My First Shabbat

So, I've broken down and started a blog. I have attempted to keep journals over the years, especially when anticipated it would be a life-changing or defining experience in my life, and I have only ever been mildly successful. I don't know why this time should be different, but here goes...

I have been on the Kibbutz for three days now, but it has been surreal and it is finally starting to sink in that I am actually living in the desert, surrounded by beautiful mountains, lots of sand, and date trees that shouldn't really be here. Less than five minutes away lies the Jordanian border, although crossing at this point would lead to a visit my the Israeli military, and I would back in the States much sooner than planned. It is fairly simple to get into Jordan from Israel, it just must be done at an official border crossing, the closest being Eilat.

I have been particularly reflective these few days. Perhaps it is because of the surroundings, or that I am in Israel, or that I am living with people who are also passionate about the issues I care deeply about. After attending a beautiful Shabbat service with the Kibbutz members and eating a wonderful Shabbat meal, a few of us went star gazing. It was amazing to be able to see the sky and the starts, to really see it. Something I haven't been able to do since my last trip to Lake Tranquil in Canada. The mountains that aren't more than five minutes outside of the kibbutz almost glowed in the moonlight. The scene was breath-taking and awe-inspiring, and made this one of the most meaningful Shabbat experiences that I have had.

Rabbi Susan Silverman spoke to us briefly yesterday and compared the commandment of Shabbat to starting a revolution. Not only are we to rest on Shabbat, but our children are also commanded to rest. Not only our children, but our servants, our cattle, and the strangers in our midst. There is a level of respect and dignity given to all beings that does not often exist in society. It allows one to remember what is truly important, what is necessary to live a full and meaningful life, and what we cannot take for granted. I think this is a beautiful interpretation of the holiday and drives home the importance of celebrating it...

Don't worry, there have been many light-hearted moments thus far, and I'm sure that will continue. There is an amazing pool on the Kibbutz that seems to be the center of life during the summer. There is also the speedo phenomenon in this part of the world...something that may take a little time to get used to :)

- M