On being home...

My two-week visit home was wonderful, strange, delicious, love-filled, and altogether very, very necessary. I got to see some really great people, eat well, see a movie or two, cuddle, laugh, dance, play, and sleep. I also felt like I was rediscovering Los Angeles, doing things and visiting places I've either never seen, or haven't been to in years. It made me incredibly excited to return there permanently for the rest of my graduate school experience. 

The sunshine colored my already full days and made me deeply appreciate my Southern California roots. From the moment I landed in Los Angeles, the weather was as beautiful and warm as one could ever crave. Eighty degrees and sunny every day. Not a cloud in the sky. It warmed me up and helped me relax after a long semester, long week of finals, and tremendously long journey back to L.A. 

As I previously wrote, being with Adam was so wonderful. The last time we were together, he was being whisked away in a sheirut toward Ben Gurion Airport and I stayed a hysterical, sobbing mess at the intersection of Ramban and Holy Shit. So, being together again was both totally awesome and weirdly familiar. Thankfully, we won't have to wait four more months to see each other again; we'll meet in Paris for his birthday, spring break, and our six year anniversary in March! 

My family welcomed me with open arms, providing me with free laundry, delicious food, and bacon as far as the eye could see. They indulged my cravings and took me almost everywhere I wanted to go. Mom and I spent a great deal of time and money shopping, though I must say the economic downturn has resulted in really poor merchandise at these malls. I was not that impressed. But as for Target, well ...  Tar-jay was awesome. 

Despite the piss-poor mall situation, we did some other incredible things. From dinners with old friends to Shabbat to visiting the incredibly gorgeous town of Santa Barbara, it was indeed a full two weeks. 

The view of the Pacific from the Getty Museum 

On Saturday, mom, Andrew, and myself went to the Getty, merely a stone's throw from our house. While the museum has nothing really to boast about in terms of art, the view from the top of the hill is absolutely stunning. You can see all of Los Angeles from the Museum, and on a clear day like that, it was inspirational. 

Adam and me with Ryan B

Adam, mom, and I participated in Thursday Night Dinner at the Bernet's. Ryan is one of my oldest friends; we've known each other since first grade. Ryan introduced me to Adam, and for that I will always be grateful! His mother Dorothy made us a delicious dinner; the food was great, and the company even better. 

With EmKap!

On Friday night, mom hosted a group of our oldest friends for Shabbat dinner. She made brisket (delicious) and provided us all the opportunity to catch up. And Emily, one of my closest friends from college (and my little sis from the sorority) came down from Davis and surprised me! It was wonderful. 

The whole mishpucha at Sunday brunch

One Sunday, we hosted my Aunt Carrie and Uncle Joel, cousin Neil and his wife Rachel, Uncle Peter, and my second-cousin-in-some-way-removed Ari, who goes to USC. Even though it looks like I'm crushing my mother in the picture above, we had a great time and enjoyed ourselves immensely. 

First burrito in 6+ months! Hallelujah! 

I ate several burritos. 'Nuff said. 

The ever-gorgeous wine country of Santa Ynez Valley, just over the hill from SB 

Wine tasting... clearly, I'm not a fan of this one. 

Mom, dad, Adam and I spent one Sunday in Santa Barbara, wine tasting and just generally enjoying the beautiful weather. We found a really cool, off-the-beaten-path winery, called Koehler, (not to be confused with the toilet-making Kohlers) and ate a scrumptious dinner at Bouchon, a local and organic-emphasized restaurant downtown. Yum. 

Our 44th President 

Finally, the ultimate highlight was watching Barack Obama's inauguration. It was incredible, historic, moving, and so powerful. I'm so glad I was in the states to experience it. 

It's truly hard to comprehend that there's only four months left of my Israel adventure. As tough as it was to say goodbye to Adam, mom, dad, and L.A., I know I'll be back there permanently sooner than I could even imagine. And though a part of me is really anxious about starting a whole other semester, I'm also really, really looking forward to it. 

