This Shabbat I went to Tzfat, one of the four holy cities in Israel. We (everyone at the yeshiva) got up at 6 a.m. on friday morning to leave for Tzfat. We first stopped at a natural spring and then went to the grave of Rabbi Meir, one of the pupils of Rabbi Akiva and a major player in the Talmud. We finally arrived in Tzfat at around 12 p.m., checked into our hotel, got some of the best falafel in Israel, and then headed down with a few friends to the kever (grave) of Rabbi Isaac Luria, also known as the Arizal. Rabbi Isaac Luria is known for being a monumental figure in the revelation and development of the kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Afterwards, my friends and I went to the Ari Mikveh, a natural spring inside a cave that's used for ritual purification. You pretty much go in and dunk a few times; people dunk different number of times depending on their liking (my personal favorite is ten). What makes this mikveh different from other mikveh's is that a) although the water leaks from the mountain where the cave is, nobody knows where it's source is and b) it's FREEZING cold, better than a cup of coffee if you want to wake up :-)
The Shabbat service I went to was pretty great; it was an outdoor Carlebach minyan, which means that there was a lot of singing and dancing with a group of mixed company ranging from the most non-observant to the most orthodox Jew. The music was beautiful and it was so great to see Jews of different backgrounds coming together for Shabbat, but the only thing was that the service seemed to be more about the music and performance of it than the actual davening. Afterwards, I had a great Shabbat dinner with my friends from yeshiva and then stayed up for an amazing fabrengen (chasidic gathering). We sang nigunim (wordless chasidic tunes), sipped on some drinks, and told stories about spirituality, religion, perserverance, family, integrity, and lots of other really great things.
The next day had a lot of great highlights: davening with the yeshiva, going to the ari mikveh again, reading the entire book of tehillim (psalms), afternoon fabrengen, and havdalah. At night we went to Ascent, a hostel in the middle of Tzfat that I'll be staying at for 2 1/2 weeks after the summer semester of Mayanot. We saw a documentary about a rabbi who conducted the largest passover seder in the world in Nepal. You would think that there wouldn't be that many Jews there, but after serving in the military, a lot of Israeli's actually make this huge trip out to the East for 6 months to a year. There were over 1,000 people at that seder! Afterwards, a group of people from the yeshiva (myself included) went to go visit the grave of the Rebbe's brother, went to the Ari mikveh AGAIN for a late night dip (1 a.m. to be precise), and then we went to this absolutely AMAZING old fortress from hundreds of years ago. The main room of the fortress was this huge dome that had great acoustics; whatever you said would linger on for a few seconds after you said it. We sang a lot of acappella Jewish songs and nigunim, it was one of the most amazing sonic experiences of my life, incredibly moving and beautiful.
The next day we went on this big hike from Tzfat to the grave of Shimon bar Yochai, a tzadik (holy person) we lived around the Second Temple period. According to the tradition, he was the author of the holy Zohar, the foundational and fundamental text of the Kabbalah. The whole thing was incredibly romantic in the 18th century literary adventure sense; the group of us went on this huge hike across mountains to go visit and pray at the tomb of one of the biggest holy men in all of Judaism. According to the legend, Shimon bar Yochai and his son Eliezar hid from the Romans for twelve years in a cave where they learned all the secrets of the Kabbalah. After all those years of hiding, they left the cave to find a man working in the field. Eliezar was so angered by the fact that people could do something as mundane as field work that his intense religious passion sparked the entire field on fire. A voice from heaven told them that they weren't ready yet, that they had to learn how to combine spirituality and physicality together so they went back in for another year. When they finally came out, they had the clear vision of how the two, spirituality and the physical world, work harmoniously together.
At the actual monument dedicated to Rabbi Shimon, I just stood there among all these chasidim and I prayed silently to G-d. What was amazing is that the sounds of people praying, along with the acoustics of the space, combined to make the sound of low rumbling winds. Why this is so cool is because the four holy cities (Tzfat, Jerusalem, Hebron, and Tiberias) allude to the four elements (wind, fire, earth, and water). As you can probably guess, Tzfat is connected to wind, so the fact that it sounds like blowing winds was really intense. One of the things that I've been most happy with is the spiritual development that I've been making; it's definitely been a huge struggle for me, but I'm growing inch my inch, practically crawling in hopes that someday I'll be able to walk. That's all for now. Right now I'm in a particularly good mood; I had some good study sessions with Talmud and Torah, made some great progress with my new composition, and finally got skype (I'll now be able to talk to and see my parents over the internet!) That's all for now.
