After attending Ulpan today I boarded a bus headed to Dizengoff Center, an area that I have come to love for its flair, shops, busyness and bus access. Sitting on the bus I was approached in Hebrew, by a young woman, approximately 22, who looked lost. She asked me for directions to Ben Yehuda Street. In my broken Hebrew, I suggested that she ask the bus driver, because although I knew the street, I wanted to make sure she got the right information. As we were speaking, other passengers heard our conversation, and all of a sudden five different folks started giving her directions, each raising their voice and assuring her that they knew the way. Try to imagine five individuals talking to her, all at the same time, and contradicting each other. The girl looked at me in despair, and then focused her attention on the oldest passenger, a man who really seemed to know what he was talking about. Everyone wants to help, give advice, and knows better than the other. The intention is what truly counts! I am sure the girl got to her destination after all. You see, this kind of incident can happen only in Israel.
On Diezenfoff and Frishman I found a terrific place to get a mouth-watering falafel for 22 NIS = $7.45 Cdn. I can assure you that after you eat it you won't be hungry for several hours. The place is always packed. People line up all day to sink their teeth into a freshly fried falafel. Some eat it on the spot and a few secure an awkward seat in one of two picnic tables situated between the lineup. The diverse clientele does not seem to mind the lack of comfort and privacy. Today I bought a falafel plate "to go" for 22 NIS (6 fresh falafel balls that melt in your mouth, assorted salads, hummus, tahina, pitta, hot sauce, and on the house sides, like pickled cabbage, carrots, peppers and cucumbers). I then took my delicious tray across the street, where I discovered a French cafe called "Zomer." Outside the small cafe is a private seating area in the shade, where I make myself at home sitting at one of the round tables that offer an oasis for the many lovers of fresh baking and good coffee. The owner and staff, two young boys, already know me, and allow me to sit there for hours while doing homework, reading, or simply reflecting on my day. First, I devour my falafel, and then proceed to order my drink. I do not seem to be the only one with chutzpah to bring food from elsewhere, but the boys are fine with it. They know that at the end, I pay my dues. Today I sat there for several hours, busy with my paperwork and phone calls, until I saw the sun starting to set. I then boarded bus #239 that drops me off at the corner of my apartment building. I note that this housing arrangement is coming to an end, and as of June 1st I will have a new and more permanent home. Stay tuned.
Shabbat Shalom and a restful weekend for my dear ones across the oceans.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
May Highlights - Ulpan, Independence Hall and Holocaust Remembrance and
May Highlights - Ulpan, Independence Hall and Holocaust Remembrance
So much has happened since my last blog, that I don't know where to start. I will try to blog more often, so that my experiences don't lose momentum. I find that my experience bank is in constant renewal, and the new is constantly replaced by the old. At times it feels like I am living in the fast lane. Much is said about the importance of doing something new for one's mental health. New is the name of my life right now, and I love it.
As I write this post, in Israel we are moving into a another week. The new week shows up at my doorstep unannounced on Sunday morning, a time I consider prime for a weekend breakfast, yoga, and relaxation. As you may know, in Israel Sunday (Yom Rishon), is the first day of the week. My mind and body are still resisting the fact that the work week is from Sunday to Thursday. On Friday I find myself in the go-go mode, and on Sunday morning I wish to throw a temper tantrum when I realize it is time to get up, get ready, and take the bus and get to the Ulpan by 8:30am. Can you see me doing this? Believe me, I am.
This past week has been particularly meaningful. Why? Well, I started my Ulpan studies and experienced "Yom Hashoah," the Holocaust Remembrance Day.
What I can tell you without question, is that this week I have experienced a combination of mental challenge, spiritual connection, social stimulation and physical endurance, all of which left me in a state of exhaustion intertwined with a sweet taste of gratitude. I will do my best to summarize the week's highlights, starting with my Ulpan experience, then tour of Independence Hall and Holocaust Remembrance ceremony, including my participation in the Israel-wide siren call that brings all of the country to a complete halt.
Ulpan Experience
My first week of Ulpan has been positive and challenging. The classroom setting feels comfortably familiar, given my Hebrew lessons at the JCC, except for the eclectic environment of the classroom created by the variety of age groups, ethnicities and language backgrounds. I found this most refreshing, because regardless of the differences amongst students , we all come together as new immigrants, eager to learn the local tongue, traditions and lifestyle defined by our common heritage. In the first few classes I thought fondly about my Vancouver Hebrew classmates and teachers, and felt their presence. The Hebrew Department at the JCC would be proud to know that its teaching method and textbooks is aligned with Israel's national language schools. So you see, with this and other factors, I am feeling totally at home.
