So the grant for Israel came...and there it went...right before my eyes. They said to me, there's no funding...we can't actually send you anything. They said, there's no way now that you're going to be able to make it back to Jerusalem without a miracle. That same exact day, that miracle came... the calls came in! This one in particular came from the chief travel editor of NBC News. Peter Greenberg himself, a name that I have known since graduating as a student from USC Annenberg, gave me a one-on-one phone call to be his chief travel-intern for the 2008 term. The VERY NEXT DAY... I got the call from NBC News (you know, Colleen Williams, Paul Moyer, Brian Williams!!) ... I am one of six candidates out of 5,000 applicants to become the entry-level force of NBC News for the 2008 spring term... The best questions I have been receiving from NBC in Los Angeles have all been...when can you start?? When can you move here??
Folks, this is it. The big time has arrived. And at about 5pm tonight, a night that seemed like a weather hurricane had hit Sacramento, California, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime. I sit before you today ecstatic, lively, anxious, excited and nervous...all at the same time. I see my dreams of going to Israel slowly disappearing in the distance, knowing that one day I'll back there again. Yet I see my visions of what I've always wanted do developing right before my eyes. Ladies and gentlemen, this is it. I have been accepted in the NBC Page Program, and I will begin working at KNBC Channel 4 News as a television producer within the coming weeks! I'll be working with the greats, like Ellen DeGeneres, Jay Leno and Craig Ferguson...as well as the local TV personalities for NBC. I'll get the chance to make it big. Here it is!!
I've been told I have to relocate to Los Angeles before January 20, 2008 for my initiation and orientation to the NBC Page Program. It's exciting, kinda weird, but great all at the same time. I'm excited, because here is my shot. I won't let it go...I can't afford to this time.
The grant I received for Israel is no longer. I have to call in to Israel and cancel what I thought was going to be the experience of a lifetime. This does not mean I'm not still applying for graduate programs to both UCLA and USC/HUC...they both are still happening, and both are nearly finished. And come to find out, I might have another great friend from Israel coming over here to LA ... that could work out well!
The main thing in this message is to THANK you all for paying attention and for caring so much to keep in touch and to keep tabs on what's going on in my career journey. I PROMISE to keep you all updated (LOOK FOR NEW WEBSITE DETAILS SOON!) on what's happening with the move to Los Angeles and how things are turning out at NBC. This is an absolutely dream come true for me, and I want you all to be a part of it. You all helped make it happen! Israel would have been amazing, but it wasn't for me at this particular time of life. I wish everyone who is there now the best, and invite them to come visit Los Angeles at anytime!
Stay in tune with everything coming up...it's going to be a wild ride!! I hope to hear from all of you soon. And to all of you who have supported me through all of this, I have one thing to say:
THANK YOU!! ;)
Friday, January 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
And the gates just keep opening....
And that is definitely the truth!
Aside from receiving full grant funding to attend the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, I have just been offered a position as a public affairs intern at the Jerusalem Center of Public Affairs! This is especially exciting because there were two things that I swore up and down about if I were to even think about the opportunity to come back to Israel, these such criteria listed next had to happen. They both were: (1) I would have to have a fully funded, check-in-hand, paid-in-full, guaranteed graduate semester with courses that would transfer to an accredited graduate university program back in the U.S.A, and (2) a paid internship that would correspond with such a program that would give me all kinds of amazing experience with the fields that I want to go into, ideally in something related to both broadcast journalism/media and public policy/political science.
I am thoroughly pleased to tell you that you can officially check off numbers (1) AND (2) on that list! :)
And on top of that, here it is folks, I'm getting paid a whole lot extra in grants to go to Jerusalem for four months (even from the agency that told me that my BGU program was not going to work out! Even check-in-hand...wow!) ...to take a few classes, to intern in political public affairs, to learn a little Hebrew (and some Arabic), to speak FRENCH (that's right!) full time as an intern, and...oh did I mention...travel??? Holy cow, I can't believe it!!
Now there's a few things left to do... (1) Book a flight to Israel...yay! (2) Finish my grad school apps to UCLA and USC, (3) Take the GRE... grr..!, and (4) to do laundry before I have to go! Haha, it's all going to be that awesome.
