Leaving on Jet Plane

In my second full day in Israel! My arms are still tired from that flight. Haha, I'm the only one laughing.

I said good-bye to my parents and realized I didn't pack my computer battery. If that's the only thing to forget, I think I'll be okay. I'm not worried--it will be sent, and my computer will be able to do something wireless.

The flight to Istanbul wasn't too terrible. I flew Turkish Airlines, just like I did for Birthright. After speaking to a number of other students, this was a very popular company. Would I recommend them again? Absolutely! The seats were comfortable, the flight was smooth, and the various stewards were very courteous and friendly. It was 10 hours to Istanbul. I slept for about half of it and watched Avatar and an episode of "Pushing Daisies" for the rest of it. Incidentally, Avatar is about an hour too long for my taste, but an incredible movie.

For whatever reason, my two hour lay-over in Istanbul was cut short as I was rushed by the staff at Ataturk Airport right to my flight. I just decided to think I was special and deserved an escort. Anyway, another painless flight, though it was delayed in Istabul due to lots of traffic. Whatever. I fell asleep during the delay and awoke just before takeoff. I watched 127 Hours but it was hard to hear everything on my particular monitor, and the last few minutes scared me a bit too much, so I switched to a game of chess. Cool.

When I arrived in Israel, this was the beautiful sign that greeted me:

The sign says "Welcome to Israel"

I ran into a fellow HUC student, Michael Danziger while waiting for our bags.  Such a cool guy.  I can say this comfortably after meeting the interns and many of the students--they're all waaaay cooler, nicer, and every-other-possible-positive-adjective than me.  Anyway, we shared an unfortunate similar fate: one of our bags did not arrive with us.  Scatterbrained Kenny didn't put two and two together, but Mike made the friendly suggestion to report the missing bag.  OK. All was fine.  Filled out paperwork.  Not a problem.  It was actually an incredible benefit not having to schlep both bags with me, especially since I'm pretty sure they each weighed more than me.  Not a big challenge, I grant you, but ever the challenge.

I rode a bus called the sherut to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv.  The fare was 70 NIS, New Israel Shekels, or "sheks" as we've started calling them.  This isn't too bad considering my bus fare to New York was $20, which is about 68 NIS.  I met a nice lady who offered me to join her for Shabbat dinner.  The bus took me right to my hostel for the night.  A+. 

(I have a picture of the sherut.  It's coming when my internet cooperates a bit more with me)

After not too much sleep for the night at a hostel, I had Israeli breakfast.  It's just amazing having so much fresh food in the morning.  It makes me realize why I used to love breakfast.  It also made me not hungry until much later in the evening.  However, I do recommend hostel stays as long as you keep your items close to you.  Not all of us has the money to spend on nights in the King David Hotel.  However, if you wish to make a donation to me to do that, I'd love your help :) No, actually don't.  I'm still the only one laughing.

I have too much excitement to share in one posting, so I decided to make the flight my first Israeli post! Yoohoo!  Expect more postings over the next week as I settle in my apartment.  Also, you'll hear about my classmates, the lovely interns, and a brief tour of the campus.  I see a multi-part blog coming up, so stay tuned!

"Leaving On a Jet Plane" is a brilliant, bittersweet song by John Denver.  Peter, Paul, and Mary's cover is probably the version of the song you've heard, but John Denver rocks as well.  Both versions can be heard at any Michaels store.  Plug.

Edge of Glory

Lots to talk about!  Here goes:

First, I returned to my Wednesday Karaoke place for one last little hurrah.  My father joined me as well as my karaoke buddy, Katie, and Rutgers friend Chris.  I sang "My Heart Will Go On" and "Janie's Got a Gun" to much acclaim.  I ended up winning "second place" for the night--names were placed in a bowl and the first three names pulled received prizes.  As I often say about things, "I was there to have fun.  Winning was just the extra plus!"

Last Friday, my temple hosted my final Shabbat in the states before I left for Israel.  It was a wonderful service and my best friends and closest family was there, in addition to the usual smattering of regulars at the service.  For being an earlier service (6 PM!) I was thrilled to see so many people there!  I sang a few songs with Student Cantor Vicky Glickin, and Rabbi Joel Abraham offered a number of special blessings.
As for the cake you see above, this was part of the "after-party" at dear friend of the family's house just two blocks down the road.  Mary Beth was a wonderful hostess to what seemed to be gracious guests.  I just felt terrible that my main job, scooping the ice cream, was not done since I was chatting with everyone :(.  Mary Beth ended up doing that herself. 
All in all, this was a wonderful evening.  I really can not express the joy I received by celebrating Shabbat with so many friends and family.  It was truly my honor to be in such great company.

