In America, your Jewish family does not care who you marry as long s/he's Jewish. I can assest that from my family, especially my grandmother, though no one's really said it explicitly. It's an unspoken understanding.
Since reconciling with my Jewish identity, I knew that I wanted to marry a Jew- 100% kosher, not necessarily by the Orthodox/haredi laws.
In Israel, it's a common practice that you should marry/date someone of your "race." If you're an Ashkenazi, you marry an Ashkenazi. If you're a Mizrahi (North Africa/Middle East/Sephardic), you marry another Mizrahi. If you're haredi, you marry a haredi. There's no just "Jew." Here, I'm not just a Jew, I'm an Ashkenazi. And therefore, I draw other Ashkenazi men's attention. I went on a date with a half-Ashkenazi and half Mizrahi and he never called me back (can't be the only reason though- no worries). Of course, inter-marriages do happen anyway but only common as interracial marriages in America.
Oy....vey. I thought dating in America would be difficult because of all the races and religions. I am discovering that Israel isn't easy either. Also there's a point that 95% of American Jewry is Ashkenazi so I guess we just don't think about "other" Jews. Meeting the Mizrahim in Haifa was my first time and the Ethiopians for security guards...
Donna Rosenthal's book, The Israelis, brought all of this to my attention. It was one of the books that was being presented in my AJ-IJ class. The students began presenting it last Thursday and they never got to finish because there was so much to tell about it. I bought the book on Friday and haven't stopped reading it since. I've put off my Hebrew and internship work because this book is so fascinating. Israel is much more multi-cultural than people perceive it to be. There are many different groups:
1) Ashkenazim
2) Mizrahim
3) Russians
4) Ethiopians
5) Haredim
6) Orthodox
7) Non-Orthodox
8) Muslims
9) Christians
10) Druze
11) Bedouins
My head totally spun when the students wrote down these names on the board.
One of the major issues that each group that she interviewed was defining who's an "Israeli." Apparently, one student pointed out that the very basic requirement is to be living in Israel. I wanted to add that it seems like those who claim to be "Israeli" consider themselves as supporters of the State of Israel. The State's existence is much more fragile than any other country- I don't think anyone deserves an Israeli citizenship and passport unless they do support Israel- I would not mind telling off an haredi or anyone who did not serve in the Army that people gave up 2-3 years of their lives to fight for the borders and to protect them from danger. Who says that studying the Torah and praying is just as worthy as serving in the Army? This is a very common backlash by the Israelis when they encounter the Muslims and the haredim and I do think that they have the right to argue that.
For me, sure, I would accept the government's view of me as an Israeli if I was given the citizenship privileges but I would not feel "Israeli" until I can behave and talk like one. Israelis are notorious for being blunt and straightforward. They don't say "perhaps" or "maybe" in their rheotric- they just say "You're wrong!" or "No! There's another way to do this!" Their brain gears never stop working- always improvising and looking for alternatives. Even when it comes to driving. They are also impatient- that's why they cut in line. The Russians notice that- people in Soviet Union used to cut in lines because they feared that there would be no more food. In Israel, people don't want to wait. You argue until you get your way.
I did today- I decided to take a cab down to Emek Refarim to visit an oleh. Usually the cab fare is around 35 sheklim- he probably would've charged a bit higher because of the rush hour. But I stood my ground and say 25 sheklim. I don't mind being rude to strangers and officials and what nots but it's much more difficult when it comes to connecting personally. Sometimes it does get exhausting and bit overwhelming! I usually walk away in slight shock and hitting my forehand as in "Goodness!" My class did touch upon this topic and I have talked about this quite a few times with my American friends. They're much less forgiving about the Israeli attitude of being argumentive. I almost asked the class if anyone had their families in shock when they saw their child pushing a bit. I would like to think that they were- I am sure that my family was too. I've always been asked to take care of the cabs and the restaurant bills (if there were difficulties) not only because I already live in Israel and understand how things work, but because I am much more assertive and not afraid to shout. Zev and I worked together pretty well with me taking care of getting the attention and him talking in Hebrew- we complemented each other.
Donna Rosenthal also touched upon homosexuality, prostitution, drugs, high-tech, security, and dating/sexuality. Though it is not an academic book, it is just well done with tons of research evidently done. She basically cracked the code in understanding the Israelis.
