November 29, 2002
Israel | Hebrew Union College |
Travel | Family |
Fun | Thoughts |
Recent Photos | Home
Although the infamous last Thursday of November has come and gone, I can't help but continue to think about the gifts and blessings I have. Living in the Middle East, amidst countries where there's very little to celebrate, gives me a new appreciation for things I sometimes take for granted. Reading about the students in Iran, for example, who are arrested for organizing rallies to support freedom of speech and pro-reform -- can you imagine that happening on any campus in the States? Or the elections in Iraq, where Saddam was voted in for another 7 year term by 100% of the votes -- not exactly what I would call a democracy. Unfortunately, the examples are infinite and equally appalling. They're certainly a reminder of the good fortune in my life. This year, especially, I am thankful for being both an American citizen and a citizen (of the heart) in Israel. What could be better than being eternally connected to two strong countries that continually work toward a positive future? I'm very proud and humbled by this. And on a more personal level, I couldn't ask for anything more than the true friends, dedicated family, and loving husband that I have. I'm so grateful, thank you.
Last time I wrote we were just leaving for a trip in the Northern part of Israel. We had a fantastic time -- spending the first day in the ancient and mystical city of Tzfat, then spending the night on a kibbutz in the lower Galilee, and finally on to Haifa (the "San Francisco of Israel") for two days. There's a lot to tell, but the highlight was Shabbat lunch. The whole HUC group went to a Reform synagogue for Shabbat morning services and then we were all graciously hosted by families from the congregation. Mark and I spent lunch with the Dolingers, a wonderful family who made aliyah (moved to Israel) from the Ukraine in 1990, even before Russia opened up and most of the Jews came to Israel. They were among the first in a large wave of immigration from Russia in the early 90's. Not only are they warm and charismatic people, but they have the most interesting and, in some cases, unbelievable stories. The father of the family, Yuri, is a very well-educated man -- an incredibly bright scientist. In the Ukraine, he told us, he was denied job after job after job because he was Jewish. His father wanted to teach him Hebrew, but his mother wouldn't let him because it was "too dangerous." Anti-Semitism was common. Mark and I were naive, apparently, in thinking that those times were over -- Yuri said it's even worse now. So, they made their way to Israel and suddenly they were "free." New challenges arose, of course, but at least they were not discriminated against or targeted for being Jews. In fact, Yuri pursued his PhD just 6 months after arriving here (all while still learning Hebrew). He's now a successful researcher and lecturer. I was so moved hearing these stories and SO thankful for Israel -- this relatively young country has changed the lives of so many. As Theodore Herzl, the great visionary of the State of Israel, said -- "If you will it, it is no dream." We have new friends now. New friends who come from a completely different world than we do, but with whom, it turns out, we share so much.
Tonight begins the festival of lights -- Chanukah. I've heard that it's an incredible time in Israel -- we're thrilled to be here for it. The letters on a dreidel (the spinning top that is part of the Chanukah celebration) are usually nun, gadol, hey, and shin (standing for "A great miracle happened there" ("there" meaning Israel). The dreidels in Israel, however, have a pey instead of a shin -- replacing the "there" with "here."
We're very grateful to be in Israel, to be a part of the history of this great place. Despite all the struggles, the bad news, the hard times -- we wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Great miracles happen here...
Love,
Rachel Ann
