Has it really been three months already? Yes, chaverim, we have reached the end of our time here in Ashkelon. It is now 3:00, and all of us are at various stages in our packing and cleaning, preparing to move out of Kalanit tomorrow morning. So since I really hate doing those things, what better time to recap the past few months? Here are some of the highlights…
-The plane ride from New York to Tel Aviv. Oh, wait, this wasn’t a highlight, due to the hundreds of screaming Yeshiva girls who wouldn’t shut up the entire plane ride. Yeah, I’m still bitter.
-First shawarma in Israel. After arriving in Jerusalem, a bunch of us wandered around the city until we found a little street with a bunch of restaurants, where we treated ourselves to our first shawarma. More interestingly, a girl overheard us saying “OTZMA” as she walked by, and turned out she was an alumnus from a couple of years ago that had made aliyah! Our first clue at how small Israel really is.
-Deck parties at Yitzchak Rabin Youth Hostel. Every night in Jerusalem, we would all find ourselves outside, having fun and hanging out. This was our first real chance to get to know each other, and the nights more often than not included the “Summer Camp” group loudly singing camp songs into the night while everyone else watched with equal parts amusement and annoyance.
-Our night with the Bedouins. After leaving Jerusalem, we went on a two-day tiyul that included a lot of intense hiking and a night in a Bedouin tent. We also learned that traditionally Bedouins give 3 small cups of coffee. We only got 2.
-Swimming in the Dead Sea. Also, getting swept away in the current of the Dead Sea and trying to get back without insanely salty water splashing in your face and mouth, causing intense pain.
-Moving into Kalanit! By the way, I firmly believe I had the best roommate in the group in Jeremy, a San Fransicoan who will soon be volunteering in a town called Kiryat Shimona. Great guy.
-First time at the beach – for me, pretty much ever. A lot of people here are from coastal areas, so it was status quo for them, but having lived my life in Missouri, being able to walk to the beach was pretty awesome.
-Volunteering to deliver Rosh Hashana care packages. Less notable for the actual work, more notable for the fact that I was working with a girl I hadn’t really talked to the first week, some Philly girl named Allie...
-Starting ulpan and quickly realizing how over my head I was…
-Nights out in Ashkelon, which mainly meant heading to the Marina and the occasional dance club. I say occasional because that hasn’t happened since October.
-The infamous “24 Hours in Israel”, which consisted of us delivering more Rosh Hashana supplies, going to a 2AM educational seminar in Jerusalem to learn… something, and getting on a bus 24 hours after waking up to head to Yokne’am for the first time.
-Meeting my adoptive family in Yokne’am! The Hirsches were awesome, and I loved their little twins. We spent the first night of Rosh Hashana in Carmiel with Effie (the dad)’s family, who spoke English, and the second day/night with Ofra (the mom)’s famiy in Kiryat Shimona, who did not. We also stopped off in a town called Akko, which is this awesome old city filled with medieval fortresses from the times of the Crusades. Finally, we stopped off at an army base in the Golan Heights to see Effie’s nephew, where I got to take a picture with a tank – BUT ONLY ONE (emphasis added by the IDF). I then jumped on a train to head home… only to find about 10 other OTZMAnikim on the same train.
-Volunteering at the local foster home. A lot of people got kind of lame rooms, but my kids were AWESOME. One girl loved being lifted in the air, and another kid always wanted to play basketball or soccer with me – and if you know me, you know the entertainment value there. They gave me a framed picture at the end with all of them.
-Sukkot break in Egypt! I’ve recapped that enough on here, so just go read that.
-Potlucks, both big and small. Whenever I was in Ashkelon for Shabbat, we would have a big potluck with whoever was in town. We also did a lot of smaller potlucks for random dinners, since it was much easier to make a little bit and have a lot of people do the same. The most memorable would have to be the Asian-themed dinner, where we made sweet and sour chicken and I came up with little fortune cookies.
-Random weekend in Jerusalem. I went up to hang out with Allie, and we saw the Israel Museum along with many buses. We also went to an Idan Reichel concert, of which you can read about on the St. Louis OTZMA blog.
-More weekends in Yokneam! Along with more Shabbat dinners with the Hirsches, I went up to spend a few days with a group of 30somethings from St. Louis who were being sponsored on their first trip to Israel. Again, check out the other blog for a recap.
-LOTS of seminars. We had one interesting one on Israeli politics, where we got a crash course in the Knesset, along with a meeting with a former MK. A lot of comments that day about how I was in my element. Also, I got to go to a great Shabbaton where we learned all about security issues facing Israel. A pretty sobering experience – pretty much Iran is the key to everything and it’s going to hit the fan in the next year. Yay! If they could wait till July, that would be great.
