All I'd like to add is that I already love this place. We haven't even left the kibbutz, but we did go on a hike today around Tzuba to see what there was to be seen. There are some cool trails leading to caves and even a tell up on Mt. Tzuba that has a Crusader castle on it! A few of us went for a little run (a boy's got to stay in shape, now) and went up the mountain and explored some of the ruins. There's so much age, so much time surrounding me...my mind is blown every second.

Also, the NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) director and assistant director came today to visit us, and they are interested in having me produce a film for EIE just for NFTY purposes...exciting stuff!

Anyway, there will be a few more pictures soon and I promise to have more ASAP. Tomorrow we start orientation for our classes, and then it's Friday, and everyone knows that means...

...Shabbat!!!


--Aron

Yesterday I arrived in Tel Aviv and boarded the bus bound for Kibbutz Tzuba. And am now jet-lagged as anything I've ever felt. But over all, this is worth the 13+ hours of flight time.

The kibbutz is gorgeous, and the food is amazing as well. There's a sense of home here, even though I'm about 5000 miles from my real home. The highlight of the plane ride had to be touching down in Tel Aviv, when everyone on the plane applauded and I realized that after months of waiting, I was finally in Israel.

Even though there are 31 teens (15 male, 16 female) from all over the nation and with completely different backgrounds, we have managed to mix together wonderfully. There's a very strong bond already between all of us, rooted in the experiences we are currently looking forward to.

This morning, for T'fillah, Baruch Kraus, principal of the EIE program, led us in saying the Shema and extracting meaning from the Midrash surrounding that prayer. This was probably the first time that my surroundings and roommates and state of mind have all come together in my head, because only one thought was in my brain:

"I just recited the Shema. In Israel."

The feelings are indescribable, but I promise to try to express my thoughts and feelings as well as I can in future entries.

Now, off for a tour of the kibbutz and our first NFTY-EIE pool party.

PS-I have received a cell phone, and all incoming calls to that phone are free for anyone in the U.S. to call. The number is 052-600-0549. Just add the extension (not sure as of now what that is) to make an international call.


--Aron

Like a pinball on speed...

So Friday night, services were amazing. I apologize to the bar mitzvah boy who was supposed to be in the spotlight, but I stole the focus of that service fair and square. Rabbi and Cantor did a beautiful blessing for me and my parents, and managed to make the entire sanctuary moist in the eyeballs...especially my mother and family.

Seeing all my friends this weekend was great, but somewhat depressing. The reality of leaving home for 4 whole months is finally hitting me, although I'm far too excited to be completely crushed. Now it's time for a different experience, something completely new, and I'm ready as can be.

Also, Mom, Dad and myself decided to partake in our version of the Last Supper, consisting of Golden Rule BBQ. Mmmm...so deliciously unkosher. No more of that for a while.

I depart Birmingham about 8am tomorrow morning. And then...life happens, I suppose.


Tonight will not be a good night for sleeping.


Time to begin my big adventure.


--Aron

The Dream

I woke up this morning, fresh out of a wonderful dream. The dream was about being on EIE! I know, I know, but I'm so excited!!!

Wednesday, I went and said goodbye to all my school friends, which was rather saddening. A good deal of people are coming tonight to services, though, to watch Cantor Roskin bestow a Traveler's Blessing on my parents and myself. I'm waiting for the three of us to turn into puddles in front of everybody...but it'll be nice.

In other news, I spoke and saw one of the girls going on the trip last night via video chat. It's going to be fun being the only Southerner on this trip with a bunch of New Yorkers...hehe.

2 days, 22 hours, 45 minutes. I'm literally bouncing off the walls. G-d save my parents.

:-)

-Aron

14 days!!!

The countdown has begun. Two weeks from tomorrow, I'll be getting on a plane bound for Israel! I'm really excited, but there's still a ton to do...

-talk to Rabbi(s), Cantor, etc.
-finish getting stuff
-start packing stuff
-say bye bye to home
-not explode from excitedness

Although it is rather cool how our group has turned out. After I sent out an e-mail explaining my documentary and a bit about myself, we now have a flurry of getting to know you e-mails and IMs going around. It looks like we're going to be a very tight little group of 34 (16 male, 18 female).

Okay, let's start counting hours, and pray that the ceasefire does something.

-Aron

Three Weeks and Counting

It's currently 8:30pm on a Monday night, with only three weeks left until I leave for Israel.

I went to school today...sort of. Turns out I'm not even enrolled at ASFA until I get back 2nd semester, but that's not all bad. I get to stick around during Theatre and do filming for the documentary, plus work on lighting stuff and getting ready to go.

Speaking of which, shopping for 4 months worth of supplies at Wal-Mart on tax free day is NOT a pleasant experience.

Phew. It's going to be a long 3 weeks. I'm ready to go.

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Friday August 4th, 21:04

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