Wednesday, August 1, 2012

First day of Jewel

We had a late start this morning at 10am, which was good because people stayed up late. Everyone is on weird schedules, and I'm hoping that changes soon. People were up until 4 or 5 am when it finally got quiet.

We had an orientation and discussed our schedule for the next three weeks. The education director gave this talk today about the attitude and perspective we should have during the course of the program, and how only we control our mind. She encourages us to question how everything works within our own ideology, but to be open to what is being discussed. What I found interesting is that she said she is so cynical and critical. The point of education is growth and not necessarily just to take blindly what the teacher is saying. Being open to new ideas is important, though. If we know where we are going to be at the end, what kind of journey is it?

It seems that many of the classes are about Jewish concepts, prayer and texts, women in Judaism, and Israeli politics. I'm looking forward to learning more about the conflict which I feel I know almost nothing about.

The women are from all over and from different backgrounds,which should make for interesting discussions.

It is so hot here, but it is a dry heat. So I'm constantly drinking water. I'm amazed at how much I can drink but still need more.

We went on a short tour of Jerusalem today and went to the Kotel for the first of many times. We saw the city from Mount Scopus and then ended at the educational director's house for dinner. Tomorrow we start with our classes.

No comments:

Post a Comment