Everything is possible / It is not too late

This weekend Josh and I are going on a RRC shabbaton (a sabbath getaway). This is one of several trips arragned for us by RRC, but the theme is the same: education and coexistence. 

RRC is concerned with educating rabbis about many things, and perhaps one of the most important is social justice. There is no better place to learn about social justice than in Israel -- a place where some would argue there is actually very little of it. BUT, having spent the better part of the year here I have a lot of hope that one day Israel will be known as a place of coexistence, and I think the destination of our shabbaton is a place where that can begin: The Ein - Shemer Environmental Greenhouse, a place where Israeli and Palestinian teens come together to work on environmental and arts projects. 

The video below explains the founding and goals of this unique place.

Ginge, a love story

Many months back Josh and I found a dirty and tiny kitten in our building's courtyard. Being somewhat rational we realized we could not keep him. We gave him some roasted chicken and put him back outside, feeling quite poorly about our inability to do anything else. Very luckily, our neighbor adopted the kitten that is now an awkward looking bigger kitten. We get to see Ginge often, which is awesome. It's also awesome to see people actually caring about the cats in Jerusalem. Here are two photos of Ginge having a "moment" with his friend Josh.

Orthodox Gaga!

Just a bit more proof that Lady Gaga is penetrating into cultural nooks and crannies.

A video from an Orthodox Jewish wedding. I'm willing to bet most of the guests do now know who Lady Gaga is. But the band and the groom and bride know, which is surprising and a bit strange! 

scenes from a (sibling) visit (pt 2)

After running around Jerusalem we needed a more relaxing pace of things. Along with Josh and Noah's cousin Noam, we headed out to the Dead Sea. Staying at the Ein Gedi Hostel, we enjoyed cozy quarters. It was like a slumber party, but with no one crying at the end of the night.

Josh and Noah reverted back to their childhood :)

We visited the Eing Gedi Spa and enjoyed the traditional spoils of mud. The skin will never feel as nice as it did after our muddy frolic!

Noah, Josh, and Noam

Closer.

Josh, in real life.

                                                                                        Dirty happy people.