killed him. However, he was a major reason we were successful during the 6-day war. Then, we got on the bus and had an early fast food lunch. After lunch we went to Ben Tal, which was an Israeli Outpost during the Yom Kippur war. We heard a story about Tzveka Gringgold, who was between troops when the war broke out but went out and formed a 3 tank troop anyway. The 2 tanks that he was not in were both hit and were unable to be of fighting use, but that did not stop him from using them to his advantage. He still radioed the other two tanks so that the Syrians would think they were still working. He and his tank also drove from hilltop to hilltop making it seem as if there were multiple tanks shooting. They were able to hold of the Syrians by themselves for 36 hours! Then we walked through a bunker so that we could see what they were like back then and are like today for the soldiers than have to live in them. Next, we got on the bus and drove to a nearby kibbutz where we saw a movie on Oz 77, a tank troop that fought in the Yom Kippur War. When we got of the bus at the kibbutz, we saw something none of us were expecting to see….SNOW! As we drove down the mountain we drove next to both the Syrian and Lebanese boarders. After that we went to the Naot show factory and outlet. I tried on a few pairs of shows but ended up deciding I wouldn’t actually wear them. So, since I wanted to have something to remember the day I bought a small 10 shekel leather heart shaped Naot key chain. Then we got back on the bus and went back to the hostel. When we got back we had a hour to relax and then had dinner. After dinner we had our final class discussions. We talked a lot about how we are going to continue to have Judaism and Israel in our lives back in America. It is so sad to think I won’t be spending 3+ hours a day with my Jewish History class. We have really become such a family and I have gained so much knowledge over the past 4 months that I wouldn’t have without them. In short, the next 4 days are going to be extremely hard. Before EIE I had no idea what to expect and it really just hit me that I have been in a foreign country for 4 months. I feel like I am going to wake up one morning and it is all going to have been a dream.

Done with first semester of junior year and off to the North!

*FROM 12/21*

This morning I woke up, finished studying for Econ., and then actually took my AP Microeconomics exam. Well actually, I just went to the classroom and hung out for a while b/c Kerry was late. Eventually, he came and we were able to start our test. The test wasn’t very econy or at least I didn’t have to use very many economics terms so I am not sure how it went. After I finished my test I went with my roommates to lunch and then finished packing for our trip up North. At 2, we got on the bus and headed up North. After a while we stopped smack dab in the middle of the Carmel forest. We got of the bus and spent a few minutes looking at and learning about the destruction caused by the fire. Then we got back on the bus and headed towards a Druze village. Well actually we went to 2 villages. The first one we had some time to shop in and the 2nd one was where the actual learning took place. We went to a traditional Druze home and learned as much as we are allowed to know about their culture and religion. Then we had a traditional Druze dinner. It was very filling and good. After dinner, we got back on the bus and continued traveling up North. When we got to the hostel, we got our rooms (they decided to make things easy and we were roomed with our roomies from Tzuba). My room was proactive and made sure we got our key first (we did). Then we had time to relax.

Almost done with a semester

So today was a little less boring than yesterday b/c I actually had to study for math and it was the first exam period (1:30). I woke up, studied for a bit on my own, and then went to the Belmont b/c Steve came in early to help us with final review (it was also to make-up for the fact that we missed a few class periods). I reviewed for about an hour with him and then went to lunch and relaxed for a bit. Steve also decided that we could start our test a half hour early so that we would have extra time. The exam for the most part wasn’t too bad but there were definitely some tough questions. After the test, I started packing up my stuff. Which wasn’t my original plan. I was just going to pack for the security tiyul and then relax! But somehow it escalated and I just started packing up all my sutff. It is extremely bitter sweet (especially b/c I got my final e-mail for winter kallah this afternoon). I am excited to go home and see everyone, but I don’t want to leave my EIE family.
(btw speaking of packing for the security tiyul, I won’t have my computer until Thursday night b/c we are leaving tomorrow for 2 days up north). After packing, rotting my brain with mtv (b/c it is the only thing ever on), dinner, and announcements, I studied for my last final! Tomorrow before we leave for the tiyul, I take my Econ. exam. I am kind of nervous but hopefully I will do well. Then I relaxed and talked to some people from home. But now I am going to sleep and in less than 12 hours will be done with first semester of junior year!

Exam Schedule is boring

Today was the first of three days of general studies exams. We had no specific time to wake up as long as we were at our exams on time. My only exam today wasn’t until 4 pm. So I had all day to do whatever I wanted. I woke up at 9 so that I would be able to go to breakfast (it ended at 9:30). Then I worked on slide show a bit and studied for physics. Basically to sum up my day, I was extremely bored. Sitting in my room, by myself, was just boring. So much so that I got sleepy and took a nap. Luckily, I woke up before my exam. I even had time to skype with mom. At 4 I took my physics exam, it was pretty easy and I was able to finish within a half hour. But then I had even more free time and nothing to do b/c I wasn’t planning on studying for math until after dinner. So, dory, yael, sara and I watched mtv and then went to dinner. After dinner we had announcements and I had a banquet meeting. After that, Lior came to my room to read my writings and watch the slide shows so he would know what else had to be done. Then I attempted to study and concentrate but it didn’t go well. So I decided to wake up early tomorrow and study then. Then Dory came over so I could teach her how to do her math for her test tomorrow and now I am going to bed.

Girls Night

Well its Saturday so you know what that means…. sleeping in! Woohoo! Then as usual we had services and then lunch (there was no apple salad!). After lunch we had free time until 6. So we finished Fame and then at 2 went to listen to Yoni’s grandpa speak about his experience during WW2 and fighting in the Haganah (a resistance group fighting for Israeli independence). He was the cutest old man and he has witnessed so much in his 90 years of life. After we listened to him, I went back to my room and instead of studying worked on slide show (I am almost done with the after party version, I still need to do the short version for banquet). At 6 we had havdalah and then all the girls piled into 2 vans and went to Hadas’s house for girl’s night. We made cookies and brownies, ate pizza, relaxed, and most people (except Kendra, Sivan, and I) made waist beads. But eventually we had to go back to Tzuba so that everyone could have time to study. But we get to wake up whenever we feel like it tomorrow as long as we are up for our exams, so instead of studying I worked on slide show b/c figure I can study for physics sometime before my exam at 4 tomorrow (I mean I am going to study a little tonight).

Cupcakes in Cones!?!

This morning we woke and took our Jewish History final! It wasn’t too hard but my essay took forever b/c we have learned so much this semester and there was so much I wanted to include. After we finished we had free time to go to lunch and just relax until 6:30. Our room had a party. I worked on slide show, we had various visitors, we watched some European mtv, and we cleaned our room. It was so nice just to relax and have fun and not stress. At 6:15 (our cab came early), Maddy, Mikah, Eleni and I got into a cab and headed for D Sol’s house. The four of us had won the EIE article thingy we had a while ago and won dinner at D Sol’s cooked by him and Jen (a math and government teacher who is also in charge of SAT prep and who is in charge of EIE marketing. OMG dinner was soo good. It started with a cream of mushroom soup and fresh challah, followed by a really good salad, caramelized carrots, mashed potatoes, and a lemon honey chicken. For dessert Jen made spice cupcakes with homemade icing and cupcake cones (they were chocolate cupcakes with homemade vanilla icing and chocolate sprinkles). I had no idea u could make a cupcake in a ice cream cone or then Jen was a baker and cake decorator. She informed me that in order to make such a cupcake u simply make the batter and pour it into the cones and bake it. Dinner was so good and it was nice to have a dinner with people that I know but haven’t really gotten to fully know this trip. Then D Sol drove us back to Tzuba b/c he had to check in on the sick kids. We got back and had free time for the rest of the night. So I just hung out and watched Fame with Eleni and then did some random things. It is so weird to think I am done with Jewish History class. We have one more long (overnight) tiyul and have a short one the day we leave but we don’t have to take notes anymore and they are a little more relaxed. I can’t believe things are almost over.

p.s. fun fact- if I had been home today I could have gotten my license ☹

Last Classes :(

Today was our last day of classes. In Hebrew we got our Newspaper we wrote along with a sweet letter from Judy. Seeing as today was our party day in Hebrew class, she brought cookies. But she told us that we had one final test to pass her class, she wanted to see if we had internalized Hebrew. The test went as follows, put your hand in the cookie container with your eyes closed, keeping your eyes closed figure out what letter the cookie is (they were Hebrew letters), once Judy has said you were correct, eat the cookie, there by internalizing it into your stomach. As if Judy saying we still had one final test didn’t scare us enough she then told us we had all failed our tests. Next thing we knew we were being handed our original Hebrew placement tests we took at the beginning of the trip. It was amazing to look at the test and think that in 4 months we were able to learn everything on the test. Then Judy gave us back our real finals (I got a 100%). Then we read over the newspaper, ate some cookies, and danced and sang our favorite songs we had learned in Hebrew. We started Jewish History off with a presentation on civil marriage in Israel and one on Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Then Ariella passed around pieces of paper that all had different pictures from various important tiyulim we have taken this semester. We passed them around the room and everyone wrote memories or something they had learned that day. We then decided to finish the activity outside, sitting on the grass. Picture by picture we went around discussing what we had learned from each tiyul. I forgot how much we have really done and been able to learn this semester. After we finished the activity we went around in a circle and talked about how Jewish History has affected our lives within the last 4 months. For the first time I really realized how much I have learned and been able to experience on this trip and how amazing everything we have done is. After Jewish History we proceeded with our final general studies classes. It was sad being in our classrooms for the last time. I brought my camera with me to classes, making sure that I would have pictures of each of my teachers and classes. After dinner, we had announcements as usual and then the winners of superlatives were announced and we took pictures of them for the yearbook (each category had 2 winners so that everyone would win one- I won most likely to be on Broadway). Then we all went back to our rooms to study for our big Jewish History final that is tomorrow morning! So now I am going to go continue studying so that I don’t fail

