tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25646850825235316322011-07-07T23:24:02.057-04:00I am Sara Beth, and this is my blob. I was studying in Israel, and now I'm back in lovely NYC. I will be sticking more to loosely Jewish blogging -- summer camp and education and other things I find entertaining, or horrible. Enjoy!SBBnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1721100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-82264069266374165552009-10-27T21:38:00.003-04:002009-10-27T21:39:41.267-04:00

There have been some recent changes in my life that I do not want to write about here.I do, however, want to point out that I have branched out into the blogging world by writing a guestpost for Jewschool. Read about my take on the Brandeis study about Taglit-Birthright Israel!Maybe when I go to Germany and Israel in November, I can blog more for Jewschool...

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-13679720097146032242009-07-29T16:08:00.003-04:002009-08-18T22:53:32.888-04:00

So, camp is over, and I tried to upload these weeks ago. Now that time has passed and polish chips, I had to take this polish off. My cousin Gloria (Hi, Gloria!) has requested that I post something to the blob, so...here's a cute, short story that makes me happy.As a waterskiing instructor, I worked on Tzevet Mayim / Water Staff, with a large team of lifeguards. One of them, L, used to be my

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-79273171329117890002009-06-22T22:26:00.004-04:002009-06-22T22:51:18.888-04:00

So, I've been floating around an idea.Wait. Back up.First, I decided to go to camp for a month to do waterskiing. So I'm at the same camp I was at last summer, and the summer I met Rafi, but not the camp I was at in the midwest in 2007.Now, waterskiing is a good job for me because I like leading the hashkamah minyan - we meet at 6:45 for tefillot before we eat breakfast and go to the lake.

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-51776249405841443602009-06-02T22:34:00.006-04:002009-06-03T00:57:20.638-04:00

Warning: This post goes from fun to serious without much transition. Don't say I didn't warn you.On Sunday, I went on a walk through the park with my former roommate B. We wandered toward the Israel Parade as I yammered on about the need for Israel education taught with a critical eye. On our way through the park we wandered into Japan Field Day, which meant we got some free tea:Mmmmm,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-34527477550160249132009-05-14T21:51:00.008-04:002009-05-17T15:27:41.599-04:00

First: In 2005, I donated my hair through Locks of Love. I gave 12 inches, and I said I would NEVER donate my hair again.That's a foot of perfectly crazylong hair! Mid-Shearing!The results, in 2005.Second: Let's get back to Israel a little bit.Last year, I lived in Israel. And one of my issues was my Hebrew illiteracy. One of the many resulting fall-outs from my faltering speech was that I

SBBnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-5800766707604062402009-05-14T21:41:00.006-04:002009-05-14T21:50:45.888-04:00

We're missing one blogger in this lovely picture, but here are the lovely ladies of Davidson, who turned in their thesis on this day. I should've posted this sooner:We're graduating in a week from today.Mazals to MB, MCY, SBB, EG, YA and RS (not pictured)!Also, thanks to the (then) Boyfriend and the lovely friends from SkiTeam for celebrating at our post-thesisizing party. I didn't take a pic

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-46448019735726982592009-05-14T21:35:00.004-04:002009-05-14T21:40:57.810-04:00

Just in case you don't know this:After a lovely dinner at the place we went to on our first date, where Rafi said lovely things, and I was happy, and he was happy, and then everyone was happy, and now:Rafi and I are getting MARRIED!Yay!A lovely photo of us together!The night-of picture!Stay tuned for info about B/L 2010 - The Greatest Merger of Our Time!

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-22546859468011063082009-04-03T00:10:00.004-04:002009-04-03T00:33:29.822-04:00

I mentioned Wordle to my old roommate Rachel (remember her?), because we have both turned in our theses, placing them in the proverbial shoebox. Wordle makes "beautiful word clouds" out of a text that you can copy and paste into a text box.I copied and pasted my thesis, in all of its 132 pages of glory, into the box. This included the many, many Roman numerals from the curricular piece, about

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-45098802540009838622009-04-02T00:41:00.006-04:002009-04-02T07:24:54.209-04:00

So, a month or so back, I was the victim of an attack on my wardrobe. One of my friends, whose friendship status is tenuous with me at best, decided that I should be on TLC's What Not To Wear, a delightful reality show that I DVR. I like it because they take people who have mullets and acid-wash jeans and dress them up in pretty clothes, usually purchased in NYC, the center of my universe. It

SBBnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-6896046396687168932009-03-23T07:22:00.003-04:002009-03-23T08:14:39.442-04:00

My thesis is in the shoe! Read on to learn the lessons of the shoebox...In the mid-1990s, I was a student at Ramblewood Middle School (wow, that is one annoying website...) in Coral Springs, FL, as my older brothers were before me, and my younger followed before they rezoned him. I had a terrific experience at Ramblewood.One of my favorite teachers was my science teacher, Mr. A. He was

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-65431231171576969362009-03-15T01:45:00.003-04:002009-03-15T02:06:35.828-04:00

William Davidson, the naming donor of my fabulous school, the William Davidson Graduate School at JTS, has passed away at 86 years of age.I never met the man I dubbed Uncle Bill (a nickname that is now a common saying among all Davidson students), but I heard he was a kind, giving man. He also has been rumored to be seen in tracksuits, which is so cool, and makes sense, because he owned more

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-82611776588013616572009-03-07T22:19:00.004-05:002009-03-07T22:31:19.644-05:00

My camera isn't really working. It's sort of working, but much like my Nth-stage Dell, I am going to have to get me some new electronics over the course of the next few months. Will I get a Mac? What kind of camera do I want? Who knows?What I do know is this: Last week there was a snowstorm. I had an HOUR LONG meeting about my thesis with my thesis wonderwoman on the phone, and then I went

SBBnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-56362841002197248092009-02-11T18:50:00.003-05:002009-02-11T19:04:54.946-05:00

My Bro and Bro-Bro (Rebecca's nickname) are engaged!Hooray!If they had gotten engaged in Israel, or at my school, people would say stuff like (Note: Hebrew translations are liberal, at best.):1. Im Yirtzeh HaShem by you (Maybe God will want you to get married soon, too)2. B'sha'ah tovah (All in good time, let's make sure the evil eye doesn't think we're too excited)3. Od yishama b'areh

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-32921636977286683292009-01-31T23:24:00.006-05:002009-01-31T23:53:03.915-05:00

Thursday was a good day. I had some great conversations and did some good work.Like a mullet, I was business on top, party on the bottom. See, I was wearing my business suit. With fishnet-ish tights... And flowered doc martens for most of the day. I wore the suit for the AIPAC benefit, and the Docs because it was too cold to wear rain boots and I knew it would be icy getting to work in NJ.

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-2219924554010836922009-01-14T22:30:00.002-05:002009-01-14T22:34:32.669-05:00

My classmate Yoni and his identical twin brother Pesach are both beacons of peace and love. So when Pesach sent me this youtube video with the title "A Love Song to Islamic Fundamentalists" I clicked immediately. Pesach is a talent, and the video is cute but serious. Here's hoping, to quote my 90-year-old Bubbie, "for peace in our time." (My Zayde followed with, "You're insane" or something

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-1626261829640685842009-01-13T20:32:00.011-05:002009-01-13T21:25:46.127-05:00

I haven't been able to write recently and people like updates, so...1. I finished my finals so I could go away for break, got myself a muppet-sweater as a present, and then it snowed!100% Muppet!There was snow behind me. I was really excited!2. I went on a cruise.The fun that only a muster drill can provide. Allow me introduce Team Overeat!Proof of: (1) Cruise. (2) Bahamas.3. I went to FL

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-82778518383241977792008-12-17T23:46:00.004-05:002008-12-17T23:52:29.840-05:00

I haven't written in forever, and I have to get back to working on my finals.For now, I would like you to visit this delightful link, courtesy of Jewschool.com. Before you visit the link, however, you should have your sense of humor ready and your openness to the wonder that you can take Jewish ritual and make them your own. Liturgy is very adaptable! And, when all else fails, Lizzie (a friend

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-85986193797920406952008-11-05T20:51:00.005-05:002008-11-05T21:11:07.621-05:00

Yesterday was my favorite day for 2 (ok, 4 reasons):1. Election Day -- including parties, dressing up, inspiration and happiness, with a heaping happy Obama victory on top!2. Free Ice Cream at Ben and Jerry's3. Free Krispy Kremes in Penn Station -- the Kosher Krispy Kreme!4. Free cup of Starbucks coffeeBelow are pictures depicting my carefully mapped day of freebies, interspersed between 2

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-82367509879950245452008-11-04T06:54:00.003-05:002008-11-04T07:04:52.427-05:00

Today is Election Day.People I respect have gone out and campaigned door-to-door in NH for Obama, and voted early against Obama's tax plan in Broward County. I respect both of them, but hope one ends up counting more than the other...My absentee ballot gave me a facial paper cut over 2 weeks ago, but hopefully it'll get counted this time.I'm wearing red, white and blue.I'm planning on getting

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-61277607442146401042008-10-30T00:39:00.002-04:002008-10-30T00:43:34.014-04:00

It's been nearly a month, and I've been percolating all of my high holidays-with-a-broken-tush stories, but for now, I'd like to introduce you to:How Do You REALLY Feel, SBB?Tonight, I watched Barack Obama on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (whilst doing homework, mind you). It was so nice to see a potential president (please!?) talk about having a beer with his enemies, and know that one beer

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-15922875503523416132008-09-29T16:55:00.003-04:002008-09-29T17:03:00.761-04:00

I know I haven't written in a long time. But it's Rosh Hashanah in a few hours -- the Jewish new year. My year has been going ok, except that I broke my tailbone last week. In good news, I'm in New Orleans, because Rafi and Elie are doing services at Tulane. In other good news, I was able to survive the flight with just a little help from some tush-pain bustin' candy that I so happily received

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-66150541633476922382008-09-11T08:29:00.006-04:002008-09-11T11:13:09.001-04:00

Let's make something perfectly clear. I love Dunkin' Donuts. I love their donuts, I love their fridges of chocolate milks. I love that I went there on a weekly basis when I worked in Greenwich, and I loved that my home Rabbi supervised their kashrut so I could eat Dunkin' Donuts at my shul. Which I did. Often.This morning, I found that when I emerged from the train station on the way to NJ (

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-65780136354045325692008-09-08T16:00:00.003-04:002008-09-08T16:42:18.611-04:00

So, my Hebrew class at JTS is (surprise!) actually not too bad. I can now understand Hebrew conversations, and my teacher is smart, quick and hilarious. I am currently exploring my Israeli accent, and I find it fades in and out. I am more likely to read like an American, but speak like a 'raeli, and if I learned the word or phrase before I went to Israel, chances are I'll say it like I learned

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-15627965651343032082008-09-02T00:01:00.004-04:002008-09-02T00:36:33.351-04:00

I love waxing political on occasion, and I've been getting trained more and more in this vein by Rafi. I figure this will upset 2 or 3 of my 7 or so readers (Hi dad, Rafi's parents, the Israeli family, Meredith, people with Google Reader and Melanie!), but what the hey, school starts tomorrow and I need to have fun now, so here goes. Sarah Palin is the Republican VP nominee. Taking into account

