Just want to be done!

Today we had a tiyul but it started at Tzuba. We had a hassidic Jew and his wife come talk to us and answer questions. Some of the kids tried to get into heavy debates with them but we didn’t really have enough time for that. After talking to them we got on the bus to go walk around some Hassidic/orthodox neighborhoods in Jerusalem. It was interesting to see how everything really centered around being Jewish and the community itself. After the tiyul we went back to Tzuba for general studies/midterms. Luckily I didn’t have any midterms today b/c I was so tired and out of it. After dinner we had announcements and were supposed to find out our roommates for Poland but we didn’t have enough time b/c of SAT English prep. I actually had fun in prep class. After prep class we all ran to the Zula b/c they posted who are roomies would be. I am with Yael! Then I went back to my room, talked to Rachel for a little bit to distress and did some homework. Now I am going to post this and continue studying for my midterms! Woohoo! (not!). I can not wait for this week (all the way until next Sunday when I take the SAT2s again) to be over!

Rain and do nothing days

Yay for Saturdays and staying on Tzuba! I slept until 10:15 and then had services at 11. Then we had lunch and free time until 4. SO I attempted to do homework and got my English essay done! Woohoo! But it also rained last night/today and rain makes me tired so I didn’t really want to do anything. At 4 we had beit midrash which is basically just some sort of religious study. We talked about what the day or rest actually means and what we do at home for Shabbat. Then we had more free time until dinner. Then havdalah. After havdalah we had the choice to either go to the mall or stay at Tzuba. Most kids went to the mall but decided not to. So instead I was able to relax and have some free time and talk to people from home. Then everyone came back and free time continued until rooms in. Then we had roommate bonding (like we do every night). Now we are doing hw/ going to bed.

Happy Halloween!

Today was a great day, even though it started with 3 hours of SAT prep. We had math first and then English. After SAT prep we had study hall (it lasted til 4). I did some homework but still have an essay to write (but it wont take long). I would have gotten more homework done but I was worn out and after SAT prep your mind goes dead. Instead of hw, I got some other stuff done, I sent 2 report a problems to iTunes b/c a song and show I bought wouldn’t download but I got charged for them. I also watched an episode of the good wife, sent a document to mom, decided on a Halloween costume, helped buy snacks for our Halloween party, bought my own Halloween candy, and talked to the cousins and figured out if I could go to dinner tonight (I could/did). At 6 we had services and at 7:30 Shai (cousin) picked me up for dinner. I am so happy I have family within 5 min. of Tzuba b/c home cooked Shabbat dinners are wonderful. Dinner was really good and they could not be nicer. Because today was EIE Halloween (we have midterms to study for on the actual Halloween), and the cousins used to live in the U.S. (aka they celebrated Halloween) I decided to buy Itai and Maya (the kids) kinder eggs as a Halloween treat (they were really happy). I got back to Tzuba to find out that I hadn’t missed any Halloween festivities (I was really happy). So I put the final touches on my costume (I was a Ninja) and went to the party. We took some pictures, had a costume contest, and watched a movie. We watched a movie called Donnie Darko. It was a tad scary and at the beginning I thought I understood what was happening but when we got to the end I was so confused (and now we are all afraid of being confronted by a bunny named frank). Then we went back to our rooms and had some room time. Now I am going to try and un-scare myself so I can fall asleep.

Finally the program I have been waiting for

Today we had a full day of school. I was too lazy and tired to get up and actually go to breakfast so I ate some of the banana bread Grammy had made me. In Hebrew we had our midterm, It was ok. In jewish history we learned about Poland. Then since I still had leftovers in my room from the night mom and I ate in tel aviv, I ate lunch in my room and finished my homework. Then I went to normal classes. I didn’t have math today b/c my teacher was sick so I had 5th period off. Then I had class with David. Then dinner and then we had a program. None of us originally wanted to participate in the program but it ended up being the best program. It started with trust exercises that none of us took seriously but then we sat in a circle, turned of the lights, got a piece of paper with someone’s name, and passes a string from person to person creating an EIE Fall 2010 web. What happened was that a person got the string, said something about them no one knew, and then said something about the person whose name they had, and then passes the string. We ended up going an hour over on our program time but no one cared. It made us bond so much more. Tonight we had the program I had been waiting for.

All day tiyul= tired

This morning we had early wake up b/c we had a full day tiyul. We got on the bus around 7:30 and had about a 2-hour ride up north to a crusader castle. So obviously we learned about the Christian crusaders. We had a packed lunch of pita, veggies, schnitzel, hummus, apples and some other snacks and then got on the bus for a drive further north up to safed (idk if that is the right spelling- I have seen it spelled 3 ways today). While we were there was learned about the creation of Kabbalah (I have also seen 3 spellings for this today). Then they gave us some free time to shop in the artist colony. There were so many pretty and creative things (candles and calligraphy), but don’t worry I didn’t buy them. Around 6:15 we got on the bus and drove for an hour until we stopped for dinner. Then we got back on the bus and drove back to Tzuba. We got back around 10 and then had to study and shower and such

p.s. sorry i didn't write a lot, i can barely keep my head up

has it really been 10 days?