Mixed feelings- ignorance, saddness, and enjoyment

When I woke up this morning I had no desire to get up and go to my classes. But I had too. Instead of Hebrew class we watched a movie. It was really good! It was about this kid who everyone thinks is dumb but actually is a genius. He also has to deal with taking care of his grandfather who is very old, (but hilarious and kind) cooking for his family, calming his family members down about his fathers cheating on his mom and other issues. I highly suggest it. It is called Ha-Kochavim Shel Shlomi (which means Shlomi’s Stars) or Bonjour Monsieur Shlomi (that is the English title). After Hebrew we had JHist. It was our last completely normal class. We talked about the Intifada, security fence (I did a presentation on it), and peace negotiations. My general studies today were fine. It is sad to think that tomorrow is my last class with all these teachers. Even though I may not have liked them all at the beginning, I now can’t imagine any other teacher. It is going to be super weird going home to a class that has way more than 1-5 other kids. After announcements tonight we had a speaker from Stand with Us come talk to us about advocating for Israel. I was so surprised by all the information we heard. I had no idea that Anti-Israel feelings were such a problem on many U.S. college campuses. Then a few kid from my Jewish History class and I finished our t-shirt design. When we were done, I went back to my room to shower, study, fill out my convention workshop choices (thank you for the help mom and Ashley) and made myself some homemade hot chocolate (how u ask…. a few pieces of dark chocolate, milk, and a microwave). At around 11:20 we all went to Dory’s room and sung happy birthday to her. Now I am back in my room and going to bed in preparation for my last day of school.

Cake Tornados

This morning we woke up and took our Hebrew finals. Mine was ok, there were a few parts I had trouble on but hopefully I did well. In Jewish History we learned about the Lebanon War and a little about the Ethiopian and Russian aliyot. My econ. teacher was here today so we actually had class. During class we also learned that our dream has come true…he is starting a business plan to create a kosher Mexican restaurant in Israel and other areas where a kosher Mexican restaurant is needed (I am very excited! I told him I would be e-mailing him for updates when I am home). The rest of my classes were fine and when I went back to my room after math I walked in to find that a cooking tornado had hit room 111. My roommates were in the midst of making one of the many parts to Dory (one of our friends) birthday presents. After announcements my end of the semester committee (final banquet committee) had a meeting. For once there were more than 3 of us there and we were actually productive! We came up with some really amazing ideas but they are going to take a lot of time and work. However, I can not revel any of the information in this blog so you will have to wait until the 26th or until I get home. After that I went back to my room to do homework. At midnight, Mikah, Mishala, Sara and I went to Dory’s room and surprised her with presents, the card Mishala and I bought for her the first week here (she loved it), and her homemade pudding, oreo, and sprinkle cake (that was the cooking tornado this afternoon). We surprised her, sang happy birthday, and ate her cake. But then we decided getting yelled at for being loud and not in our room way past curfew wouldn’t be good so we said goodnight and went back to our room.

Mock Knesset

So apparently the world has chosen to make the days go by slowly starting now. Usually, this would be seen as a good thing (a only 14 days left take it all in type of thing). However, when it is your last week of school you just want it to be over with. We woke up to rainstorms this morning and it was extremely cold. In Hebrew we played guess who (in Hebrew) and reviewed for our test. Instead of regular Jewish History today we had a mock Knesset. We were divided into 6 parties and had to research platforms and give a presentation. I was a member of Shas, an ultra orthodox party, which no one on EIE agrees with, so during our presentation we were given a lot of angry questions. After our Knesset we had lunch and then regular classes. My econ. teacher wasn’t here again but instead of not having class, we had it over the phone. Normally, that would be challenging but we have slide shows of the information so it was easy to do over the phone. Then I went to the rest of my classes. When we went to the zula for announcements, we found out that we were having a speaker. A rabbi and representative came to talk to us about List College and how if we attended we could get a double degree (one from List and one from Columbia). He also talked about his Passover haggadah that he wrote and drew pictures for. Overall, the hour long presentation was not much fun. Afterwards, I went to my room to do homework. But in the process I also got distracted my both mikah and yael and called grammy and poppy to say happy anniversary. Now I am going back to studying for my Hebrew final (its tons of fun)

How much can they plan in one day

Well although it isn’t as cold here as it is at home, we have all pulled out our north faces and uggs and put the flip-flops away. This morning it was absolutely freezing and we had the heat on full blast in Hebrew. However, the cold, rain, and sand stroms, made us all very tried and it was hard to concentrate. But I made it through. The rest of my classes went by fairly quickly. In Jewish History, Ariella went over what our final would consist of so that we could be prepared for Friday and review day. Then we talked about the Camp David accords and attempts at peace. I didn’t have econ. today b/c my teacher was sick so I had a free period to relax which was nice. Then I had physics, English, and math. Classes are winding down and we don’t have much time left so they weren’t very hard to deal with. After dinner and announcements we made tiles. It was pretty fun but also time consuming. I finished with about a half hour to do homework before committee meetings at 10. Our meeting didn’t go well and it is extremely challenging when there are only 3 people in your committee and the staff expects you to do more than you have time to do. (they also don’t tell you important details). After meetings (we never finished ours), we had a surprise. Which was Preston cutting off his hair so he can donate it. (for those of u who don’t know Preston he has/had a huge curly wild mess of hair. It was a big deal and everyone ran to the zula to see him cut it off. I stayed for most if the cutting but then went back to my room to attempt to get homework done.

I ♥ Fondue and Free time

Yay for Saturdays! I slept in until 10 and then worked on slide show and my Jewish History project for a while until I had to go to services. After services we had lunch, where I was expecting apple salad, but there was none (there was none at dinner too!). After lunch we had free time until 5:45 (it was a lot of free time). I watched some Harry Potter, worked on slide show, worked on Jewish History, and Hebrew. It was nice to be able to have a lot of time to get things done. At 5:45 we had havdalah and then dinner. At dinner we were told that in fact we would not be going to the mall tonight b/c yet again the bus had fallen through. Not going to the mall actually made my life easier b/c I was trying to figure out if I wanted to go or not. After dinner, I continued working and I skyped with mommy. It was nice to be able to talk to her since she is always busy with work during the week. Then we got a mass text saying that at 8:45 there would be fondue and a movie to make up for the lack of the mall. I was thrilled at the idea of fondue! There were apples, strawberries, bananas, pretzels, and kosher marshmallows (but they aren’t good). Then I went back to my room, talked to mom again, and talked to some people from home. Now I am attempting to put pictures on facebook and working on my Jewish History project. Hopefully I can make it through this last week of school.

Better than expected

This morning when I woke up I thought today was going to suck. It was supposed to rain and we were on our way to some electric car place and only kids who were 17 and had licenses were going to be able to drive. That being said today didn’t suck. Our bus came so late that no one (except the staff a better place –the car place) got to drive and it was actually really cool. We went to Better Place, which is a company that is producing electric cars. They have already started replacing taxis in Japan with electric cars and are going to be starting a replacement in San Francisco next year. After we rode around in the cars we got back on the bus and went to IDC. IDC is a college in Israel that has an international English speaking school. I never ever planned on thinking about going to college abroad but the program actually sounds really cool. Kids from 80 countries come and study government, economics, communications, business, or computer science and get the BA in Israel. After our tour we went to a mall for lunch and then back to Tzuba. When we got back we had about 2 hours of free time before services. During free time I got a call from Michal (cousin) saying they had leftover food from some event and wanted to bring it to my friends and me. So next thing I know, we had a box of brekas. After services and a little more free time we had dinner. It was my first Friday night dinner on Tzuba in a while so I was very excited for my apple salad and piece of chicken. At 9:15 we had oneg, where we learned that contrary to what we had been told yesterday, we are not seeing harry potter tomorrow. Which means it better still be in theaters when I get home! The actual oneg tonight was optional. It was a movie so they couldn’t make kids stay to watch for 2 hours. I decided that I never really participate in oneg/am usual still at the cousins so why not. The movie was good and it was cool b/c it was filmed all around Jerusalem so I knew exactly where they were in most scenes. But the movie was also kinda scary and reminded me of a movie that gave me nightmares in middle school so I was a little freaked out after (but I am all good now). Then I went back to my room and got ready for bed.

Your options after EIE

This morning in Hebrew we worked a little on past tense and then had about an hour to work on our projects. Yael and I went to the school (which is more like an activities center) on the kibbutz in hopes of interviewing one of the kids. Since all but one of the older kids (7th grade) were at school on a different kibbutz, we were only able to interview one kid. We asked him a few questions, took a picture of the school, and then went back to my room to type up or articles. In Jewish History we studied the Yom Kippur War and Golda Meir. General studies were fine, but went by very slowly. After dinner, we had alumni night. It was cool to see so many old EIE students come back and tell us all about the programs they participated in after EIE. We also talked to some of them about adjusting back into home life when we get back. It got all of us a little afraid for what’s to come in a few weeks. After we talked to them and asked them questions, we had free time. So I worked on the slide show for Final Banquet.