Best thoughts and wishes from Jerusalem,
Zach/Michael
Monday, July 12, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Learning, Living, Loving in Jerusalem
Jerusalem really is the heart of the world. I can't describe it or put my finger on it, outside of the Old City it looks like a completely normal city, but there's something in the air, something that goes through you, circulating and pumping your heart, an ancient life force or energy that connects you to not only the past, but the present as well. One can truly live in the moment if they want to, all it takes is a bit of perspective and contemplation. All we have is the present; the future is merely an illusion, non-existent, an imaginary end goal that, if misunderstood, can cause unnecessary anxiety and fear. There's no such thing as the future since once we're there, it's the present. That's why humanity can truly tap into their potential only when they are focused on the here and now. Not tomorrow, not next week or ten years from now, but in the moment, where people are alive and progressing forward, is there a true level of existence and where G-d can be most found.
Now don't hold me to this 100%, but, in hebrew, G-d's name is spelled yud, hey, vov, hey or Y-H-V-H. If isolated, the 'H-V-H' is meant to express being while the 'Y' indicates something ongoing. Therefore, G-d's name literally expresses an ongoing being (omnipresence), an ongoing present. That is why G-d is most found in the here and now as opposed to in past/future history. By tapping into that all-present presence, we can actualize the reality that is G-d, a state of being as opposed to some distant diety looking down on us from a spot in heaven. In regards to the past, one should never live in the past because, just like preoccupying onself with the future, it detracts from living the present. The past should merely be used to propel us in the perpetually unfolding present that we call the future.
Now that I've gotten that out of my system *phew*, it's time for the update. I'm loving Jerusalem. Only in Israel can I walk 30 minutes from my yeshivah and find myself and the holiest place in the world (the kotel). I've met some pretty "interesting" people, Israel is full of people who either think that they are the Messiah or don't quite know how to express their excitment for the Messiah's arrival. I'm learning a ton about my Jewish identity, living in Israel, Israel and it's relationship with rest of the world (which sadly is incredibly skewed and misunderstood), and myself. The main problem that I have here is trying to find a focal point for all this energy that I have!
I will admit, though, that I miss my family and friends. It's very difficult to be away from my mom, dad, brother, dog (even though she is annoying), and close friends. I also miss having a piano to play, as well as having a library of scores and recordings at my disposal. I've been keeping up with composing; I'm actually working on a new technique/process of composing that involves studying Chassidut (Jewish mysticism) and writing. So far the prospects seem promising, but it's difficult to navigate a completely new system that seems to have no prior grounding in previous composers.
Something that I didn't quite expect was the level of individuality that I've found in yeshivah; while I knew that I would be trying to figure myself out here, I've found that by being around so many religious people/living in such a religious community that I've felt the need to preserve my individuality even more. This is not to say that I'm trying to be different, but it's been forcing me, in a sense, to keep in touch with who I am. That's all for now, sorry for the gap in time between blog posts, but as you can tell I have been VERY busy!
with love,
Zach/Michael
Now don't hold me to this 100%, but, in hebrew, G-d's name is spelled yud, hey, vov, hey or Y-H-V-H. If isolated, the 'H-V-H' is meant to express being while the 'Y' indicates something ongoing. Therefore, G-d's name literally expresses an ongoing being (omnipresence), an ongoing present. That is why G-d is most found in the here and now as opposed to in past/future history. By tapping into that all-present presence, we can actualize the reality that is G-d, a state of being as opposed to some distant diety looking down on us from a spot in heaven. In regards to the past, one should never live in the past because, just like preoccupying onself with the future, it detracts from living the present. The past should merely be used to propel us in the perpetually unfolding present that we call the future.
Now that I've gotten that out of my system *phew*, it's time for the update. I'm loving Jerusalem. Only in Israel can I walk 30 minutes from my yeshivah and find myself and the holiest place in the world (the kotel). I've met some pretty "interesting" people, Israel is full of people who either think that they are the Messiah or don't quite know how to express their excitment for the Messiah's arrival. I'm learning a ton about my Jewish identity, living in Israel, Israel and it's relationship with rest of the world (which sadly is incredibly skewed and misunderstood), and myself. The main problem that I have here is trying to find a focal point for all this energy that I have!
I will admit, though, that I miss my family and friends. It's very difficult to be away from my mom, dad, brother, dog (even though she is annoying), and close friends. I also miss having a piano to play, as well as having a library of scores and recordings at my disposal. I've been keeping up with composing; I'm actually working on a new technique/process of composing that involves studying Chassidut (Jewish mysticism) and writing. So far the prospects seem promising, but it's difficult to navigate a completely new system that seems to have no prior grounding in previous composers.
