I am here in the Holy Land! In Har Nof, a quiet religious neighborhood in the Jerusalem hills, to be exact. From up here, we’ve got a spectacular view of the whole city of Jerusalem (see left). We’re about a 90 minute walk or an hour bus ride from the Old City and the Western Wall. I feel so at home here. I could not imagine spending my summer any other way.
I’m studying at Neve Yerushalayim, a women’s college of about 1500. The rabbis are so caring and inspiring, the girls that surround me are warm and kind-hearted, the people of Har Nof are incredibly friendly and welcoming… it really is an amazing place to be. Israel in general is amazing. I lack words to describe the deep connection I feel when I’m here. It just feels like… home. Even though I have no family whatsoever here. Doesn’t matter. It’s home.
My classes are on topics like the Bible, ethics, interpersonal relationships, and Jewish laws. We talk about things like the purpose of life, the purpose of creation, how to achieve happiness and success in life, etc. It’s all about personal growth and understanding. I can tell that I will be challenged to think more here than I ever was in college. I will not be the same person when I come back.
I stayed in Har Nof this past weekend, but I plan on getting out most weekends and really experiencing the country. I’ll be going to a different city for every Shabbat (Friday night through Saturday night), and also taking day trips to Tel Aviv and other close-by places. I am going to try to make it to Istanbul in mid-June as well.
Take care,
Shayna
