September
Update
Shalom my dear readers. Finally, I am happy
to share with you my September highlights, which I have been wishing to post
for several weeks.
September is a busy month. As soon as the summer folie ends, we face the beginning of another school year, Jewish New Year and return to work. Real life slaps us on the face. Here is a summary of my September experience.
September is a busy month. As soon as the summer folie ends, we face the beginning of another school year, Jewish New Year and return to work. Real life slaps us on the face. Here is a summary of my September experience.
Ulpan
Achva, Rishon Letzion
On September 4th, with much gusto, I started attending Ulpan Achva,
in Rishon Letzion. The 45-minute bus ride and 15-minute walk to the Ulpan felt
like a piece of cake compared to my experience travelling from Yehud to Ulpan
Neve Tzedek at the heart of Tel Aviv. Nonetheless, transportation continues to
be taxing on my time and energy. This is one of the consequences I have had to
face moving to Be’er Ya’akob, and for now, I have no choice but make peace with
it.
My classes are daily, from 8:15am to 1:00pm,
an intense schedule that takes much of my day in class and at home completing
homework. My greatest challenge continues to be the early morning start. For the life of me, I cannot make it on time,
and every day I try my best. I feel like I am dragging my feet, together with
my books, tea, water, snacks and personal belongings. I purchased a large
handbag to fit everything in, but my shoulder and back were being punished
carrying all that weight. I then got
myself a backpack on wheels, and I count my blessings when I walk hands free
dragging the load behind me. Another challenge is getting on and off the bus
and finding room for the damned thing, as sometimes the bus is full, but never
as busy as the bus lines in Tel Aviv.
Our teacher Shosi, is truly wonderful. She
has a positive attitude, is highly professional, experienced and patient. Shoshi loves the Hebrew language as much as I
love “Castellano” or Spanish, a passion that is felt in her teaching. She gets
my kudos for her knowledge of the Hebrew grammar, usage, terminology and
application. We, the students, appreciate her devotion, and for that reason we
fundraised to get her a gift for Rosh Hashana, a big box containing two good
bottles of Israeli wine and other goodies.
When she received the elegant box, she was in tears, as she truly cares
and did not expect this surprise. You can take a look at these photos taken by
my classmate and friend Rose.
In regards to Shoshi’s teaching approach, I
must confess that I am constantly put off by her “lecturing style,” which is
not endorsed by best practices. Her voice rules the learning experience,
instead of the important voice, that of the student, the voice that needs to be
heard in the Hebrew language. The student voice is randomly heard is hardly elicited. While I don’t agree with it, I have had to come to terms with what
is, instead of resisting it. In the
process, I have come to appreciate this “old school” method of teaching, only
because it is foundational.
Initially I thought that I would be bored in this class, but believe me, I am not! This is a class of challenge and intensity. The curriculum is dense, as there is much
to absorb every day, and it becomes frustrating to realize that not all that is
taught sticks. How could it? The human brain can’t record in long-term
memory so much at one time. But whatever
sticks, sticks, and that is my motto for now.
The real issue is that the new vocabulary is taught out of context, which means that the student cannot relate to it. Real life scenarios provide context, meaning, and retention. Another way to explain it is, when the student is able to use new words and sentences in real life scenarios, he/she automatically owns them. This is not at all the case, and, as a consequence, I write and write new words in my book but I seldom put them to work unless I do it on my own. If so, I would be working a few extra hours every day, and learning becomes more of a burden than a pleasure.
We are 16 students in the class, mostly
immigrants from Russia, with the exception of Rose and I. Rose is an American,
who resided in Brazil, also an experienced ESL teacher. As you can imagine, we are very compatible,
and have connected nicely. Rose looks after me in class and vice-versa, and
that is not to say that the other students don’t. Our Russian classmates are
really nice individuals, albeit a bit into themselves, but overall committed,
intelligent, professional and friendly. I feel a bit sorry for them because
coming from a Russian background, they get very little chance to speak in the
classroom, and when they do, their fluency and pronunciation is such that the
others are unable to understand what they are saying. Then they all switch to Russian in the
classroom, while Rose and I feel awkwardly outnumbered.