This book certainly is helping me with my seminar paper for my AJ-IJ class where I'm focusing on whether my generation is "Are We One?" And I am going on a shabbaton trip with the Israelis and some Rothberg students up to the Galilee this weekend. Should be exciting!!!!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Saturday, May 12, 2007
The Landsmans' Visit
Oh I forgot to mention that for part of last week, it was very hot here in Jerusalem. 35 degrees Celsicus- about 100 Fahrenheit! I had to laugh at myself for wearing jeans and not realizing how well I'm tolerating the heat. Remember, anything above the knees is considered "American" so you won't see me strip down to my mini-skirt. I'm going to be pretty cold when I return to the States at 80 degrees Fahreneheit. I bought two boxes of ice cream bars for my apartment- partly because it was so hot and partly because it was buy one, get second half off. Everyone enjoyed the ice cream throughout the week. Now it's cooler out.
I saw the Landsmans on Wednesday night on their night free from their group trip. They didn't mind, actually, they wanted to, walking to dinner from the Citadel. So we walked a good 30 minutes to Sami's, another Israeli grilled meat restaurant. It's right across the street from Sima's where I've been to twice. They wanted to know more about the student strikes and what was happening politically. I answered their questions and explained how things work here and it's just all so corrupted. I also shared some of my stories and experiences. They have been to Israel several times but haven't been in over a decade. Debby remembered the major changes that she saw from her first time in Israel in the 1960's and her last visit in the late 1980's- thought it was even greater than this visit from the last. They could relate to Dad's excitement about being in east Jerusalem. We had a great dinner- they thought it was the best meal they've ever had thus far on the trip. I was shocked- they had been to Darna's the night before and it's one of Israel's best restaurants. "It was okay- everything was preordered....so we didn't really get a chance to sample more food..." I agree- I just think casual places like this just totally beat going to nice places. (Heck, one of my dates took me to a moderate-level restaurant for lunch, it was just a little much for my taste...) I saved them from nausea by ordering lamb kebab instead of Jerusalem mixed grill. I had an opportunity to meet their trip organizer- an Israeli student at Hebrew U- Givat Ram who was also at the restaurant. I told her that I was up at Scopus and asked why the gates were never locked. It was only down at Givat Ram.
The Landsmans did have an opportunity to watch me "in action" by bargaining with cab drivers for prices. They got a kick out of it- just like every visitor I had. I'm actually get really good at guessing fair prices to get around Jerusalem. I tried to bargain with the guy for dropping the Landsmans off at the Citadel and taking me up to Scopus for 35 sheklim. He insisted that I use the meter but I lost the battle. Yet, I ended up only paying 38 sheklim on the meter! Excellent.
I saw the whole group last night for Shabbat at the Citadel. There was no way I was going to pass up a chance to eat there. The food was aboslutely delicious except for the apple strudel at the end. Everyone except for a couple had been to Israel before. I sensed that the Mission trips weren't exactly designed for a total first-timer as birthright trips were since this trip only took them to Tiberias, to the Lebanon-Syria border, and Jerusalem. They were not going to Masada or spend time in Tel Aviv. Plus it was only for one week. I met Larry Fine- finally, after all these years. He's the director of the Jewish Federation of Rochester. I was able to share some of my experiences with some of the people but not as much as I would've loved to- I think they just didn't know what kind of questions to ask and I didn't know where to begin. I don't think I'll ever know where to begin!!! Plus, I wanted to be a bit careful since the Israeli organizer was there at our table for a bit.
I had a more successful round of bargaining with the cabbie for the way back- only for 30 sheklim. I think I could've stared him down for 25 because he gave up pretty quickly.... but it's Shabbat and it's only right for me to tack on about 5 extra sheklim.
I am reading an amazing book called The Israelis by Donna Rosenthal. Though I didn't have to read it for class but a couple of students presented the book on Thursday and it just sounded like a very worthwhile reading right now instead of waiting until the program was over.... so I bought it yesterday. And I'm already on page 200. I'll talk more about it after Tuesday when the students finish up the presentation.
Right now, I am thinking.... Is FM Livni nuts to say that Israel should give up West Bank for the two-state solution?!!? It's either the Gaza Strip or the West Bank- the Palestinians can't have both when PA is still too unstable. Israel is asking for trouble by pulling out of West Bank- there'll be more suicide bombers en route between the two territories. I nearly banged my head on my desk when I read the headlines on the Internet.