Final Projects

This morning we got to sleep until normal time, which was nice b/c until curfew last night we thought we had morning services. In Hebrew, we continued learning past tense. We also got out final assignment. We are writing a newspaper in Hebrew! Instead of a regular Jewish History class we all went to the Belmont and watched a movie about high school graduates being drafted during the war of attrition. We ended JHist. a little early in order to take our Fall 2010 picture. After that we had general studies. Then we usual, I had my off period, dinner and announcements. During classes the air smelled like something was being fried in a ton of oil and a lot of us thought we would be having latkes and sufganiyot for dinner, but we were wrong. After announcements we lit the Hanukkah candles for the last time and then had another lice check (I still passed). At 9 those of us on committees for our final projects had meetings (the committees are for yearbook, shirts, final banquet, the after party, and teacher presents- I am on the final banquet committee). Our meeting went really well and we have some really good ideas for final banquet. Then I went back to my room and instead of working on my Hebrew project or studying I started facebook stalking to find pictures to use for the slide show…. ☺

Today was a good day

Today we had a normal day of school, normal wake up and normal classes. In Hebrew we started learning past tense. Towards the end of class, our madrachim walked in with a special surprise, sufganiyot. As much as I am trying not eat sufganiyot and other treats, I figured it is Hanukkah and I will never have another Hanukkah in Israel were you can find sufganiyot everywhere, so why not take advantage. In Jewish History we talked about the results of the 6-day war and land disputes (we got into a little debate over what to do with all the territories). During lunch, I had a meeting with Ariella. We went over the parasha that the NFTY convention d’var torah competition is based on (I am thinking of entering). As usual, after lunch I had my general studies classes. Then during my hour off I was actually successful in getting stuff done. After dinner, I continued my success and even had time to watch some Harry Potter with Sara before announcements and candle lighting at 9:30. After candle lighting, Preston and I finally had time to call Ronen (our old camp unit head) and see if we can meet up with him before we go back to the U.S. We are hoping to see him sometime this weekend. Then I went back to my room, edited my English assignment, sent it in, got ready for bed, and continued watching Harry Potter with my roommates. Overall, I would say it has been a pretty good day ☺

Welcome to Winter!

This morning we got up early just to have the bus come late. Today was also the first rainstorm Israel has had in a year! Luckily, it helped put out the fire in Haifa. Sadly though, a good portion of our tiyul was outside and it was cold (not a good combination). Our tiyul had 2 parts, but the 2nd one got caught short. First we went to Ammunition Hill and learned about the 6-day war. While we were there we saw a movie that wasn’t really a movie but was way cooler. Basically it used a model of Israel and a bunch of lights and narration. But the lights also had animation (aka small car things but they were lights that moved across the model). It was really cool. Then we walked through some of the trenches (quickly though b/c it was raining and we were wet.) After that we went through the museum and then got on the bus to go visit Hebrew University. Sadly however, our bus couldn’t get through the gate we needed to go through to get in so we settled for 15 min. looking out at the view. Then we went back to Tzuba for general studies. It was nice to walk into my room and have heat since I was freezing. We got back with extra time before 1st period started so once I finished lunch I had plenty of time to finish my homework. It didn’t take long to finish my work, so we had a roommate bonding session and watched Harry Potter. Then we had to go to class. All my classes went by pretty quickly (which was weird considering rain usually makes me tired). My econ. teacher found Micro power points that cover all of our material so we go over them in class and barely have to take notes, which is nice. He also e-mailed us the presentations so we will have them for reference. During my free period, I actually relaxed for once. It was wonderful. I watched some shows and did some pre-back to school shopping research (aka I looked at the Nordstrom website for a long while). Sara, Izzy, Mikah and I went to dinner early and then had time to relax in our room until announcements. For once, announcements were done efficiently and quickly. After we lit the candles I went to go do homework and actually finished it! Woohoo!

Dear College Board, I guess we meet again

So this morning I woke up and took the SATs. There isn’t much to report about them other than they were more difficult and more challenging than I expected at certain points. I will just have to wait until the end of the month to see how I did. We finished right after lunch (1st period) started so of course we all went straight to the dinning hall. I ate quickly so I would have time to relax before I started the long school day I still had ahead of me. However, my relaxing was quickly compromised by the Jewish history essay that is due in the morning. Normally I would have just waited until after classes and announcements but I had mezuzah making tonight. While I was upset that it took away time from writing my 2 essays and doing the rest of my homework it was pretty fun. After that we lit the Hanukkah candles and I went back to my room to attempt to finish my assignments. But I didn’t have much time and am still trying to finish it all. So I am going to go attempt to finish and go to sleep at a reasonable time, especially b/c we have early wake up for a tiyul tomorrow.

Dinner with Ariella

Oh how I love sleeping. As I always do on Shabbat I slept in and ate in my room. At 11 we had Shabbat morning services. This morning, along with a regular service, one of the girls on our trip had her bat-mitzvah. After services, we had lunch and then free time until 4. So I worked on my Jewish History essay. At 4, my JHist. Class and one other class got on the bus and headed towards our teachers houses for dinner. It is so cool and weird that it is perfectly normal for us to go to our teachers house for dinner. We had dinner with Ariella, her husband, and their adorable one-year-old. They made sweet potato latkes and other delicious foods. After dinner we had havdalah and lit the Hanukkah candles. Then we had sufganiyot and had the opportunity to look at Ariella’s wedding album, her daughters first year album, and pictures of her from here community service and army training (those were a little embarrassing for her). It was so nice of our teachers to invite us over for dinner and we had a really good time. When we got back to Tzuba we had a little free time and then announcements. After announcements Sara and I decided to watch Harry Potter as a way to relax and prepare for the SAT tomorrow. Now I am going to sleep so that I have a good nights rest before my big test.

Homemade food makes teens happy

So this morning was pretty not interesting. I woke up and had an SAT prep marathon. We had an hour and half of English and then an hour and half of math. Then we had an hour of mock practice (we did one English and one math session). After all of the SAT prep we had lunch and then free time. During free time, Sara and I decorated all of our presents for our secret Santa. At 3 we left for services in the German colony. We split into 2 groups and went to 2 different modern orthodox synagogues. Services were kind of boring b/c we couldn’t really follow what was going on but we made the best of it. When we got back I left for dinner with the cousins. We went to Shai’s dad and step-moms apartment in Jerusalem to celebrate with all of his siblings and their families. We got to dinner late so there wasn’t a lot of food food but it was ok b/c I wanted to save room for dessert. There were store bought sufganiyot, cakes, and my favorite, Michal and Maya’s homemade sufganiyot. After everyone ate their fill of desserts, all the mom’s decided to give me the leftovers to take back to Tzuba to share with my friends (they were very happy to eat the sufganiyot). Michal, Shai, Maya, and Itay also gave me a small but cute present and so did Shai’s parents. It was so sweet of all of them. When I got back to Tzuba my roommates were very happy with the presents I brought back. Then we just hung out in our room, watching shows and relaxing.

Israeli version of georgetown cupcake

As a Hanukkah present we got to sleep in until 8:15 this morning. In the hour and 15 minutes we had before we had to be on the bus we had to get ready, eat breakfast, and buy our secret Santa (it has a weird Israeli name too but secret Santa is easier) presents. I was really on top of things and was even able to secretly give my person their present. (We are giving presents every other day). Then at 9:30 we got on the bus and headed up north to have a Hanukkah day with the Israeli kids. When we got to their school we quickly moved to our respective buses for our mitzvah projects. We weren’t given a choice on where we were going so I went to a food-packaging place. We made Hanukkah food packages. In the middle of making boxes I was told to go up stairs to make candy packages for kids in the hospital. After about an hour and a half of packaging we got on the bus and went back to their school. Right when we got back we went to the dining hall and had lunch and then we split up into 4 groups for centers. There was dodge ball, a Hanukkah quiz, jelly taste testing, and playing dreidel (I won my game). Then we had a torah study and discussed western influence on Israel but focused on Israeli youth. After that we had a sufganiyot snack and then lit the candles and had a talent show (I didn’t perform). When the talent show was over we got on the bus and headed back to Tzuba. Along the way we stopped for dinner so I had a mozzarella, pesto, and chicken sandwich from aroma. Then we walked around a bit and ran into a sufganiyot stand. There were soo many different kinds! And I found the perfect one. I saw it as my chocolate cubed Georgetown cupcake just in sufganiyot form. It had a chocolate filling with chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles on top. It was absolutely wonderful. Then I bought myself a Hanukkah present of new headphones b/c mine decided to break yesterday. We got back to Tzuba around 10. I showered, straightened my hair, and called ally to say happy birthday. Now it is late and I have a ton of SAT prep tomorrow so I am posting this and going to bed.