The truth is that Rose and I are more
fluent than our peers, and that is because we have been exposed to Hebrew for
decades, whereas the other students only started learning Hebrew in May. Taking
that into consideration, I can’t believe how much they have learned in a short
few months!
At the Ulpan I befriended Mickey, the
gatekeeper. He sees me walking in dragging my load, and he laughs hard, giving
me encouragement. He does a good job in
the welcoming and reception department, and every time I cross the gate his
greeting and smile make me feel good.
During recess I stay in class or sometimes
go outside where dozens of students mingle.
I hear Russian, French, and very little English. The school has a home
pet, an old black cat that roams around all day, and is a permanent fixture of
the back yard. It is a sight to see it
day in and day out, basting in the sun or hiding from it, making sure it is
understood who is boss.
I trust that my Hebrew is improving, but I
confess that it is not an easy language to master, starting with text orientation
(right to left), alphabet made from hard sounding consonants, vowels that are
omitted from written words, speed of speech, and, of course, the meat and
potatoes of every language, the verbs in its various tenses and forms. I shall prevail!
Work
at Berlitz Israel
On September 19th I started my
first Spanish teaching assignment at Berlitz Israel. I walked into the center
feeling excited and nervous. Why? First,
the Berlitz teaching method is different, and I was stepping into something
new. In addition, teachers are not allowed to take home the Berlitz copyrighted
teaching materials that hold the curriculum, which means that I was unable to
peruse the book in advance. In my
opinion, this awkward policy accomplishes two things. Distrust towards
instructors and lesson-planning limitations. Berlitz protects its copyrighted
material and fears that instructors will use their curriculum for their
personal benefit. Nonsense!
Also, I can tell you that the social
climate in Israel is not like in Canada. I anticipated that students would
behave differently, and they did, but I believe I did too. As the students have
gotten to know me, they seem more at ease.
My first class was a bit challenging, but
the second got much easier. The trauma
of my first class was not related to teaching, but to transportation. Can you believe it that I got home at 1:00 am
after a travel ordeal? The train station
close to the school, Station haShalom, was closed for ten days due to repairs,
and I had to bus to the Haganah Station and then wait for one hour for the last
train to Be’er Ya’akob. What a way to make a few shekels, I thought, feeling
sorry for myself. Fortunately things improved as the station reopened in time
for the second class.
My interaction with the staff is pleasant
and I am truly grateful to have the job, in spite of the low pay. As low as it is, my first salary got me a
line of credit at my bank. Now the State
of Israel appears to be looking at me as productive citizen.
Last Monday I attended a Rosh Hashana toast
at the Berlitz Center, which coincidentally was scheduled before my class. I
was surprised to receive a gift box containing gourmet items (chocolate bars,
chocolate covered nuts, pomegranate syrup and jam, and other sweets.) It was a lovely and generous gesture from the
admin. The Center Director, Hadas,
welcomes me warmly and is very supportive.
It is worth mentioning that in my class I
have a student with Arabic background, as well as a young woman soldier. In my
wildest imagination I could not have anticipated that one day I would teach an
Israeli soldier the sweet sounds of the Spanish vocabulary, like “me gusta,
muchas gracias, y encantado.” I consider it a gift.
I clarify that I work three hours a week
only, but the assignment takes me approximately ten hours considering the preparation,
transportation, teaching and administration. I am making pennies for my time,
but this is what I have on my plate, and I like the flavour. Berlitz invited me
to take on a private student during the day, but I turned it down because I am
making my Ulpan studies the priority.