I saw the Landsmans on Wednesday night on their night free from their group trip. They didn't mind, actually, they wanted to, walking to dinner from the Citadel. So we walked a good 30 minutes to Sami's, another Israeli grilled meat restaurant. It's right across the street from Sima's where I've been to twice. They wanted to know more about the student strikes and what was happening politically. I answered their questions and explained how things work here and it's just all so corrupted. I also shared some of my stories and experiences. They have been to Israel several times but haven't been in over a decade. Debby remembered the major changes that she saw from her first time in Israel in the 1960's and her last visit in the late 1980's- thought it was even greater than this visit from the last. They could relate to Dad's excitement about being in east Jerusalem. We had a great dinner- they thought it was the best meal they've ever had thus far on the trip. I was shocked- they had been to Darna's the night before and it's one of Israel's best restaurants. "It was okay- everything was preordered....so we didn't really get a chance to sample more food..." I agree- I just think casual places like this just totally beat going to nice places. (Heck, one of my dates took me to a moderate-level restaurant for lunch, it was just a little much for my taste...) I saved them from nausea by ordering lamb kebab instead of Jerusalem mixed grill. I had an opportunity to meet their trip organizer- an Israeli student at Hebrew U- Givat Ram who was also at the restaurant. I told her that I was up at Scopus and asked why the gates were never locked. It was only down at Givat Ram.
The Landsmans did have an opportunity to watch me "in action" by bargaining with cab drivers for prices. They got a kick out of it- just like every visitor I had. I'm actually get really good at guessing fair prices to get around Jerusalem. I tried to bargain with the guy for dropping the Landsmans off at the Citadel and taking me up to Scopus for 35 sheklim. He insisted that I use the meter but I lost the battle. Yet, I ended up only paying 38 sheklim on the meter! Excellent.
I saw the whole group last night for Shabbat at the Citadel. There was no way I was going to pass up a chance to eat there. The food was aboslutely delicious except for the apple strudel at the end. Everyone except for a couple had been to Israel before. I sensed that the Mission trips weren't exactly designed for a total first-timer as birthright trips were since this trip only took them to Tiberias, to the Lebanon-Syria border, and Jerusalem. They were not going to Masada or spend time in Tel Aviv. Plus it was only for one week. I met Larry Fine- finally, after all these years. He's the director of the Jewish Federation of Rochester. I was able to share some of my experiences with some of the people but not as much as I would've loved to- I think they just didn't know what kind of questions to ask and I didn't know where to begin. I don't think I'll ever know where to begin!!! Plus, I wanted to be a bit careful since the Israeli organizer was there at our table for a bit.
I had a more successful round of bargaining with the cabbie for the way back- only for 30 sheklim. I think I could've stared him down for 25 because he gave up pretty quickly.... but it's Shabbat and it's only right for me to tack on about 5 extra sheklim.
I am reading an amazing book called The Israelis by Donna Rosenthal. Though I didn't have to read it for class but a couple of students presented the book on Thursday and it just sounded like a very worthwhile reading right now instead of waiting until the program was over.... so I bought it yesterday. And I'm already on page 200. I'll talk more about it after Tuesday when the students finish up the presentation.
Right now, I am thinking.... Is FM Livni nuts to say that Israel should give up West Bank for the two-state solution?!!? It's either the Gaza Strip or the West Bank- the Palestinians can't have both when PA is still too unstable. Israel is asking for trouble by pulling out of West Bank- there'll be more suicide bombers en route between the two territories. I nearly banged my head on my desk when I read the headlines on the Internet.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
What Does Being Jewish Mean?
From my readings for my AJ-IJ class:
From AJC (American Jewish Committee)'s essay contest in 2005 on what does being Jewish mean to you. Excerpts from several essays that striked me:
Every morning when I get to work, the first thing I do is surf the Web to nytimes.com. After quickly perusing the front page and checking last night's Yankees score, I head straight for the International section and read up on Israel. These days my ears are attuned toany mention of Jews, Israel, Hebrew, or scwarma. I find it difficult not to chime in when I hear a cowroker's skewed perspectives on Judaism or Middle East politics. Is this how i identify myself as being Jewish?... The answer is that being an American Jew in his or her twenties is defined by whatever we want it to be. Judaism is not a scientific construct and cannot be approached as such. For me being Jewish means lighting candles during Hanukka. It means calling up my mother to ask the meaning of a Yiddish phrase. It means complaining about the Yom Kippur semon even though it is the only one I will hear for another year. It means looking forward to matzo ball soup and a slightly inebriated but pleasantly boisterous interpretation of Had Gadya. It is family. It is tradition. And, yes, it is spirituality.
This is how I felt when I was living in America. That's written by a guy who has a MA in religious studies, made two trips to Israel, went to Jewish day school, and still goes to services only twice a year.