Secret ammunition factories under bakeries and landury rooms

Today we had a full day tiyul. We started the morning off by going on a little hike to a point were we could see the main highway. During the war of independence convoys would travel on the highway trying to get to Jerusalem trying to get supplies in. After that we had a nice drive to a kibbutz where Jewish teens were secretly making ammunition. We got to go into the room underground where all of their secret activities were happening. They didn’t tell anyone and had to come up with a bunch of lies so that they wouldn’t ever be suspected of anything. After our tour we ate lunch and then got back on the bus to go to Tel Aviv. We went to what was the first mayor’s house. It was also the sight at which David Ben Gurion declared the state of Israel. It was pretty neat to be where such a monumental event, in modern history, occurred. Then we got back on the bus and went to Tzuba. When we got back I had some free time before SAT prep. I also had to eat before class b/c dinner would be over by the time we finished. Luckily, Sara and I went to dinner early enough that there were still latkes ☺. There was also wannabe sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Sadly though there was no applesauce b/c apparently applesauce and latkes don’t go together in this country. (But its ok b/c I had some pink applesauce before I went to dinner). After SAT prep I had some free time and then we all met in the Belmont to light the candles. We split into groups of 2 and each lit a hanukkiah. Then we had mandatory lice checks but don’t worry I am clear. By that time it was already 10:45 so we basically had to be in our rooms. So I talked to Rachel Weiner (well actually I have done that a lot today) and skyped with Naomi. Now I am going to bed and am going to hope that my phone starts working again. P.s. HAPPY HANUKKAH!!!!! Guess what: a great miracle didn’t happen there it happened HERE!

I went to Jail today...

This morning we had a tiyul to Jail. I know that sounds scary but actually it is a museum that was a jail during the big waves of Aliyah and the War of Independence. We learned about prison life and Arab Jew conflicts that took place during the time b/c of wanting to make Palestine a Jewish state. We also learned about different resistance groups. I also used my new camera for the first time! (woohoo!) After being prisoners all morning we went back to Tzuba for general studies. They were nothing special. Then we had dinner and announcements and contrary to popular belief no SAT prep. So I had all night to do homework. But I talked to Rachel on fb chat for a long while, put pictures on facebook, typed up an English essay, did math, and did some econ. So I guess I accomplished something. I also unpacked the rest of my stuff. Today I also made pink applesauce. I bought applesauce from the market and using the red hots grammy brought me and her directions made myself pink applesauce so that I can have a little touch of home for the holiday. ☺

A month off, i think my brain disappeared

Today was our first day back at school in basically a month. We went straight back into learning in almost all of my classes. In Hebrew we learned how to give directions and the only thing I could think about was my directions and town project for Chinese last year that was amazing. In Jewish History we learned about the British mandate and our student teachers did a lesson on Nili (a spy organization at the time). In econ, we basically just talked about Poland and gadna and our reactions to both. In physics we learned new material, in English we wrote, and in math we reviewed the work Steve gave us to do over break. While classes today were kinda calm, I know they will not be like that much longer. A big topic of discussion in every class today was what we have coming up. We have 2 full weeks of school and then exams! I only have 11 more days of class! Today I also had class with D Sol, but it wasn’t very long. He gave me some stuff to read and we will discuss it next week. He also gave me my new camera!!!!! I am so happy to finally be able to take my own pictures! After dinner we started our last week of sat prep. Since the SATs are on Sunday we have class almost every night and we have a marathon on Friday (both classes and a practice test). Then I went back to my room, finished typing up my blog posts, talked to mom, and wrote an English essay. Now I am going to go bed. Goodnight!

I rode a camel, we named him Tim

*FROM 11/28*
This morning we woke up and had breakfast, which had been prepared for us by the Bedouins. We had really good bread, eggs, cereal, and more. Then we were split up. One group (mine) rode camels first while the other group went to the springs. Camel riding was an interesting experience and I freaked out a little. I rode with Rachel Greenberg and we named our camel Tim ☺. Then the groups switched and we went to the springs. But it wasn’t much of a spring. It was more like a pool filled ¼ of the way with water. Rather than playing in the pool most of the girls tanned until we went back to the tent. When we got back, we quickly changed and packed up our stuff. Then we got on the bus and started the ride back to Tzuba. We stopped once of lunch and around 4:30 got back. The first thing we did (as usual) was unpack the library. Then we were given the keys to our new rooms (I am in 111 again [which is nice b/c I get internet in this room] with Mikah, Sara L, and Mishala. Once I had all my stuff in the room I quickly showered and got ready for dinner b/c Yael and her mom invited me out. (I had some extra time so I unpacked a little too). At 6 the cab came for Yael, her mom, Rachel G, Mikah, Sam, and I. We went for a really good dinner at Agua. We ate some good food and got to talk and complain freely to our new mommy like figure. When we got back to Tzuba, we went to Noa to hear announcements and then I stayed with her so she could help me with math. Then I went back to my room and typed up blog posts, did more math, and unpacked. I am also preparing myself for the last few weeks of school and my first real SAT which I am taking this weekend.

Services with a view

*FROM 11/27*
I don’t know how this happened but as of today we only have one month left here! This morning I slept in, skipped breakfast (I ate a chewy bar I had brought), started my JHist. Essay, and got ready for services. At 10:45 we had services on the balcony facing the water (it was an extremely pretty view). After services we had a few minutes to change and get everything we would need for our hike. After lunch we left for our hike of the red canyon. We walked through most of it on our own, taking everything in (it was nice to have peace and quiet during an activity). Everything was so peaceful and calming…and red. Then we hiked up part of the canyon and back to the bus. When we got back to the hostel we had an hour and a half to pack up and shower. Then we had a long drive to the Bedouin tents. When we got there we were greeted with tea and coffee (I didn’t have either) and then a really good dinner. Then tents weren’t what any of us were expecting b/c we went to ones that had been made for tourists and to give a taste of the Bedouin life (but there wasn’t even a place to buy Israeli puffy pants ☹). Then we had time to relax by the fire or in the tent and then we all went to bed in the big EIE Fall 2010 tent.

Swimming with the fishies

*FROM 11/26*
This morning we woke up, had a really good breakfast, and then went to learn about coral reefs. We learned about different fishes, coral, and reefs in general. Then we walked across the street and went snorkeling! It was so cool! We saw all the fish we had learned about and more (it really made me want to go to Australia to go to the Coral Reefs there). When we got out of the water, we had time to relax on the beach. Then we ate lunch and went back to the hostel. When we got back we had around 4 hours of free time. So I talked to grammy and poppy, slept, and got ready for services. We went to the only non-orthodox (it was conservative) synagogue in Eilat. Services were ok and the people there were really nice (they made sure each of us had some grape juice for Kiddush and I even met a women from the Bethesda area). We then rushed back to the hostel b/c they were waiting for us to eat. After dinner we had some free time and then had oneg. Oneg was another improv night. It started off not being fun, then got really funny, and then went back to not fun. Now er have free time until midnight but I don’t think I will make until then. I hope everyone had a good black Friday ☺!

This thanksgiving i am thankful that we are leaving the army

*FROM 11/25*
Happy Thanksgiving (for everyone in America cause we don’t celebrate it here ☹). When we woke up this morning we immediately started cleaning. We piled up every blanket, sleeping bag, and mattress. Then we walked over to Ben Gurion’s grave for our closing ceremony. During the ceremony the sergeant and a commander were promoted and we were all given certificates of completion. When we got back to the base we cleaned more (shock) and then we finally got to take off our uniforms! It was so nice to have normal clothing and flip-flops on again. Then we waited while all the uniforms were folded and accounted for. Then finally the moment we had all be waiting for…the breaking of the distance (a.k.a. we got to actually meet our commanders). For the first time all week we got to have a real conversation with Maya (our commander). She was the best commander we could have asked for (and she said we can all friend her on facebook and e-mail her whenever). We also found out that we were her first group ever and were her “final test” to become a real commander. Then we got to take pictures with her, the head commander, and the sergeant (which we were all ecstatic about). Maya also gave us our hats back (they had been collected with our uniforms) and we noticed she had written a note to us on each one. Sadly though we had to say goodbye to her. But we were happy to be leaving Gadna and going to Eilat. We had a half hour drive to a restaurant area for lunch. Izzy, Sydney, Larissa and I were very excited when we went into the gas station across the street to use a real bathroom (and for a gas station they were actually really nice bathrooms). Then we got back on the bus and had a 2 hour drive to the hostel. I called mommy and then slept for the rest of the ride. When we arrived at the hostel we got our rooms and I jumped into the nice, warm, not crowded shower. My rooms for the weekend is Sivan, Larissa, Yael and I but Yael is with her family so there are only 3 of us. Before she left, after I showered, she told Sivan and I to close our eyes. Next thing we knew she was trust walking us to the balcony that overlooks the water and boardwalk. After dinner we went to the boardwalk and had time to walk around. Then we went back to the hostel and slept in real beds.

Janitors who shoot M16s

*FROM 11/24*
This morning we woke up at 5:40 and no one had enough time to get ready (especially when only 2 of 4 toilets in the bathroom worked and there were over 100 girls who needed to use them). After cleaning we went to breakfast, which was not good at all. After breakfast we got on a bus and went to the shooting range. We went to shoot in groups of 15 (I was in group 2). Shooting wasn’t actually as scary as I thought it would be. However, I forgot to aim for my first few shots and eventually just went by the theory of wherever the bullet landed was where I had aimed (unsurprisingly I didn’t really get any on my target). When we got back to the base we ate lunch and then had 4 hours of kitchen duty (we felt like janitors). It was tons of fun being yelled at and not having Israelis listen to you when you say you can only have one hamburger or you can only have one breka (not). After we served the food we had to clean the entire dinning hall, which took forever! When we finished cleaning we had a short break and then a lesson on the purity of arms. Then we had dinner, which wasn’t good, but at least we didn’t have to clean up after that meal too. After dinner half of our unit cleaned guns with the head commander while the rest of us talked with our commander about EIE and our army experience. Then we had our mandatory hour break. When we met with our commander we thought we would be going straight to bed but we were wrong. Instead we had a lesson (which was more like story time) with the head commander. It was about a soldier named Michael Levine. When story time was over we went to bed and even though story time was spur of the moment and they said they wanted us to get 7 hours of sleep, wake up time didn’t change.

