I spent 10 wonderful days over Sukkot break in Italy and France with Nate. I had such an amazing time visiting all the museums, seeing all the sites, and eating like a queen. It was a fabulous trip, and such a great way to relax from school and studying.
Nate and I on top of the Duomo in Florence
Cinque Terre, my favorite place in Italy
When I came back to Israel, midterms were in full swing so I have just been go-go-go since returning. Studying for tests, writing papers on type-scenes in the Torah, translating prayers, and learning more Hebrew and grammar- its non-stop and I am loving all of it. Bible has emerged as my favorite class by far. Reading it in Hebrew and really seeing all the nuances of the text, the contradictions and hyperlinks to previous stories, and see how everything I learned growing up really didn't happen quite like that-- I can't get enough of it. I'm excited for winter break when I will have some free time and can do more leisurely reading and translating of the Tanakh. Yes, I have become a Bible nerd.
With all the studying, schoolwork and extra programs, I don't get to spend much time off campus. On Tuesday however, my History of Zionism class was cancelled so a couple classmates and I went to the Old City. Walking through the Old City, I realized being cooped up at school can make me forget what an amazing place I live in. I live 15 minutes walking distance from a 2000 year old city, and can see remnants of the Temple. How awesome is that? I'm going to try and spend more time in the Old City, which is such a magical place, and work more on getting out of the library and just out and around Jerusalem and Israel in general.
Last night I went to see Meir Banai play at the Festival of the Ud. Yes, Israel has a week long musical festival celebrating the Ud instrument. Meir is a really famous musician (from a family of famous musicians I am told) here in Israel and just absolutely wonderful. I have never been so memorized by music, and super exciting, I even understood some of his lyrics!
Now that the High Holidays are behind us, Israel is starting to focus on Hannukah. The between Sukkot and Hannukah dessert of krembo is now in stores, and I am obsessed. Marshmallow cream galloped on top of a cookie all coated in chocolate? Heaven! Also, since Hannukah is now only 5 weeks away, sufganiyot are starting to appear in bakeries around the city. While I haven't ventured out to try any yet, I promise to give you all a full report of all the Sufganiyot I eat while studying here this year!
Hope everyone is doing fabulously and Shabbat Shalom!
