* Experiencing Kabalat Shabbat (Friday night services) at Rabbi Friedman's Chassdic Synagogue (Rabbi Twerski's brother-in-law)
* Playing my violin at an impromptu concert on Saturday night in Jerusalem's Old City Town Square with 2 guitars, a drummer, harmonica player, flutist, and dozens of people dancing to the music.
* Having lunch with the Waldinger's at their home near the Kotel (Western Wall)
* Walking through the mysterious lights of the Old City Market at night
* Meeting other peers that are searching and yearning for a deeper understanding of what our Jewish heritage is all 'bout.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Be & Do
A Rabbi here asked me if the people in India are much calmer than those bustling through the streest of Jerusalem or New York City. My answer surprised myself.
Even though the city of Mumbai is overstressed and past capacity with too many people to manage and provide for, the daily lives of those Indians that I met had a peaceful sense about them. I guess it's best explained that the Indian sense of BEING has a calm attitude, even though the daily life can seem so intense and under pressure. Though getting on to a train can be a mob seen, and waiting in long lines and pushing through crowded streets is common - the important thing to remember is it's how you are BEING not always DOING that counts.
Even though the city of Mumbai is overstressed and past capacity with too many people to manage and provide for, the daily lives of those Indians that I met had a peaceful sense about them. I guess it's best explained that the Indian sense of BEING has a calm attitude, even though the daily life can seem so intense and under pressure. Though getting on to a train can be a mob seen, and waiting in long lines and pushing through crowded streets is common - the important thing to remember is it's how you are BEING not always DOING that counts.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Jerusalem
I'm in Jerusalem. Traveled by train from the airport. Though it was a longer journey than going direct by bus or taxi, I always think it's fun to travel by train.
The remodeled Ben Gurion Airport is incredibly nicer than it used to be! I've checked in to my residents at AISH Ha'Torah, and I'll be learning and living across from The Western Wall (Kotel) for the next month.
Though coming from India to Israel has made the Israelis abrupt demenor stick out, there's a feeling I get here that would never happen anywhere else. Probably most obviously distinguishable as a connection to my own heritage, traditions, and roots. I can't put my finger on it right now, but I will hopefully be able to better describe it as the next month goes by...
I've been to Israel twice before, but this is the first time I've felt a comfortable sense of familiarity of my surrondings in Jerusalem; from the surface level recognition of modern culture to the deep sense of spirituality that's hidden inside the walls. Walking in the Old City at night is quite and nice, and I'm sure I'll be hangin' out by the Rachov (Center of the Judaic Quarter) playing some fiddle and enjoying the town. Lilah Tov ~~ Good night.
The remodeled Ben Gurion Airport is incredibly nicer than it used to be! I've checked in to my residents at AISH Ha'Torah, and I'll be learning and living across from The Western Wall (Kotel) for the next month.
Though coming from India to Israel has made the Israelis abrupt demenor stick out, there's a feeling I get here that would never happen anywhere else. Probably most obviously distinguishable as a connection to my own heritage, traditions, and roots. I can't put my finger on it right now, but I will hopefully be able to better describe it as the next month goes by...
I've been to Israel twice before, but this is the first time I've felt a comfortable sense of familiarity of my surrondings in Jerusalem; from the surface level recognition of modern culture to the deep sense of spirituality that's hidden inside the walls. Walking in the Old City at night is quite and nice, and I'm sure I'll be hangin' out by the Rachov (Center of the Judaic Quarter) playing some fiddle and enjoying the town. Lilah Tov ~~ Good night.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
LOOK! It's me at sunrise in the village of Belgaon Dhaga... I've finally figured out how to upload photos with the software "Hello!" and Picasa. I will start from the beginning of my trip and work my way forwards. If you don't feel like browsing through the journal for pictures - you can see most of them directly at: yoshiphotos.blogspot.com
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Friday, June 10, 2005
Updates Coming Soon...
Future blog updates will include:
* Encounter with a family in the Chicago Airport
* Chaos: It's all Realative
* Being Jewish: It's all Realative
* Ordering Fast Food
* Reservation Madness
* Appreciation and understanding
* Encounter with a family in the Chicago Airport
* Chaos: It's all Realative
* Being Jewish: It's all Realative
* Ordering Fast Food
* Reservation Madness
* Appreciation and understanding
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