-Going to see “(500) Days of Summer” In Jerusalem, only to learn that the online listing lied and we were at an incredibly artsy theater. We saw “An Education” instead. Not what I wanted to see. They didn’t even sell popcorn…
-Date night in Tel Aviv! Go check out Mayumana if you didn’t the last time I asked you to. Please.
-An awesome auction at Netzach Yisrael, which raised something like 10 times more money than they raised the past 5 years. Go Allie for planning it!
-Volunteering at a local school called Kfar Silver, with kids who really did have a great interest in learning English. We even watched part of “Pay It Forward” and discussed it with them. Now if only it were more organized…
-Dogsitting for Allie’s adoptive family while they were in England. They have a little puppy named Gizmo, and outside of my dog (of course)… CUTEST. DOG. EVER.
-Packing and leaving. Wait… not that.
So that was a brief recap… but what comes next? Well, you should probably check out my other blog for that. Oh yeah. It’s a two-part crossover.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Max's Top 10 Christmas Songs!
Oh yeah. You read that title right. See, I don't buy into the myth that as a Jew, I'm not supposed to like Christmas music. Truth is, I don't see how you don't! It's just so happy! Sure, I'm not exactly into the songs that are all about Jesus as lord and savior. Comes with the territory of not believing it. But there are plenty of other great songs, and were I back in America right now, my radio would be tuned to the local station playing holiday music 24/7. And I have no shame in admitting that. So, to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, I'm going to treat you all to my favorite Christmas songs. So read on, and then feel free to leave comments with your personal favorite and thoughts on my list. Let's begin...
Honorable Mention: "Christmas is All Around" by Billy Mack
This song, while fantastic, had to be disqualified due to unoriginality. By his own admission, Mack simply changed some words to an old song in a blatant attempt for a comeback by shooting up the Christmas charts. However, it did lead to an entertaining incident where, upon reaching the #1 spot on the singles chart, Mack stripped down naked and performed the song on live British television.
(By the way, if you don't get this, go rent the movie Love, Actually. As a heterosexual male I have no problems admitting how good it is. In fact, most guys I know would agree it's one of the best chick flicks out there.)
Honorable Mention: "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
This is for everyone out there who hates Christmas music. Boo to you, sirs and madams. I wouldn't touch you with a 39 1/2 foot pole.
#10: "Baby Please Come Home" by U2
Setting aside the 80's awesomeness of that video, I really don't have a solid reason for putting this on the list. In fact, it was a last-minute addition that I had honestly just forgotten about. That being said, it's a really fun song that to me, sums up the idea of the "Christmas Spirit" outside of the religious aspect, which is the thoughts of being with your loved ones on the holidays, the way it's meant to be. Plus, Bono is sporting an awesome mullet.
#9: "Let it Snow" by Dean Martin
A classic. Absolute classic. I know a ton of people who would put this at number 1, if for no other reason than how it just sets the tone for the entire season. Really, who doesn't want it to snow at this time of year? You know, except for anyone who has to shovel it.
#8: "Rudolph the Red-Nose Raindeer"/"Frosty the Snowman"/"The Chipmunk's Christmas Song"
Who DOESN'T remember these from their childhood? Every December, turning on the TV and finding one of your favorite holiday specials? I know there are tons of them now, and everyone has to try and do it bigger and better, but you won't find anything better than Rudolph and Frosty. And the Chipmunks? Well, I had to get them in somewhere!
#7: "Jingle Bell Rock"
One of those songs you can't help but sing and dance along to. Noticing a trend? I really do like the more fun and happy songs that just can't help but bring some joy along, and this one does it perfectly.
#6: "Believe" by Josh Groban
OK, so maybe I don't only like fast paced songs. This song from the movie "The Polar Express" (Sidebar: Never saw it. That style of animation creeps me out.) is a very touching piece, with amazing vocals and orchestration behind it. Most of the songs on here are just fun little fluff pieces, but this is a legit fantastic song. I could really listen to this over and over.
#5: "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo - 24/7" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Oh, you had to know this was going to be on here somewhere. I mean, you can say what you want about Christmas music, but this song straight up kicks ass. If you don't know how great Trans-Siberian Orchestra is, here's another video for you to check out, and I'm sure you'll agree after you watch it.
#4: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
Just like "Let it Snow", a classic number that HAD to be on the list. Again, this one sums up how a lot of people feel (just read the title!) and probably would be number 1 on a lot of lists. Really, at this point, the songs are all almost interchangeable. I dare you to listen to this song and not have a smile come to your face.