I was about to immerse myself in a Jewish society where Judaism is uniquely shaped, for better and for worse, by Israeli politics and Zionism... To him and other secular Israelis, making a cultural and Zionistic contribution to this country is as religious and as important as praying, upholding Jewish customs, or believing in God. For the last five years, I have been caught somewhere in the middle of Israel's spectrum of Judaism. I admit that, since living in the Jewish homeland, I've been more secular than at any other point in my life. But I've also been more proud, more aware, and more at ease with my Jewish identity than at any other point in my life. Where else does an entire country stand together in silence to recognize and remember those who perished in the Shoah?
That passage struck chord with my current attitude. It just felt right to agree with this woman who made aliyah. Since my family left, I've been examining myself as finding who I am as a Jew and an American living in an Israeli society where Judaism takes root. I spent two months settling in Israel, attempting to maintain my own "American" Jewish traditions with the exception of going to Shabbat services (no English transliteration texts here). Then my grandparents came for a month and I practically lived in an orthodox life due to Zev and the apartment rental. At the same time and after my whole family left, I have been connecting with the secular Israelis.
Now, I am looking at myself today after going through all the stages. Where am I comfortable? What am I comfortable doing? When do I want to recognize mysefl as Jewish? How can I maintain my own sense of identity? With whom do I want to be with? Why these choices?
(I know that by this point, Dane will be thinking "She's crazy!!!!" But hun, you told me to stop and ask questions every once in awhile, you know?)
I am being tested on my identity. A possible analogy for this would be the Asians. Nevertheless, I am thinking of these questions and wondering how to answer each of them rationally. And realize that I am living in an Israeli society and connecting with Israelis which are major influences right now.
I also have to look back on my attitude towards Judaism since I was a child. I did not have a Jewish friend until I met Helen (though just half-Jew) and that was when we were 13. My mom bribed me with a doughnut every Sunday morning on our way to Sunday school. Hebrew meant nothing to me (though I do remember learning the aleph-bet) because I thought English was the only language in the world. Israel was a dream or something out of the Torah. My parents only kept the High Holidays, Passover, and Chanukkah. The only time I felt "Jewish" was whenever I was with Grandma. I used to love going through a series of books that she had in the library of her house on Jewish holidays. Other than that, I did not want to identify myself as Jewish. Nobody else was Jewish that I could relate to. What was the point if I had to make the effort? Being Jewish was hard work to me and I didn't like it. Even saying the ha'motzi was just ugh.
Now I can say all the Shabbat prayers effortlessly. Hebrew is becoming a second nature. I love saying shabbat shalom to the venders at the shuk on Fridays. I don't feel guilty about not going to Shabbat services at all- nor the morning services. I immensely enjoy the national holidays as day-offs from school. Even if I don't even go anywhere, it feels right to enjoy the free day with other Jews without worrying about missing something at work or school. Everybody goes out together- both on religious and Israeli holidays. I don't enjoy the orthodox way of celebrating Shabbat. Sometimes I do roll my eyes over some things that the secular Israelis do and say because it seems unkosher for an American Jew. Nevertheless, living in Israel has given me new ideas and perspectives on how I can define myself as a Jew today. As I have said, I don't like to work hard to maintain my identity. The identity should be a natural part of self. Here, my Jewish identity feels natural, even if I have to work at my Hebrew (one day, it will be nearly fluent and that'd be the end of my worries).
I look around and see different contributions that people make to Israel to express their Judaism in a Jewish state in progressive ways. Some secular Israelis believe that giving 2-3 years of their life to the Army is enough that they don't feel the need to fulfill all the religious obligations- they defend the borders of the Jewish state. The olim made aliyah, fulfilling the dreams of the Zionists- to bring about a strong Jewish majority in a Jewish state. The religious contribute their stubborn stance on civil laws to ensure that Israel remains a real Jewish state. And the Americans? I often like to amuse myself that they just roll in the money.
