October 19, 2002
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With the cool crispness of fall in the air and a few quiet moments, I write to you with a smile. I only hope that you enjoy reading these weekly musings as much as I love writing them. :)
A 29th birthday celebration for our good friend, Julie, began the week in a joyous way. The four "HUC girlfriends" and husbands got together for dinner downtown and then cake and conversation at our apartment. Mark and I feel lucky that we have found a nice group of people, a "community-within-the community," with whom to form lasting friendships. Our only sadness is that they're all heading to the NYC campus. There's an ongoing joke in our group where Mark and I try to sell the "wares" of LA -- sun, affordable housing (relatively speaking), beaches, etc. and they, in turn, remind us of the 405. :) So, we'll continue to enjoy our time with them this year and then plan visits to see each other in our respective cities.
On Tuesday nights I'm taking a class about the Torah portion of the week with Aviva Zornburg. She's fascinating, very learned, and she has a wonderful teaching style. I'm planning on taking her class every week. I'm also joining the HUC class on Wednesdays for some experiential learning. The subject is modern Israel and we go on-site to different areas of Jerusalem or the country to learn about historical events, influential people, etc. The class is taught by Paul Liptz, also a very bright and interesting person. Not only is it a great way to learn, but it's also good to have the chance to catch up with Mark's classmates.
Mark is studying almost all the time these days (when he's not in class). He's still finding time to play basketball and hang out with his friends, though, which is great. This week a small group of guys had their first "Single Malt Torah" night where they drink a little (or maybe a lot? :) of whiskey and talk Torah. I'm SO psyched for him -- he loves things like that. We're both doing things that we enjoy, I don't know what could be better.
As I mentioned, it has been cool and fall-like here. We're loving it. It even rained a couple of times this week! I was running errands one afternoon -- completely sunny -- and all the sudden the skies opened up and it poured rain. It was so much fun to get soaked in Jerusalem (the first time I've seen rain here). I bumped into a friend, whom I haven't seen in years, and we stood right out there in the rain to catch up for a few minutes. As I walked away she called my name and when I turned around she pointed upwards and all of the sudden I was looking at a full rainbow over the Old City. Unbelievable!! I ran home looking over my shoulder, hoping it wouldn't disappear before I could grab the camera ... but I didn't quite make it -- this is one great experience I'll just have to remember. :) I wish I could have shared it with you.
My video work continues to be fun and exciting. This week I took a big step -- I designed business cards and had them printed. Now I'm in the process of getting them "out there." I have no idea what this will lead to, but I'm excited to find out. My projects now include a bar mitzvah video for an Israeli boy, a wedding video (photos of bride and groom growing up, then coming together), and a post-wedding video (using photos from the wedding day).
Although we keep a very close watch on the political situation here, it may be surprising to you how very little it directly affects us. It doesn't mean we're not continuing to be careful, it's more that taking precautions has become the norm. We know the situation here is not ideal, we're perfectly aware of the potential local and regional threats (especially if something happens in Iraq), but we're not living in fear because, well, that's no way to live. One of Mark's classmates was saying the other day that if he was living in the Northeastern United States right now he would move. It was interesting that he views the sniper situation more threatening than living here. Whether it is or isn't, who can say, but it's interesting to see and hear how people react to potential dangers. I can't say that I'm perfectly safe (who can?), but I can say that I'm perfectly happy. I'll continue to hope that we all can feel safe one day.
The week is now coming to a close with Shabbat. Last night was amazing. Mark and three of his classmates have organized something called the "Hess Street Minyan." Once a month they're leading a Friday night Shabbat service in the Telrav's apartment (just downstairs from us). Almost the entire class came last night and the singing and spirit filled up our whole building. In fact, some of our neighbors came out to see what was happening, and some even brought out their prayer books and joined. Mark and I talked a lot last night about how wonderful it would be for him to be a rabbi at a synagogue with such spirit. After the service everyone came to our apartment for kiddush and oneg Shabbat (wine, snacks, and homemade challah -- thanks for the recipe, Jon :). Such a great night.
Now we're heading across the street for Shabbat lunch with friends. Many more details about the week and life here, but I'm sure I've already taken up too much of your time...please excuse my enthusiasm. :)
I send my very best to you and your families. Take good care of yourselves and continue to write when you have the chance or inspiration.
Love,
Rachel Ann