#3: "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
If anyone likes Christmas music more than me, it's my good friend and fraternity brother Max. (Yeah, I know, same name, haha.) In fact, Max is quite prone at this time of year to drive around not only blasting the music loudly with all his windows down, but also to be singing at the top of his lungs. And, having been present for quite a few of those performances, this is one of his (and my) favorites. So Max, next time you drive around Columbia, MO, play a little Mariah Carey for me and spread some Christmas spirit courtesy of the Jews.
#2: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by Bruce Springsteen
I know there are tons of versions of this song, but for the best one, look to The Boss. I mean, do the other versions have the E Street Band? No? Didn't think so. Besides, the actual taped version, the one that they play on the radio, is actually a live version where he's at this best. That's awesome. Another song I could play over and over again (and as many annoyed OTZMAnikim could attest, I have).
And finally, the Number One Christmas Song is...
"The Hanukkah Song" by Adam Sandler
Oh, come on. You expected anything else out of this good Jewish boy?
Honorable Mention: "Christmas is All Around" by Billy Mack
This song, while fantastic, had to be disqualified due to unoriginality. By his own admission, Mack simply changed some words to an old song in a blatant attempt for a comeback by shooting up the Christmas charts. However, it did lead to an entertaining incident where, upon reaching the #1 spot on the singles chart, Mack stripped down naked and performed the song on live British television.
(By the way, if you don't get this, go rent the movie Love, Actually. As a heterosexual male I have no problems admitting how good it is. In fact, most guys I know would agree it's one of the best chick flicks out there.)
Honorable Mention: "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
This is for everyone out there who hates Christmas music. Boo to you, sirs and madams. I wouldn't touch you with a 39 1/2 foot pole.
#10: "Baby Please Come Home" by U2
Setting aside the 80's awesomeness of that video, I really don't have a solid reason for putting this on the list. In fact, it was a last-minute addition that I had honestly just forgotten about. That being said, it's a really fun song that to me, sums up the idea of the "Christmas Spirit" outside of the religious aspect, which is the thoughts of being with your loved ones on the holidays, the way it's meant to be. Plus, Bono is sporting an awesome mullet.
#9: "Let it Snow" by Dean Martin
A classic. Absolute classic. I know a ton of people who would put this at number 1, if for no other reason than how it just sets the tone for the entire season. Really, who doesn't want it to snow at this time of year? You know, except for anyone who has to shovel it.
#8: "Rudolph the Red-Nose Raindeer"/"Frosty the Snowman"/"The Chipmunk's Christmas Song"
Who DOESN'T remember these from their childhood? Every December, turning on the TV and finding one of your favorite holiday specials? I know there are tons of them now, and everyone has to try and do it bigger and better, but you won't find anything better than Rudolph and Frosty. And the Chipmunks? Well, I had to get them in somewhere!
#7: "Jingle Bell Rock"
One of those songs you can't help but sing and dance along to. Noticing a trend? I really do like the more fun and happy songs that just can't help but bring some joy along, and this one does it perfectly.
#6: "Believe" by Josh Groban
OK, so maybe I don't only like fast paced songs. This song from the movie "The Polar Express" (Sidebar: Never saw it. That style of animation creeps me out.) is a very touching piece, with amazing vocals and orchestration behind it. Most of the songs on here are just fun little fluff pieces, but this is a legit fantastic song. I could really listen to this over and over.
#5: "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo - 24/7" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Oh, you had to know this was going to be on here somewhere. I mean, you can say what you want about Christmas music, but this song straight up kicks ass. If you don't know how great Trans-Siberian Orchestra is, here's another video for you to check out, and I'm sure you'll agree after you watch it.
#4: "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year"
Just like "Let it Snow", a classic number that HAD to be on the list. Again, this one sums up how a lot of people feel (just read the title!) and probably would be number 1 on a lot of lists. Really, at this point, the songs are all almost interchangeable. I dare you to listen to this song and not have a smile come to your face.
#3: "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey
If anyone likes Christmas music more than me, it's my good friend and fraternity brother Max. (Yeah, I know, same name, haha.) In fact, Max is quite prone at this time of year to drive around not only blasting the music loudly with all his windows down, but also to be singing at the top of his lungs. And, having been present for quite a few of those performances, this is one of his (and my) favorites. So Max, next time you drive around Columbia, MO, play a little Mariah Carey for me and spread some Christmas spirit courtesy of the Jews.
#2: "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" by Bruce Springsteen
I know there are tons of versions of this song, but for the best one, look to The Boss. I mean, do the other versions have the E Street Band? No? Didn't think so. Besides, the actual taped version, the one that they play on the radio, is actually a live version where he's at this best. That's awesome. Another song I could play over and over again (and as many annoyed OTZMAnikim could attest, I have).
And finally, the Number One Christmas Song is...
"The Hanukkah Song" by Adam Sandler
Oh, come on. You expected anything else out of this good Jewish boy?
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