What did I do today? Only those who can read Hebrew can follow my little essay:
היום שלו היה יופיץ אני נפגשתי גם סתודנתץ אתה בא לקולגט באבגוסתץ אנהנו אכלנו בבר קציצהץ היא היה נאהץ אנהנו ריברנו על ירדאל, יראשלים, קולגט, וישראלים מדברים באנגלית רה ועברתת שלנוץ היו רוצה להתנרב הצבאץ אני אמרה אותו לעשות את אחרי קולגט. אנהנו עושים חיים
From AJC (American Jewish Committee)'s essay contest in 2005 on what does being Jewish mean to you. Excerpts from several essays that striked me:
Every morning when I get to work, the first thing I do is surf the Web to nytimes.com. After quickly perusing the front page and checking last night's Yankees score, I head straight for the International section and read up on Israel. These days my ears are attuned toany mention of Jews, Israel, Hebrew, or scwarma. I find it difficult not to chime in when I hear a cowroker's skewed perspectives on Judaism or Middle East politics. Is this how i identify myself as being Jewish?... The answer is that being an American Jew in his or her twenties is defined by whatever we want it to be. Judaism is not a scientific construct and cannot be approached as such. For me being Jewish means lighting candles during Hanukka. It means calling up my mother to ask the meaning of a Yiddish phrase. It means complaining about the Yom Kippur semon even though it is the only one I will hear for another year. It means looking forward to matzo ball soup and a slightly inebriated but pleasantly boisterous interpretation of Had Gadya. It is family. It is tradition. And, yes, it is spirituality.
This is how I felt when I was living in America. That's written by a guy who has a MA in religious studies, made two trips to Israel, went to Jewish day school, and still goes to services only twice a year.
I was about to immerse myself in a Jewish society where Judaism is uniquely shaped, for better and for worse, by Israeli politics and Zionism... To him and other secular Israelis, making a cultural and Zionistic contribution to this country is as religious and as important as praying, upholding Jewish customs, or believing in God. For the last five years, I have been caught somewhere in the middle of Israel's spectrum of Judaism. I admit that, since living in the Jewish homeland, I've been more secular than at any other point in my life. But I've also been more proud, more aware, and more at ease with my Jewish identity than at any other point in my life. Where else does an entire country stand together in silence to recognize and remember those who perished in the Shoah?
That passage struck chord with my current attitude. It just felt right to agree with this woman who made aliyah. Since my family left, I've been examining myself as finding who I am as a Jew and an American living in an Israeli society where Judaism takes root. I spent two months settling in Israel, attempting to maintain my own "American" Jewish traditions with the exception of going to Shabbat services (no English transliteration texts here). Then my grandparents came for a month and I practically lived in an orthodox life due to Zev and the apartment rental. At the same time and after my whole family left, I have been connecting with the secular Israelis.
Now, I am looking at myself today after going through all the stages. Where am I comfortable? What am I comfortable doing? When do I want to recognize mysefl as Jewish? How can I maintain my own sense of identity? With whom do I want to be with? Why these choices?
(I know that by this point, Dane will be thinking "She's crazy!!!!" But hun, you told me to stop and ask questions every once in awhile, you know?)
I am being tested on my identity. A possible analogy for this would be the Asians. Nevertheless, I am thinking of these questions and wondering how to answer each of them rationally. And realize that I am living in an Israeli society and connecting with Israelis which are major influences right now.
I also have to look back on my attitude towards Judaism since I was a child. I did not have a Jewish friend until I met Helen (though just half-Jew) and that was when we were 13. My mom bribed me with a doughnut every Sunday morning on our way to Sunday school. Hebrew meant nothing to me (though I do remember learning the aleph-bet) because I thought English was the only language in the world. Israel was a dream or something out of the Torah. My parents only kept the High Holidays, Passover, and Chanukkah. The only time I felt "Jewish" was whenever I was with Grandma. I used to love going through a series of books that she had in the library of her house on Jewish holidays. Other than that, I did not want to identify myself as Jewish. Nobody else was Jewish that I could relate to. What was the point if I had to make the effort? Being Jewish was hard work to me and I didn't like it. Even saying the ha'motzi was just ugh.
Now I can say all the Shabbat prayers effortlessly. Hebrew is becoming a second nature. I love saying shabbat shalom to the venders at the shuk on Fridays. I don't feel guilty about not going to Shabbat services at all- nor the morning services. I immensely enjoy the national holidays as day-offs from school. Even if I don't even go anywhere, it feels right to enjoy the free day with other Jews without worrying about missing something at work or school. Everybody goes out together- both on religious and Israeli holidays. I don't enjoy the orthodox way of celebrating Shabbat. Sometimes I do roll my eyes over some things that the secular Israelis do and say because it seems unkosher for an American Jew. Nevertheless, living in Israel has given me new ideas and perspectives on how I can define myself as a Jew today. As I have said, I don't like to work hard to maintain my identity. The identity should be a natural part of self. Here, my Jewish identity feels natural, even if I have to work at my Hebrew (one day, it will be nearly fluent and that'd be the end of my worries).
