work – This Year in Jerusalem

My lack of updates on my life here has not been for lack of something to share, nor has it been because of laziness. Actually, it has just been due to how busy it’s all been and the fact that, about a month ago now, I started my internship!

The work we do at my office is quite incredible. For a multitude of reasons, I can’t say too much about it. The main reason being that I’ll just babble about it because I get very excited about it and all the work we do.

I spent most of my days researching and writing, which, if you know me at all, is right up my alley. The people in my office are very nice and, because some of them don’t speak English, I’m working on my Hebrew skills (hopefully).

It’s strange to have already turned to November (metaphorically, of course, as I don’t have a calendar here other than my planner which I technically turn every week). It’s odd to have been here two months already and still feel like I’m leaving in a week. However, the little town of Jerusalem has officially started to feel like home. It’s a home without access to nachos, but it’s a home nonetheless.

A very exciting thing happened last week, which was that Dad came to visit! Dad jaunted over to Israel after being in Europe and spent the weekend with me. I was very excited to see him, but more excited to see all the stuff he brought me – some shoes I forgot, my kindle, and, to my surprise, an Aaron Rodgers jersey! I was shocked and excited to the point of speechlessness (although I’m kind of embarrassed to wear it now – the Packers are really disappointing me this season). This might seem like an inconsequential detail to you but it was an important detail to me and so you must hear about it.

We had Shabbat, ate tacos (because of course I found tacos here – don’t doubt my powers), walked through the Old City, went to a yummy brunch, visited the Kotel on Saturday… Just regular my-dad-is-visiting-me-in-Israel things.

Then, we said goodbye, but Dad will be back, along with Mom and Meghan (but no Norman I have been assured which is disappointing but I supposed seeing Mom and Meghan will have to do 😉 ) in December! Hooray! It’ll be here before I know it.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hello, and that, no, I have not abandoned my blogging. Just been busy.

Until next time!

שׁלום

I know, I know… I haven’t written in a while. There’s no excuse, other than the fact that I’ve been busy, and, probably more importantly, without WiFi. #firstworldproblems

So, I feel like, before I post the next real blogpost, I need to post a recap of the last week and a half of my life.

Probably the most important thing that has happened: we found an apartment! It’s a beautiful three-bedroom in the city center, with a ton of bus lines and access to literally everything we could need. Now, you might be thinking, okay, but who’s we?

The roommates:
–Yours Truly: a Utahn, studied creative writing and politics, is very witty and snarky, loves Netflix, and will be working at the Ethiopian National Project;
–Jenna: from Massachusetts, has a MA in American studies, is so so smart and funny, a great cook, and will be working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Congressional Affairs division;
–Ines: Australian (Melbourne specifically), is probably one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, studied law, is adorable, and will be working at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Services.

We get along really great and have become the hosts for various events (which Jenna and I specifically love because we love being the hosts).

The High Holidays have since passed – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

For Rosh Hashanah, a few of us were hosted by various families for dinner which was an amazing experience to attend a Rosh Hashanah seder (something I hope to bring home with me. You’re welcome, family!) where we bring simanim to the table – various foods that we have made into puns for the new year (ex: pomegranate so our worthiness increases to the value of the 613 seeds, apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year).

We’ve also had more Hebrew classes and incredibly fascinating lectures about the diaspora and the history of Judaism in Israel and the world.

More soon (including pictures since I’m getting in trouble for not taking or posting any).

!שׁלום

This Year in Jerusalem

Tag: work

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Previously On… This Year in Jerusalem