How to play with guns

*FROM 11/23*
Last night we were about to go to bed when we were told that we had to clean the bathrooms…again. They were still extremely gross! Finally though we finished cleaning them for the last time! As we were getting into bed our commander tried to fix our broken heater. However, instead of fixing it, the heater sprayed Kendra, Yael, and I and all of our stuff. SO we went to bed with wet hair, went sleeping bags, and no heat. This morning we woke up freezing at 6 am, cleaned our tent and surrounding area, and had breakfast. Which was surprisingly good. After breakfast we had a base wide ceremony to raise the flag. Then we had class. Our commander taught us how to properly hold a gun, the parts of a gun, the history of M16s, how to load a magazine, and the parts of a bullet. We also played a game to learn how to put together and take a part a gun. Then we played a few games (aka Tag) for exercise. Then we proceeded to stand in line for 40 minutes to get into the dinning hall. (It was ridiculous!). Lunch too was actually pretty decent. However, it wasn’t good enough that it stopped us from buying ice cream, Luckily we had plenty of time still to buy the ice cream b/c we had a little over an hour for lunch. After lunch we cleaned up around the tents again (we did that a lot). Then we had a short lesson on ranks and symbols in the army. When we finished we were given a half hour break. Then we had a lesson with a different commander going over everything we had learned about guns. She also taught us the commands we will need to know for the shooting range tomorrow. Then the head commander led a lesson with both EIE groups going over what we had just learned. After that we did a few activities with our commander and then headed to dinner. Where Noa, Lior, Judy, and D Sol greeted us. Dinner wasn’t good at all. Which in a way was helpful b/c I ate quickly and had enough time to go back to the tent to get a jacket b/c it was freezing out! When we met with our commander after dinner we went into a classroom and sat in circle. We then went around summarizing our feelings on everything we had done so far. Our commander isn’t allowed to laugh in front of us but that didn’t really work well for her (as hard as she tried to cover it up). We also talked about how we were feeling about shooting M16s. Then we met up with a few other units and watched the sergeant be promoted. Then b/c we have been so good these past few days we were given an hour and 40 min off (instead of just an hour). Our heater was still broken at the time so we spent a great amount of time trying to track down a staff member to fix it. But they couldn’t figure it out. Lucky for us thought, Rachel R. eventually did. So we went to bed with a working heater.

Field Day

*FROM 11/22*
This morning we woke up at 6 am. I woke up with 2 cats standing on the floor right across from my head. But luckily Sivan came in the tent to get her stuff out of our bag and scared them away. By 6:20 we had to be outside and completely ready. Then for a little more than an hour we cleaned the bathrooms. Apparently Israeli girls don’t understand the idea of a trashcan, which wasn’t good for us. When we finished we had breakfast. Then we got on the bus to a park. While we were there we learned how to crawl with and without a fun, different hand signs, how to create a vantage point and a lot more. In order to learn all there things ewe played games ☺. We also learned how to paint our faces with mud (I didn’t really enjoy that). The entire day our commander was throwing fake bombs at us and we had 3 seconds to run a way and duck. After all the learning, we had the opportunity within our groups to create a vantage point. When we were done and the head commander and sergeant came to check our vantage point, they thought it would be fun to throw a bomb. Thanks to instinct, Yael and I turn around and ran. However, we didn’t realize until we had landed that in order to run and duck we had jumped on a cliff. After all that we started our Masa (march) back to the base (it wasn’t much fun). When we got back we had a short break and then a lesson with the Sergeant She taught us why we have an I.D.F. and also who is and who isn’t allowed to join (there are few people who aren’t allowed to join). We had to wait for dinner, so we did some exercises. Then we ate. I ate quickly so I had extra time to relax (so I started writing this). Then we had a lesson with the head commander on guns. During break we all decided that “field day” had made us to gross and dirty and that we had to in fact use the gross showers. Then we had a snack that Noa and Hadas brought us, met with our commander, and went to bed.

Welcome to the Army

*FROM 11/21*
This morning we got up at normal time and at 8:30 put our final few things in the library and cleaned out our rooms. Then David, Baruch, and Judy dud intense checks of every room to make sure we had cleaned properly. Then we got on the bus and headed down south. Around 11:30 we stopped at a mall for lunch, where Sydney and I shared a salad and a frozen yogurt where they basically create the flavor by mixing in whatever you want. (Ours was pretty good). Then we got back on the bus and around1:30 we arrived at the base. Immediately we were split into 2 groups and put our bags in our respective tents. Luckily all the girls in our group are in a tent with just us (the other EIE girls of Israelis). Then we got our mattresses, sleeping bags, and blankets. None of which were obtained easily. We were constantly being timed and running in to 2 lines or a het. Then we got our uniforms. We went back to the tent to change I found a cat sitting on my mattress. I freaked out a bit (of course the cat would sit on the bed of a girl who dislikes animals). Then we learned some commands, went over rules, learned the “red lines” and ran a little more. Around 6:40 we had dinner (it wasn’t very good). After dinner we met in our groups and played a few games until opening ceremony. The ceremony wasn’t anything special; we legitimately sat there for an hour. After that we had our hour off that every solider is guaranteed. We set up our beds, had a snack, talked to our madrachim, got ready for bed, and I wrote. Our hour off is also the time for us to shower but the bathrooms are a tad gross so we decided that we wouldn’t be using them all week. At 10 we met with our commander, cleaned up some trash, and went to bed.

Shabbat Strawberries with Aunt Suzy

I slept in this morning because its Shabbat which means late wake up! We had services at 11 and at 12:30 I left services early to get in cab to Jerusalem. I went to Aunt Suzy’s hotel to meet up with her and her two friends. Yesterday they went to the Shuk and got food so that we could have a Shabbat picnic. It was soo good! We sat out on the porch of the hotel and had pita, hummus, yogurt, fresh veggies, cheeses, dried fruit, grapes, and strawberries. I was in heaven. Plus it was the first time I had had strawberries in months b/c it just became strawberry season her in Israel! After our delicious lunch we went for a walk around Jerusalem. We also stopped at the Gilad Shalit booth run by his family in an effort to get him back. We even met his father. When we got back to the hotel Aunt Suzy and I had a few minutes for just the 2 of us to talk. Then we went up to her room and she gave me all the leftovers from lunch b/c they were flying home tonight so had nothing to do with them. We figured that even thought we are also leaving tomorrow that the food would be eaten. And sure enough the majority of it is already gone. When I got back to Tzuba I asked my roommates if they were hungry and of course they were so we ate some pita, cheese, and the craisins and dried apricots. I am saving the extra almonds and raisins that Aunt Suzy bought just for me, as a snack while we are in the south. When I got back we also had torah study, which was actually kinda fun. It was led by Yael’s sister, which was also kinda cool. Then I attempted to order a camera but it isn’t working out b/c you need an Israeli identification code thingy to order stuff here. Then Noa helped me with math. At 6 we had havdalah followed by dinner. There was apple salad so I had a bowl and called it a meal ☺ Then I went back to my room and packed up all my stuff (except my computer which I am allowed to have until tomorrow morning when I put it in the library). Then I had a nice conference call with grammy and mommy. It was good to hear their voices and be able to talk to both of them at the same time. It was especially nice b/c I don’t get to talk to grammy that often b/c we have to talk through mommy and it is hard for all 3 of us to find a common time that works. Now I am writing this and when I am done I am going to relax with my roommates and write an article about EIE that we all have to write (the top 4 writings get to have dinner made for us by David Solomon and Jen and I am determined to win). Then I am going to go to bed and wake up tomorrow and go to Gadna (Army training). Which means that I won’t have my computer until next Sunday. But as usual I will write about my day and type it up when I get back to Tzuba. Talk to you next week! Happy Thanksgiving! Eat a piece of apple or cherry pie and a lot of mashed potatoes and gravy for me!

Tel Aviv and delicious apple salad!