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-79674688810952577532008-08-31T14:44:00.005-04:002008-08-31T15:21:34.006-04:00

Since I've been out of camp, I have been back and forth between NY, NJ, upstate, the city, Rockland County, Boston and DC. I am currently on my way back from Boston, as official move-in day to my new place is tomorrow! And school is on Tuesday!On the Mall, with the Capitol behind me. See, I WAS in DC.Further DC proof, with the Washington Monument.The DC trip was months in the making (8 mos,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-85197180853643496222008-08-28T10:52:00.002-04:002008-08-28T10:55:53.933-04:00

I just had my meeting with the director of the JTS Hebrew Department about the materials I studied last year. The whole meeting was conducted 99% in Hebrew (I didn't remember the word for "proofreader's notes"), and it went swimmingly. He was pleased that I was the nerd in ulpan at Hebrew U who actually asked grammar questions, and was pleased with my grasp of the one article we discussed in

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-27917752577675077762008-08-26T00:57:00.005-04:002008-08-26T01:18:52.975-04:00

I went to Florida last week. It was a good time, especially after being in NYC, and doing lots of the things I wanted to do in NYC, like experience Seacaucus Junction, which, oops, is actually in New Jersey?! The highlight of my journey to FL? I wasn't, for once, substantially delayed, but I certainly broke my big, red suitcase. Also, I was happily seated next to a girl who (a) didn't realize

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-38791679292222088132008-08-25T10:45:00.003-04:002008-08-25T11:01:37.145-04:00

My travel karma this summer has been monumentally bad. I left camp on Sunday afternoon, after not sleeping for more than a few hours a night for about 2 weeks. On the ride into ATL, there was talk of all tri-state area flights being canceled. Not too concerned, I put in a call to my airline, and they told me that I was delayed, but I still needed to check in as if my flight were leaving on

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-77005903073885168742008-07-29T00:29:00.004-04:002008-07-29T01:04:27.667-04:00

A day off in pictures. I spent the afternoon with my GLittle, Sheri, my old friend Ilene, and Ilene's boyfriend, who passed muster. Here's what we did in Buford and Tiger, GA, and points in between.Just after my landmark discovery of a cement plaque stating the 10 commandments at the entrance to the farmer's market ("I FOUND it! So THAT'S where the 2 tablets went!"), we take a We Are Cute

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-60546365803354267572008-07-27T02:46:00.005-04:002008-07-27T03:11:37.197-04:00

Weeks ago, my counselors, like so many Far Side chickens, started getting restless. I will spare you (for mainly legal reasons) the stuff they pulled. Regardless, you are required (where you = Rosh Eidah), to plan fun activities for your counselors. Even if some of them are so poorly behaved and generally unstellar*, you = Rosh Eidah, must be FUN! HAPPY! and UNFLAGGINGLY POSITIVE! So, I

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-58111855688820679142008-07-14T13:29:00.004-04:002008-07-14T13:40:25.882-04:00

Want to know what I've been up to?In my ample free time (hahahahaha ample) I get to chat online with my baby brother, as we're planning a trip to good old Florida to see the family. He sent me an article from a wonderful newspaper about how there is a phenomenon in Japan of dying from overworking. This happens so frequently that it has its own word. Before you read on, keep in mind my love of

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-73161114157363546422008-07-09T00:44:00.006-04:002008-07-09T01:20:51.158-04:00

Time keeps marching on, as I go to sleep knowing my new campers start arriving in the morning...Here's what's been ticking as the clock has been tocking:I could write about all of my great experiences at camp thus far. I could write about my joking requests to return to my 2004 Rosh Ski Mayim (waterskiing) position. I could tell you about my Snickers-a-day habit that is kept in check because I

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-36946697164882654782008-07-01T18:03:00.005-04:002008-07-02T02:22:24.011-04:00

I barely, if ever, get time off. Not because my boss won't give it to me (he's amazing), but because it's just not practical to leave camp when you're running an eidah.One of my campers asked me last week why I only wear sweatpants. She wasn't even at camp when I ran out of pants because I'd only packed a very specific amount to bring from Israel...So imagine her surprise when I showed up one

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-65148506300719013102008-06-22T02:02:00.003-04:002008-06-24T02:31:43.771-04:00

Had I written this post a few days ago, I could've just written about the great night I had in the woods. But after what seems like 10 years (a week?), I can more accurately portray what happened on my campout night.Linat Lilah / Sleep-out is a required part of the session for all campers, in one form or another. I chose the days with the camping staff during staff week. The kids pack during

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-5946896946955559282008-06-20T00:19:00.003-04:002008-06-20T00:56:01.499-04:00

The theme of my eidah/ age group is derekh eretz / the way of the land (literally, respect for oneself and others). For our first yom meyuchad / special day, filled with 8 hours of programming provided by my staff, we designated the theme as Yom Goof / Body Day. I figured they'd get a chance to explore the good things we can do with out bodies, and the good things we can do for our bodies. We

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-77413020362890017262008-06-18T08:20:00.002-04:002008-06-18T15:29:23.357-04:00

Mark: hey remember when we used to talk? and then camp came and stole you away like so much lunch money on the playground?and hey remember when you were in israel and we spoke more! crazyMy brother makes a good point (from an online chat yesterday). I'm in room checking envelopes to make sure my kids wrote home. I'm someone else's lunch money now. It's good though -- the job is good.

