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September 18, 2005
Jew-mania
I've had such a Jewish week! Between Hebrew class, reading two Jewish novels, my Birthright Israel interview, and jotting down some general ideas for my RRC application essay, I'm all Jewed out.
In truth, I'm really enjoying it. I'm loving Hebrew class so far, although as our vocabulary list approaches 100 words, I'm beginning to have trouble remembering which verb is which. I'm surprised, though, at how much Hebrew I retained from Talmud Torah. I know so many of the words we're learning, I already know how to read and write (but not translate) in script and block, and the things I don't know are coming easily so far. True, we still haven't finished the alphabet, but I really look forward to every class and come home excited to do my homework.
Unfortunately, I showed my professor the list of what I'll need to know to get into the Mechinah year of RRC, and two semesters isn't going to be enough. She told me, though, that there's an Israeli student here who could probably help me with the other stuff. I hope so. I understand that it's possible that I won't be able to apply for another year, but I'm really hoping to start next year if I can.
I've also now done everything I can do to get ready for Birthright. I applied for my passport, did my phone interview, sent in my deposit... Lauren has done the same. I'm still a little nervous about choosing Kesher for our trip provider, but in the end, I doubt it matters much. They said we should know in 2-3 weeks whether we got on. My hopes are high.
I finally read The Red Tent this week. People have been recommending it to me for years, but I just wasn't that interested. I finally gave in, and I really enjoyed it. It's not up there on the favorites list, but it was really pretty good. I think I'd like to own it. Right now I'm reading The Outside World, and while I can't imagine a non-Jew trying to read it, I'm enjoying that, as well. Reading is fun. It makes me forget to do important things, like bathe and do dishes and go outside, but it's fun.
That's been my whole week. It's been the least interesting since I got here. And I've enjoyed it.
Posted to Jew-mania & Miscellaneous at September 18, 2005 09:43 PM
Comments
Are you going on the birthright isreal trip?!?!
I've thought about applying...but my spiritual beliefs make me feel uncomforatable in the sense that I would be hiding my identity and I would be afraid to speak and say something offensive or stupid...
Dumb, I know.
Posted by: Mir at September 18, 2005 11:44 PM
We're hoping to!
You should go anyway. Pick a group (like Israel Experts) that's non-demonimational and doesn't daven much. And you know, you yourself say that you're still Jewish, culturally. And since your parents are Jewish, it's technically your birthright to go.
Technically, even though I identify as Jewish, a lot of my beliefs are not at all Jewish (I've never heard a rabbi talk about reincarnation before, but I'm a firm believer, and I DO NOT believe that God spoke to Moses and gave him the ten commandments, etc). So I'm kind of in a similar situation, I just use the word Jew more comfortably to describe myself -- now that I've discovered the Reconstructionist movement, that is. I don't really identify with the Reform or Conservative movements at all..
Ok, too much talking. You should go for it. We should talk.
Posted by: Rebecca at September 18, 2005 11:59 PM
We should definately talk. I've really thought about going. Actually, speaking of the reconstructionist movement, I've kind of been looking into it lately.
Let me know if you get in! I've heard great things about it. I think maybe next summer would be a good time for me to go, or next fall.
Posted by: Mir at September 19, 2005 12:35 AM