Even though today was Friday we had Jewish History. Actually we had an all day tiyul to Tel Aviv. When we got to Tel Aviv this morning we went straight to the beach (but not for fun). We didn’t get to play in the sand or go in the water. Instead we learned about the start of Tel Aviv (1909). We did a short activity to demonstrate how the lots were given out. I drew a lot with a sea front view; I’d say it was a pretty good pick. Then we walked around the old neighborhoods of Tel Aviv. Basically we went on the same tour that I went on the day I went out with the parents while they were here. Those of us who had already gone had fun pointing out all the stuff we were going to learn about to each other. We even stopped for ice cream at the same place ☺ The only difference is that there was a fire in the museum we went in with the parents so we were unable to go into it today. We also had a bunch of small activities during our lesson. For a majority of our walking we were only allowed to speak Hebrew and you would get a “ticket” every time you spoke English. We also had an activity were we went around asking people questions trying to figure out if Tel Aviv was just a city in a Jewish state or a Jewish city. After all of that, the kids who were going out for the weekend left and the rest of us got our lunch money and had 2 and half hours to walk around the market. My goal was to find and buy a new camera but that didn’t work out as well as I had hoped. However, I did get to see Ronit, which was great b/c the last time I saw here was before she left for camp! After free time, we went to Jaffa for a short tour led by Baruch (our principal). Then we went back into Tel Aviv for services. We left services a little early b/c they went longer than expected and we were already going to be late for dinner (we usually eat at 8 on Friday and the dinning hall closes when we are done). When we got to Tzuba we went straight to dinner, we didn’t even put our stuff down in our rooms. Then we did the blessings and ate. I have to say Shabbat meals on Tzuba are my favorite b/c all I eat is a piece of chicken and a ton of apple salad (I wish they served apple salad all week!). Luckily we didn’t have oneg and went right to free time after dinner. Larissa, Sydney and I all hung out in Sydney’s room and watched the Parent Trap. By the time we finished the movie we were tired so I am writing this and going to bed.

The first Aliyah

This morning we got up early b/c we had a full day tiyul. Once on the bus we had about a 2-hour drive to our first destination. We went to a museum to learn about Zionism and Aliyot to Israel. The first big wave of Aliyot was in 1881, incase you were wondering. After we went through the museum we got back on the bus for an hour drive up to the Kineret. When we got there we had lunch. As usual for an all day tiyul we had chicken schnitzel. Then we walked around for a while learning about kibbutzim. We did a role-play activity of a meeting among kibbutz members and I realized that before Kibbutzim became more modern and started letting people actually own things, everything that people owned wasn’t specifically theirs. Rather it was everyone who was a member of the Kibbutz. I could never imagine living on a kibbutz like the ones when kibbutzim were first founded. After that we went to the cemetery and learned several stories about people that lived on one of the first Kibbutzim. Then we got on the bus and started our 3-hour drive home. But we got stuck in traffic and got back an hour late. Right when we got back we went straight to dinner. After dinner I finalized plans with Aunt Suzy because I am seeing her on Saturday. Then I went to Sydney and Yael’s room to steal their Internet b/c the Internet in my room sucks! So that is where I am now. When I am done stealing their Internet I am going to go shower, bond with my roommates, and pack up my stuff.

p.s. I am officially caught up on my blog updates! That is for the time being… after gadna and the south I will have to type up all of those entries too!

Back to school...for a day

Today we actually had school. It was a little weird. During Hebrew we learned words that we will need to know for Gadna. In Jewish history class we caught Ariella up on everything she missed when she left Poland. Then we started discussing what happened after the Holocaust in terms of people’s reactions. While I was on my way to lunch I was told I had to go to Baruch (our principal)’s office instead b/c my econ teacher was sick and had sent him an assignment for us. Then I had lunch. During what would have been my econ. period I did my assignment and typed up more of my blog. Then I had physics and English. But I got out of English early b/c I finished my assignment. So I had 2 hours and 20 min. until dinner. Sydney and I attempted to do math but it didn’t go very well. Then we had dinner and announcements followed by SAT math prep. Then I typed up more blog posts and talked to people from home. Now I am bonding with the other Rachels ☺

Delays

*FROM 11/16*
Since I wrote last night at the airport nothing too exciting has happened. Last night I said our flight had been delayed by 2 hours. Well, that turned into 3 and half hours. I slept the entire plane ride and all the exiting tasks from the airport were easy. By the we got on the bus it was 7 am; aka much later than we had planned on getting back. Because we got back so much later than planned, all of our classes for the day were canceled (originally we were only supposed to have general studies). Upon on return we were given our new rooms that are only for this week (b/c we have to move again on Sunday for Gadna-Army training, and then we get to request rooms). The madrachim decided to do rooms they thought would be fun but we figured out each room has a theme. My room was by far the easiest to figure out, “The Rachel Room”. 4 out of 5 rachels are in our room. We got in our room and all passed out. We slept til about 1 and then decided to go to lunch. When we came back to the room there wasn’t to much to do b/c we had to wait until 3 to get all of our stuff from the library. So Sivan (her first name is Rachel) and I had a shaving party. At 3 we all got out stuff and for the first time we were extremely efficient at emptying the library. We went by the policy of grab your own bags. I was so happy to have my phone and computer! I was able to skype/call mom and start typing up my blogs from the week away. The only problem is that my new room doesn’t have great internet. But I am dealing. At 6 we had dinner followed by a meeting in which we met a commander from Gadna who told us what to expect next week. While everyone else is really excited I am not. And it isn’t even b/c of the work, it is b/c of the logistics part of the program. We get an hour a day to ourselves in which we can use our phone, write, shower, etc. Right as the hour is up the lights will be turned off and we all have to be silent. Our commanders are also not allowed to speak to us in English and while we are there we will be seen and treated as IDF soldiers. But hopefully I am just scaring myself and it will be fine. After the meeting we had SAT English prep. Both Daniel and D Sol weren’t here tonight so we had a joint class taught by Jen, who is in charge of the SAT program. Then I went back to my room, did some homework, typed up my blog, and bonded with the other Rachels.

The Worst Camp

*FROM 11/15*
Today was extremely long (and just got longer). We woke up at 6 am, finished putting the final few things in our bag, had breakfast, and made our way to the bus. Once on the bus we had an hour bus ride to Auschwitz. We went to Auschwitz II (Birkenau) first. Below are some facts we learned:
-In 1944 there was a Sunder-commando revolt, in which they destroyed gas chamber/crematorium 4.
-In 1944 the Nazis built the train tracks all the way into the camp or more specifically all the way to the gas chambers.
-In one of the bathrooms “stay clam” was written on the wall in German. Making it so even the one moment a person should have to themselves was controlled by the Nazis.
-Auschwitz camps were the only ones that tattooed the number on people’s arms.
-The seen in Schindler’s list when the girls are sent to Auschwitz never happened (they were sent to a camp but not one like Auschwitz).
-it was really hard to see from end to end of the camp b/c it was so large.
-the real showers, hair cuts, and tattoos were performed in a building called the sauna.
-we heard the story of a man who was a barber and his cousin came in right before she was to be gassed and he had to decide if he was going to tell her what happened in the cambers. He decided against it b/c another barber had told his sister and was killed b/c everyone overheard and started to freak out.
-if you were bad in the barrack you were told to lay on the heater and were slapped by the capo.
-the gas chambers were underground so that the Nazis could easily drop in the gas.

After our class led tour of Birkenau we got on the bus and drove 2 km to Auschwitz 1. We had lunch in the parking lot and than had tours led by their tour guides. Here are details from the tour:
-I was not expecting to walk into the camp and have the barracks right there.
-the band played as workers left for and returned from work
- most of the barracks were brick buildings b/c they had been built prior to the war for the polish army.
-the camp was more like a museum and seemed kind of fake
-the Nazis made all the Jewish men ad Israel to their name and all the Jewish woman add Sara to their name.
-the biggest transport of Jews was from Hungary
- Jews had to pay for their train tickets to the camps b/c they were told they were going on vacation and the Germans sold their possessions basically making so they [the Jews] paid for their own death.
-we saw piles and piles of hair (2 tons worth which was 40000 people) that was used to make fabric for uniforms and to sell
-the name of the storage barracks was Canada b/c they thought Canada was a symbol for wealth.
-you never really imagine it being sunny at the camps but when were there it was and it made everything seem a little out of place
-each person was allowed to bring 25kg of luggage (one bag) and were told to write their name on it so it could eventually be sent back to them
-Jews were told they were allowed to live for 2 weeks, priests were allowed to live for 4 weeks, and everyone else was allowed to live for 3 months.
-until 1943 they photographed non-Jewish prisoners, but they stopped b/c there were too many people coming into the camp
-at one point the Russian’s number was tattooed on their chests, and in some rare occasions it was tattooed on ones bicep or leg
- only 600 kids were alive when the camp was liberated
-Dr. Mengele experimented on multiples to try and learn how to produce multiples to increase the Arian population
-there were 3 types of special jail cells: a dark cell, a standing cell, and a starvation cell
-There were 130 successful runaways
-The commandant, his wife, and 5 kids live 200 meters from the gas chamber

Then we went to a synagogue in Oświęcim and had our last t’fillah in Poland. Then we went to dinner and drove an hour to the airport. Once we got there we had 45 minutes until check in. I couldn’t leave Europe without having a Milka product so Yael and I bought Milka chocolate covered raisins (they were delicious). Then we went through the check-in process. B/c we were flying to Israel security was extremely thorough. First we had to open our bag that was being checked in front of security so that they would know there were no bombs in our bags (the security lady ruined my wonderful packing job), then we checked our bag and got our tickets. After that we went through regular security. The machine had a little bit of an issue and they made Yael empty here entire backpack but nothing was wrong! Then we went through passport control. The guy made a weird face at me b/c my picture is so terrible. Now we are sitting at the gate and our flight has been delayed by 2 hours, which means we will be back at Tzuba between 3 and 4 am!
Overall, this week was the past and worst part of EIE so far. It was sad and difficult at times (especially when we learned about death) but I love studying the Holocaust, which made it interesting and fun. It’s a shame that not everyone gets to have this experience. But I know I will never forget it.

