Have I mentioned that Israel Pathways, our program organizer, takes us on a total of eight weekend seminars throughout our ten months here? Well, our first one was this past weekend. We spent the weekend in the north by the Sea of Galilee (also known as Lake Kinneret). Our bed and breakfast style hotel was in the perfect location, right on the water. We had beautiful views of the water and mountains and VERY comfortable beds. Every Israel Pathways program attends the seminars. This meant we were able to mingle with the Be'er Sheva Israel Teaching Fellows, the Israel Zoomers from Tel Aviv, and the people from Israel Corps in Kiryat Shmona. It was nice to meet others around the country on similar 5 or 10 month programs.

The weekend felt a bit like Birthright in the sense that it was jam packed full of activities. From the opening ceremony once we first got there to the last dinner before out bus ride home, there was never a dull moment. In between those events, we managed to go to a lookout point, go on a water hike, visit a Kibbutz that hosts immigrants joining the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), go on a party cruise, and eat a ton of delicious food. Overall, it was an amazing weekend full of surprises.

We got back Saturday night but still had training Sunday and Monday at Talpiot college. We were exhausted from the weekend but were still able to make it through the training days. Luckily, today we were able to sleep in. The only thing we needed to do today was meet with our teachers, MASA organizers, and representatives from the Ministry of Education. We found out our school placements for the upcoming year and who we would be working with. I was ecstatic to find out that I was placed in the school that I wanted (the one I observed last week). Marisa and I had requested to work together and I was thrilled when I found out where we were placed. I am very excited to be workin with Marisa in the school of my choice. Unfortunately, our teacher did not show up at the meeting, so we were unable to talk to her and ask questions. I like her a lot though so I was not concerned in the least. We will do classroom observations in our schools next week on the 19th and 20th - so I can ask all of my questions then.

The work week in Israel goes from Sunday through Friday. They have a half day on Friday to prepare for Shabbat, but Shabbat is really their only day off. We will only be volunteering five days a week, so I am grateful to have the two days off. I found out a bit about the schools and teachers in Israel. For example, the starting salary for teachers here is about $15,000/year. Most teachers have second or even third jobs to get by, because that is not enough to live on. Teachers here are over-worked and under paid. I know that is the case in America - but it is even worse here. I am not sure how the teachers find time to have second or third jobs, but I intend to learn more about the situation once I begin teaching in the schools. I know that Louise, one of the teachers at my school, is a very sweet woman who would be more than willing to answer questions. I am very excited to get started in the schools though and cannot wait until that time comes! First though, we have the holidays! Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot are just around the corner.

On a side note - in case any of you are wondering, I am still clumsy. Very much so. Today at the shuk, I was walking around with Eli and Marisa looking for spices for chicken. I don't even know how it happened, but we were in one of the little stores in the shuk and I managed to knock a bottle over. It looked like wine (although the woman said it was some type of juice) and it was very sticky. The glass fell on my foot and broke. Luckily, I did not get cut. However, the sticky red stuff got everywhere! It was all over the store, all over my foot and hands, and it even splashed a little on Eli's shorts. I felt pretty embarrassed and really bad for the woman and man working there. They said it was okay and cleaned it up - but I still felt bad. I offered to pay for it but they told me it was alright. They were very sweet. The picture I posted with this blog is of the store and the mess that I made. You can't really tell in the photo that it's on me - but I assure you - it was a sticky walk home.

I hope everyone back home is doing well. We had a moment of silence today before our meeting to remember everyone from 9/11. It was a really nice idea from Leah. I definitely think it was important (even if I'm not in states right now) to remember that today is an important day and the time needed to be dedicated to those who were lost and the families who suffered.

To end on a happy note, I am loving my life here in Netanya. The other fellows are amazing and we all get along so well. I also can't get over our location and the beach. I wish that everyone from back home could visit and see how wonderful Israel (and specifically, Netanya) is.

Shana Tova (Happy New Year) to all my Jewish friends and family!