Something that I didn't quite expect was the level of individuality that I've found in yeshivah; while I knew that I would be trying to figure myself out here, I've found that by being around so many religious people/living in such a religious community that I've felt the need to preserve my individuality even more. This is not to say that I'm trying to be different, but it's been forcing me, in a sense, to keep in touch with who I am. That's all for now, sorry for the gap in time between blog posts, but as you can tell I have been VERY busy!
with love,
Zach/Michael
Thursday, June 24, 2010
post-birthright update/first night in yeshiva
So today was the tenth and last day of my birthright trip and it was AMAZING. I learned so much about Jewish identity, Israeli culture, society, and people; made some awesome friends, saw some incredibly holy and cool sites, and had the time of my life. My group grew incredibly close with each other; I thought that it was very unexpected how tight-knit everyone became by the end of the trip and I took something from each relationship that I formed. I also learned a tremendous amount about myself and how I "work".
The trip itself was beyond anything I could've imagined. The first three days were spent in the northern part of Israeli in amazingly beautiful geographic locations (mountains, valleys, beaches, etc.) After spending time in the north, we went to the city of Tzfat, one of the four holy cities. I went to the synagogue of a mystic from the 16th century, as well as to his grave; I was incredibly moved, almost to tears. Afterwards, we went to Jerusalem where we had an awesome Shabbat. On day seven we went to Tel Aviv, which although it wasn't quite my scene (parties, clubs, etc.) it was still pretty nice. We spent the eighth night at a bedouin camp and hiked masada/went to the dead sea on the ninth day. Last night there was a huge party and I only got three hours of sleep, so needless to say, I'm incredibly tired.
However, now I'm at Mayanot yeshiva where I will spend the next month studying. Afterwards, I'll go to another program in Jerusalem, then I'll spend a couple of months in tzfat. Come the fall, I'll officially be enrolled at Mayanot yeshiva for the year. I'm really excited to learn here; it seems to be an incredibly open-minded yeshiva. I believe that I'll be able to be as creative here as I want to (i.e. composing, creative writing) I have no idea what will be, but I think that not knowing is atleast half the fun. Although right now I feel pretty tired and sad about my birthright trip ending, I know that once I spend this Shabbat at the yeshiva, I'll be ready to dive into the experience.
Thinking of you all,
Zach
The trip itself was beyond anything I could've imagined. The first three days were spent in the northern part of Israeli in amazingly beautiful geographic locations (mountains, valleys, beaches, etc.) After spending time in the north, we went to the city of Tzfat, one of the four holy cities. I went to the synagogue of a mystic from the 16th century, as well as to his grave; I was incredibly moved, almost to tears. Afterwards, we went to Jerusalem where we had an awesome Shabbat. On day seven we went to Tel Aviv, which although it wasn't quite my scene (parties, clubs, etc.) it was still pretty nice. We spent the eighth night at a bedouin camp and hiked masada/went to the dead sea on the ninth day. Last night there was a huge party and I only got three hours of sleep, so needless to say, I'm incredibly tired.
However, now I'm at Mayanot yeshiva where I will spend the next month studying. Afterwards, I'll go to another program in Jerusalem, then I'll spend a couple of months in tzfat. Come the fall, I'll officially be enrolled at Mayanot yeshiva for the year. I'm really excited to learn here; it seems to be an incredibly open-minded yeshiva. I believe that I'll be able to be as creative here as I want to (i.e. composing, creative writing) I have no idea what will be, but I think that not knowing is atleast half the fun. Although right now I feel pretty tired and sad about my birthright trip ending, I know that once I spend this Shabbat at the yeshiva, I'll be ready to dive into the experience.
Thinking of you all,
Zach
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
First days in Israel
So the plane ride was LONG, 10 1/2 hours to be precise. The food was pretty bad, but davening (praying) at the back of the plane with all the chassidim was awesome. I was cramped behind some wall in a space big enough for all five people side to side and I was right near the bathroom. You would think that whatever praying I got accomplished between flushes wouldn't be too great, but there was something about the human experience of that minyan (a quorum of ten people for a prayer service) that brought me kavannah (intention) when I davened. People can really be a great medium for G-dliness to dwell.
I landed in Tel Aviv at 5:15 A.M. Israel time (10:15 P.M. American time). I was incredibly exhausted, but when I looked out the window and saw the sunrise over Israel I was immediately ready for anything. Tel Aviv looked like any other city, but there was something about it that touched me and I couldn't quite place my finger on it. Our group met up outside the airport and we went to a nature reserve that was preserved to look like a biblical agricultural field. Then we went to Cesaria, a 2nd Temple period city built in the style of Roman architecture. The Mediterranean was beautiful, I've never seen a bluer sea! We finished by visiting Mt. Arbel, a REALLY tall mountain with an awesome view.