Over the weekend, the packing commenced.  It was terrible.  How can you possibly manage to fit everything you think you would need for a year in a few suitcases?  After reading tips from classmates already in the states as well as those from other students, I took the general rule of asking myself a few times "Do I need it?  Do I need it?"  In the end, I eliminated quite a bit.  However, I'm still convinced I overpacked...and underpacked at the same time.  The other principle I have to remember is that Israel is a modern country with many of the things I need.  I will be able to survive in Israel.
Needless to say, certain things did not make it into my luggage.  Some purposeful, others not.  I made the decision not to pack my knitting supplies.  It was hard, but I knew even one set of needles would take up room that could have been used otherwise.  I will have my hands full of other things when I'm in Israel, so it was a positive sacrifice.  I also chose not to bring a number of extra clothes I thought I would need when I bought them.  Typical.
The unintentionally forgotten item was...haha...my computer battery.  I have the habit of taking the battery out and letting my computer run on AC power when the battery is full.  Normally, I place the battery back into the computer when I turn it off, but that just didn't happen.  It will be shipped, thank goodness. 
This seems to be the only thing I have forgotten.  Other than my sanity.  Oops.

So, surprise, I'm actually in Israel now and landed safely last night.  I will create a new post hopefully by the end of the day about my flight and first few hours.  The hits just keep on coming.

"Edge of Glory" is one of Lady Gaga's new songs featuring the recently departed Clarence Clemons.  It's a song that easily gets stuck in my head, but this is not a bad thing.  

8 Days A Week

8 days until I fly out!
So much has happened since I last posted.  I would've created smaller postings, but I wasn't thrilled with title options.  Is it bad that I walk around thinking of songs to title my posts?

First, I officially ended my tenure at Michaels.  I started working at my local arts and crafts store in college and continued for a year after I graduated.  It was quite an experience.  While every retail job has its ups and downs, I really sought to make every moment an "up."  If handed a task, I made sure I did it well.  On the floor, I knew the locations of every item in the store and could help out with nearly every single project.  Customers frequently looked for me to answer their questions...or to show me pictures of their latest iteas.  I had regulars for nearly every single department.  Whether it was opening or closing, I made sure to do my job completely and efficiently.
When it came to register, I was one of the fastest and most accurate.  I maintained my smile as I was harangued for coupon policies that I don't set.  I kept my registers clean and tidy and all my paperwork in order.
I've had many jobs during my two years.  Primarily, I was a "stock boy."  However, I also handled weekly inventory processes for a number of aisles, set planograms, and dozens of salesfloor responsibilities.  At register, I was a cashier, a techie when the registers "froze," and on a number of occasions the "head cashier" with closing responsibilities.  I took sales at the custom framing counter and assembled many pieces.  I also did receiving, a job reserved for office specialists.  I also did birthday parties and special events and demos.  For a several month span, I was the Department Manager of Arts and Crafts--a key holding position in the store.
More than anything, I will miss my co-workers.  I was very lucky to work with a wonderful collection of men and women who always supported me, laughed at my pitiful jokes, and ate my cupcakes when I brought them.  When I return, it will be to visit them and find out how their lives have progressed...and maybe I'll also buy some yarn.

On Wednesday, the New York area HUC/Israel-bound students and S.O.s (significant others) met up to play get to know you.  What a fun bunch of people!  I'm so excited to be sitting in class with these amazing minds.  I wish I had a more eloquent way of saying that I was among the great minds of the future of Reform Judaism...and how moving this was!  At one point, I decided to sit back and take it in while everyone enjoyed delicious salads and pastas.  These 10 or so people were just a portion of my family for the next year.  These are the ones with whom I'll be in Jerusalem to begin my journey as a Jewish leader.  So thrilling.  I can't wait to meet the rest of the gang!

With my first week of unemployment, I work on packing, cleaning my room, knitting a storm, playing with friends, and seeing a few movies.  This week will seem slow in comparison to the hustle and bustle of retail heck, but I'm trying my hardest to keep it going.  I'll just have to remember: this is my last week in the USA before I leave for Israel.  That means one last week before my life as a Cantorial Student begins.  This means ones last week before I have to actually grow up.  Just kidding.  Growing up?  Haha.

"8 Days a Week" is that amazing Beatles song.  If you really want more information, place your palm on your forehead.