Hatikva

I am leaving for Israel in exactly two weeks. I feel like I should be doing something to prepare. Like learning Hebrew, or maybe purchasing a bullet-proof vest...

Seriously, should I be scared? The news tells us that the middle east is a scary, dangerous place where they get tortured for throwing shoes. So I guess I'm supposed to believe them?

I'm buying a new digital camera tomorrow for my trip. Except that my mom is going to wrap it up and I can't actually have it until Christmas. Isn't it a bit ironic, to use Christmas as an excuse to get presents for my Jewish trip?

I've heard that this whole Birthright thing is really just a gigantic ploy to get you to marry Israelis and live there for the rest of your life. I wonder if a half-shiksa like me is good enough for them.

Apparently I'm going to be riding a camel. And rappelling down a cliff. And staying on a kibbutz! I'm totally excited about the kibbutz. I am all about the communal living thing. It makes me want to eat granola and wear Birkenstocks and plant a tree. Maybe I should just drop out of college and become a hippie. I don't think I'm hip enough, though.

Hanukkah starts tonight at sundown!

L'chaim!