Righteous Gentiles

*From 11/14*
This morning after breakfast we walked the path that the Jews of Krakow took when they were forced to move across the river to the “Jewish District”. Our first stop was the memorial for the Krakow Ghetto (which is where the deportation train station was). In the middle of class a homeless polish man came up and randomly sat down in the middle of our circle. He started speaking to us in Polish and no one understood him. David Alon tried to give him an apple but he pushed it away and instead grabbed David’s hand. Eventually Yair came over and distracted him while our class moved locations. This new location was in front of the apothecary. The owner during the holocaust was not Jewish but didn’t want to move his store. So he lived outside and worked within the ghetto. He brought the Jews extra food, medical supplies, and was a source for news. After we finished there we got on the bus and took a short drive to Schindler’s factory. We didn’t go inside the museum but we had a group lesson outside. We learned about a few of the 21000 righteous gentiles. We heard about Irena Sendler who took a fake name and identity in order to get into the ghetto and sneak children out. She changed their names and had Christian families raise them as their own. But she didn’t let their real identities disappear. She kept all of their given names in a jar and hid it until after the war, when she revealed the information to the children. All of the children ditched their adopted religion and went back to Judaism. We also learned that Denmark was the only country that went against the Nazis and saved all their Jews. The priests, rabbis, and government worked together to hide all the Jews and get them safely out of the country. Only a few hundred were captured by the Nazis and taken to a camp. But even then the Danish people insisted on monthly visits and brought the people food and other necessities. When the war was over, while most people went home to find their homes and valuables destroyed, the Danish Jews returned to find their homes and even their pets had been taken care of. After the factory we drove past what is left of the ghetto wall. We noticed that unlike other walls, it was built to look like tombstones. After that we did something no other EIE group (not even the staff has done), we went to the memorial for the Plaszow labor camp that the Jews of Krakow were sent to. It was also the camp that Schindler’s Jews were from. It was a little weird seeing all the historic places that the story was based on. Next we went to the Galicia Museum and looked around for a bit. There were 2 main exhibits, one on the Jews of L’wow and one on Auschwitz. Then we had a few minutes to get snacks at the café.Most people got hot chocolate b/c D Sol said it was the best hot chocolate in all of Poland. I however, got a piece of cherry pie. I saw it as the pie I will be missing on Thanksgiving. After that we went over to a park for lunch. After lunch we did something else no other EIE semester has done, we helped clean the cemetery of the Ramu (the man whose father wouldn’t stay open past noon on Shabbat). All we really did was clean off moss from tombstones. At about 3 we went back to the hotel until 6:15. During our break we packed, played cards, and I finished reading “legends of our time” by Elie Wiesel. At 6:15 we walked to the mall for dinner. I had the least kosher meal I have had since EIE started. It was the polish version of a ceasar salad. Which apparently includes lettuce, Parmesan cheese, hard-boiled egg, chicken, and bacon. It was so good! Izzy and I then decided since we each still had 4 zloty we should get ice cream. So we did and it was exactly 4 zloty each. I had one scoop of cinnamon and one scoop of mint chocolate chip and oddly enough they went really well together. Then we walked back to the hotel and had the last nightly class discussion of the trip. I personally still find it cool that it is totally normal for 15 teenagers to chill out in their teachers’ hotel room. But I guess it makes sense b/c our classes have really become our families. Our discussion focused on preparing us for Auschwitz tomorrow. I learned that Auschwitz is actually 13 camps. Auschwitz one which is the labor camp; Birkenau (or Auschwitz 2), which was the death camp (and where most of the Jews were sent); and the rest were factories. I also learned that contrary to popular belief, the camps are not all connected. After discussions I finished packing, wrote this, and went to bed.

Shabbat in Poland

*FROM 11/13*
Today was a pretty relaxed day. We (Yael, Sydney, Larissa and I) got up 15 min. before breakfast ended. We ate and then got ready for services. After services we had an hour break and then lunch. After lunch there was an optional tiyul to the castle but I wasn’t allowed to go b/c I had been sick. So I read a little and took a nap. When everyone got back we had havdalah in front of the old synagogue. A bunch of people stood around and watched us (it was awkward). Then we went back to the “big square” for dinner. I was really excited b/c D Sol gave me his camera to use until the end of Poland. For dinner we went back to the Ice cream place (they also had real food). I had a chicken and bree cheese sandwich. It took forever to get our food! But we kept giving mean looks to the waiters and they eventually brought our food. Since they didn’t write down our orders my sandwich didn’t come without cucumber and with corn but it was ok (I took of the cucumber and it was all good). Then we had ice cream and walked around the square for a while. It is very odd and a little sickening to see signs everywhere for tours of Auschwitz. This country makes a profit off of Jewish tragedy, it’s disgusting. Then we went back to the Hotel and Sydney, Larissa, and I played go-fish we 2 decks and sets of 8 instead of 2 or 4 (it was pretty intense).

Finally! Mexican Food!

*FROM 11/12*
We got to sleep in again this morning but I swear breakfast keeps getting worse. This morning when I got to breakfast there was barely any food and I had to wait 25 minutes for eggs and to toast a piece of bread! It was ridiculous! After breakfast we started class on foot. We went on a “Synagogue Scavenger Hunt” aka we went around visiting 5 Synagogues. In each synagogue David Alon told us stories. One was about a man who everyone thought was selfish. But when he died people stopped getting challah, milk, and other things on their doorsteps. They then realized that he had been the one giving all a long. Another story was that every morning the people of the town would get knocks on their door. Three knocks meant that everything was good and that the men should prepare for morning t’fillah. 2 knocks meant that someone had died and they should prepare for a funeral. The 3rd story was about a man who insisted on closing his store at noon every Friday, even one day when a man came in and was willing to spend more money than the storeowner could have imagined. When he went home and told his wife she was extremely proud. Long story short they conceived a son that night who became an extremely famous rabbi. After our tour we went to the “big square” for lunch. It was the best lunch I have had in a while. Sydney, Larissa, and I found a Mexican restaurant. We had 60 zlotys total and spent exactly that. I got a chicken and cheese quesadilla and Sydney and larissa had a vegetarian quesadilla and nachos with guac. They were all appetizers (aka the quesadillas were like ½ of an actual quesadilla) so we decided that it was ok to then go have ice cream. We found a really good ice cream place that basically did gourmet ice cream dishes. Sydney and I shared a banana split and it was absolutely amazing. After lunch we went back to the hotel and had 3 hours of free time and Shabbat prep time. So Sydney, Larissa and I played cards and I e-mailed mom about my camera dilemma. Then we had services, dinner, and oneg.

Memories

*FROM 11/11*
The reason we came on this trip to Poland and the reason we study the Holocaust is to remember. We remembered in the woods of the shtel, at the cemetery, at Majdanex, and today at the Warsaw Ghetto. This morning after a disappointing breakfast (there were no dried fruits this time ☹) and one that was not in a separate kosher dinning room (we weren’t allowed to eat the meat), we got on the bus and learned about the Warsaw Ghetto. The first thing we did was visit a small portion of the wall that is still standing today. The ghetto itself was only 2% of Warsaw and originally had to fit 386000 Jews (then the ghetto was shrunk and had to fit even more people). Next we went on a memorial tour. At each memorial we heard a story of resistance. We learned that the people found out what was happening in the camps by sending little kids, hidden under the train to the camps and back. Girls were sent as spies/helpers traveling to different cities b/c they couldn’t be identified as Jews as easily as men could (b/c of circumcision). At the memorial of the Jewish hospital (which had bee right next to the train station) we were informed that nurses would poison children right before the Nazis would come to take them, so that they would not have to bare the pain of a gas chamber or cattle car. We saw the sight that Mila 18 (a book by Leon Uris) was based on and learned about youth movements started in resistance. We saw the sewage pipes that people would travel through for safety. We also learned that it took the Nazis 3 weeks to take over all of Poland but a month to take over the small Warsaw Ghetto after the uprising. After that we lunch. They brought it about 18 boxes of pizza for the 44 students and 7 staff members. We demolished all of it in about 8 minutes. However, after lunch things hit a rough patch. All my memories were taken from me. Upon entering the bus after lunch I recall putting my camera in my hat and putting in on the seat but once I sat down my camera was no longer in my hat. All 200 pictures I had taken on the trip so far were gone. By then end of the day I had searched the entire bus, my bag, and had no luck. Our first stop after lunch was the airport to drop Ariella and Shira off b/c they have little kids and had not leave us for the rest of the trip. Then we picked up David Alon (who was teaching our class) and started our 5+ hour bus ride to Krakow. Our final movie of the trip was Schindler’s list. Having never seen the movie I was extremely impressed. While his original attempt was to make money he ended up saving 6000 people to date (1100 at the time but 6000 as a result of reproduction), which is more Jews than are currently live in Poland. Around 7:30ish we stopped for dinner, it wasn’t very good. When we got to Krakow I stayed behind to search the bus, still no luck. Then we had to try and find the hotel. None of the staff who had stayed behind knew where we were going. So Jake, Jon, Larissa, Izzy, Sydney, Preston, Mandy, Hadas, Yoni, Lior and I were lost for about 15 minutes until we found D Sol. When we finally arrived we got our rooms and had class discussions. Conveniently Yael and I’s room had a connecting door to Sydney and Larissa’s. Which was wonderful, especially b/c we are in the hotel for 4 nights.