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-49639651619795021582008-06-15T03:07:00.004-04:002008-06-15T03:22:20.899-04:00

My fans out there have been asking what's up at camp. I wouldn't say I'm prioritizing right now...It's after 2am camp time, I just took a shower after "closing camp" ("Declare camp closed? Is it like bankruptcy? Do I need to fill out paperwork?" -- who gets the Office reference?). Today was long. Shabbat is good, because there are no walkie talkies. But it's bad because...um...there are no

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-56151742789175800822008-06-03T23:11:00.003-04:002008-06-03T23:18:27.541-04:00

So...to make a VERY long (36-hour) story short: I was delayed at Ben Gurion for 4 hours. When we got on the plane, I sat with scouts working at Texas camps that I'm familiar with. We had breakfast at 5AM and chicken for breakfast at 615AM. We landed in JFK after a bumpy flight. I got into a fight with a customs security guy, but this time I didn't get almost-arrested for cell phone use. I met

SBBnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-486991831681914962008-05-28T20:40:00.004-04:002008-05-28T20:47:58.623-04:00

I bet you thought you wouldn't be hearing from me in Israel again...but you thought wrong.My plane is broken, so I'm sitting in Ben Gurion Airport. It's a real Zionism-killer, I'll tell you. Below is an excerpt from an email I sent to the camp travel guy:I am writing to let you know that my plane (ELAL 001 out of TLV) is broken, and I'm now, in theory, either leaving at 5AM or 7AM (Israel time)

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-65972521845267750892008-05-28T17:23:00.004-04:002008-05-28T17:38:55.979-04:00

"Paint your nails and put on your lipstick,You don't wanna miss your ticket out...Cause I remember how we drank time together,And how ya used to say that the stars are forever,And you would dream about how to make life better by leaving town,Leaving town..."-- Dexter Freebish obediently popped up on Meredith's iPod today!Today was my last day in Israel. I did the penultimate packing (toiletries

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-55332427751036373962008-05-27T15:47:00.005-04:002008-05-27T15:54:52.521-04:00

I should be working on my finals. I have read for my Day School class, I have written reaction papers to the classes I'm missing, I've scanned Classics and I'm reviewing my Hebrew vocabulary and grammar.I should also be packing. I have the world's largest suitcase packed. I have the world's second largest and probably most beaten up suitcase waiting for me to throw my beloved pillow (purchased

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-91782489539712326682008-05-26T13:33:00.004-04:002008-05-26T14:06:23.173-04:00

I would like to sing you a little ditty about the most important guy in Israel...the Dude! Dude!For the last year, I have been living my life, my existence, tied to a small piece of machinery that ruled my evenings. Those of you living an America take hot water for granted. Some try to save energy by wrapping you house’s water heater in insulation, or try to conserve space by storing brooms and

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-36923211652932121312008-05-25T18:58:00.007-04:002008-05-26T00:46:34.114-04:00

(Title from the David Broza song "Haifa." It's on one of the new Israeli music CDs I just uploaded. Happiness, David Broza is thy name.)I have wanted to go to Haifa since I got to Israel. After months and months of “let’s go to Haifa” and “I wanna go to Haifa” and “I am going to leave Israel without going to Haifa,” Rafi decided a few weeks ago that we were going to Haifa for Shabbat! Rafi,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-22954638264722282202008-05-25T14:37:00.000-04:002008-05-25T14:39:10.516-04:00

I was sitting on the couch, uploading some of my new Israeli / Hebrew music CDs, and watching TV, when suddenly some music starts playing noisily over Gilmore Girls (subtitles!). I got annoyed at my iTunes, again, for starting to play the songs while they’re uploading. Two seconds passed, and the music started again. This time, however, it was not emanating from my lap. I turned down the

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-7475419573083502802008-05-25T14:23:00.006-04:002008-05-25T14:35:04.030-04:00

My cousin Gloria was surprised that I hadn’t purchased sandals in Israel (she doesn’t know about my shoe collection here, and in the states…). So, after talking to her about my Naot collection (still going strong since 1999), I ended up buying shoes last week with my friend Dena (she's an enabler). The shoes are green. And pink. And yellow. And orange. They are crazy and Israeli and they

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-79607202544803945372008-05-15T17:06:00.004-04:002008-05-15T17:25:31.877-04:00

I just saw the video embedded below on Gawker. This Gawker writer, whose pieces I generally enjoy, and who just yesterday did a post about Obama and the Jews, found the below item on JPost, who got it from Heeb. The digital world is truly tiny. (And I'm sure there's something I can use for my thesis in this little exercise of digital chain-identification.)The moral of the story? Writing

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-30999615893731669792008-05-14T18:24:00.005-04:002008-05-14T18:42:05.423-04:00

So, it takes a lot to get me to sit down and do school work. I did well on one of my JTS classes, and I just submitted my second, and last, Spring final for JTS. While I am still -- ok, perpetually -- thesisizing, I am now ready to start working on Hebrew U finals, because I am leaving in two weeks.In order to prepare myself, I have to sometimes resort to desperate measures (aka, the return of

SBBnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-5161298681165092872008-05-13T06:26:00.009-04:002008-05-13T10:11:34.714-04:00

Yom Ha'atzmaut / יום העצמאות is the holiday commemorating the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It's a huge party, and while the Fourth of July is celebrated exuberantly in the USA, there is something in the air here, a pervasive sense of happiness, wonderment and amazement that here we are, in Israel, after 60 years! Indeed, the recent establishment of the state means that a large

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-23049956972671410562008-05-11T04:01:00.002-04:002008-05-11T04:02:23.353-04:00

FYI: I had a fun Yom Ha'atzmaut, a good Shabbat, and I'm doing a lot of work because I'm leaving in less than 3 weeks.More soon. I promise. Pictures and everything! Really!

