Sunny and 76 degrees...

on the first day of second semester was definitely a first. Seriously, I don't think that I have ever experienced a first day of second semester that wasn't brutally cold! No need to be too jealous as it has rained, no poured, for the remainder of the week. Everyone always says that there are two seasons in Israel, hot and rainy. Right now it is the rainy season. Apparently Israel needs to rain, really though, (in the words of my grammar teacher)the Kinneret needs the rain, not Jerusalem! There was so much rain in Israel this week that the Negev (desert) was flooded. Enough about the weather...

To my surprise the first week back was really great. It was so nice and refreshing to see everyone after a MUCH needed two week break. Getting back into the routine of classes was also good and this week was a fairly laid back one since many of our professors are in America.

My schedule is a bit different this semester, I actually like it better. Here's what it looks like:
Sunday:
10:15-11:45 Hebrew
12:00-1:30 Bible
1:30-3:30 Community Service (preschool)

Monday
8:30-10:00 Enrichment time (usually sleeping is my enrichment, other options include: parshat hashavua (weekly Torah portion, or attending other services around J'lem)
10:15-11:45 Hebrew
12:00-1:30 Bible
2:45-4:15 Biblical Grammar

Tuesday
8:30-11:45 Hebrew
12:00-1:30 Education Seminar

Wednesday
All day Israel Seminar

Thursday
8:30-10:00 Services
10:15-11:45 Hebrew
12:00-1:30 Liturgy
2:30-4:00 Bible

So far I'm really enjoying Bible. It's hard, all in Hebrew, but my teacher is so patient. Actually, almost all of my classes are taught in Hebrew, which is definitely a good thing as I am learning a lot. I can understand way more than I can speak, but at least that's something, right?

I am not taking history this semester which frees up my Tuesday afternoon. I want to make a list of things that I still want to do in these next four months and use that time on Tuesday to accomplish things on the list. If you have suggestions, they are much appreciated.

While the semester has gotten off to a bit of a relaxing start, it is also a bit busy as well. I have begun preparing for the service that I am leading in February which I am very anxious about. Also, the Former Soviet Union Pesach Project is getting very busy as we are preparing and still busy fundraising. I'm not quite there yet and so if you are interested in donating, please visit www.pesachproject.com. It's a really great cause and I am very much looking forward to providing seders and other passover programming to people who would not otherwise have these opportunities.

All of the students were invited to the homes of HUC faculty and Israeli Rabbinical students for Shabbat dinner. I am going with my friends Sarah and Jeremy to one of our Israel Seminar professors, Jeremy Leigh's. Ally and I are very excited to spend Shabbat next week with Rabbi Greene.

On a different note, I'm glad that MOST of my tv shows have come back on, and that the Bachelor has started again. I don't know why, but I LOVE that show. For those of you who are watching, I don't think I've seen a season with girls this stupid yet. Okay, that wasn't nice, but come on! And for those of you who are looking for a new show to watch, Modern Family, is by far the best show on Television right now!

Not only have I been able to keep up with my shows, but I also recently watched "It's Complicated" online, also highly recommended! I'm trying to have a little more fun this semester and not be as uptight about school and am therefore making an effort to get out more. I've been going to the HUC football teams games the past few weeks and despite their defeated record, it's still a lot of fun.

On that note, I'm a bit tired and promised Ally (Tick) that I would watch her favorite movie "Something's Gotta Give". I'll blog later this weekend.