OK, OK, I'm back... So Sorry

Yes, I took a hiatus for a few weeks, but I've returned better than ever. And not even *ahem* effected by the loads of matza I've consumed in the last week.

So much has happened: my parents visited for pesach, we traveled sweetly, unrushed through parts of Israel that they had never seen; I went to heroic efforts (I think) to both kasher my dishware/kitchen and not offend my secular roommates' sensibilities; I put on a seder (with much help) that lasted until 2:30 in the morning; I visited the kibbutz where I volunteered for half a year seven years ago (but felt like another lifetime back); I transcribed Friday night kiddush for my Israelis friends who "weren't sure they remembered the words"; I read a book from my mom about breaking objects in order to make relationships whole. Yeah full. And that's just the stuff I can remember at this very moment.

Basically Seder was extraordinary. Starting at 2pm, I sent my mother home for a nap (she had helped a ton already) and my friends came over to help with the finishing touches. The table looked lovely (I learned from the best *wink*) and there was just enough room for the 13 guests. SM led the tekes (ceremony, sort of) and we had discussions about inverse narratives, ritual and liberation, conflation of time and Jewish cyclical time (my pet topics). We ate, we sang, we drank a bit too much and I was told by two guests that it was one of their most meaningful seders in their lives. Amen!

See JN put the finishing touches on a lovely table as SM chat away in the background making read


In that big bad world outside my 5th floor apartment, other developments have gone on. The US Supreme Court made one of the most important climate change decisions in it history (yes, I am paying attention.) Israel PM Olmert has reportedly a 3% approval rating, while the poll had a 4% margin of error. Oy! People go about their lives breathing, making love, planning war, studying, crying, smirking, laughing, baking, laying carpet, and making mountains move.

I'm fine and didn't want you lovely readers to think otherwise. I'm more and more aware that my time in Israel is limited and I have much left to do. I'm excited about the next steps, even though I'm not quite sure what they will be. I hope all is well with you and please be in touch.

Neshikot me'haaretz,
Myrrh