I spent Friday night with an old Moroccan couple down the block from me. Their house looked like it hadn’t been renovated for hundreds of years; there were domed ceilings and narrow doorways, and old menoras hanging on the wall. … Continue reading Moroccan Shabbos, Jobs, and the Gift of Friends

I think there’s no way to define insanity, because everyone has their own version of it. I always thought I was somewhat insane. Thank G-d, now I have the clarity and maturity to know with certainty that I am. I … Continue reading Settling Down, Finding Silence, and Other Updates 🙂

This jet lag is wacky! It’s 4am and you’d think I just drank 5 espressos. I got back from the states two days ago, where I was visiting for my little sister, Hadassa’s, wedding. It was not in the plans … Continue reading Wedding Celebrations and New Perspectives

The next big move of my life came suddenly and unexpectedly, but I guess that’s what I needed to push me past my fear. It was Thursday night when the call came in. “Hi Batya, it’s Hadas, from Mayanot (school … Continue reading Back to School and Inner Peace

What a year. What a year! I CANNOT BELIEVE I MADE IT THROUGH A YEAR! Had anyone told me how hard this year would be, I don’t think I’d have the courage to come, and yet, the challenge itself is what … Continue reading One Year of Discovery

(Pictures at the bottom of post!) It’s bizarre what 8 months can do. Last week, as I was unpacking my suitcases for the ninth time, I found some pajamas I hadn’t seen in a while. A foreign feeling surrounded them, as … Continue reading Building Eternity

The booths with the sign above them, sprinkled on every other corner of Jerusalem, scream, “Change,” and I, always obedient (most of the time…), obey. At first, I hesitated, but recently, I’ve been going at it head on. There’s something … Continue reading Change, Change, Change

I’m compelled to continue blogging by the out pouring of love and questions that have come my way by my concerned friends, who haven’t heard from me in weeks. It’s been over 5 months since landing! I’m sitting in Ma’afe … Continue reading Five Months Later…

I have so much to tell you!! It’s been 3 weeks already, and now that my phone is working and there’s WiFi, I’m exploding with memories. I haven’blogged a lot since arriving because I’m stubborn,  and my phone want letting … Continue reading Only in Israel! Tiveria Trip!