Today was a regular school day. In Hebrew we learned that our midterm was moved to Thursday so today was review day. Ariella wasn’t here so our class was split up between the other 2 classes for Jewish history. Then we had our general studies. In an effort to have more time to work, I ate leftovers from dinners out with grammy, poppy, and mommy for lunch. Then I went to my classes. After physics I went to visit mom to see what they had bought while shopping in Jerusalem. Then I went back to my classes. I ended up not having extra econ. with d sol so I went to spend a little more time with grammy, poppy, and mommy. Then at 7 we had banquet for the parents. It was in the Belmont lobby with real and actually good food. After speeches and eating and the parents taking pictures we had about 20 min. to say goodbye. I gave grammy a few final things to take home and then their cab came. It was sad to see them go but also kinda enjoyable. All I really know is that the last 10 or so days went by really quickly but I enjoyed being able to spend time with mom, grammy, and poppy. Then we had announcements and found out that the Israeli kids EIE partnered with are not coming this weekend. We were all relieved b/c we have SAT prep and midterms and SAT/SAT2s to study for. Then we had free time/homework time and pretty soon it was rooms in. So as usual my roommates and I did Hebrew homework together and relaxed. Now we are trying to get homework done and get to bed b/c we have early wake up tomorrow.

Day off

This morning I woke up to- Rachel you have to go get your flu shot. Well no one had told my roommate Rachel and I that we were getting shots this morning. So we went to get our shots at 8, still in pjs. We ended up having to wait 15 min after the shot before we could leave thus leaving us with 10 min. to get ready to go on our day off with our parents. I went on the parent’s trip to tel Aviv. This morning we had a tour of tel Aviv’s history but none of the kids that went cared, so we played on playgrounds and ate ice cream instead of paying attention. Then we went to a lunch with all the parents (at an actual restaurant) and shopping. Shopping went well but it wasn’t Ben Yehudah Street so there wasn't really nice Judaica to buy. At 4 mom and I got in a cab and went to her friends office so she could beprepped for her speech. After she prepped we left for tel Aviv University (where mom was giving her speech). Her speech started at 6 and she did a really good job. While she spoke I wrote an English paper and listened to her. After her speech and everything that came with it, her friend drove us to the mall. We (mom and I) ate at a diary restaurant in the mall and then had a cab pick us up. During the ride back to Tzuba we went over my essay and vocab. When we got back we had a half hour in which I looked though my clothes to make sure there wasn’t anything else I wanted her to take and she read my English papers from the year so far. When she left, I did math homework and a little Hebrew but didn’t get to much done b/c what do u know we were told by a madrachim to turn of the lights.

so much for forever

Today was an interesting day. We woke up this morning and went on a tiyul about Islam. We spent the morning talking to an imam and learning a little bit about Islam and Muslim people. At around 11:30 we got on the bus and went to another Muslim village for lunch. We had all you can eat falafel. It was really good! After lunch we went back to Tzuba and started general studies. Mom, grammy and poppy, sat in on some of my classes and at 6 when I was done we went into Jerusalem. We were dropped of at Ben Yehudah Street and went shopping for a while. Mommy bought me a really pretty hanukkiah ( we decided I would get one that I would have for the rest of life) and we bought some other presents. But then we all started to get really hungry. So we went to dinner at an amazing restaurant. It was a kosher restaurant but rather then choosing one for the restaurant to focus on they just had 2 sides to the restaurant. We choose to eat in the meat area. They brought out grilled veggies and bread to start. Then I had broccoli (for the first time in months- it was wonderful). Then our main dishes came. Poppy and I had steak and mom and Grammy shared a steak, teriyaki and noodle thingy. It was all soo good! And I even got mom’s leftovers to take home. Then disaster struck. I was getting all our bags so we could leave and my hanukkiah fell out of the bag. It split into a million pieces! I was so upset! Mommy felt bad b/c she knew that she should have warned me it wasn’t fully wrapped and such but I still felt/feel terrible. Mom and I ran back up to he store to see if it was still open but it wasn’t. To try and make me feel better grammy, mommy and poppy made me get ice cream and it kinda worked. Then we went searching in the other stores to try and find the same hanukkiah. We found almost the same exact one but the guy in the store wasn’t very nice. Then we called the cab to come get us cause I couldn’t stand searching anymore for the night. When we got back to Tzuba I hung out with mommy for a while and then went to my room. Now I am writing this and am still sad and feel bad.

No gifts just ice cream

Because today was Saturday we got to sleep in (woohoo!) Then we had services and lunch. Then I wrote my English essay and hung out with mommy. At 6 we had havdalah and then dinner. After dinner we went to an outdoor mall. Mommy was expecting to buy gifts for people but we don’t go to malls like that, we just go places that have American stores, ice cream, and coffee (it sucks). So Yael and I shared a sandwich cause we didn’t eat dinner and then we all got ice cream. Then we went back to Tzuba and I hung out with mommy for a while. Then we had roomie bonding (aka watching the Jersey shore). Now we are going to bed. Sorry that this is very long, nothing interesting happened today.