Home,
Sweet Home - Household Appliances and Decoration
Fortunately, my apartment in Be’er Ya’akob
was fully furnished which made my move very smooth. I could not foresee myself
investing hundreds of shekels buying new furniture, so my thinking was not too
far off when I chose it. The thing is, one cannot have it all, and I made my
choice.
While I got almost everything, I did not
get a microwave and a washing machine, and eventually decided to get these with
the help of my landlord, who got them online at a cheaper price. The micro got delivered in no time, and now I
can heat my tea if it gets cold in my cup.
What a luxury! As to the washing
machine, it too got delivered, but the installation did not take place until
two weeks after delivery, due to the holiday closures. In the meantime, I was
washing clothes by hand, on the sink. It was fun at the beginning, but then it
became too challenging. As to the
clothes dryer, you will be surprised to learn that very few people in Israel
own them, because in Israel clothes dry in hours, depending on the fabric. Clean
laundry is hung outside. The new
buildings have a hidden space for this, but the old ones hang it in open view,
which looks awful and makes the street look like a cheap neighbourhood, even if
it isn’t. When I first came to Israel, this
scene put me off, but I have gotten used to this by now.
Did you know that Israel houses several
IKEA warehouses? I visited the one in Rishon Letzion one night with Michal and
Yaffa, but did not get a chance to look around, so one day after the Ulpan I
took myself there by bus, and came home with neat housewares: some kitchen
gadgets, picture frames, and small decorations.
For a while, I thought I was in Richmond, but my car was not in the
parking lot and my coming home with the stuff was a true ordeal. But I did it!
Here are a few shots of my home... I love
it!
The experience at IKEA was unique. For the life of me I could not imagine the
Richmond IKEA store filled with Jewish people, from Orthodox couples, to young
families, women, seniors, everyone who likes to consume and spend money. Can
you? The store plan is identical, the
product names the same (written in Hebrew). The only difference is the
currency, and, of course, the public that is loud, in your face, and loves to
beautify their home, decorate and redecorate.
Tour
of Zichron Ya’akob – Sweet Encounter
On September 27 I attended a tour of
Zichron Ya’akob, a town south of Haifa, part of the Haifa District. It was one
of the first Jewish settlements of Halutzim
(first Aliyah) in the country, founded in 1882 by Baron Edmond James de Rothschild and
named in honor of his father, James Mayer de Rothschild.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zikhron_Ya%27akov
The tour included a visit of the First
Aliyah Museum –
the Ohel Ya’acob synagogue –
and after lunch in the lovely down town of
Zichron, a tour and wine tasting of the famous Tishbi Winery –
To think that I almost did not attend,
feeling badly for skipping a day at the Ulpan, but the higher part of me
thought that this was a unique experience not to be missed. I am glad I did
it.
While the tour was in itself a most
enjoyable experience, an unexpected encounter made the trip extra special. As
we left the Museum I suddenly spotted in front of me two dear Vancouverites,
Gillian and Norman Aisler, previous owners of Prestige Jewelry in Richmond,
individuals that I got to know and appreciate over the years for their honesty,
professionalism, patience and support. I remembered that it was Gill who
advised me on Bat Mitzvah gifts for Carol and Nadia, among many other jewelry-related
consultations and repairs over the years. When some of my jewels got stolen at
home (a scary experience), Gill advised me on replacement and course of action.
Gill and Norm were static to see me, as
much as I was. We hugged each other and spent the rest of the day chatting and
catching up on things. Gill did not know that I had made Aliyah, even though
Nadia had run into her in the Sky Train, but at the time no mention was made of
my Aliyah plans.
Well, I now have Vancouverites in Israel,
and I hope to visit them in the near future.
They live in Netanya, a city I have been hoping to visit for some
time. I am so happy to have run into
them and discover them in my new life. I
look forward to spending time together.
Gill kindly invited me for Rosh Hashana to
her home, offering me carte blanche hospitality, but I decided to postpone the
visit for after the holidays, given that transportation during the festive season
is very limited.