I look around and see different contributions that people make to Israel to express their Judaism in a Jewish state in progressive ways. Some secular Israelis believe that giving 2-3 years of their life to the Army is enough that they don't feel the need to fulfill all the religious obligations- they defend the borders of the Jewish state. The olim made aliyah, fulfilling the dreams of the Zionists- to bring about a strong Jewish majority in a Jewish state. The religious contribute their stubborn stance on civil laws to ensure that Israel remains a real Jewish state. And the Americans? I often like to amuse myself that they just roll in the money.
What did I do today? Only those who can read Hebrew can follow my little essay:
היום שלו היה יופיץ אני נפגשתי גם סתודנתץ אתה בא לקולגט באבגוסתץ אנהנו אכלנו בבר קציצהץ היא היה נאהץ אנהנו ריברנו על ירדאל, יראשלים, קולגט, וישראלים מדברים באנגלית רה ועברתת שלנוץ היו רוצה להתנרב הצבאץ אני אמרה אותו לעשות את אחרי קולגט. אנהנו עושים חיים
Sunday, May 6, 2007
מדברת ביברית
Every time I have a good time with an Israeli, my motivation level to study my Hebrew skyrockets. Usually my reason is one of the three:
A) I want to impress him/her with my conversational skills because he/she is awesome.
B) His/her accent is so heavy that it seems a lot easier if I just speak in Hebrew.
C) Wants to trade me for English lessons by teaching me Hebrew.
I bought an Israeli film- Yossi and Jagger (basically Israeli version of Brokeback Mountain- only a little better) and it's got a lot of phrases that I want to learn. So I'll be watching it every once in a while. It's not even long anyway- only an hour. I may buy a few more before I return to the States.
I survived 30 minutes of Hebrew conversation with my favorite teacher last Thursday! She was impressed that I lasted so long and thought I spoke it well. Of course, my friends and family know that I'm pretty critical of myself so I disagree in terms of my pronounciation. She encouraged another session for this week- before I could even ask!
I am going to try to speak as much Hebrew as I can when the Landsmans visit this week in terms of making requests in public so they can tell my parents that I'm not wasting away their money for my tutition. I also try to think in Hebrew as I'm walking or cooking or in the shower or working out and coming up with different phrases to use. I certainly try not to let off that I'm an American when I'm shopping around the shuk and they're telling me the prices.
The more I am engaged with this native language and the people of this country, the more I am unsure of myself when I return to the States...
A) I want to impress him/her with my conversational skills because he/she is awesome.
B) His/her accent is so heavy that it seems a lot easier if I just speak in Hebrew.
C) Wants to trade me for English lessons by teaching me Hebrew.
I bought an Israeli film- Yossi and Jagger (basically Israeli version of Brokeback Mountain- only a little better) and it's got a lot of phrases that I want to learn. So I'll be watching it every once in a while. It's not even long anyway- only an hour. I may buy a few more before I return to the States.
I survived 30 minutes of Hebrew conversation with my favorite teacher last Thursday! She was impressed that I lasted so long and thought I spoke it well. Of course, my friends and family know that I'm pretty critical of myself so I disagree in terms of my pronounciation. She encouraged another session for this week- before I could even ask!
I am going to try to speak as much Hebrew as I can when the Landsmans visit this week in terms of making requests in public so they can tell my parents that I'm not wasting away their money for my tutition. I also try to think in Hebrew as I'm walking or cooking or in the shower or working out and coming up with different phrases to use. I certainly try not to let off that I'm an American when I'm shopping around the shuk and they're telling me the prices.
The more I am engaged with this native language and the people of this country, the more I am unsure of myself when I return to the States...
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Class dinner, American IDF soldier, the Winograd Report...
It's been quite interesting in the past few days. But I will start with the least exciting to most exciting part, basically in reverse of order that's happened.
I just came back from a class dinner at my EE Jewry professor's apartment in Rehavia. I think I won't see eggs for the next few days- too much quiche!!! Nevertheless, we talked about Yiddish literature since this was actually a 'make-up" class and after dessert, she read us a Sholem Alecheim short story. Cute. During dinner, we discussed student strikes, tutition/financial aid, and subjects relating to those. The professor finds it very surprising how Israeli parents will pay a good portion of their child's down payment for an apartment but not their university education at all. (By the way, she is an American who made aliyah in the 1970's from Buffalo, NY). It's really something else to watch young Israelis work their butts off for a year or two to earn enough money to be able to go to a university since the universities don't give out a lot of financial aid. By the way, they showed us their collection of traditional Russian toys (they go there a lot for research), including a matryoshka with portraits of famous Russian figures on each doll from throughout centuries. It was really freaky but cool!