I did, however, complicate my own life with unnecessary stress by attending classes at two schools, – Gordon and Neve Tsedek. I did this in order to evaluate which school would best fit my needs according to level, transportation, teacher and schedule. I had to ponder, on my own, important questions like: how many hours a week shall I study, mornings or afternoons? ;shall I choose the class with the teacher I like best, or the schedule, or the location, or the level?; do I feel more at ease in a mixed classroom or a classroom of middle-aged (retired) individuals?, and so on. What made this decision even more difficult, is the fact that I do not yet have a permanent home, and regardless of my placement, must commute by bus or sherut (collective van.) At the end of this thoughtful and exhausting round of pros and cons, I came to the realization that both choices are good, and neither one is perfect. So, as with all other things in life, I finally made my decision and in doing so, inevitably had to compromise one thing to get another. I am now an official student at Ulpan Neve Tsedek, in the heart of Tel Aviv.
The class environment has been fascinating. There are students from all over the world, the majority from France, and they stick together in clusters. In class, they often translate to each other the material in a way that I find distracting, but understandable. The classroom rules I learned in my teacher training at VCC are not really at play in this environment, and I often find myself thinking what I would do differently to enhance the classroom experience. One thing I realized is that at the Ulpan students come and go continuously, pretty much like a revolving door, and the staff is constantly adjusting to new students. In my view, teachers do not appear interested in fostering the student-teacher relationship that is central to learning, so their focus is pretty much on the curriculum. While I disagree with this, I do my best to understand it and accept it. What is a sure fact is that teachers are competent, knowledgeable and welcoming, and with these attributes we ought to do well. I absolutely love the fact that everything we learn in the classroom has a historical, biblical, and traditional backdrop that leads to deeper understanding and insight into acquiring new words and their related meanings. I find this truly engaging.
Am I learning? Time will tell, but of course, one cannot be completely objective.
Visit of Independence Hall and Tour of Rothchild Avenue (organized by Nefesh B'Nefesh)
Imagine yourself setting foot in the very room where the State of Israel was born (Independence Hall on Rothschild Avenue,) hearing the voice of Ben Gurion's declaration before a small crowd that was to become the Knesset (Government) and hear their actual applause followed by the Rabbi's chanting of the blessing and the singing of Hatikvah (Israel's national anthem) in unison? I can't put into words what I felt. I was breathless, in awe of the moment, yet my soul reached a climax when I heard the notes and lyrics of Hatikvah flowing from the recording as well as from the mumbled, gasping voices of us, the guests. During this emotional transe I closed my lids and allowed my mind's eye to take me wherever. I saw snapshots of the faces of my parents and grandparents, and shadows of those I never met. I also imagined chapters of our history, of expulsions, pogroms and concentration camps, as links from the past to the present. I thanked G-d for the miracle that Israel is today, a beacon of light amongst other nations of the world, and felt proud and grateful for who I am. I allowed my tears to flow freely, without judgement or concern, trusting my emotions and letting them dance with me.
After this powerful experience, the group of approximately sixty people headed outside and was escorted by a funny, witty and knowledgeable tour guide for a tour of the luscious Rothschild Avenue that lasted 2 hours. We stopped at various heritage buildings, most of which have been renovated maintaining their original character. We visited the Shalom Tower, a stunning high rise that sits in the very land where the Government of Ben Gurion build the first school. The tour guide explained that the school took most of the land, given the importance given to educating the next generations of Israelis. The lobby of the Shalom Tower is lined up with outstanding mosaic walls, pieces of art that retell the story of our People. Here are some shots of this great tour.
Holocaust Remembrance Ceremonies at Ulpan Gordon and Neve Tsedek
As if I didn't have enough mental and emotional stimulation, this week I attended two Holocaust Remembrance presentations at both, Ulpan Gordon and Neve Tsedek. Both commemorations were deeply moving, emotional and reflective. Each was unique in its own way, however I found the ceremony at Ulpan Neve Tsedek more impacting and intimate. We were asked to wear white shirts and gathered in the hallway before 10:00 am to partake in the state-wide siren call that imposes a one-minute of activity freeze to remember to Our Six Million. During the siren call, I could not believe that I was living this experience, first-hand. After the siren call set the tone, the principal, a beautiful woman of 45+ years, eloquently and movingly shared the story of her grandfather, the only child survivor in his family who was miraculously saved by a Polish Christian neighbour. In telling the story in simple Hebrew that students would understand, I sensed a communion of grief, respect and purpose for all of us who were there.