My seven-hour layover in Zurich is coming to a close. Thus, I must head off in search of my flight to Tel Aviv. Until next time, all my love. 

-Jaclyn

Inauguration Day

Boker Tov, President Obama!

My time at home has been wonderful. My parents and Adam have treated me well, I've eaten oh-so-much good food, I've spent time with the people I love, and have purchased some adorable footwear. However, the absolute highlight of these past two weeks was watching Obama's inauguration on TV with my family yesterday morning.

What an incredible feeling it was to watch Barack Hussein Obama become our 44th President. Even greater still was seeing how many millions of people turned out for the inauguration - filling the Washington Mall with joy, excitement, and pride. Yesterday was the much-delayed satisfaction of his winning the election in November; the gratification of a democratic system that finally delivered the result so many of us wanted. Here was also the final stroke of Bush's presidency, the end of eight years of disappointment and destruction.

Saying goodbye to Bush, bidding farewell to that smirk, that attitude, that administration; it felt really good, and totally weird. Almost unreal. Unfathomable. Our nation has suffered for so long under one person's leadership, and now he's been replaced by a man who seems, for all intents and purposes, beautifully prepared and poised to lead our country.

Even moments after the ceremony, as Obama signed his nomination papers and escorted Bush to the waiting helicopter, it felt like a dream. Is this really happening? I thought to myself. How did we finally get it right? Watching him move through the rest of his day - from a tragedy-laden luncheon to the parade to the overpacked inaugural balls of the evening, it still felt so bizarre. Who is this smooth-talking, deliciously adorable, patient, unflappable, talented, in-love-with-his-wife-and-kids, decent human being? Is this really our new leader? For me, it felt like when you have a really successful day at the mall, scoring awesome pieces that fit you beautifully, all on sale. You think to yourself, is this really for me? Did all this really happen? It's total gratification with a hint of complete disbelief.

I think it is tremendously important that Obama is the first African American president. His story is the personification of an American dream. That he is a total break from the presidential norm is a welcome and necessary message to send our nation's children. However, I think the most important thing to harp on is that this one person represents a new kind of leadership; his qualifications and his goals and the way he explains his message are all so brilliantly refreshing and needed. That he is stepping into a truly difficult situation, with everything pretty much in the shitter; well... I think, or perhaps I hope, that he will navigate this period of uncertainty in his typical unflappable style. I look forward to seeing how the world changes with him.

Though I've always been proud and felt truly lucky to carry an American passport, yesterday gave me a heightened appreciation for my national identity and the country in which I was raised. When I go back to Israel on Friday, I will take with me a renewed sense of love for the good ole US of A, and a profound interest in the political and governmental developments of my home.

With much joy,

Jaclyn

Done & Home

I'm done with fall semester! And I'm home in LA! And I ate my first burrito in six months! Life is good.

Finals week was surprisingly great. I worked my ass off, but I felt like I was invested in my exams more than I ever have been before. I was totally into the whole process, as annoying and brain-mushing as it was, and realized in the thick of it all how much knowledge I've accumulated over the past six months. I feel like a may-jah dork saying this, but I'm so excited to be receiving this education. I feel fortunate and blessed, even though saying that after a week of finals... well, I think it might entitle me to a straightjacket. But still, I really did enjoy finals in a weird way, and actually look forward to getting my grades back when I return.

Celebrating the end of finals with Lisa and RVT

On Thursday night, I had a lovely celebration dinner with the girls at Mona. We toasted the end of fall semester and played "Remember when..," looking back fondly on our six months in Jerusalem. Then, late Thursday night (actually, ridiculously early Friday morning) I departed for the States. Originally, I was due to come home on the 12th; we booked the ticket through miles, and it was nearly impossible to change. Somehow, I managed to get a sensitive and kind-hearted person on the phone at United, who heard my plea and finally changed my ticket to the 9th. Only, I had to take four separate flights to get to Los Angeles. So January 9th became the longest day of my life: I was in Tel Aviv, Zurich, London, Washington D.C., and finally Los Angeles. It was an adventure and a total pain in the ass, but I made it in one piece.