Next, I met an American who just finished his Army service two weeks ago. He actually volunteered from Brooklyn. Never, ever I had encountered anyone from the Army who really enjoyed his experience- he said to me, "Party's over!" He showed me a lot of pictures from his camera of his service, including ones that would not be posted publicly (pretty cool!). I felt really relieved just to be able to talk to him, especially with his upbeat attitude, about the Army and what goes in a soldier's daily life. He wasn't fazed by my asking about the Second Lebanon War and he told me how his unit was one of the first to go in Lebanon (counter-terrorism). The more he shared, the more I understood where the Israelis were coming from in terms of their politics and personal attitudes towards the Army and the Israeli government. I just needed the whole story, and here he was, giving me the story, filling in the gaps. What was surprising was to hear what happened during the first days of the Second Lebanon War and why the soldiers who fought in there were so bitter about it- it was basically chaos and lives were lost without justice. We also touched upon other topics relevant to both of us- the idea of returning to the American culture, cochlear implants (his sister is bi-lateral and his niece has one), and colleges. By the way, he told me that there are no swear words in Hebrew! Oh so much for finding a way to curse at someone when I'm being ripped off. The Israelis just do it in Englsh or Arabic. Another interesting thing- he's a Republican and would vote for Guilani! Whhaaaattt??? Anyway, he was fun to chill with and said he'd call me when he got back from his trip to the States for a couple of weeks (doing fund-raising for his unit at various Jewish day schools and events). Even though I'm not crazy about hanging out with other Americans living in Israel, sometimes it's just good to have them for resource- they can tell you things that Israelis can't or won't tell you.
Lastly, Israel is going through a lot now. Namely, the impending war with Hamas, the Winograd Report, and the student strikes. The headlines on JPost are pretty intense with the talks of IDF creating strategies and reports from Hamas about wanting to kidnap more Israelis and do more roadside bombing. I am not too worried since the IDF learned a major lesson from last summer- always be prepared with plans, even if they don't really want to. That leads to the Winograd Report. It's basically a report card for the government and the Army, mostly for the Prime Minister and Defense Minister (Olmert and Peretz). I wish that we had one for the US government (though we did sort of- the Iraq Study Group Report). There are talks about Olmert feeling that he will not be able to make through all the criticism and he's losing support from his party because the party officials don't want to lose their jobs. There's a possiblity for a female PM in the future - Tipiz Livni. (This should get interesting when I bring this up to Kobe who believes that women shouldn't lead Israel- I'll smack him for that). Peretz is determined to keep his job. Before the report, Olmert had only 3% approval- wow, so low. Now it's 0%. It's incredible how much more the Israelis hate their government than Americans do. Even I can say one or two nice things about President Bush as much I want to see him out of the office however. So yeah, the government's pretty corrupted and Israelis are very, very critical about it. One single mistake costs the PM his job. Not a bunch like we allow for our President. There will be a rally in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square tomorrow night (Thursday) for him to "GO HOME!"
By the way, the student strikes have been going on for 3 1/2 weeks. I have one friend who texted me today that he's forgotten what it's like to be in school (while typing his paper...). The students are striking because the public tutition is too high for them. They want more aid and the tutition to decrease by 50%. I saw several buses waiting in front of Hebrew U today for the students to go to a rally. I think the system is really messed up. Why should the Israelis have to pay full price tag when the government is giving olims (new immigrants) practically full rides for their university education? Generally, the olim have more money and can afford the $10,000 price tag (compared to $42,000 in the States!) while the Israelis don't and can't.
This is what I love about living in Israel- being part of the living history. So much is happening in Israel- culturally, socially, economically, and politically and that works pretty well for someone who loves history. I want to be able to tell my grandchildren all the changes I've seen over the years. I feel as if Israel is struggling to create its own national identity, using the Jewish identity as the basis. Exactly how does one define Israel?
By the way, I did actually find some cute skirts for the warm weather- looks like I'll go shopping on Friday! No one here wears their skirts above their knees- either they cover the knees or below or they wear jeans. And I'm getting a little warm to continue wearing my jeans. It's the fashion here-even at the university with the student body being largely secular.
I just came back from a class dinner at my EE Jewry professor's apartment in Rehavia. I think I won't see eggs for the next few days- too much quiche!!! Nevertheless, we talked about Yiddish literature since this was actually a 'make-up" class and after dessert, she read us a Sholem Alecheim short story. Cute. During dinner, we discussed student strikes, tutition/financial aid, and subjects relating to those. The professor finds it very surprising how Israeli parents will pay a good portion of their child's down payment for an apartment but not their university education at all. (By the way, she is an American who made aliyah in the 1970's from Buffalo, NY). It's really something else to watch young Israelis work their butts off for a year or two to earn enough money to be able to go to a university since the universities don't give out a lot of financial aid. By the way, they showed us their collection of traditional Russian toys (they go there a lot for research), including a matryoshka with portraits of famous Russian figures on each doll from throughout centuries. It was really freaky but cool!
