-53 days until Bat Yam
-64 days until Kuma
-79 days until Spring Chofesh
-145 days until the end of Year Course
After calculating these numbers, I felt a bunch of different things. At first, I felt guilty for making countdowns in the first place and ungrateful for the YC experience. Granted, I'm very excited for all of the above, but I feel like I should be more engaged in the present (I know, not going to happen, but I can hope!). After thinking about it for a little, however, I realized that that time is going to fly by in an instant. Knowing that I've survived 128 days 10,000 miles away from home is surprisingly empowering and it lets me know that not only am I more than capable of completing this incredible year, but I'm really excited to do so! Not to be finished, but to enjoy the feelings of looking back and being speechless. How does a hamster fit into all of this...? Wolverine is an interesting apartment symbol. Similar to the feelings of a couple getting a pet together, Wolverine is a sign that we, as an apartment, are unified enough to love a pet. Yes, he technically belongs to my roommate, but we are all responsible for his happiness and welfare. I guess also, in a way, having a pet makes this whole experience feel a lot more like home. The presence of a lovable fuzzy critter is always enough to transform a strange place from a roof over my head to a heart-felt home. Wolverine's arrival also made me realize that while I miss home and the people I love back there beyond belief, I could be genuinely happy somewhere completely different. Maybe not 10,000 miles away, but not chained to the things and people used to feel helpless without. It may seem sad that a hamster inspired these feelings, but I think it's only fitting that such revelations can come from something so small and innocent.
On a related, but slightly varying note, today was also Yom Hadassah (Hadassah Day). In honor, we traveled to two Hadassah Hospitals in Jerusalem and to Mt. Scopus to honor the grave of the founder of Hadassah. On the whole, the day was very moving. It's truly inspiring to hear stories of those who created a mountain from a speck of dust. Almost 100 years ago, the Hadassah movement was started with a couple of nurses who traveled within the small communities of conservative Jerusalem, offering medical advice, midwifery, and other services. Today, Hadassah is the medical system of Israel, providing free medical care, medical schools, and special medical packages for children. It also happens to be one of the main partners of the Young Judaea Youth Movement - which is of course why we were there in the first place. The questionable part of the day came in the views of the speakers chosen to talk to us. In addition to their general speeches about the history of Hadassah and its importance, the majority the speakers chose to focus their efforts towards converting us all towards Aliyah (moving to Israel). While a definite possibility in many of our minds, the idea of Aliyah, when toted, is almost as unappetizing as Bible-toting religious maniacs. I support Israel, I believe in the idea of a Jewish state, I am proud to be Jewish, I believe in the activism shown by the founders of Israel. Do I want crazed Jewish Americans screaming at me to move here? What do you think... Needless to say, most were turned off by the efforts and a friend explained to me later that this was only the beginning: part of the Young Judaea Movement constitution says "thou shalt make Aliyah" and the movement has many adults connected to it who are willing to preach just that. I think what Young Judaea does for Jewish Youth is incredible, but that doesn't mean everyone is meant to make Aliyah and have tons of Jewish babies. Some will, and will be extremely happy doing so, but others may move back to the states, marry inter-religiously, never have kids, and never visit Israel again. I just wish more people accepted that both extremes and everywhere in between is no less worthy a life style...
I have much more to say on various things, but it is late, and I must shower and zzzzz.
All my love,
Rachel
Rachel, I'm actually stunned by the lack of responses/comments to your posts. I've been moved by your experiences, your thoughts, and feelings as you navigate through this incredible year of learning and personal growth. I'm anxiously awaiting your next post.
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