I'm ok!!!

Hello all,

I'm sure you've heard about the copy-cat terrorist attack/attempt today in Jerusalem.  I'm fine and all others from my program are ok.  It was someone trying to recreate the bulldozer incident that happened just a few weeks ago.  From what I heard, the only person killed was the crazy one driving the bulldozer.  It is scary though, to think that the intersection this happened on is one that is not only close to campus, but I walk right through it every day, usually twice a day.  They've been doing construction on that road and tearing up the sidewalk for the past couple of weeks.  

So, I am fine and I have a very close group of friends in the HUC community who are all very supportive of each other.  I hope you are all doing well!!!  

L'Shalom,

Amanda 

HUC friends!

Aviva and Jon:  my fabulous roommates!

Jerusalem:  part of the Old City, behind my school!

Chen and Avi Greenberg's daughter's wedding reception in Haifa

Me and Daniel Crane at the wedding!

Just walking through Jerusalem...

First Week in Jerusalem

Shalom, y'all!  I hope you all are doing well!  I am officially in Israel now.  This week has been a sort of get to know the other students in my class kind of week, and classes won't start until next week.  There are a total of 10 cantorial students in my class, all of whom are female, and we're all sopranos except for one who is a mezzo-soprano.  There are about 30 rabbinical students and 3 educational students in my class as well.  My roommates, Aviva and Jon, are very cool.  Right now we're living in an apartment that isn't so great and is at least a 45 minute walk to campus... but August 1st, we'll be moving to an apartment that is only about a 20 minute walk to campus and apparently has an incredible view of the city!  I can't wait to take some pictures and post them for you!  

It is so incredibly hot here, and you have to walk everywhere!  I'm using more and more Hebrew and I know my address in Hebrew now.  yay!  Jerusalem is a beautiful, beautiful city.  I know I will love it here, even though I'll be missing you.  If you have not ever visited Israel, you must make it a point to at some time in your life.  It's amazing!

I wish you all the best.  Keep an eye out for pictures!

L'shalom,

Amanda