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-6241864234491895872008-05-07T11:35:00.003-04:002008-05-07T11:42:34.149-04:00

Yom Ha'Atzmaut begins at sundown. Before I go out to get covered in sheleg (silly string-esque) and to get bopped on my head, I wanted to just say I'm excited for Israeli Independence Day. Israel is 60 years old tonight.JTS had a Yom Ha'Atzmaut photo contest, and people submitted some pretty cool pictures. One of those people was me. I took my picture at a place I'm not really supposed to go,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-56289181215007291912008-05-06T14:44:00.005-04:002008-05-07T09:46:37.966-04:00

It's Yom HaZikaron / יום הזיכרון. I was just spewing some venom online about some sort of Israel-related injustice to my brother Mark when the 8PM siren went off. All of a sudden, it was Memorial Day. In the US, at least as far as I've experienced, Memorial Day is more about sales and a long weekend opportunity to host an out-of-town wedding than it is about the US soldiers that are buried in

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-38628175988878337432008-05-05T18:52:00.005-04:002008-05-05T20:24:12.064-04:00

It's time for me to get back to my roots. It is finals time, but hey, I have to write about the trip of two of my most avid readers - Rafi's parents!Pesach week passed in a blur of meals with fabulous friends of Rafi's parents. In between the friends, however, we took two more trips. The first, to the Dead Sea, and the second, to a village and a mall.After one of the many dinners. This was

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-21010305666104291712008-05-04T03:49:00.004-04:002008-05-04T04:09:33.469-04:00

Pretty much every bad American TV show, as well as the good ones, are played on Israeli TV. When I first got here, Shiran and her sister were really into "Jack and Jill" a pretty lame show that was on the WB or something. You would've thought that Jack v'Jill was the new F*R*I*E*N*D*S the way they went on about it. They played the 10 episodes that aired, and then the 10 that didn't after the

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-547526941403588862008-05-01T11:13:00.003-04:002008-05-01T15:05:07.331-04:00

I planned my morning so that I would be out when the siren went off for Yom HaShoah, and I left my (ok, Meredith's) ubiquitous iPod at home, deciding that listening to my usual medley of comedy sketches, a capella and offensive rap music was not appropriate for Yom HaShoah. I waited for the bus for an exceedingly long time, and I had just flopped my way to the very back of the double-long

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-33410465503259773262008-04-30T16:01:00.006-04:002008-04-30T16:36:53.743-04:00

Some of you may remember my post, back when I'd first arrived in Israel, where I marveled that the television stations went on Yom Kippur vacation. Religious or secular, YES! (and probably HOT! -- both are cable companies) both provided images, and not programming, to the people in Israel for the full day of Yom Kippur.On the way to Rafi's after the Conservative Yeshiva learning community (

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-50133102828149909722008-04-25T08:44:00.006-04:002008-04-25T09:40:08.937-04:00

Passover started, and I finally started feeling human again. At seder, I went through about a box of tissues, but as the Chag drew to a close, it was so much easier for me to breathe. Seder was co-hosted by Rafi's family and Anya's family (Anya, Elie's girlfriend). Seder was big and came complete with many interesting people: generations from grandparents to teenagers (Anya's family),

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-56818443458115991222008-04-25T08:29:00.003-04:002008-04-25T08:43:54.364-04:00

So, last week, I was feeling really terrible. The only thing I could drag myself to blob about, other than complaining about the doctors here (by the way, my dad was 100% right), was Matt Bar. So imagine my happiness when I saw this Forward article posted last night. The writer, Bari, is a friend of Elie's (Rafi's brother), and she's great. Let's hear it for Matt Bar and Bari!I'm glad she

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-18372955263066529352008-04-22T15:00:00.002-04:002008-04-22T15:06:48.375-04:00

I am feeling much better, and I wanted to post some "Jews in the News" in celebration.First, The Daily Show covers Da Popa's visit to Park Avenue Synagogue in New York City, my homeland.I wonder if Jon Stewart realizes he is describing the Israeli Hotel Breakfast phenomenon?Secondly, this article, brought to my attention by 5 people in the last hour or so (it seems my sense of humor is known far

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-88193944632251057172008-04-18T10:42:00.004-04:002008-04-18T10:47:55.028-04:00

Actual conversation:Lisa: How's your Yetzer HaRah doing? (bad part of myself, you're supposed to clean it out with the hametz.)SBB: It's pretty awful. I think that's why I got so sick.Lisa: Really?SBB: No!My mom sent me a picture of the world's cutest nephew (objectively speaking, of course), in order to make me feel better. So far, it's not really working, although I do love looking at

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-17522187730052874052008-04-17T11:28:00.004-04:002008-04-17T12:02:51.163-04:00

I am really not feeling well, which has brought me, once again, to have another run-in with the Israeli medical system (thankfully, not the hospitals.).Once again, the doctor didn't look in my ears, didn't take my temperature, and verbally rolled his eyes at me because I didn't seem to be trailing any limbs, or spurting any blood. He prescribed a nose spray, even though I cannot breathe through

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-72339346082190155162008-04-14T16:37:00.004-04:002008-04-14T17:07:53.514-04:00

I wanted to post another series of pictures of illustrious visitors. Only some came on Birthright, but, as I said to my cousin on the phone earlier today, I have enjoyed Jerusalem's appeal as a tourist destination. I have been surprised how so many more visit in Jerusalem than even visit NYC.Below are a few photos of people I love who came to see me in the past 4 months or so.Coming soon...many

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-52021616593288550732008-04-11T09:36:00.004-04:002008-04-14T16:37:47.814-04:00

Today, after spending quite a long time disgusted with the cleanliness levels in my dear apartment, I declared to my roommate Lisa that I was going to mop. After throwing together a delectable, pareve (dairy-free, and yes, I'm serious) batch of oatmeal cookies, I did some JTS work and then it was time to mop.We hadn't mopped in many moons. We do Swiffer and sweep regularly. I also do my fair

SBBnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-62884820563137693752008-04-09T11:23:00.004-04:002008-04-09T11:34:16.765-04:00

This is a few days late, but I haven't talked to my brother in a few days.As you may or may not know, the Washington Post (a newspaper known mainly for its fine military funeral coverage) won 6 Pulitzers! Since I hadn't talked to Mark recently, we just had this GChat conversation* and I thought I would congratulate my little, tiny, minuscule baby brother for winning...wait for it...1/66th of a

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-49906597224825247042008-04-08T16:23:00.003-04:002008-04-08T16:47:51.812-04:00

My Zayde, my grandfather is the man who turned my average, everyday blog into an original "blob." This fabulous man celebrates his birthday today. He's 16 now, and ready to take to the road. Or he's 90. Sometimes, it's hard to tell, because he's so incredibly youthful in spirit.Today, I talked to him about his birthday. Here are two gems:SBB: Be a well-behaved lady on your birthday,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-68928919635983680632008-04-08T06:34:00.004-04:002008-04-08T06:59:23.690-04:00

I have been joking recently in my status messages about my workload, saying, "Ask not for whom the deadline tolls, it tolls for SBB."Today, however, a different "bell" was tolling for me. It's Tuesday, my day to sleep in and then do work all day long. So, imagine my terror when I woke up to sirens, wailing and loud outside of my room, my apartment, my CITY.Here's my series of thoughts, in very

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-67462369220877335742008-04-06T13:41:00.005-04:002008-04-06T17:22:24.928-04:00

This past Shabbat I finally got out of Jerusalem to somewhere other than Tel Aviv. I know I've been out of Jerusalem a lot. After all, I spent a ton of time with Shiran in and around Tel Aviv before she went to India (come home!), I went to the Dead Sea, and I also went to Ouch-That-Hertzeliya once. Ok, and I also went to London, Rome, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan, but those countries are not in

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-18524181972099346172008-04-05T17:15:00.003-04:002008-04-05T17:22:46.565-04:00

I am back from my Shabbat in the North, and I'll write about that soon. For now...let's talk about Stuff White People Like. It's the latest fad in blog-followers. My favorite spinoff? Stuff Young Jewish Adults Like. Every once in a while, I find something online that describes me. Here is the latest installment, courtesy of Stuff Young Jewish Adults Like.Also, something to consider: http://

SBBnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-50305075478851068792008-04-03T16:22:00.005-04:002008-04-03T17:00:22.084-04:00

My friend Jesse, who is in a Bible class with me at Hebrew U, struck up a conversation with me about Jerusalem Mixed Grill, and was shocked when I said that I like it. A brief conversation led us to make some plans to grab some of the glorious grill together.I stayed at school doing work and getting stuff done, and then met Jesse for the bus downtown. A quick ride and then walk through the shuk

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-9952412306042188862008-03-30T13:56:00.003-04:002008-03-30T15:39:44.164-04:00

I learned how to embed a YouTube video! Read to the end to enjoy it!My Shabbat this past weekend was terrific. It started with Friday night at Elie and Micah's bible-scholar apartment. (They rent from the guy who is the authority on Leviticus.) I joined the boys at shul in Nachlaot, a religious and crunchy neighborhood close to where they live, and close to the shuk. The shul, which came

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-30169131152521178882008-03-29T13:34:00.006-04:002008-04-01T06:38:29.864-04:00

Last Monday, I was feeling kind of tired, but I knew that if I didn't go to the Old City to pick up my middle-finger ring, a birthday present from Rafi, then I would probably not get to Hadaya for at least another week. Just in case you were wondering, I just wanted a ring from Hadaya. It is merely for decoration. So, I went to the Old City, and picked it up. It's perfect! Below please find

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-78714667570984542312008-03-28T07:37:00.004-04:002008-03-28T08:04:26.701-04:00

"Budget your time." I'm pretty sure this quote came from my awesome 5th grade teacher. Shout out to Maplewood Elementary School.Anyway, since I did not learn everything I needed to know in kindergarten, or 5th grade, for that matter, I am utilizing vital elementary school guidelines to get my work done here in Jerusalem.Below is a picture that proves my efforts in this regard. Notice the

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-86895152527105304292008-03-25T17:32:00.008-04:002008-03-25T18:07:24.513-04:00

So, my neighbors have this cat. And when I say "have" I mean they have a basket, outside of their door, in which it slumbers. They also feed it cuts of meat I cannot afford to feed myself, and it is these bits that I see on the landing outside of my apartment on a regular basis. I figured at some point I would write about this cat. Today is that day, because I am in the middle of a

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-84626536523776810092008-03-23T16:08:00.008-04:002008-03-23T18:57:20.205-04:00

Purim in Jerusalem is special, and I know that. Going into Purim Meshulash (three days of purim), I was prepared for three days of parties, and three days of Purim celebration stretched from Thursday night until Sunday. Unfortunately, I had a very negative end to Purim, but I'll try to be happy about the good parts before I get to the bad ending.Purim is a post-biblical holiday, which means

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-79193093452746997202008-03-22T16:24:00.006-04:002008-03-22T18:25:32.410-04:00

For my 100th blob post, I'm trying something new...video! I apologize in advance for the quality of the sound and lighting on the video, but that's what you get from a camera purchased in 2004, in a large, crowded performance space filled with smoke and fun lighting.I'm going to post about Purim AFTER tomorrow's festivities, but for now, I'm going to write about Thursday night. Enjoy!Below

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-25759097151092715242008-03-18T05:17:00.003-04:002008-03-18T08:23:25.284-04:00

