The Nerd is the Word

You see I hood a lot, and yeah I nerd some
Hood’s where the heart is, nerds where the words from
Don’t represent either because I merged them

-Lupe Fiasco, "I'm Beamin"

For those that know me well, it is no secret.  In fact, it is clearly written on my face.  I’m a nerd.  I love being in school, and when I’m home for break, I find myself as a lost soul.  I love the structure, I love the learning, I love the meeting of the minds.  But most of all, I adore the way that stimulating, provocative ideas are able to revolutionize the way I see the world.  You define yourself by the way you think, and so when I am able to engage in this form of cognitive restructuring, I find myself awed, humbled, and buzzed simultaneously.

This past week represented somewhat of an au voir to the Rothberg International School at Hebrew U where much of my time is occupied.  I have learned an immense amount here about the history of Judaism, Israel, and the world around me.  But most of all, I learned about Maimonides, and I think it safe to say that I have a new favorite philosopher.  As we speak, I am supposed to be writing an 8-10 page final on what I have learned about him.  My paper is already at 11 pages, and I’m pretty sure I could extend it as far as 25.  He and Professor Breuer (who teaches the course) have redefined the way that I view Judaism and the rest of the world. 

Anyway, on Thursday night I had a banquet for the Spring in Jerusalem program that I am enrolled in.  Fun filled the faculty lounge as food and fluid flowed into my stomach. Flustered, I then forced myself to flock to the fitness facility to free myself of fortuitous flesh.

On Friday, my friend Amanda and I patronized a downtown eatery called Kadosh.  The bright aesthetics and lofty aroma of freshly baked treats reminded me of a café that I would have sat down at in Paris.  I am very glad that she brought me to that homely establishment, as I one, found the best coffee I’ve had in Israel yet, and two, found another place to sit down and read during time off.  Again, I think in terms of these things.  I’m a nerd.

Afterwards, we strolled over to the Old City to purchase last minute gifts.  Well, at least Amanda bought such gifts as she will be departing in only a few days.  I, on the other hand, will be staying for another five weeks.  As she was buying her final gift, it hit me.  My closure to my Israel adventure runs parallel to the conclusion of the Lord of the Rings films.  At the end of the Lord of the Rings, there are three or four times when you are absolutely certain that the story will conclude.  But Peter Jackson has something else in mind, and continues with the plot for another fifteen minutes until you think you are certain that it is going to conclude again.  And each time, there is yet another (long and packed) conclusion.  That is until Samwise Gangee returns to the Shire to expound upon his own journeys right where Bilbo and Frodo left off.

Here in Israel, I am in the midst of my first ending: the departure of all of my friends in the Rothberg International School program (which is most people here).  But my story will continue for another few weeks until my next ending: the conclusion of my courses offered at the Hebrew University.  The last day of courses there is held on June 22^nd, and so for six days, I will actually be in a state of limbo, that is until my family comes to visit on June 28^th.  And this will connote the very final chapter of my study abroad experience.  Once I leave on July 9^th, my ship will depart from Middle Earth as my flight departs from the Middle East.

Friday night marked the last time I would enjoy the incredible hospitality of my friends Yossi and Chaya Witkes with the rest of my Rothberg friends for Shabbat dinner.  It was sort of a “farewell” to our program.  The conversation, atmosphere, and of course the food, were actually were better than ever before.  After dinner, my friend Brandon and I sauntered through the streets of Jerusalem on our way back to our apartments, and for the entirety of our walk, I reflected on the philosophy of the great Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon (Maimonides).  I loved every minute of it.

As I sit here and write this, I realize that key aspects of my ending here have already been dictated.  I have a set time for my finals work, I have a set time for my Greece adventure, and I have a set itinerary when my family joins me here later in the month.  Lucky for me, itineraries never entirely work out as planned, and so I will get to co-author the ending to my story, my precious (alright enough of that).

Shavua Tov,

Zac