Much has transpired in the last few weeks. This may well have been one of the most eventful weeks of my life.
On March 30 I packed by bags, got on a bus bound for Jerusalem and there I received Israeli citizenship. While in Jerusalem I also met my new landlord to sign my new lease agreement because, by the way everyone, I moved to Haifa!
My plan for now is to attend a five-month ulpan that begins the first week of May. (Ulpan Hebrew’s equivalent of English’s “E.S.O.L.” The word “ulpan” translates literally to “studio.”) Tomorrow I have my ulpan entrance exam to determine into which level I will be sorted.
I was slightly disappointed that I wasn’t spending Passover at home this year but it was okay because I got to experience my first Israeli Passover. I took the train from Haifa to Modiin and spent the holiday with cousins.
Modiin is one-third of a “suburban” municipality just outside of Jerusalem. The scenery is breathtaking.
Went for a stroll in the beautiful hills of Modiin with my cousin Avia and her buddy Noel. |
Even discovered some ancient ruins! |
We had just one seder, as is the norm in Israel. Outside of Israel there are two seders due to the time difference. (Side note: I feel like it should be the same for Christmas. Elijah doesn't have even half as many homes to visit as Santa and yet he has twice as much time. Just a thought!)
In place of the traditional matzah my cousins have a family custom of using these horseshoe-like homemade bread pieces. |
The seder was almost exactly the same as what I am accustomed to back in the U.S., with the exception of course that it was conducted in Hebrew. Even though it seems at times like I am worlds apart here in Israel from good old Rockville, it’s nice to have such a sense of familiarity in the traditions and customs here.
I got to practice my Hebrew a lot during my stay in Modiin since my nine-and-a-half-year-old cousin Avia doesn’t know any English yet - or maybe she is just too shy to use it! I told her that one day the extent of her English-speaking abilities will probably surpass those of mine in Hebrew. It’s a little sad because deep down I know it’s true!
Hopefully this ulpan will work on me!
After arriving home to Haifa from seder I packed my bags to get ready for a spontaneous trip to France!!!
To be continued…
Just reading now! Glad you had a nice Israeli passover, congrats on CITIZENSHIP and mazel on your move to HAIFA. xoxo Sarah Koteen
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