though it was a couple of weeks ago, i still want to share some of the photos i took on tu bishvat. better late than never!
my mom was here visiting and we joined in with the פורום לצעירים (the young adults group of the israeli reform movement) for a hike in the sataf, a beautiful nature preserve just outside jerusalem. it was a sunshiney day, perfect for picture-taking!
our guide was my fantastic cousin/hevruta
the almond trees were blooming
we ran into a group from kolot having a tu bishvat seder
we got to see how local folks are using the ancient terraces to plant organic gardens (cool!!)
it was an all-around lovely mid-winter day in israel. a hint of spring to come!
last night/this morning, 13 crazy jerusalemites (mostly temporary jerusalemites, but...) gathered in my living room to watch superbowl XLIV at 1am. there was veggie chili and there were nachos, there was beer and there were quesapitas. a good time was had by all.
this über-american event, which follows visits from the majority of my parents, has allowed a little cloud of homesickness to settle in over me.
i love being in israel. i feel better here than i did in my first couple years in philly. my life here is rich, full of wonderful people, intellectual growth, laughter, good food, nice weather, and i feel an ironic peacefulness in this war-torn place. but it's simply not home.
it's my favorite place away from home, but home, it is not. for better or for worse, that spot in my heart is pretty much reserved for chicago. city of big shoulders and of my big family. in the not so distant future i'll be hoping to find gainful, satisfying, lasting employment as a rabbi in chicago. i invite you all to my superbowl XLVII party there.