Garbage
Pickup in Be’er Ya’akob
This you will not believe! One of my difficulties in Israel is accepting
the fact that public areas are dumpsters for home waste, boxes, packages,
furniture, clothing, appliances, you name it.
So, on my way to Ulpan, I have to cross a dusty path next to an empty
landfill, and day in and day out, my heart ached to see the “trash.” I truly hate it! So one Friday afternoon, in the spirit of
Shabbat, I made the decision to take myself to the street and clean up my path. I truly did not know what I was getting
myself into. Wearing gloves, I picked 5
huge bags of garbage, from cups, cutlery, plastic, cardboard, toys,
construction tools, anything. While I
was doing it, a woman passed by walking her dog and uttered a short “good for
you” and disappeared. When she came
back, I thought of asking her to take my photograph to record this ordeal.
Now, try to imagine working three hours under
the scorching sun, bending down a thousand times and dragging bags to the
closest garbage bin that happened to be right next to the path. This is not all. All of a sudden the owner of the home, a man
by the name of Dudu, comes to me and says in an angry tone – “What is happening here?” I truly handled it well. First, I introduced myself
to him as his next-door neighbour. When he heard that I lived in the basement of
the architect that built half of the block, he softened up a bit. Then I answered his questions rhetorically,
and invited him to suggest what to do with the garbage right next to his
house. I asked him if the trash bothered
him, and he said yes, not very convincingly.
He asked me to remove the garbage bags from his wall, at which time my
landlord, Tsaly, who was watching from a distance, came to my rescue, offering to drag the bags to the nearest garbage pickup area, about a block
away. I then learned that Dudu is a high
ranking official in the army, and he did not really care for the garbage next
to his home, as is the case with most Israelis.
I have been thinking lots about this,
seeking to understand the reason why Israelis lack respect for public property,
and the more I think, the more I fail to understand why the obvious is
ignored. One, trashing in public property
is illegal in the civilized world.
Second, this is their home, their land, and their back yard. Doesn’t it
bother them to see the mess? Thirdly, they
overlook that this has en effect on the environment. The garbage causes
pollution and harm to the environment, and even increases the risk of accidents
with all kinds of debris on roads and sidewalks... I am still struggling with this problem.
Discussing this issue with my landlord, his
response is that Israel is a young country and it takes time for people to
learn and become more civilized. I
totally disagree with him. If we look at
ancient civilizations, the Aztecs, the Mayans, First Nations, these are people
who cherished and respected their environment and established laws to keep it
and maintain it. On the other hand, Israelis
are intelligent, educated and well brought up people. Can they not see the
consequences of their trashing behaviours on their kids, the neighbourhood, the public, the Country
itself?
The more I discuss the issue with others,
the more I realize how the problem is not owned. The law of the land is doing as you please. If the garbage piles up in your home, go
throw it to on the street. If you decide
to change furniture, drag your old one to the sidewalk, out of sight, out of
your personal space, and let the City, the neighbour, the weather, and the time
decay it blow it away or not. Who
cares?
I wish to clarify that this is not a
Country problem or a city problem, it is a people problem. Every City in Israel makes every effort to
keep the streets clean, but the minute the garbage truck cleans up the mess,
the trash starts piling up again. Trashers are educated folks, who really don't give a damn.
I admit that writing about this is painful
for me, but I like calling the spade a spade, and the issue of garbage truly
bothers me in excess. I make sure to
stay the way I am, and clean up my mess.
Thank you Canada and Canadians for protecting public space, by
sanctioning dumping and trashing in our beautiful city as well as implementing
an exemplary recycling program.
With pain in my heart, I am posting these
images of what I call, unacceptable dumping in the Holy Land.
September
30th Marks a Milestone
As of September 30th I
celebrated six-months in Israel. I can’t
believe how time flies. In my next blog
I will provide a summary of my experiences, impressions, lessons and
challenges. Stay tuned.
The end.
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