Next, I met an American who just finished his Army service two weeks ago. He actually volunteered from Brooklyn. Never, ever I had encountered anyone from the Army who really enjoyed his experience- he said to me, "Party's over!" He showed me a lot of pictures from his camera of his service, including ones that would not be posted publicly (pretty cool!). I felt really relieved just to be able to talk to him, especially with his upbeat attitude, about the Army and what goes in a soldier's daily life. He wasn't fazed by my asking about the Second Lebanon War and he told me how his unit was one of the first to go in Lebanon (counter-terrorism). The more he shared, the more I understood where the Israelis were coming from in terms of their politics and personal attitudes towards the Army and the Israeli government. I just needed the whole story, and here he was, giving me the story, filling in the gaps. What was surprising was to hear what happened during the first days of the Second Lebanon War and why the soldiers who fought in there were so bitter about it- it was basically chaos and lives were lost without justice. We also touched upon other topics relevant to both of us- the idea of returning to the American culture, cochlear implants (his sister is bi-lateral and his niece has one), and colleges. By the way, he told me that there are no swear words in Hebrew! Oh so much for finding a way to curse at someone when I'm being ripped off. The Israelis just do it in Englsh or Arabic. Another interesting thing- he's a Republican and would vote for Guilani! Whhaaaattt??? Anyway, he was fun to chill with and said he'd call me when he got back from his trip to the States for a couple of weeks (doing fund-raising for his unit at various Jewish day schools and events). Even though I'm not crazy about hanging out with other Americans living in Israel, sometimes it's just good to have them for resource- they can tell you things that Israelis can't or won't tell you.
Lastly, Israel is going through a lot now. Namely, the impending war with Hamas, the Winograd Report, and the student strikes. The headlines on JPost are pretty intense with the talks of IDF creating strategies and reports from Hamas about wanting to kidnap more Israelis and do more roadside bombing. I am not too worried since the IDF learned a major lesson from last summer- always be prepared with plans, even if they don't really want to. That leads to the Winograd Report. It's basically a report card for the government and the Army, mostly for the Prime Minister and Defense Minister (Olmert and Peretz). I wish that we had one for the US government (though we did sort of- the Iraq Study Group Report). There are talks about Olmert feeling that he will not be able to make through all the criticism and he's losing support from his party because the party officials don't want to lose their jobs. There's a possiblity for a female PM in the future - Tipiz Livni. (This should get interesting when I bring this up to Kobe who believes that women shouldn't lead Israel- I'll smack him for that). Peretz is determined to keep his job. Before the report, Olmert had only 3% approval- wow, so low. Now it's 0%. It's incredible how much more the Israelis hate their government than Americans do. Even I can say one or two nice things about President Bush as much I want to see him out of the office however. So yeah, the government's pretty corrupted and Israelis are very, very critical about it. One single mistake costs the PM his job. Not a bunch like we allow for our President. There will be a rally in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square tomorrow night (Thursday) for him to "GO HOME!"
By the way, the student strikes have been going on for 3 1/2 weeks. I have one friend who texted me today that he's forgotten what it's like to be in school (while typing his paper...). The students are striking because the public tutition is too high for them. They want more aid and the tutition to decrease by 50%. I saw several buses waiting in front of Hebrew U today for the students to go to a rally. I think the system is really messed up. Why should the Israelis have to pay full price tag when the government is giving olims (new immigrants) practically full rides for their university education? Generally, the olim have more money and can afford the $10,000 price tag (compared to $42,000 in the States!) while the Israelis don't and can't.
This is what I love about living in Israel- being part of the living history. So much is happening in Israel- culturally, socially, economically, and politically and that works pretty well for someone who loves history. I want to be able to tell my grandchildren all the changes I've seen over the years. I feel as if Israel is struggling to create its own national identity, using the Jewish identity as the basis. Exactly how does one define Israel?
By the way, I did actually find some cute skirts for the warm weather- looks like I'll go shopping on Friday! No one here wears their skirts above their knees- either they cover the knees or below or they wear jeans. And I'm getting a little warm to continue wearing my jeans. It's the fashion here-even at the university with the student body being largely secular.
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