We're somehow related- lets eat together

Ok so I just remembered I had to write this. This morning I woke up around 9:15, had breakfast in my room, and got on the bus for our mitzvah project. We went to clean up the beach in Tel Aviv. In actuality when we got there around 11:45 we picked up trash from a bike path in the harbor. After about 45 min of cleaning we got on the bus and went to a mall in Tel Aviv for lunch. I wasn’t very hungry and had leftovers back at Tzuba so I just got a smoothie. At 2 we got on the bus and went back to Tzuba. We only had an hour to get ready for services when we got back and my roommate wanted to shower first cause she takes an hour to get ready so I showered in mom’s room. Before we left, Yael and I finished the leftover pizza b/c we knew we wouldnt be eating for another 4 hours. At 4:15 we got on the bus for services. After services, when we got back to Tzuba, we called the cousins and they came to get us b/c we were having dinner at their house (which is 5 min. from Tzuba). Dinner was really good. And it was cool to talk to them b/c they lived in the U.S. for a few years and so we had a lot to talk about (they too miss Mexican food). I have a feeling I will be seeing them often from now on. (Plus their kids go to school on Tzuba and their grandpa lives on Tzuba so they are here all the time). We got back around 11ish. So mommy came to my room and we tried to think of summer plans b/c she wants to go on a family vacation. Then mom had to go b/c it was 12:30 which was curfew tonight.

Mommy!!

This morning we had morning services (gross). Then we had a normal day of classes. During Jhist we had a nice freak out sesh b/c we learned that the cleaning people have been stealing from our rooms! Several people have had a ton of U.S. dollars stolen, shekels, and even make-up. So we all ran back to our rooms to check and lock our doors. Luckily I don’t think anything of mine was taken. After Jhist. Mommy called me and told me she was on her way. As I finished lunched I got a text from her asking for grammy and poppy’s room number and I then realized she was here! So I helped her get her key, showed her my room, and introduced her to my roommates. Then I had Yael take her to lunch while I went to class. Physics today was about 10 min, long b/c we had very little to learn. So I had another half hour free. So I went to hang out with mom. After math I went back to hang out with her while we waited for grammy and poppy to get back from Masada. I also took mommy on a tour of the market b/c she wanted to buy chocolate and I had to get bananas. When grammy and poppy finally got back we called a taxi to take us to dinner. We went to a restaurant called Karma (it was Italian). It was so good! I had ravioli, poppy had pizza, and grammy and mommy had a noodle casserole thingy. Then in honor of alex’s birthday we got apple pie for dessert. Which was also really good! After dinner we bought wine to take to grammy’s cousins for dinner tomorrow night and then went back to Tzuba. We skyped with Alex for a while and then they went to bed and I went to hang out with my friends. Then at rooms in my roommates and I had some bonding time and now we are going to bed. And I am excited b/c tomorrow is late wake up and breakfast isn’t mandatory I just have to be on the bus at 10:15!

Adopted family dinner

Today was a regular school day. We woke up at normal time and then had Hebrew class. Because our families were in class we learned how to say family terms. After Hebrew, we had Jewish history (Grammy and poppy also sat in on that for a while). Then we had lunch and general studies. My classes went well and I took my teachers and classmates cookies (that way I wouldn’t have to eat as many and gain all the weight). During English we all taught how our home schools have us write certain parts of papers (I did overall structure, Sydney did thesis, eleni did paragraphs, and leah did body paragraphs). I went to my tutoring with D Sol, but he forgot we had class so I just gave him my homework and had a free period. At 7:15 all the EIE kids go on the bus to meet our families (or adopted families) for dinner. Grammy, Poppy, Yael, Sydney (we adopted them into our family for the week b/c their parent's didn't come on the trip) and I went to a restaurant named Olive (it is owned by Yael’s cousins). It was so good! Poppy and I shared a sirloin, and a flank steak. I also had a salad and mashed potatoes (we think they had some sweet potatoes in them too). For dessert Yael, Sydney and I shared a fresh sorbet thing that had a scoop of apple, a scoop of mango, and a scoop of raspberry sorbet. Poppy had a walnut pie or pecan pie tart thingy and it was really good (I had a bite). I have to say having real food made me feel so good! Then we got on the bus and went back to Tzuba and went to bed.