The moment I saw Adam, it made the whole complicated trip worth it. It felt so weird and so great to finally be with him again; the last time we saw each other was exactly four months ago to the day, and I was a belligerent mess saying goodbye. Hugging my parents and brother, getting bombarded by my dog Chewy, and being back in the Fromer household has been surreal, but wonderful. L.A. weather is glorious; warm, clear, and sunny. I'm so deeply appreciative, coming from the bitter winter cold of Jlem!

My welcome wagon at LAX last night.

In Santa Monica with the beautiful Pacific behind us.

Today has been such a mellow and relaxing day. And I got to eat my first legitimate burrito since June. Oh, it was so delicious. So necessary. So essential. We went to the beach and walked around Santa Monica, I gazed out at the ocean and felt so sublimely happy to be living in Los Angeles the next four or five years. Just being with my family and Adam felt so, so great. I've had a smile on my face since I landed.

It partially feels like I never left, but at the same time, all these subtle reminders inform me I've really been gone a long time. It was totally weird to go through my closet and the boxes containing all our crap from Berkeley. Luckily, Adam is thee most wonderfully OCD person ever, so everything is organized and properly marked. But it's kind of a nostalgia overdose, too. A trippy reminder of everything I didn't shove in a suitcase with me back in July.

I'm so happy and excited to be home, but I am also very much looking forward to my remaining four months in Jerusalem. Looking back, my time there has been an awesome adventure, and it will be truly difficult to pack it all up and say goodbye. As crazy and intense as the country is, I am having a wonderful experience. But for now, it's all about California.

With love,
Jaclyn

New Years Pictures

New Years Eve in Jerusalem was a great night! Though most Israelis celebrate the new year at Rosh Hashanah, a select few actually indulge in "Sylvester" bashes, and welcome the Gregorian year with pizazz and panache. We partook in the festivities with a New Years Prom, and here are some pics from the night. Enjoy. xoxo

Welcoming 2009 with Leslie, Lisa, and Meredith

Pinning the boutineer on my gorgeous date, Joel!
(a friend of Adam's since the diaper days)

Future Jewish Leaders of America:
Joel, Jac, Ari, Meredith, Jimmy, Lisa, Leslie, and Adam

Roommate Lauren and I get our boogie on

The crowd of HUCsters on the dance floor.

Happy 2009!

Love,
Jac

A New Year

Happy New Year! Shana Tova u'Metukah. May 2009 be a good year, and may it bring peace.

I've spent many hours this past week trying to articulate my feelings on what's been going on in Israel since Saturday. As the world is well aware, that day Israel began a coordinated attack on the Hamas military infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. This act, called Operation Cast Lead, was a retaliation against the thousands of bombs that have fallen on Israelis in the past seven years. Even after Israel conceded Gaza and withdrew every last soldier and citizen in 2005, (but retained control of its borders) even after a weak six-month ceasefire, militants in Gaza continued to send missiles into Israel, destroying homes and lives.

So, what did Israel do? It fought back. And these attacks have been planned for months. Ehud Barak, the Defense Minister and head of the Labor Party, has made it very clear this showing of strength is also a response to the failed events of the 2nd Lebanon War in 2006. This is Israel saying, Hamas is a bunch of terrorists, we're going to take them down, contrary to before we know HOW do it, and the world just needs to shut up and let us do it. I'm kind of impressed with their resolve, but also deeply saddened that it had to come to this.

If you read the New York Times as often as I do, you'll see that their coverage has been (unsurprisingly) pro-Palestinian. Covering the loss of life, which is and always will be tragic. Profiling the victims of the attacks. Calling Israel the bully. Talking about massive numbers of rallies held in Israel and abroad against the operation. And it's just so infuriating, because the majority of the world (including Arab countries) has said that this was Hamas' fault, they did not listen, they refuse to listen, and Israel had to respond.