When we first arrived in Jerusalem, Rafi and I went to get waffles at Babette's downtown.Last week, after months of a lovely, waffle-free existence, all I could think about was waffles. Waffles with ice cream. Waffles with whipped cream. Warm, gooey waffles. Waffles, waffles, waffles.So here is a peek at the two dates Rafi and I went on last week (one with our buddy and pal Dan D.), as seen

SBBnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-9851831722342997872008-03-15T19:51:00.002-04:002008-03-15T20:05:24.012-04:00

I want you to go to www.purimrap.com and www.bibleraps.com. I want you to love Matt Bar and what he is doing. I want you to bring him in to perform and teach at your religious school / summer camp / college / university / old age home / party / Israel trip. I went to his video release party tonight in Jerusalem. It was incredible, and it made me believe in PICZ, the PresenTense Institute for

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-48096054894865465322008-03-15T19:17:00.004-04:002008-03-15T19:51:10.453-04:00

I have been writing for so long, it seems, about my Backpacking experiences in Europe this past Chufshat Choref / Winter Break, that I have barely been writing about Israel, which is actually why I originally started this whole blob thing. Well, that, and I like reading my own writing and hearing the sound of my voice, and this was a new narcissistic outlet for me.So, what's been up? In short,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-69200297088254985352008-03-09T14:16:00.010-04:002008-03-11T10:24:13.503-04:00

My last day in Rome, I woke up with the boys and got my backpack all sorted out before I went to see the last things I meant to see in Rome. I left and went to the Jewish Ghetto of Rome. And by "went to the Jewish Ghetto" I mean that I kept on looking for it, and kept on getting turned around. Eventually, I bought a cookie (the apricot version of a linzer tart = delightful) and a large bottle

SBBnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-40101690770526640252008-03-07T08:51:00.004-05:002008-03-07T09:12:33.014-05:00

So there was a terrorist shooting yesterday in Jerusalem. I wrote about it yesterday to let my adoring fans know that I am ok.But, as Shabbat is about to descend upon Jerusalem, I have to put the story into my own context. I had a great dinner last night. Rafi and I had dinner with his classmate / my pilgrimage Rosh Eytan, his wife Rebecca and their delightful twin daughters. They had invited

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-67580176075876941002008-03-06T15:36:00.004-05:002008-03-06T16:10:30.133-05:00

This is an Israel blob, and not a Rome-and-London blob, so I interrupt my regularly scheduled Europe entries to announce that I am fine.There was a terrorist shooting in Jerusalem tonight in a Yeshiva. I will figure out how I want to frame my experience regarding the incident.I think that hate isn't the answer, and I'm generally non-violent, but I really hate Hamas, I hate their response and I

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-10617547736223125062008-03-02T10:52:00.011-05:002008-03-03T13:52:57.146-05:00

Aaron and I have been planning our visit to the Vatican since he told me he was studying in Roma this semester. I have a minor Vatican-and-Catholicism related obsession, courtesy of Dan Brown's Angels and Demons, and I was so excited to go see to the Vatican.After a late wake up (like Shabbat at camp, except with the Pope and zero Yiddishkheit), Aaron and I made a quick stop at his Metro

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-14212537258207512332008-03-02T07:40:00.003-05:002008-03-02T10:13:15.707-05:00

I wrote recently about the earthquakes-are-caused-by-homosexuality Knesset member. I am not sure that this is the best way to reach a compromise with him. My cousin informs me that he's one of those crazy BT's (ba'al teshuva / return to the faith / newly religious) that went off the deep end when he found Truth. His truth, maybe. Anyway, death threats are not the way to make sense. Perhaps

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-31000534150776291922008-02-29T05:12:00.008-05:002008-03-01T17:26:03.783-05:00

*Geraitric - Of or relating to the aged or to characteristics of the aging process. (Thank you, Dictionary.com). Rome is filled with old relics and monuments.My flight to Rome was relatively quick and painless, and I landed and was whisked through security without a cursory glance. Italy, it seems, was happy to have me, but not happy enough (sadly) to give me a real, cool stamp in my passport.

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-45990967399022167002008-02-29T05:02:00.005-05:002008-04-02T17:50:20.732-04:00

My last day in London was fun, but you already read about that. There is one thing I have to mention before I take you on my Roma adventure...Before I got back on the Tube (I LOVE SUBWAYS) to go to Heathrow, I wandered into the downtown version of Dalia's grocery store to buy rice pudding, as I am now in love with the British delicacy. Then, I went across the street to get another tasty

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-77395218684435326012008-02-27T15:05:00.010-05:002008-04-02T17:49:19.837-04:00

Over the next couple of days, I was in and out of Central London, as I spent the greater part of the weekend with my childhood friend Dalia. Dalia and I met in a swimming pool in Fort Lauderdale when we were maybe 11. (No, I am not making this up.) She was on holiday (insert British accent here), and my dad had some doctor convention, so we became friends in the pool, and remained penpals and,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-66512976687456896892008-02-25T19:13:00.003-05:002008-04-02T17:48:00.979-04:00

I also had some pretty fabulous experiences staying in a hostel. I've never done it before, except for Beit Gesher with Pilgrimage, and that totally doesn't count. Trust me, if you're going to stay in a hostel, stay at the one I stayed at in London. It was fab-u-lous, and while I was not born yesterday, the hostel certainly seemed to have been constructed yesterday. It was brand-spanking new!

