me on a camel...and more!

The Eilat trip was amazing. It was very well organized, packed with activities and, thankfully, I feel very, very refreshed. We went on hikes every day, to unbelievably beautiful areas. We went camel riding, to the beach, had a bonfire (including marshmellow roasting!), went to an acquarium where we saw coral reef and the corresponding fish life. Enjoy! Of course, the pictures don't do justice to the real thing.

My environs - in color!

No, my camera is not yet functional. Rather, Devorah Nitsun very kindly lent me hers, as we are going on a school trip to Eilat tomorrow and I thought it would be a shame not to get at least one picture of me on a camel. In any case, I thought I would treat you to some images of my daily life. First, the classroom, where I spend most of my time. The view upon entering. Please note the plants in the bottom right corner. Besides our learning, of course, they are our pride and joy. We even did our Chanukah play about Stanley (the plany in the background). Then, there's me, studying dilligently (well, kind of, since the shot is posed), next is the view that I see every day, and finally, there's Rochel Grossman, who is actually good friends with Chani Neuhaus (Bloch)! What a small world - she sits right next to me! What a cutie!































































Okay, next is the apartment tour (well, the truncated apartment tour, since I wasn't exactly going to photo each room....or the laundry room, for that matter). First is our "foyer," complete with welcome sign, tzaddik (righteous rabbi), Blessing for the Home, and picture of Jerusalem. Next is our hallway board, which includes information, prayers, toranut (chores) chart, inspirational quotes, contact info, etc. Ah, the kitchen. This was actually the reason for the move from building two (I just came along with my friends). Aside from the classroom, this is where I spend a lot of my time. Often there are delicious smells wafting in from here, greeting me as a walk in the apartment. Note the wicker shelf close to the toaster oven - this is a new acquisition from the 6th floor. It makes a world of difference. We are also the only floor with a couch. I may be biased, but I definitely think it's the most heimish kitchen on campus.




















































































Here's a picture of a lot of St. Louis girls at Leah Sipple (Grunberger)'s Sheva Brachos. I'm not sure I spelled that new name correctly - apologies for the error!

That's it- next update - from Eilat!

February?! How did that happen?

Time just keeps up it's persistant march forward, doesn't it? Shabbos in Bayit Vegan was amazing! The meal at the Refsons was very inspiring. It was like being in class with Rabbi Refson, but better, because it was also Shabbos! He spoke about a lot of different topics, but one which was especially nice was the commandment to love you friend as yourself. He said the usually we only view our good points, our positive attributes when thinking about ourselves, and this is exactly how we should treat others - look at their positive traits. The Levis was also very, very nice. There were a few other Neve girls there, and after the meal we played Rummikub and Mrs. Levi fed us fruit, popcorn and cake. As if we didn't eat enough! The Weisbergs were also very lovely. It turns out that Michal Sendler, the head tutor, was a permanent fixture in their house when she was single! They made me feel very at home.

This past Shabbos I was in Ramat Eshkol and Sanhedria area. I ate dinner at Rebbetzin Bulman's, which was really lovely. We had a seder in honor of Tu B'Shvat (the Rosh HaShana of the trees), and the meal was nice, relaxed and very enjoyable. Lunch was spent by a Chassidishe couple with two ridiculously adorable children. It was a wondeful Shabbos. Motzei Shabbos (Saturday evening) I went to the Bulmans and played a little clarinet. They fed me ice cream and cookies. This is the life!

Things are really wonderful here, and I'm really savoring my time here. Now that I'm aware that there are only four months left until I come home for the summer, I'm starting to look at things through eyes of longing and appreciation. Not that I didn't appreciate my time here before! But, when you know something is finite, it makes it more precious.