In Ulpan Neve Tsedek, we learned, in Hebrew, about the short life of Hanna Senesh, who was murdered by the Nazis at the age of 23. We sang her famous poem, Eli, Eli; its verses convey a universal message, an imperishable legacy to the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkjsqUQSrhE
I wrote her a letter in Hebrew, and I am appending here the English version.
Dear Hannah,
I have heard your name countless times, even in the Jewish prayerbook. I have also sung your verses, Eli, Eli, words that only music can can speak. It is not until today, in my Ulpan classroom, here in Eretz Israel, that I learn about your short life story, a life taken away too soon, by those that attempted to destroy us. I am certain that when you wrote in your journal, and especially when you wrote Eli, Eli, you never imagined that one day you would be famous. Today, millions of Jews around the world remember you, and sing Eli, Eli, a song with wings of hope. After your death, the state of Israel was born, and now Eretz Israel, Medinat Israel, is a beacon of light amongst the nations of the world.
Rest assured in your eternal rest that even though your body is not here, your presence is infinite, for your have given the world a priceless message for generations to come. Your example of solidarity, courage and peace has become the bedrock of HOPE. Your memory continues to be a blessing in a world still torn by hatred, violence and antisemitism.
Eli, Eli, may the power of your message sip into the hearts of all of G-d's children, today, tomorrow and always!
Violeta Esquinazi
i
So much has happened since my last blog, that I don't know where to start. I will try to blog more often, so that my experiences don't lose momentum. I find that my experience bank is in constant renewal, and the new is constantly replaced by the old. At times it feels like I am living in the fast lane. Much is said about the importance of doing something new for one's mental health. New is the name of my life right now, and I love it.
As I write this post, in Israel we are moving into a another week. The new week shows up at my doorstep unannounced on Sunday morning, a time I consider prime for a weekend breakfast, yoga, and relaxation. As you may know, in Israel Sunday (Yom Rishon), is the first day of the week. My mind and body are still resisting the fact that the work week is from Sunday to Thursday. On Friday I find myself in the go-go mode, and on Sunday morning I wish to throw a temper tantrum when I realize it is time to get up, get ready, and take the bus and get to the Ulpan by 8:30am. Can you see me doing this? Believe me, I am.
This past week has been particularly meaningful. Why? Well, I started my Ulpan studies and experienced "Yom Hashoah," the Holocaust Remembrance Day.
What I can tell you without question, is that this week I have experienced a combination of mental challenge, spiritual connection, social stimulation and physical endurance, all of which left me in a state of exhaustion intertwined with a sweet taste of gratitude. I will do my best to summarize the week's highlights, starting with my Ulpan experience, then tour of Independence Hall and Holocaust Remembrance ceremony, including my participation in the Israel-wide siren call that brings all of the country to a complete halt.
Ulpan Experience
My first week of Ulpan has been positive and challenging. The classroom setting feels comfortably familiar, given my Hebrew lessons at the JCC, except for the eclectic environment of the classroom created by the variety of age groups, ethnicities and language backgrounds. I found this most refreshing, because regardless of the differences amongst students , we all come together as new immigrants, eager to learn the local tongue, traditions and lifestyle defined by our common heritage. In the first few classes I thought fondly about my Vancouver Hebrew classmates and teachers, and felt their presence. The Hebrew Department at the JCC would be proud to know that its teaching method and textbooks is aligned with Israel's national language schools. So you see, with this and other factors, I am feeling totally at home.
I did, however, complicate my own life with unnecessary stress by attending classes at two schools, – Gordon and Neve Tsedek. I did this in order to evaluate which school would best fit my needs according to level, transportation, teacher and schedule. I had to ponder, on my own, important questions like: how many hours a week shall I study, mornings or afternoons? ;shall I choose the class with the teacher I like best, or the schedule, or the location, or the level?; do I feel more at ease in a mixed classroom or a classroom of middle-aged (retired) individuals?, and so on. What made this decision even more difficult, is the fact that I do not yet have a permanent home, and regardless of my placement, must commute by bus or sherut (collective van.) At the end of this thoughtful and exhausting round of pros and cons, I came to the realization that both choices are good, and neither one is perfect. So, as with all other things in life, I finally made my decision and in doing so, inevitably had to compromise one thing to get another. I am now an official student at Ulpan Neve Tsedek, in the heart of Tel Aviv.
