Closing out the Experience
Israel by the Numbers:
1 concussion
1 fractured finger
2 camels ridden and many horses.
2 contussed elbows
3 new art mediums learned
3= sum of shoe sizes grown
5 different talks by Adam and Yasmine
4 different Israeli schools
5 teeth fell out (or pulled).
6 different schools toured
7 papers/chapters submitted to publish by Adam and Yasmine
11 Jewish months spent in Israel
12 Jewish holidays celebrated
46 different trips according to "google timelines"
50 knots in a tornado boat up to Lebanon border
550 m cave walk in cold spring water in Hezekiah's tunnel.
528 batting average for Adam (2nd in all of Israel!)
1000s of meters swum.
414398439157934839348293 whatsapp messages (Okay, I didn't really count)
many new friends....
and lots of other things that just didn't fit into numbers....
In my last few weeks in Israel, there was so much I wanted to say but busy with finishing up my work, and getting ready to leave, I didn't have time to sit and write. Now, I'm in America, less than a week after leaving Israel and my mind is swirling.
First, I want to talk about closure in general. I feel desperate for a sense of closure. We sort of rushed out of Israel when the school year ended, and I, in my own mind, need to find a sense of closure. I discovered that Israelis seem to value closure. When my kids left a school, the teachers made sure there was closure. A book of blessings (send-offs) were handed to my kids, hugs were given out, and the floor was open for kids to say anything they wanted. I also discovered that in my last week in Israel, Israelis showered us with texts, words, and even presents to help us close out the experience. I was touched by the dinner my son's best friend's parents through us, and gifts including a photo book made for us. The night before we left, my neighbor upstairs delivered a package of sweets and snacks. People asked how they could help. And the words people said were not cliche or empty. Each message was so meaningful, and real, and beautiful. And they all expressed that we should come back. Even while at the airport, and since I've come home, people have continued to wish us well. I am touched beyond belief to say the least, and have really been reminded of the power of personal words. I think Israelis learn how to do this early on--I've seen it in my son's first grade class when they opened up the floor to the kids to give Matan compliments after his presentation. The teacher encouraged them to each be unique and say something different.
Anyway, that being said, now it's my time for words of closure. Words to the land and the people that hosted us for the year. I am overflowing most of all with gratitude over the treatment of my children. No one ever acted like we weren't worth getting to know because we were just leaving anyway. And for this, I am so grateful. My kids made real friends, better than they ever had. They were loved by their teachers, our local bookstore owners, the local felafel lady. Thank you. Truly. I am also so grateful to Israelis for keeping their country open to Jewish immigration. Despite the fact that they live and build and defend the country, they never act like we are less worthy of being there.
And now some lists:
Things I've Learned this Year:
Of course, I learned to draw, defend myself, canter on a horse, speak Hebrew better....but there are some other unexpected things I didn't expect:
How to make last-minute plans. Maybe because there is no Sunday, or maybe it's just the personality of the country, but things happen much more last minute in Israel.
As I alluded to, Israelis are very personal in their thank yous, good lucks, get well soon....I really learned the proper way to thank someone.
How to welcome an immigrant.
The importance of not being isolated.
Parking on any side of the road. The car is parked. Why does it matter which way it is facing?
Not having to make small talk if I don't feel like it. It was funny but the other day, we were talking to our Israeli friends and we explained how in many parts of America, if you walk by someone on the street and don't say "hello", it is rude. They were shocked by this. That you are required to say hello. If an Israeli talks to you, they really want to talk to you. Anything they say, they mean. And I will miss that reality.
Being walking distance to many things, including swimming pool.
Cappuccinos everywhere.
But #1 is being Jewish in Israel. I loved being a majority, and not having to think about being Jewish. I just was. I fit in there. It is hard to go back to being a minority.
This being said, there are certain things I wish that Israel could take from America:
1) cleaner environment. Less smoking, less litter. This is absolutely #1 on my list.
2) a bit more patience
3) a bit more "fake" kindness. The Israelis refer to our "American nice" as somewhat fake. That being said, the fake smiles and small talk are sometimes just NICE.
4) Iced tea. In a huge cup.
5) Lots of ice.
I think one thing that helped me put some closure on my experience was giving a sermon at my dad's synagogue. I was amazed at how I actually touched people who already have some connection to Israel. It meant a lot to me to be able to talk about my experience, and I've been surprised at the people who have been following my thoughts this year. I thank those who cared to read and hear what our life was like for a year. It made my experience so much more meaningful to be able to know that we were influencing others as well.
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