and all rachel's friends and counselors were happy with food

This morning we had to get up super early! I woke up at 6:10 to get grammy and poppy up and get ready. At 7:30 we got on the bus and attempted to start our full day tiyul but our bus broke. So we had to wait for it to be fixed. When it started working we started our drive up north. We got to our first destination, reviewed what we learned in class yesterday and then learned about oral law becoming “written”. After going through some burial caves, in which we found non-kosher coffins, we got on the bus and went to destination number 2. When we got to destination number 2 we had lunch. In an effort to show our parents we actually have ligit food we had pizza, which was cooked right in front of us. They made mini pizzas with cheese, onion, corn, pesto, garlic, olives, and much more in a variety of combination. It was soo good! Then we continued learning. We learned about how it was ok for jews to now have art with faces. Then we got on the bus and headed back to Tzuba. When we got back at 6:40 I took a fast shower and took my hw and baked goods to grammy and poppy’s room. (the baked goods came for safe keeping). Then yael and I went and hung out with them until they finished their glass of wine. Dinner was a normal meat dinner but grammy seemed to try everything! When I finished I went to grammy and poppy’s room to do homework. I also called to make a reservation for dinner tomorrow and picked out a restaurant for dinner on Sunday. When grammy and poppy came back I hung out with them for a while and continued homework. We also ichated with Rachel and Keri who were extremely happy to see grammy and poppy. At about 10:30 I went back to my room, fed some friends and counselors, and then had a 40 min. long chill sesh with Lior (one of our madrich). By the time he left it was lights out but we really decided not to follow it.

Our families are coming, our families are coming!

This morning I woke up to my friend Dory screaming about how her parents and brother were coming today (keep in mind she is in a different room). Everyone was really antsy. Hebrew was good and so was Jewish history but we all really just wanted the parents to show up. During econ. the parents showed up and even though Mandy and I didn’t have parents on the bus we were still really excited and hyper about the situation. Then during physics, dory brought her little brother to class. After English I was walking around and Hadas told me I was in trouble, I went with her to her room and she said “room 145” I was really confused and then I realized it was Grammy and Poppy’s room number! I was so excited! I ran there and knocked on the door. Only to be greeted by a crying Grammy (happy tears) and what would you know raspberries that she brought on the plane for me! I really only got to say hi b/c I had to go to class But I saw them after their parent’s meeting. We went right to the market so they could buy water for tomorrow and then had dinner. They went back to their rooms after dinner and I went to announcements. Also by that point a great deal of my friends had met grammy and were so happy that they finally got to meet her b/c I talk about her so much (they all legitimately freaked out). After announcements we all skyped with Preston’s mom b/c today is her bday and he wanted to do something special. So we all sang to her over video chat. Then I grabbed my computer and some homework(didn't end up doing the homework) and went to grammy and poppy’s room. When I got there they showed me everything they brought me (I don’t think I have ever been so happy). Within the 42 lb bag they brought me was a ton of mondel bread, oatmeal raisin cookies, choc. chip cookies, 2 boxes of cereal, 2 boxes of chewy bars, 2 boxes of nurture grain bars, 2 banana breads, a box of sour watermelon, a box of sour gummy worms, peanuts, raisins, graham crackers, and some non food items. I was shocked that she brought so much and so happy! After we looked through all the stuff, we talked about what day we would go to dinner and what day I would miss classes. We also talked about what I had been doing and I showed them pictures. It was really nice to catch up with them. Then poppy went to sleep b/c he was tired and Grammy and I took some of the food to my room (I left some in her room so we wouldn’t eat it all at once). I showed her my room and some of my friends tasted some cookies and thought they were amazing! Actually a lot of people have now tasted Grammy’s food and realized all the hype I had added to it was correct. Apparently my grammy has the best cooking skills of all the food that was brought ☺. Then I relaxed in my room, ate a bit, and wrote this. Now I am going to bed b/c we have a busy day tomorrow.

I am so happy grammy and poppy are here and can’t wait to see mom in a few days!

Schools: creating them and participating in them

This morning Yael and I got up with Mor at her regular school wake up time b/c we were getting on the bus with her and going to her school. When we got there we met up with all the EIE kids and Mor’s classmates from our partner school. We did a few activities with them comparing Jewish American teen and Israeli teen culture and how we feel about Judaism and Israel. During the break we had a snack, which included crembo, an Israeli winter treat (it has a marshmallow inside and chocolate shell) which we were all told we had to try. It was pretty good but a little too much marshmallow at one time for me. After the break we had a program in which we split up into groups (mixed of EIE kids and Chevruta [their school] kids) and created an imaginary school for American, Israeli, orthodox, reform, etc. Jewish teens. It was fun to try and think about how to mesh all the beliefs and cultures into one school and we ended up creating a school that united them all. After that we said our good-byes and got on the bus to head back to Tzuba. We got back in time for general studies. General studies were good today, except math because we took a test. Today I also had extra econ. with D Sol but I didn’t mind b/c I like econ. class and he makes it easy to understand. Then I had dinner, announcements, unpacked, and took a math SAT2 practice test. When I got back to my room, ready to finish my Jewish history paper I realized I left my outline in math journal that my teacher had. I called him and got my quote page numbers and then copied the questions from my friend Sydney. Then I finished the paper and showered. Now I still have to do the rest of my homework and submit my paper. Yay for school!....NOT
But it is all ok cause Grammy and Poppy come tomorrow!!!

