Jerusalem...

We say that Jerusalem is the center of the world. I find this statement impossible to refute. Putting aside religious fables and sentiments, what happens in this city today sends out ripples across the globe. Here, in the fertile crescent, the 'cradle of civilizations' people have bene struggling for years to connect, to dwell, to somehow mark their stake in this place. And today, of course, is no different. I'm still not sure waht the "axis of evil" means, but Jerusalem is the axis of the world.

The week has been full of just about everything- except sleep. If I was frustrated on kibbutz by the lack of meaning and connection to Judaism and Israel, this week has more than made up for it.

Let me explain: Last friday, I raced back from Jordan to make it for Shabbat in Jerusalem. I had originally intended on spending it with some distant relatives, but fate, my heart, or whatever led me to the free youth hostel in the Old City where Sara, my former roommate was staying. The plan: to spend 3 days in Jerusalem and then head to Greece.

AS I rode through the streets from the bus station to the old city, Jerusalem's magic aura ensnared me immediately. It's a beautiful city - all religious symbolism aside - it's roads and buildings are made of a pale beige stone and the light seems to speckle the hills and reflect in thousands of directions off of windows, trees, and rooftops. A mix of people from the Jewish world roam the sidewalks, with the religious communtiy re[resenting a far larger proportion than in other ISraeli cities that I'd been to so far this summer.

Highlights of the week:
Shabbat DInner and Lunch with Aish HaTorah

Workshop on Hell
Yad Vashem
Chana Peek
Beuduin Tent Arad

Ein Gedi
The Dead Sea
Shabbat in the Park
Shabbat Ruach
Megan Schiff
Artists Market - Avi Geffen
Tsfat!

Thoughts on the futrue