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-41179252165408649882008-02-25T17:30:00.010-05:002008-04-02T17:44:51.895-04:00

The next morning, I woke up refreshed and determined to make my way to the Changing of the Guard. I wore WAY more clothes and made my way to Buckingham Palace AGAIN. I staked out a similar spot on the fence, again, and set to wait, again. This time, I came prepared with sustenance. I sat and ate my breakfast and watched the tourists mill around. Over the course of 45 minutes, I saw millions

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-88558305656561570572008-02-22T17:38:00.012-05:002008-04-02T17:43:49.530-04:00

The next morning, I awoke in my really beautiful hostel room, ready to take over the world. I had the whole day until 7:30PM, when I had to meet my Genius at the Apple store. Off I went to Buckingham Palace.Buckingham Palace, Take One.The tour book told me to stake out a good spot for the changing of the guard. The book also said that they don't change the guard every day, but every other day,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-62665548863563381512008-02-22T17:19:00.007-05:002008-04-02T17:42:00.939-04:00

I had a backpack. I had my winter coat. I had my camera, my wallet, my best New Balances, and reserved for running and traveling. I had my tickets, my confirmations, and my passport. So, as I left my apartment at 1:45 in the morning nearly two weeks ago, I had become a traveler. A backpacker.I was born with wanderlust. I was born ready to leave my hometown in South Florida. I demanded

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-31140522477333507042008-02-22T16:45:00.006-05:002008-04-02T17:39:27.601-04:00

-Thank you to the YinYang twins for this blog's title.So, I have just returned from a pretty sweet trip to London and Italy. You will get all sort of info and pics about that shortly. It was amazing! Shabbat, after red-eye catchup sleep, was also very nice.In the meantime, this post serves to show my three or four fans that I'm here and safe, just in case you don't follow my Facebook addictive

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-67091075931929863692008-02-12T17:56:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:38:40.632-04:00

I totally forgot to post my Petra post from November. Since I'm about to leave for a week in Europe (and JTS Distance Learning, as I am NOT a slacker), I thought I'd activate my Petra post. It appeared in November (when I wrote it), so click on the link above to read about those travels, and know that Eurotrip details are soon to follow.Speaking of travelling, I also made it out to Bayit Vegan

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-20497928119708007302008-02-12T17:21:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:38:01.268-04:00

...I love working for Jewish summer camp. I've worked at a few, I've attended more than one, and Jewish summer camping is where I want my career to be. So I'm always happy when Jewish summer camp comes to me, in the middle of the winter.Benjie and I went on Poland / Israel Pilgrimage 9 years ago (yes, Benj, NINE). Then we worked together at Camp Ramah Darom for a few years, and we stayed in

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-69810570356725338832008-02-07T20:03:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:37:03.405-04:00

Yesterday I did work on my finals and my JTS classes, did laundry, and went to a Ramah Darom reunion dinner. Here are some pictures to prove that I was out doing these things, as I don't have to use a ton of words to describe my generally worky day.Joelle and I studying -- ok, writing papers.Cheesecake + laptop + course packet = Formula for an A paper!Have you met my friend the vegetarian? Yay

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-4991253369410122442008-02-07T19:56:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:34:46.216-04:00

There's still snow melting on the streets of Jerusalem. I took this on Monday at Hebrew U. It reminds me of the brown, slushy walls that crop up after a snow storm in New York (you know, about two minutes after the snowfall).I miss New York!

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-12250397894199026942008-02-03T18:39:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:30:48.391-04:00

When I woke up at the crack of dawn on Thursday, I was not pleased. Not only was I exhausted, but I was greeted by a beautiful, peaceful blanket of snow. All of Jerusalem. The serene quiet that comes with a snow storm teased me, saying "you won't get to Turkey." I stuck out my tongue, got dressed in layers, and crunched my way to Rafi's to meet the 6:45AM sherut / shared taxi. Crunchy snow!

SBBnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-13395620637268426362008-02-03T17:24:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:29:34.116-04:00

People had been warning me for days that it was going to snow in Jerusalem, but I was all "whatever" and "I'll believe it when I see it" and "as an authentic New Yorker, I fart in Jerusalem snow's general direction" and so on and so forth. That being said, I got scared into submission to the snow, and stayed and waited in Jerusalem on Tuesday, waiting for the snow to fall. The first disgusting,

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-35005326052394562008-01-31T05:51:00.002-05:002008-04-02T17:28:18.656-04:00

Would you rather...Wade through INCHES (that's a lot of snow for Jerusalem) of crunchy, fresh snow, as it is still falling in Jerusalem?ORTake a trip to Turkey?Things to consider: Snow is pretty. Snow makes it hard to get to the airport, if you are in Israel. The "you" referred to in the first line refers to me, Sara Beth B.The answer, of course, is BOTH! Not only did I get to crunch my way

SBBnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-11347764367811181522008-01-29T03:54:00.002-05:002008-04-02T17:25:42.798-04:00

Jerusalemites / Israelis are freaking out because of the upcoming snowstorm in Jerusalem, slated to start tonight. Apparently, Rothberg told all of their students to "stock up on food and supplies" and to prepare for a few days holed up in their apartments. I know that they're not so used to snow here, but this is not a hurricane, although it's so windy, it kind of sounds like one. I know I'm

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-37809499844840841452008-01-29T03:13:00.000-05:002008-01-29T03:50:15.132-05:00

This past weekend I was a facilitator at an AviChai shabbaton for returning, second-year shilchim (Israeli staff) at North American Jewish summer camps. I was brought into the project because of previous work at the FJC, and I was very interested in the idea of the shabbaton from my first meeting, so I set to my job of collecting Americans to interact with the Israeli counselors. What was the

SBBnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2564685082523531632.post-24380740240153521332008-01-23T17:02:00.001-05:002008-04-02T17:24:44.540-04:00

The past few days can be summed up in a discussion of pharmaceuticals. Jewish Penicillin is a common nickname for chicken soup. Indeed, it does plenty to heal achy throats and cold faces, but when you need the big guns, you want real antibiotics. Israeli Penicillin, as it turns out, is not Jewish at all, but secular...read on for more about my encounter with the myth and reality of Israel.Two

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