Today we went to an old army base in the Golan Heights, went jeeping across the Golan Heights, and ended with a nice hike. After showering and getting ready, we went to Tiberius for dinner. Tiberius is one of the four holy cities in Israel; tradition says that went Moshiach (the Messiah) comes to usher in the Messianic age, he will first enter through Tiberius. There's some famous rabbis buried there; unfortunately we didn't get to see them because Tiberius also happens to be a big beach hot spot so our group went out to the bars (yay! except I don't really drink or party....darn) It's ok though, even though everyone was pretty wasted, I'm still enjoying Israel a tremendous amount and get along with a lot of the people. I was so focused on attending Mayanot- the yeshiva that I'm going to next week- that I didn't even think about what the actual birthrite trip would be like. I enjoy how they plan the trip out starting with secular locations so that by the time Shabbat rolls in, we're in Tzfat and then Jerusalem (two other holy cities in Israel). Being on this land is amazing; everytime I look around I think to myself that my ancestors lived here and might have seen the very views that I see.
I'm feeling a lot better about not losing myself, if anything, I think I will grow into who I want to and am supposed to be here. I can't wait, but I'm thrilled to be along for the journey. More to come soon!
Much love,
Zach
I landed in Tel Aviv at 5:15 A.M. Israel time (10:15 P.M. American time). I was incredibly exhausted, but when I looked out the window and saw the sunrise over Israel I was immediately ready for anything. Tel Aviv looked like any other city, but there was something about it that touched me and I couldn't quite place my finger on it. Our group met up outside the airport and we went to a nature reserve that was preserved to look like a biblical agricultural field. Then we went to Cesaria, a 2nd Temple period city built in the style of Roman architecture. The Mediterranean was beautiful, I've never seen a bluer sea! We finished by visiting Mt. Arbel, a REALLY tall mountain with an awesome view.
Today we went to an old army base in the Golan Heights, went jeeping across the Golan Heights, and ended with a nice hike. After showering and getting ready, we went to Tiberius for dinner. Tiberius is one of the four holy cities in Israel; tradition says that went Moshiach (the Messiah) comes to usher in the Messianic age, he will first enter through Tiberius. There's some famous rabbis buried there; unfortunately we didn't get to see them because Tiberius also happens to be a big beach hot spot so our group went out to the bars (yay! except I don't really drink or party....darn) It's ok though, even though everyone was pretty wasted, I'm still enjoying Israel a tremendous amount and get along with a lot of the people. I was so focused on attending Mayanot- the yeshiva that I'm going to next week- that I didn't even think about what the actual birthrite trip would be like. I enjoy how they plan the trip out starting with secular locations so that by the time Shabbat rolls in, we're in Tzfat and then Jerusalem (two other holy cities in Israel). Being on this land is amazing; everytime I look around I think to myself that my ancestors lived here and might have seen the very views that I see.
I'm feeling a lot better about not losing myself, if anything, I think I will grow into who I want to and am supposed to be here. I can't wait, but I'm thrilled to be along for the journey. More to come soon!
Much love,
Zach
Saturday, June 12, 2010
First blog post/ last night in Middletown
So I've officially started my blog for while I'm in Israel! (trumpets and thunderous applause) I will try to remember to update this blog at least once a week so I can keep everyone in the loop. This way it'll sort of be like I never left! (sort of....) So this is my last night in Middletown and I have to say, emotions are a bit weird for me right now. Whether I was living here or going to school in Ithaca, this was pretty much my home base for my entire life. This will be the first time that I'll be making a move as big as this. I'm feeling a bit anxious; I've never been across the Atlantic before and the farthest I've been away from the States was Canada, so this is a pretty big deal. I will definitely miss my family and friends, both in Middletown and in Ithaca. I'm hoping that I've made the right decision to take a year from graduate school. I just need to figure some stuff out about what I really want to do and, more importantly, who I am. It's crazy, I haven't even left Middletown yet and already I miss everyone. I will be leaving Monday morning from JFK at 12 P.M. and will be arriving in Tel Aviv 5:30 A.M. Israel time (woah crazy seven hour time difference!) From then I'll be on my birthright trip for 10 days and then, I'm off to Mayanot yeshiva for the year. I hope to learn a lot create a lot, and figure out the answers to some questions. In the mean time, I'll get a pretty sweet trip out of it. That's all for now. Less than 48 hours to go!
kisses,
Zach/Michael (my hebrew name)
kisses,
Zach/Michael (my hebrew name)
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