SIMCHAT TORAH AND OTHER REFLECTIONS

    Simchat torah such a joyous occation it is the end and the begining of a new cycle of the torah. even though I didn't have the chance to do what I had dreamed of doing by going to Jerusalem, I went to Pinat shorashim (mentioned in a previous blog) for simchat torah. It was a fun experience there. there was students from HUC (jerusalem campus) and high school students from NFTY EIE, and monks (yes i said monks) from a local monestary! and they all were there for the celibration. we were also graced with the presence of the first and third ordained female rabbi's in israel for our service. it was a great time. lots of singing and dancing. there was also a nice celebration here in ramla at the park with was huge. about 100+ jews food from neighboring business, and a dj. it was fun and intense.

     Yesturday I had my first movie experience here in israel. now that was interesting. i went to see chuck and larry with anat, so one the seats were asigned which was different, two there was a 5-10 minute intermission inthe middle of the movie which was a little odd yet kinda smart. it was a time for the people to go buy more food and treats. it was kinda messed up though. there was a bunch of arsim ( hoolagans) they were causing a rukus and were messing with the girls there, and throwing stuff, and two got into a little scuffle. yeah thats something to remember other wise it was calm and a good movie. good times good times. 

Well its shabbas right now in israel only for a few more hours. and thankfully the holidays are over. but i must say its been a experience, as i knew it would be. i can tell you that the holidays and shabbas here are completely different then what it is in america. i honestly you can sense things in the country is completely different. think about it. life in america during the holidays... lets start with rosh hashanah and yom kippur. on both holidays in israel everything shuts down. nothing is moving. everyone goes to services and then on rosh hashanah rest or visit friends and fam. and relax. no one is driving nothing, and yom kippur you're in either services or sleeping all day. in america we are going to services going and visiting friends and fam. but it seem like we are always on the go. sukkot is a festive time here. there's festivals of all kinds allover the country. people are traveling around and also camp out a lot. in the states ok yeah, they are having sukkahs built and they have meals and little parties there. but thats mostly it. and shabbas... wow there's a huge difference here in israel they get the true meaning of the day of rest. its this feeling in the atmosphere. everything stops, nothing is going on. it is a day were people are mostly home relaxing reading reflecting, taking walks, sleeping, its a peaceful and serene day. you can feel it you can sence it. in the states you can't sence it on shabbas its as if life goes on, everyone is on the move, in a rush, doing things, theres no rest in the u.s.  I'm feeling pretty relaxed and at peace here. well thats it for now i hope all is well.  also what the hell is with the indians rolling through the yanks when i'm gone!?!? oh well! GO TRIBE!! STAY SAFE STAY HAPPY AND STAY HEALTHY!!! TILL NEXT TIME PEACE FROM THE MIDDLE EAST!!!