January 17, 2003
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It has been a couple of busy, fun, productive weeks since I wrote you last. As seems to be the gift of living in Jerusalem, I'm constantly seeing and experiencing things that move me, frustrate me, gladden me, and -- most importantly -- help me to continue to grow and challenge myself in ways I never knew possible. Although my Hebrew improves a bit each day, I still find it necessary to communicate with people in other ways. Of course it can be frustrating when I need exactly 200 grams of dill cheese or when I don't want spicy red flavoring on my sandwich -- but for the most part I'm intrigued to discover the many alternative ways to communicate. A smile is a smile in any language...and so is a wink and a gentle touch and a hand on the heart. So yes, despite the cultural confusions and the extra effort required to do everyday tasks, I'm extremely happy being here in the City of Gold.
The Macintosh continues to be another major source of joy (I know...only a true computer geek would make a statement like that :). Lately I've been absorbed with making a video for Tami (Mark's sister) and Brett (our brother-in-law). I gathered all the raw footage from their wedding day video and just yesterday finished the final touches on a 10 minute "snapshot" of their ceremony and reception with music, sound clips, etc. I'm so hooked on this kind of "work!" The best part is that I enjoy the technical side of it just as much as the artistic/conceptual side. Now it's on to our wedding and then hopefully I'll pick up another client or two here this spring. In anticipation of starting a small business upon our return to Los Angeles in early June, I've been working hard on my business plan. It's a great process and I've been pleasantly surprised to discover the great number of resources out there to help small businesses get started. I'm excited and, to be honest, a little nervous, but I'm also very determined to make Butterfly Video Productions a success.
Mark just finished up his first semester of Rabbinical School!! One down and nine to go (doesn't sound like much -- but his graduation date isn't until May, 2007:) Luckily, he enjoys the learning, his fellow classmates, the faculty, and often talks about how good he feels about the decision to be doing this. I'm so proud of him (of course) and truly appreciate the way he's including me on this journey.
Tu B'Shevat (literally translates to the fifteenth day of the Hebrew month of Shevat) is this Friday night and Saturday. It's known as the new year for the trees and its purpose is to keep track of the age of trees. According to the Torah, fruit from a tree may not be eaten in the first four years, so this holiday helps keep track of that, and was also historically used to mark the beginning of the new fiscal year for tithing. In the 1600s, Jewish mystics in Tzfat created a Tu B'Shevat seder modeled after the Passover seder. Participants eat four different categories of fruit and drink four different combinations of red and white wine or grape juice, symbolizing the four seasons and the mystical "four worlds." Many people plant trees on this day and I remember well from my religious school days -- we used to raise money to pay for the planting of a tree in Israel on Tu B'Shevat.
This morning Mark and I were involved in leading a Tu B'Shevat party at a place called the "Lifeline for the Old." It's a well known and highly respected place for older residents of Jerusalem to come and express themselves creatively through art, have responsibilities for work and other projects, and to contribute in a meaningful way. These talented people work together to make items for the gift shop. The money raised at the gift shop is recycled into the program to buy more supplies and provide activities for hundreds of people. It's a wonderful way to bring dignity and companionship to a population which is not always blessed with such gifts. Many smiles were exchanged, conversations were had, and songs were sung. We also enjoyed some of the traditional fruits and nuts of Tu B'Shevat. A great way to spend the morning. http://www.lifeline.org.il/
Straight from there we went to the shuk (the open air market with fruits, vegetables, fish, etc.). There is an attached picture of me there with a huge political sign for Sharon's Likud party. But more about the political situation next week. For now, I'm off to get some sleep.
Thanks for all your notes and encouragement. It's great to hear that you're enjoying these weekly updates. Hope all is well for you and your families. Take good care.
Love,
Rachel Ann