Lazy Days

Yael and I woke up at 1 pm today. After we got up we had breakfast and then since we all fell asleep watching the movie last night we finished the movie. Then I showered and we ate lunch. After that we all attempted to get homework done. After awhile we needed to get outside and get some fresh air. When we got back from our walk we attempted to do homework again. At 8 we went to the mall but were tired so we only stayed for about 45 min. When we got back to Mor’s we had dinner and then Yael and I packed up our stuff and we all got ready for bed.

New experiences

This morning there was no set time for wake up. We just had to be in a classroom by 8:30 for a 5-hour study hall. I woke up at 7:45 and by 8:30 was sitting in the library b/c it was the quiet room and I wanted to be able to work without distractions. The first hour I did a U.S. history SAT2 practice test. Then I did my physics and started my Jewish History essay. I got about half of the essay done and then I couldn’t deal with sitting there doing homework anymore. So I packed, ate lunch, cleaned my room, and my roommate Leah straighten my hair. At around 2 we got on the bus and head for our host families up north. We got off at a bus stop near Mor’s house at around 3:30. When we got to her house we relaxed for a few minutes and then walked to a market so that Yael could go to an ATM and get some snacks for the weekend. Then we went back to her house and just hung out until we went to dinner with her and her mom. For dinner we went to an oriental (Arabic) restaurant. It was pretty good, we just had to be a little careful cause we weren’t exactly sure what we were eating( we shared a grilled meat plate that had kabob, chicken, chicken heart and liver (we avoided the chicken heart and liver). When we got back to Mor’s house her and her mom wanted me to sing for them so I sang one or two songs. Then we relaxed for a bit. Then the taxi came to take us to our Israeli teen experience. It was interesting. Now we are back at Mor’s house and are watching the Last Song and going to bed. ☺

Microwaved Pie

This morning was stressful. During Hebrew we had a test on the infinitive tense, which wasn’t hard, but the entire time I was thinking about the Jewish history test I had to take next period. During Hebrew we also did a questionnaire about food in the market so we took a field trip to the market. While we were there my friends and I started talking about how we were really going to miss thanksgiving. Then all of a sudden we saw piecrust and pie filling! So Yael, Sydney and I decided as way to celebrate completing a Jewish history test we would make pie for dessert. The Jewish history test ended up not being too hard and I finished with about an hour to spare. So I was able to go to lunch early and have some free time. After we ate lunch, Yael and I went to buy our supplies for dessert. Which were piecrust, blueberry filling, and vanilla ice cream. Everyone we saw from EIE thought we were stupid but we had a feeling it would be ok. Then I went to my general studies classes. I was sooo tired and it was hard to concentrate but I made it through. We got tests back in physics and I got a 95%. In english we had a reading day and I got to start legends of our time by elie wiesel so I was really happy. Then I found out that my class with David was canceled and rescheduled for Sunday, which made me even happier b/c I was really tired. During 6th Yael and I started packing for this weekend, went to dinner early, and then attempted to continue packing. Then we all met in the Belmont for a program. When the program was over yael, Sydney and I made our pie/clobber dessert. It was actually really good. We each took a cup and put piecrust in it and then blueberry filling. Then we put it in the microwave for a minute or 2. When we took it out it was perfectly warm and we put vanilla ice cream on it. It was delicious! Even the few other people who tried said so! Then I helped my friends by summarizing the Jewish history essay reading and cleaned my room. And now I am going to bed.

Roommate bonding cram sessions/Happy Birthday Dani!

This morning was very frantic. I had to get up, get ready, eat, and go take the PSAT! (it wasn’t as fun as taking it with my friends in homeroom). The test went fine and was a lot easier than years past. Right after we finished the test we had about 10 min to get our stuff and get on the bus to go meet everyone at the Tiyul. When I got to my class I was really confused and had no idea what was really going on. All I knew was that they were learning about Christianity. But eventually I caught up. We visited a church and finished notes and then went to an ice cream/ chocolate place. After everyone had had a snack we got on the bus and went back to Tzuba. I went straight to lunch and then copies my friend’s notes from the part of the Tiyul I missed and studied for my physics test. Then I went to classes. Which were normal. I had 6th completely off today which was nice b/c I got to go dinner early, when it was quiet in the hadar. Then I had a half hour to do some work. At announcements they told us that our tzedkah project for Friday is canceled so we can all have time to write our Jewish history papers (which we are all very happy about). Then I went to study and do homework. Our madrachim also invited us to their room for a study break snack so I went and hung out with them for a bit. Then the best part of my day happened. I got to talk to Dani for the first time in 3 months! It was great and I loved being able to catch up with her and hear how she is doing. Then I went back to studying. At rooms in my roommates and I had a bonding/ cram sesh for our Jewish History test tomorrow. Now since it is late I am going to bed.

