At the outset of the week, I was still a bit sleepy from my Prague adventure. But any drowsiness was quickly drowned with excitement to be back in the Land of Milk and Honey, and I got back into the swing of things. On Tuesday I had the great pleasure of watching the film version of Chaim Potok's The Chosen. In my Israeli Jews and American Jews: A Comparative Analysis course, we have been dealing with the oft begged question, "What does it mean to be Jewish?". This question can never be fully answered, and this film served as yet another impediment to the probe. But every time the waters grow murkier, we look at the world in new ways, and I think that is more beautiful than whatever the answer may be. The movie pits Zionism vs. traditional Judaism in an ever-heated struggle that has spanned the last seven decades (more really, but it certainly escalated immensely when Israel was declared a state in 1948). Anyway, the point of this discussion is that I am internalizing an incredible amount of history and so many points of view that I had never dreamed of before. To truly know oneself, I think it vital to understand where one came from, and this latest trip to Israel has been chock full of that.
This past week has been conspicuously popular week for birthdays on campus. Hence, I am led to conceive that years ago, nine months prior to this date was an apt time to conceive. On Wednesday night, a large group of us congregated to celebrate our dear friend Rina's birthday. The restaurant she chose to dine at was Cafe Cafe in Mamilla Mall (one of the more upscale places in the Jerusalem area). Halfway through our meal, entertainers, dressed in what appeared to be a Sephardic garb, paraded down the boulevard, shaking their tambourines and dancing up a storm. They were Morockin' out.
Weeks ago, I had discussed the prospect of celebrating my birthday on a party boat in Eilat. As much fun as this would have been, a variety of factors prevented this plan from coming to fruition. However, this was no matter as my roommates and friends helped to throw me, and the others whose birthday it was, a great party in our apartment on Thursday night. The theme of our event was "I'm on a Boat", in lieu of our failed attempt to wreak havoc down south. I was delighted with the outcome as our apartment was packed for a number of hours, and each person seemed to have a good time. I do not have the liberty to shed more light unto the details of this occasion, as the absinthe that I purchased at the airport in Prague got the better of me, and frankly, much of the night afterwards evades my memory. But hey, you only turn twenty one once.
This week I have been plagued with homework and have also had to occupy much of my time with planning, both for my birthday and for my upcoming Eurotrip that will take place in a week's time. Because I have been inundated with agenda fillers, the difficulty of wandering about the town for a Shabbat dinner was increased. But, that is not to say that the Sabbath was not recognized. My roommate Roee and I had the great fortune of spending Shabbat dinner with our friends Emma and Emily. They cooked a delicious pasta dinner, and laughter filled the room.
Yesterday was my birthday! Because of the mountain of deeds on my to-do list, I spent much of the day writing a paper. I did get to take a nice study break and walked with a few friends to Aroma (Israel's answer to Starbucks). There I discovered a delicious new treat, espresso with vanilla ice cream. It was a delight to walk home on a hot, sunny day with a cup of ice cream and a new way of getting my caffeine.
Clearly, I wasn't going to do schoolwork all day on my 21st, and at 7:30 PM, friends came over and together we took the light rail downtown. I had made reservations at an up-scale burger joint after I saw they had steak on the menu. I don't think I've had a nice, juicy steak in months, and I had a real hunkerin' for it. Surrounding myself with great friends, a thick juicy slab of beef, and a half liter of Leffe beer, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate twenty one years of life. Afterwards, we made our way over to a nice pub and further enjoyed conversation over a few brews. It was most definitely a Yom Huledet Sameach.
Themes of the week: Friendship and Alcohol.
I live a very blessed life, and being overseas sans many of the comforts I once took for granted only months ago, I have learned to appreciate all the good even more so. This upcoming week will be full of anticipation as I leave with my friend Sydney for Paris and Norway on March 30th. I have images of croissants, fromage, and lots of wine shuffling through the theater of my mind.
Until then, have a wonderful week.
Zac
No comments:
Post a Comment