*FROM SEPTEMBER 9TH*
Everyone assumes that Israel is an extremely religious place. Well this morning I learned that that assumption isn’t really true. Seeing as today is Rosh Hashana we went to services this morning. (I never really described services last night so I guess I will talk about them now too). The room for services fits 100 people for services. Last night no one knew what to expect. We all figured its Erev Rosh Hashana people will be dressed nice and it will be like services at home. WRONG. People showed up in flip-flops, jeans, and t-shirts! This morning the same thing happened! Plus there was this one kid who brought his shofar and talked and played with it the entire service! If I were at home no one would have really noticed b/c this kid probably would have been on the balcony floor but here we were all together and that kid was annoying us all. Since 98% of the service was in Hebrew none of us knew what was going on most of the time, giving us a lot of time to think. I couldn’t help and think about everything I was missing at home. The Rabbis saying Aveinu Malkeinu in really loud and strong voices, Rabbi Lustig lifting the torah, singing Lechi Lach, the family service story. The Rabbis leading our service were nowhere as meaningful and powerful as the Rabbis at WHC. Plus even though there were 100 of us at this service it still did not feel as warm, close, and inviting as High Holiday Services at home. Plus the fact that I was wearing a black high waisted skirt, belt, and dark purple shirt with flip-flops did not feel right, but my heels weren’t right for the occasion here either. If I had been at home I would have had my talit, purse, the same outfit I wore this morning, plus heels and I would have felt way more dressed for the Occasion. Also, the boy who was blowing the shofar was TERRIBLE! He sounded like he was just spitting into the thing. At home there were contests to see who could hold the sound the longest and the sounds are so perfect. I guess I just expected today to be much more holy because I am in Israel, but the truth is I feel more holy and like I am actually getting something out of the service when I am at home.
Well I wrote that earlier today during free time. Since then a lot has happened. It’s a new year and I could not be happier. This afternoon was so tough and my friend and I felt so homesick/temple sick and then after dinner I got to talk to one of my best friends from home thanks to mommy. It was the start to a new year I needed (thank you rbw). After that we were told to put on tevas and clothes we didn’t mind getting dirty. Next thing you know we are walking off the kibbutz property into the Negev Desert. We spent a good half hour in silence just looking out into the hills and stars. I haven’t felt so relaxed and peaceful since the last morning I spent at camp watching the sunrise. I can honestly say it has finally hit me that I am here in Israel. I could not have asked for a better start to the New Year. When I sat up I felt so relaxed and sat criss-cross applesauce with back straight up, just like I would sit in dance class. I don’t think I have sat up perfectly straight like that since my first dance class last year. For the rest of the night I stood up perfectly straight and I only wish I could be that relaxed for the rest of my life to stand and sit with my back always straight. When we got back to the kibbutz I had a heart to heart with one of our madrachim (counselors). It was so nice to have someone to talk to about everything that I have gone through in the last year. Now I am sitting on my room with my 2 roommates for the next 2 nights and I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off my shoulders. I think it is going to be a good year.
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