Lots of test prep

This morning we woke up at regular time even though we had a full day tiyul. Instead of leaving right away, we had Hebrew class first, but it ended a little early. Then we left for our tiyul. We learned about the bar kochva revolt and got to climb in a cave! Then we had a picnic lunch and got on the bus to go to our 2nd destination of the day. Our 2nd site was a Roman amphitheatre. We learned a little about rabbi akiva and why the Jews would go to watch the gladiators even if the rabbis said they shouldn’t (they went so that when the ruler made a decision on whose life to end (if a jew was fighting) and based it off the people the jews could all vote no). To end the tiyul we played a game between all the classes (which class could steal the most hats off peoples heads) and we ran around in the amphitheatre. We also had a quick service before we got on the bus. When we got back to Tzuba we had about an hour of free time and then I had to go fill out forms for the PSAT (gross). Then we went to the meeting that everyone else was at (it was about how each of us have to make an "ad" about why we picked eie, how it is going, why people should come, and have to include a picture of us since we have been here)and dinner. After dinner I had a little free time and then had Math SAT prep. It wasn’t too bad and the stuff I went over with Noa yesterday was really helpful. Then I showered and did some homework but I want to go to bed early so that I can have enough energy for the PSAT tomorrow.

i'm not really sure what to call this one

*FROM 10/11*

Hey there, last night I had so much to do that I possible may have forgotten to write this. However I woke up in a panic. But don’t worry I will write in past tense…
Today we had another regular day of school (☺). Well, kinda. We had early wake up b/c we had morning services (not ☺). Right after services we had breakfast and then started classes. In Hebrew we learned the 4th infinitive tense and finished learning colors. Then we had a coloring session (it made me happy). Jewish History was really different today. Starting today and on every Monday from now on, Ariella has school, so we have a teacher named David (he teaches general studies in the fall but in the spring and summer he teaches Jewish History). We also had student teachers who will be with us on Mondays from now on come sit in on class. And guess what! One of our student teachers is from Potomac (but they left before I had a chance to talk to her)! During my lunch period, after I ate, I edited my English essay and sent it in (yay! I am finally done with the Age of Innocence!) . Then I went to all my classes. They were fine like normal. I didn’t have an extra econ. period today so during 6th I had my first SAT2 Math level 2 tutoring session with out madrachic (counselor) noa (she goes to brown). She was really helpful. We got through about half a test and then it was time for dinner. After dinner and announcements (we got happy news that our evening program on wed. had been moved to thurs. so that we can study for jewish history!) I finished the practice test and went to study hall to go over the answers with Noa. I actually didn’t fail! WooHoo! Then I went back to my room and did some homework, studying, and such and went to bed.

Do we ever get time to work?

After many days of odd schedules we finally had a full day of school. For the last time I had to wake everyone up. Then as usual we had breakfast, Hebrew, and Jewish History. Breakfast was ok but the market hasn’t restocked their supply of multi. Grain cheerios so I haven’t been able to have my good breakfast. In Hebrew we continued learning the infinitive tense and started learning colors. In Jewish history we learned about what happened to Judaism after the 2nd temple and Zealots were destroyed and taken over. Then I had lunch and my general studies classes. They were all fine. Today I also had my first one on one tutoring session with David Solomon for AP Mircoecon. It went well and because we don’t have too much to cover I don’t have to have class everyday. He also makes things really easy to understand and we actually use the book which is nice. After that I had dinner and then announcements. During announcements they informed us that we have a program on wed. night, even though we have a jewish history test on Thursday, an essay to write for jewish history, many of us (including me have other tests on Thursday), and a lot of us are taking the PSAT that morning and will be tired. Plus this weekend we are going away and wont have time for homework. We never get time off and a lot of us are starting to get really annoyed by the fact that we always have to cram, stay up late, and overall don’t have enough time. After announcements, I spent all the time up until right now doing homework and once I am finished posting this I will be going back to homework and SAT2 prep. Yay! Isn’t junior year just so much fun!

2 much 2 do

Since today was Saturday we got to sleep in. My roommates and I woke up at around 9 to go to breakfast before services (but breakfast sucked). After services we had lunch and then the kids who were going on the optional tiyul left. I was one of the 6 kids who decided to stay back because I had a lot of work to do (2 essays and 2 SAT2s to study for). I was able to get a lot done during my time off and then packed and took a short nap before our stuff had to be on the bus at 5:45. After our stuff was on the bus we went to dinner, I talked to mom; we had havdalah, and then got on the bus to head back to Tzuba. We got back at around 8:30. So I typed this up. Now I am going to shower, type up my English essay and hopefully skype, and then go to bed. Oh how I love days when I can just relax and get work done.