The class environment has been fascinating. There are students from all over the world, the majority from France, and they stick together in clusters. In class, they often translate to each other the material in a way that I find distracting, but understandable. The classroom rules I learned in my teacher training at VCC are not really at play in this environment, and I often find myself thinking what I would do differently to enhance the classroom experience. One thing I realized is that at the Ulpan students come and go continuously, pretty much like a revolving door, and the staff is constantly adjusting to new students. In my view, teachers do not appear interested in fostering the student-teacher relationship that is central to learning, so their focus is pretty much on the curriculum. While I disagree with this, I do my best to understand it and accept it. What is a sure fact is that teachers are competent, knowledgeable and welcoming, and with these attributes we ought to do well. I absolutely love the fact that everything we learn in the classroom has a historical, biblical, and traditional backdrop that leads to deeper understanding and insight into acquiring new words and their related meanings. I find this truly engaging.
Am I learning? Time will tell, but of course, one cannot be completely objective.
Visit of Independence Hall and Tour of Rothchild Avenue (organized by Nefesh B'Nefesh)
Imagine yourself setting foot in the very room where the State of Israel was born (Independence Hall on Rothschild Avenue,) hearing the voice of Ben Gurion's declaration before a small crowd that was to become the Knesset (Government) and hear their actual applause followed by the Rabbi's chanting of the blessing and the singing of Hatikvah (Israel's national anthem) in unison? I can't put into words what I felt. I was breathless, in awe of the moment, yet my soul reached a climax when I heard the notes and lyrics of Hatikvah flowing from the recording as well as from the mumbled, gasping voices of us, the guests. During this emotional transe I closed my lids and allowed my mind's eye to take me wherever. I saw snapshots of the faces of my parents and grandparents, and shadows of those I never met. I also imagined chapters of our history, of expulsions, pogroms and concentration camps, as links from the past to the present. I thanked G-d for the miracle that Israel is today, a beacon of light amongst other nations of the world, and felt proud and grateful for who I am. I allowed my tears to flow freely, without judgement or concern, trusting my emotions and letting them dance with me.
After this powerful experience, the group of approximately sixty people headed outside and was escorted by a funny, witty and knowledgeable tour guide for a tour of the luscious Rothschild Avenue that lasted 2 hours. We stopped at various heritage buildings, most of which have been renovated maintaining their original character. We visited the Shalom Tower, a stunning high rise that sits in the very land where the Government of Ben Gurion build the first school. The tour guide explained that the school took most of the land, given the importance given to educating the next generations of Israelis. The lobby of the Shalom Tower is lined up with outstanding mosaic walls, pieces of art that retell the story of our People. Here are some shots of this great tour.
 |
| With Karen Richman, post-Aliyah counsellor |
Holocaust Remembrance Ceremonies at Ulpan Gordon and Neve Tsedek
As if I didn't have enough mental and emotional stimulation, this week I attended two Holocaust Remembrance presentations at both, Ulpan Gordon and Neve Tsedek. Both commemorations were deeply moving, emotional and reflective. Each was unique in its own way, however I found the ceremony at Ulpan Neve Tsedek more impacting and intimate. We were asked to wear white shirts and gathered in the hallway before 10:00 am to partake in the state-wide siren call that imposes a one-minute of activity freeze to remember to Our Six Million. During the siren call, I could not believe that I was living this experience, first-hand. After the siren call set the tone, the principal, a beautiful woman of 45+ years, eloquently and movingly shared the story of her grandfather, the only child survivor in his family who was miraculously saved by a Polish Christian neighbour. In telling the story in simple Hebrew that students would understand, I sensed a communion of grief, respect and purpose for all of us who were there.
In Ulpan Neve Tsedek, we learned, in Hebrew, about the short life of Hanna Senesh, who was murdered by the Nazis at the age of 23. We sang her famous poem, Eli, Eli; its verses convey a universal message, an imperishable legacy to the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkjsqUQSrhE
I wrote her a letter in Hebrew, and I am appending here the English version.
Dear Hannah,
I have heard your name countless times, even in the Jewish prayerbook. I have also sung your verses, Eli, Eli, words that only music can can speak. It is not until today, in my Ulpan classroom, here in Eretz Israel, that I learn about your short life story, a life taken away too soon, by those that attempted to destroy us. I am certain that when you wrote in your journal, and especially when you wrote Eli, Eli, you never imagined that one day you would be famous. Today, millions of Jews around the world remember you, and sing Eli, Eli, a song with wings of hope. After your death, the state of Israel was born, and now Eretz Israel, Medinat Israel, is a beacon of light amongst the nations of the world.
Rest assured in your eternal rest that even though your body is not here, your presence is infinite, for your have given the world a priceless message for generations to come. Your example of solidarity, courage and peace has become the bedrock of HOPE. Your memory continues to be a blessing in a world still torn by hatred, violence and antisemitism.
Eli, Eli, may the power of your message sip into the hearts of all of G-d's children, today, tomorrow and always!
Violeta Esquinazi
i
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