Week 2: Wow! I can’t believe it’s been over a week here in my new home.

From the moment I stepped off the plane, I have been constantly learning about this country and my purpose within it. 

Being an American, I noticed obvious cultural differences…

Food: the food here is yummy and abundant. There is still a fried food culture similar to America, but I’m not complaining. I had the most amazing swarma in laffa on Ben Yehuda street.

Clothing: Israelis dress more casually and relaxed. They wear sandals when it’s raining and big sweatshirts. So of course, I had to assimilate! I bought comfortable Tevas and an IDF hoodie to match. Now I really feel like an Israeli :)

Language: the difference between Israel and America is not simply the languages spoken, but the way they are spoken. Israelis tend to be more forward and open to strangers (great for conversations on the street), while Americans are more reserved—still relatively loud but closed off. I appreciate this about Israelis. When I was at the Kotel, an older woman held my face in her hands and said “Welcome” in the most compassionate voice. These are the timeless souvenirs I want to collect and remember. 

I’ve been in awe of the culture here. One of my goals is to blend in to the point where I feel like a true Israeli living normal life. This has already begun; I walk around with a backpack on my shoulders attending regular classes. There are these fleeting moments where I forget I’m in Israel. Instead, I’m just a regular girl living a regular teenage life. 

These past few days have been unbelievable. I traveled around Gilboa, Sataf, and Jerusalem. I’ve been living the history of my religion. I can’t express the wonder and realizations I’ve had; wonders about my ancestry and realizations about myself. 

I’m so excited to say that this is only the beginning of a life-changing period in my life.

Peace,

Talia