Milk, Masada, and Mud

*FROM 10/8*

We had to wake up at 3:15 this morning. At 3:45 we had breakfast, which for me involved 4 cups of milk. By 5ish we were hiking the snake path up Masada. I was fine for about ten minutes and then I started to feel dizzy and like I was going to faint. I had some water but it didn’t help much. I soon realized that milk and early morning hikes do not work well together! The rest of the hike up was fine I just had to go slow. Not too many people made it to the top for sunrise b/c we left the hostel to late but I watched it from about 2/3 of the way up. Once everyone got to the top we had services and then about 3 and a half hours of Jewish History class. We finished learning about King Hered (whose winter house was Masada) and then learned about the Zealots who lived there and how they dealt with the Roman invasion (they all killed themselves and their families so the Romans wouldn’t have the satisfaction). While we were up there we had a snack of dried fruits and nuts (not only b/c they were easy to feed us but because there had been 29 storage rooms up there once upon a time for during fruits, and storing nuts, oils, and wines). Right before we hiked back down, Ariella (our teacher) took us to an area where when you yell at the top of your lungs you can here an echo. Se we had a nice class bonding experience and screamed the name of our class, nfty EIE, etc. Then we walked back down Masada. When we got down we had some free time and then got on the bus headed towards the Dead Sea. Once we got there we had lunch, changed (in a corner with towels b/c none of us wanted to pay for the bathroom), and then had time to go float. Before we got in the water we all put mud on (mud EIE had to buy for us b/c apparently we went to the one part of the dead sea where mud isn’t free). After the mud dried we got in the water. It was really cool to just float and it didn’t sting til about 2 minutes after being in the water (but when it started to sting it hurt!). But I powered through the pain and had fun until right as I was getting out I got water in my eye and couldn’t see where I was going. So I sat there awkwardly for a few minutes until someone brought me a towel to wipe my eye. Then I rinsed off and tanned for a few minutes to dry off. After that we got on the bus and after 2 min. were back in our rooms. Luckily I called first shower. After my shower I was going to do work but feel asleep instead. When I got up I got ready for services and did a little work. Then we had Friday night services (which Yael lead and were the best we have had since we have been here) and then went to dinner (which was yummy). Then we had an hour until oneg so I did some homework. Oneg tonight was really relaxing and fun but afterwards I was ready to sleep. SO I did.

The old city

*FROM 10/7*


Like yesterday, this morning we got up at 7, the difference was that when we left today we wouldn’t be back until Saturday night. At 8 we were all standing outside, waiting for the bus but it never came. It was broken and we ended up waiting 3 hours for our tiyul to start (but you know we were perfectly fine with that- you can only take so much Jewish history in one day) Anyway, we spent the day in the old city learning about the 2nd temple period. We visited some Sadducees (the rich people) homes and questioned whether they were more Jewish or Roman. We also learned about what a pilgrim had to do to complete a sacrifice. At the end of the tiyul we learned about the destruction of the 2nd temple and how it basically ended Jerusalem (for the time being). Then we got on the bus and headed south b/c we are hiking Masada in the morning. Around 6:45ish we got to the Ein Gedi Youth Hostel. We got our roommates, relaxed for awhile (if you are me that means studied), ate dinner, and went to bed.

This morning we also started a game of assassin. I had to kill Yael which was really easy b/c we said we would be eachother’s protectors. I came close to killing my next person but ended up not being able to b/c there were too many people around. Then right after dinner, before announcements, when I was sitting in my room my friends devised a plan and well I was killed. But on the plus side I don’t have to walk around with supervision anymore ☺

Mission Accomplished

This morning we woke up at 7 because we had a tiyul. It was to my dream destination (on this trip- other than Poland). AKA the Israel Museum, home of the Ahava sculpture. We learned about the 2nd temple period, the 4 sects of jews during the time, and the dead sea scrolls. And are continuing this lesson tomorrow and over the weekend when we go to the old city and Masada (so I wont have internet until Saturday night when we get back). While we were at the museum we obviously also had to go see the Ahava sculpture and take pictures with it (after 3 years of waiting since my bat-mitzvah when I got my necklace replica of it I finally got to see it up close! Mission Accomplished!). After our tiyul we went back to Tzuba for general studies. (I also had a 2-minute call with to mom to hear about her private jet experience- it made me jealous) After general studies, during my free period, I took a practice SAT2 U.S History test and did better than I did on my diagnostic! (WooHoo). Then I went to dinner, announcements, and SAT English prep. Then I had to go pack my bag for this weekend and attempt to get some homework done (and I skipped movie night to do so ☹) Now I am going to bed. I will post again when I get back.

Good news, tasty treats, exercise and years of lies

This morning was a regular wake up. During Hebrew we took a test and then learned the infinitive tense. One of the other classes made chocolate balls and brought them to everyone, which was nice. Especially b/c I love chocolate balls! They were always my favorite thing to make at camp. Then I went to Jewish history and we learned about the Maccabees and Hanukkah. I learned that the oil story is not the real reason we celebrate Hanukkah and that for 16 years I have been lied to! Then during my lunch period, after I ate and did my Hebrew homework, I went to go talk to our assistant principal, David Solomon, about my econ. Issue. He offered to teach me everything my teacher wont be able to and starting Sunday I meet with him twice a week during my free period (6th). Then I went about my regular classes, free period, and dinner. At announcements we learned that next weekend we are going to stay with the Israeli teens (so of course Yael and I are excited to stay with Shiri again!). We also were told our schedule for this weekend (I wont have my computer b/c we are going to Masada). After announcements I borrowed Hadas’s (one of our counselors) jump rope. I was really excited to actually do a little bit of exercise on the Kibbutz. So for about a half hour I jumped rope and did some jumping jacks. Then I went back to do doing homework and such. Now I still have to finish an English essay and do some SAT2 studying! So much to do and soooo little time!