Let me make it very clear: the attacks are specifically directed at Hamas, NOT at Palestinians. Israel is doing all that it can to avoid civilian casualties, whereas the rockets being sent from Gaza into Israel are aimed at Israelis: anybody, anywhere, as long as they're card-carrying members of the Jewish religion. It's not like Israel is saying, let's kill all the dirty rotten bunch of them. NO! Israel is taking the necessary measures to protect its citizens, and unfortunately, it involves massive destruction and widespread loss of life.

It's a tremendously bizarre scenario in Israel right now. First of all, we are nowhere near the fighting. Gaza and the southern Negev are about an hour and a half away, which really isn't that big of a comfort, but at least bombs aren't falling on Jerusalem. However, with each passing day we get more and more worried that shit is going to start going down here, whether the missiles are going to reach us or angry people start carrying out their own personal vendettas. The unknown of the future is what scares us all. The immediate present has already sunk in, and we're basically immune to it now.

For the past several days, Jerusalem has felt even more intense than it usually does, which is saying a lot. Everyone (sabras and foreign students alike) has been on their toes. And we're all watching the news and listening to what the foreign media has to say - and it's just totally bizarre. It feels like Israel has a big target on it right now, with all the world's eyes on it. We're all remaining vigilant and keeping our eyes open for what might happen, though at this point us HUC students are mostly consumed with our final exams.

And as for the way it feels to be here, well.. I'm mostly depressed. I'm so sad that the situation between these two peoples is what it is. My History of Zionism class this semester was basically an explanation of exactly what's going on in Israel today: these are just two completely separate peoples who hate each other. I don't think that hatred will ever go away, and thus my hope for peace is basically no more. I just don't see it happening on a large-scale, even with a two-state solution. No one will ever be satisfied, and no one will ever forgive the other for the events of the past.

So, hinei Yisrael. This is Israel. This is what it's like to live here, constantly under the threat of war. This is what it's like to be surrounded by your enemies, to know that people absolutely hate you, to see that the majority outside world thinks you're assholes for attacking those poor innocent people in Gaza, who live in poverty and have nothing anyway. I do not understand why people choose to move here, but then again... they probably don't understand how I can be a full and legit Jew while living hutz m'aretz - outside the Holy Land, where Jews belong.

I'm now going home to California in eight days. (Hooray!) A part of me wants to stay in Los Angeles and never look back, and another part of me wants to return to Israel for the four months and twenty-four days I have left on my program, and support Israel by being here and standing with my fellow Jews. I think this is a tension many of my fellow students feel, both out of our fear of impending war and the reality that most of us have no interest in making aliyah. This isn't our home. California is my home. My family and Adam, and friends and loved ones: that's my home. I want to be with my home.

Yet Jerusalem has become my home too, in some way. I've set down some serious stuff here; created a world for myself and become comfortable in my temporary environment. It's going to be totally bizarre to be a tourist in Los Angeles for two weeks, looking at Israel from 6,000 miles away and thinking that my current life exists in Jerusalem, not in L.A. Whether I return to Israel or stay in L.A. is not up to me; the school will make that decision, and it's unlikely we'll be sent home to the states. Regardless, it's just going to be a weird experience, and I'll blog and blab all about it, and all my feelings, for all you lucky readers.

Sigh. Hinei Yisrael. This is part of the experience of living here, I guess. This is Israel, in all its glory. This is why I'm here: to live and breathe all that Israel does and is and will be.

To return to the message at the beginning of this post, Happy New Year. Really and truly. Let's make it a happy year. Let us rise to the occasion and rally around this new American government - let us create positive changes as much as we can, even in these tremendously dark and scary times. Let us ride that banner of Hope, wherever we are. And let us always look to the people we love, and know that we are lucky to have them.

Sending you my warmest new years hugs....

-Jaclyn