Two more weeks left of Ulpan. In general I really enjoy being in Ulpan because I really want to work on my Hebrew. However our last 2 weeks of class have an additional hour in order to fit in everything they need to teach us. This last hour is pretty hard to get through, as we’re all ready to think about something other than new vocabulary words and verb conjugation by the end of the class. Luckily today and yesterday they supplemented our class time with something different to give us a break. Yesterday we did some games in Hebrew to make us think quickly even if it was basic, and today we learned some famous Israeli songs. I wish I were able to continue in a Hebrew class after Ulpan ends, but with my art schedule, I won’t have the credits available. I’ll just have to figure out how to independently continue my Hebrew Studies.

My Ulpan class had a tour of the Hebrew U campus in Hebrew (basic) to put our small knowledge of vocabulary to work. I also had a tour of the Bezalel building yesterday, which was exciting to see where my art classes will be held. The facilities are quite nice. The building itself is pretty maze-like but the view from almost anywhere is gorgeous.

View from Hebrew U

Last week I also went to the Kotel (Western Wall) with some of my new friends. This was my 2^nd time there (1^st time this trip). While there, it always makes me think. It’s hard to have this object that your whole life you’ve heard how religiously important it is, and then when you get there not try to think about how it relates to you and your life and what it means to you.

From L to R- Liz, Me, Rachel at the Kotel

I also finding it continually annoying that the women are smushed in to a section that is maybe 25% of the wall, and the men get to spread out throughout the other 75%. If you have never experienced this, pretty much if you want to be up at the wall as a woman you have to wait your turn until people are done praying to slowly move up… and hope no one elbows you out of the way first. On the men’s side there was plenty of open room for any man to just walk right up and be at the wall with no problem.

Last week I also enjoyed a lovely dinner of Schnitzel with Becka and then went for some ice cream at Max Brenner.

A variety of chocolate flavors to enjoy

A couple of my roommates and I also hosted a very lovely Shabbat dinner potluck. We had chicken, cous cous, salad, hummus, tabouli, and I made a soup that I cannot wait to make again. It was a sweet potato, carrot, apple soup that my mom had recommended to me. If you think this sounds appealing, click here for the recipe (Alterations I made: Did not have chili powder, and I didn’t use yogurt as this was a “meat” meal. I also did not puree it).

Shabbat dinner at our apartment with new friends

And of course no week would be complete without a visit to the shuk to get groceries. Enjoy a few drool-worthy photos of food.

Interesting looking variety of breads

Variety of seeds and nuts

The Halva King's selection of halva! I have a very large portion of black sesame because there were only so many times I could tell him in my horrible Hebrew that I wanted a smaller piece.

Tubs and tubs of olives. I tried some that had lemon and hot pepper chunks in the mix. Can't wait to try more.