Hope is the Last to Die

*FROM 11/10*
We woke up this morning at 7 am in Lublin. We had a decent breakfast and then went to Old Town Lublin. Before we entered the actual town we had quick class meetings on what we should look for while walking around. We came up with 4 things: a castle, a church, a water source, and Jewish symbols. We then had an hour to walk around, take pictures, and get to know the town. Sydney, Larissa, and I walked around and had a mini photo shot. After class wrap-ups we got on the bus for a 3 min drive to Yeshivat Chacemi Lublin (aka the Harvard of Yeshivot). The boys accepted had to memorize 400 pages of Talmud just to be accepted. Before we finished we did a torah study activity. Then we had our box lunches and made our way to the Majdanek death camp (it was originally a Labor camp). When we arrived I was shocked to find that the camp wasn’t in the middle of nowhere but rather next to neighborhoods and office buildings. There is even a path going through the SS part of camp connecting the offices to the homes. It was uncomforting. It was also odd b/c people drive past this place everyday and probably don’t even note its importance. Our tour of the “German Killing Factory” was lead by Halina Birenbaum and her story “Hope is the last to Die”. Ariella read excerpts as took everything in. Below are some of my impressions:
-Gas Chambers: it’s amazing how much thought and deception the Nazis put inot the Final Solution. Giving the people who were about to die soap and towels and the gas chambers saying bathhouse.
-Room of shoes: every shoe is this room stands for a soul. Someone who unconsciously walked in those shoes to their death. I felt some of the shoes, they were dusty and dirty. Part of me wanted to take off my shoes and add them to the pile.
-Barracks: we questioned where it would be better to sleep; the top close to the cold, the middle where the Capo could easily reach you, or the bottom where all the feces and other bodily issues would fall on you. I can’t believe that 1000 people fit in one of these huts.
-Crematory: they had to add another crematory and gas chamber just to fill their killing needs.
- Sitting at the pile of ashes you can see the entire death camp. Back then all the grass I see was barracks or other horrifying German contraptions. The camp is not what I expected; the barracks are bigger, the gas chambers more or less the same, and the sorrow for the Jewish people and hatred towards the Nazis, higher.

Our tour ended at the Memorial of the Pile of Ashes. This location was also where my Tekes (ceremony) was held. Our ceremony went well and I didn’t mess up my song! Then after our sad, depressing, heart wrenching and disturbing tours we got on the bus and headed back to Warsaw. Within a few minutes of being on the bus, Hadas, said she had something for us. It was letters from our families. I got one from Grammy and poppy and one from mommy (along with a copy of my bat-mitzvah speech) [I might have possibly cried after reading the letters]. Then we watched movie number 3, the pianist. Around 8 we finally got to the hotel (the one we stayed at the first night), put our bags down, and went to a buffet dinner. At 9 we had class discussions followed by Larissa, Sydney and I eating my graham crackers with nutella and bananas as a nighttime snack. Then I went back to my room and went to bed.

Life to Death Just Like that

*FROM 11/9*
While we landed in Poland yesterday, today felt like we were here for a reason. We woke up, I spent 10 min getting Yael up, packed our bag, and went to breakfast. We had to eat in a separate kosher dinning room but as we were walking there we passed the regular dinning area and could smell bacon and other meats we were not permitted to have. But breakfast was good, even without the meat. For the first time since we left America there was actual fruit at breakfast (it was wonderful!). After breakfast we had a 3-hour bus ride to a shtel Tikocyn. We watched our first of 4 movies during the ride (Fiddler on the Roof- after all it was about shtel life). When we arrived we split up into classes and walked around getting to know shtel life and culture. Eventually our tour took us to the cemetery from when the town was a flourishing Jewish community. Unlike the cemetery in Warsaw, this one had not been taken care off. Many of the headstones were covered with dirt and leaves and were very challenging to find. Then we had a box lunched followed and went into the synagogue. The synagogue had been restored to look like it did during the s shtels’ time. The most interesting part of the synagogue was that the prayers were written on the walls. We assumed it was b/c originally the synagogue probably did not have enough siddurim for the congregation. After we learned a little about the synagogue we had t’fillah but it turned into more of a song session. When we were done we were told we had to be silent and get on the bus. We had a 3 min drive following the path that the Jews if the shtel took right before they were killed. We arrived at the Lepochova Forest were when the jews arrived they found 3 large holes. Today they are 3 memorials. Before we walked up all the way to the mass graves we heard a story of a women who had survived only after seeing watching her parents, sister, and daughter being shot. She too was shot at but was only injured and was able to climb out of the pit. The first time her story was made public was during the Eichmann trial in the 60s. We then had time to walk around and look at the graves as we pleased. I felt sickened. I could picture everything that had happened there. Then we had our first ceremony of the trip. This one was short and was led by our Madrachim and Yahir (a Jewish History teacher). Right before we said kaddish we went around the circle and said the names of our family members who were killed in the Holocaust. After we sang Hatikvah D Sol said “and now we are going to do something the people here never got to do, we are going to walk out”. A line we would here many more times this trip. When we got back on the bus everyone was silent for a while. Then we finished Fiddler. At one of our bathroom stops I somehow got locked in a men’s bathroom (in Poland), it was a little frightening (don’t worry there were no guys in there- we converted it into a girls bathroom). After Fiddler, we watched Defiance. I liked the movie but some scenes were scary to watch while driving through the middle of a dark forest. 5 hours later we finally ended up at our hotel in Lublin. We quickly put our stuff down and went to dinner. Then we had class time were we discussed the day, our feelings, and reactions. After that I had ceremony prep b/c my ceremony is tomorrow. Then I went to bed.

Wait were in Poland? When did that Happen?

*FROM 11/8*
So last night after I finished packing up all my belongings, my roommates and I spent our last night together watching the European Music Awards and eating ice cream. The awards ended around 12:15 and we decided it might be a good idea to get a little sleep. Passing out wasn’t much of an issue, however 1:15 am wake up was. By 2 we were on the bus and ready to go to the airport. When we got to the airport we were given our passports, questioned by security, checked our bags, got out tickets, went through passport control, and lastly went through security. Then we had free time until 5:20. The majority of us went to the food court and had “breakfast”. But was we discovered breakfast isn’t served until 6 am (or at least according to McDonalds). So I had more of a late dinner, which was penne with pesto (it was ok- too much olive oil). Then Mikah and I decided to go walk around the toy store for fun. They had Polly pockets, barbies, play mobile, legos, and even scrabble but with Hebrew letters! (Don’t worry we didn’t buy anything). Then we went to the gate and played cards until it was time to board. The flight wasn’t bad at all ( I slept through it) and passport control and baggage claim were easy. When we got to the bus we were greeted with breakfast (a cheese sandwich, banana, and orange juice), which was my 2nd “breakfast” and some people’s 3rd (if they had had the breakfast passed out on the plain). Then we got on the bus and headed for the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery. We walked around for about 2 and half hours learning what certain symbols meant and about important figures that were buried there. One of the graves we saw was Mirek Edelman’s and everyone thought that it was a relative of mine but I have no idea if that is true. After we finished at the cemetery we went to a mall for lunch. We were given 40 zloty for both lunch and dinner (20 per meal). I walked around with Sydney and Larissa. We decided to all try and spend less than 20 on lunch so we would have more for dinner b/c D Sol had told us there were nicer restaurants where we were going. There was a Mexican place but the food looked kind of gross and we couldn’t read the menu so we decided not to eat there. Instead we had McDonalds. After we ate we went to the super farm (like cvs) to find hand warmers but were unsuccessful. So we decided to try ice cream flavors to waste our remaining time. But the ice cream place didn’t like the idea of tasting before buying so we ended up not getting ice cream there, rather we shared a McFlurry. After lunch we went to the hotel to rest. Then at 5 we went to the only synagogue in Warsaw to survive WWII. Then we went to the Old Town Center for dinner. Luckily we were able to stick to the idea of a cheaper lunch and were able to go to a nice restaurant for dinner. Asher, Sydney, and Larissa, and I had a nice sit down dinner at a restaurant were the employees spoke English (unlike the employees at McDonalds). I had a delicious chicken ceaser salad and left over spinach from Larissa’s pasta. When we finished eating we had about a half hour left before meeting time so we walked around in an attempt to find everyone else (it worked). After everyone was accounted for we got on the bus and went back to the hotel.

Packing, College Board, and Doctors

This morning I got up and took the SAT2s in Math level 2 and U.S. history. They were ok, I just hope I raised my scores. Right after I finished my 2nd test I was told to get in a cab b/c I had a doctor’s appt. I wasn’t really aware I was sick but it ended up being a good thing. When I got back there really wasn’t a point to go to Jewish history b/c there was only 15 min. left. So I just waited til 1:15, got my report card, and went to lunch. Then I had all my general studies. I didn’t really want to go to my general studies b/c I was tired and didn’t feel well but I went and they weren’t too bad. Then I spent my free period packing. Then I had dinner and we had announcements. Along with announcements we listened to our principals story about the holocaust and his life. It was really interesting but now we only have an hour to finish packing up our rooms, pack for Poland, and get all of our stuff into storage. So I am sorry this is short. I will make sure to write while I am in Poland and will post it when I get back.