Studying is all we do

This morning we had to get up at 6:30 b/c at 7 we had morning services (the only good part was that we got hot chocolate). Then we had breakfast, Hebrew, and Jewish studies as usual. In Hebrew we reviewed for our test and in Jewish History we learned about Hellenism and how it affected the Jews. Then I went to lunch and my regular classes (minus math b/c my teacher wasn’t here). So I had an extra hour to do homework, which was nice. I went to dinner early with one of my roommates b/c we both had the period off and then did more homework until announcements. We were supposed to have a program after announcements but we all complained b/c of early wake up and a lot of homework so they canceled it. Which is good cause I had a lot to do. Normally I would post this later but the Internet doesn’t work well at night so I am going to take advantage of it currently working. But so you are aware still tonight I have to go lock classrooms, study for the SAT2s and my Hebrew test. Sounds like fun I know.

welcome back to stress

*FROM 10/3*

Ugh today was stressful! I had to wake up a few minutes early so that I could wake everyone up. Then I had to get ready and I went to breakfast. Then I had Hebrew and we were told we have a test on Tuesday but no one remembers anything and we learned 50 new words we need to know for the test in class today. I am not going to be ready! Then we had Jewish History, which was fine. We got our test backs (I got a 99%) and started learning about the 2nd temple. Then I went to lunch and prepared myself for general studies. They ended up being horrible! In econ. Mandy and I informed our teacher that our classes are different and that we each have to cover a different amount of information. At her school the class is a full year but at Whitman it is only a semester and when I told my teacher that and showed him my syllabus (which he had previously and you would think he would have read through) he said there was no way I would be able to cover everything. Then he started going over stuff we know and are tired if hearing about. Then I went to physics, which was boring as usual, English in which we started doing practice tests for the AP, and math in which we started learning about derivatives. Then I skyped with Hannah, went to dinner, and started homework. But at 7:30 I had to go to announcements which I thought would only be 10 min. long but ended up being 40 min. Finally at 8:15 I took my SAT2 math level 2 practice test, I couldn’t remember a thing! When I was done with that I went to my room to skype with mom but the Internet didn’t want to be my friend so I had to go outside. We skyped for a half hour (til 10) and then I had to go to homework. At 10:30 I had to go lock classrooms but what do you know they counselors weren’t ready so we waited for 15 min. I was not happy, I have so much homework and studying and locking classrooms and being delayed was not part of my plan. After locking classrooms I went back to my room, showered, and worked on more homework. Now I am writing this and am then going to do a little U.S. history SAT2 studying. I am also going to try and post this but the internet still isn’t working so I am sorry that it isn’t posted on time.

PJ Day

After passing out way before curfew last night I slept until about 9:45 this morning and still had an hour and a half until services. At 10:30 I had to go around to my assigned rooms and make sure everyone was up (they were) and then I read some of my English book. At 11 we had services and then we went straight to lunch. After lunch we had free time until 6:15! SO I put on my Pjs, fluffy socks, and a sweatshirt and was a loner for a good 5 hours. During which I finished my English book, designed the east clothing for the year, skyped with Sara, skyped with Naomi, talked with various other people, attempted to watch glee (but it failed), relaxed, got ready for tonight, and started studying for the SAT2s. At 6:15 we all met up for havdalah and then had dinner. At 7:20 those of us who wanted to go to the mall met and got on the bus. We had about an hour and a half at the mall. So my friend, Kendra, and I went to aroma (she got ice coffee and I got hot chocolate) and then we met up with Yael and went on a search for a white sweater for Kendra. But our search failed and ended with me getting a small ice cream, Kendra getting croc slippers, and yael getting school supplies. We also spent a little time playing around in office depo. Then we got back on the bus and went back to Tzuba. When we got back I had to go clean and check classrooms b/c it is part of my job for the week. Then I went back to my room and write this. Now I am going to shower, study a bit for the SAT2s and go to bed. Goodnight.

mitzvahs and money

This morning I woke up at 7 and got ready. At 7:30 I made sure everyone was up and went to breakfast. After breakfast we all got on the bus and went to a Mitzvah project in southwest Jerusalem. We built a path in a park and learned a little about the area. After the project we went to a small shopping area b/c a lot of us were hungry and needed to get money from the ATM. I took out money and then bought a snack. After our short break we got on the bus and went back to tzuba. When we got back we had lunch and then free time until 1 when we were meeting to get our grade reports. Then we had until 4:30 when we had to be on the bus and dressed for services. For Shabbat services we went to the Israeli Reform synagogue in Jerusalem. Services were fun and went buy pretty quickly. Plus we knew most of the tunes they used fro the prayers. After services we had free time until 8 (which is when dinner was). After dinner we had free time. So I decided to read some of my English book. But I am so tired that I cant keep my eyes open and even though curfew isn’t for another 2 hours I am going to bed.