Let me enlighten you some on what my internship will be like. It is located in the German Colony of Jerusalem off the Sderot Emek Refa'im, not too far from the East Edge -- Abu Tor region -- of the city. I will be here about 20 hours a week or so working on and analyzing political dissertations and discourses between the U.S. Department of State (you know, Condoleeza Rice's office), the United Nations, the European Union, NATO nations, and the bulk of nations that comprise of the Middle East, including but not limited to Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan. This I have to tell you friends, is a huge deal. The topics I will be pursuing, which goes for a dissertation I might add, is anti-Semetism as it relates to the State of Israel. I will get the chance to work one-on-one with Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld, one of the leading scholars on public policy in the Middle East. He has been an chief political adviser to several world leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and current U.S. President George W. Bush. You can find out all about it here at: http://www.jcpa.org/
I'm thrilled to get the rare opportunity to do this, as they only hire three interns a year from all parts of the world. Again, languages will be my challenge with this internship, as it is required of me to speak French, English and Hebrew full-time with this job. I will definitely be learning a lot! Please be in touch with me through comments and messages, I absolutely love hearing from you all! Lots of love through this holiday season, and I can't wait for the foreign policy butt-kicking in Jerusalem that is about to come!! :)
Aside from receiving full grant funding to attend the Rothberg International School at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, I have just been offered a position as a public affairs intern at the Jerusalem Center of Public Affairs! This is especially exciting because there were two things that I swore up and down about if I were to even think about the opportunity to come back to Israel, these such criteria listed next had to happen. They both were: (1) I would have to have a fully funded, check-in-hand, paid-in-full, guaranteed graduate semester with courses that would transfer to an accredited graduate university program back in the U.S.A, and (2) a paid internship that would correspond with such a program that would give me all kinds of amazing experience with the fields that I want to go into, ideally in something related to both broadcast journalism/media and public policy/political science.I am thoroughly pleased to tell you that you can officially check off numbers (1) AND (2) on that list! :)
And on top of that, here it is folks, I'm getting paid a whole lot extra in grants to go to Jerusalem for four months (even from the agency that told me that my BGU program was not going to work out! Even check-in-hand...wow!) ...to take a few classes, to intern in political public affairs, to learn a little Hebrew (and some Arabic), to speak FRENCH (that's right!) full time as an intern, and...oh did I mention...travel??? Holy cow, I can't believe it!!
Now there's a few things left to do... (1) Book a flight to Israel...yay! (2) Finish my grad school apps to UCLA and USC, (3) Take the GRE... grr..!, and (4) to do laundry before I have to go! Haha, it's all going to be that awesome.
Let me enlighten you some on what my internship will be like. It is located in the German Colony of Jerusalem off the Sderot Emek Refa'im, not too far from the East Edge -- Abu Tor region -- of the city. I will be here about 20 hours a week or so working on and analyzing political dissertations and discourses between the U.S. Department of State (you know, Condoleeza Rice's office), the United Nations, the European Union, NATO nations, and the bulk of nations that comprise of the Middle East, including but not limited to Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan. This I have to tell you friends, is a huge deal. The topics I will be pursuing, which goes for a dissertation I might add, is anti-Semetism as it relates to the State of Israel. I will get the chance to work one-on-one with Dr. Manfred Gerstenfeld, one of the leading scholars on public policy in the Middle East. He has been an chief political adviser to several world leaders, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and current U.S. President George W. Bush. You can find out all about it here at: http://www.jcpa.org/
I'm thrilled to get the rare opportunity to do this, as they only hire three interns a year from all parts of the world. Again, languages will be my challenge with this internship, as it is required of me to speak French, English and Hebrew full-time with this job. I will definitely be learning a lot! Please be in touch with me through comments and messages, I absolutely love hearing from you all! Lots of love through this holiday season, and I can't wait for the foreign policy butt-kicking in Jerusalem that is about to come!! :)
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Breaking News...!!!
Breaking news......!!!
New grant funding has totalled the cost of attendence to Hebrew University, which means...JOSH CAN OFFICIALLY COME BACK TO ISRAEL FOR THE SPRING!!
The question is now when it will all happen!! Thanks to my friends at the American Friends of the Hebrew University and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater San Francisco, they have made it possible!!! Let's see just how things are going to fall into place.....
The good news is now that I will OFFICIALLY be able to attend school on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem for four months!! (Don't worry Mark Jacobs, I'll bring the red party cups :P )
PS to all ---- thanks so much for your comments! I love to hear from all of you !!
New grant funding has totalled the cost of attendence to Hebrew University, which means...JOSH CAN OFFICIALLY COME BACK TO ISRAEL FOR THE SPRING!!
The question is now when it will all happen!! Thanks to my friends at the American Friends of the Hebrew University and the Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater San Francisco, they have made it possible!!! Let's see just how things are going to fall into place.....
The good news is now that I will OFFICIALLY be able to attend school on Mt. Scopus in Jerusalem for four months!! (Don't worry Mark Jacobs, I'll bring the red party cups :P )
PS to all ---- thanks so much for your comments! I love to hear from all of you !!
Sunday, December 9, 2007
USC, HUC, Los Angeles, and Beyond!
Hey everyone,
I'm not sure who is still reading this anymore (you might want to comment so I know...haha!) but I am updating this blog anyway since it still is relevant to my return to the Holy Land. And much has happened since my arrival two weeks ago back in Sacramento... Acceptance to the Hebrew University, a trip to San Francisco, a trip to Los Angeles, and seemingly several hours of phone calls to various agencies.... yes, this blog entry will definitely be worth reading...!! All things considered, there are several new developments to life in general that might worth noting! And on top of that, two job interviews tomorrow in Los Angeles.
So there's a song my buddy Brandon played for me the morning I graduated from USC when he crashed with me called, "Go Getta..." by R. Kelly...and that would definitely summarize my two weeks back in the United States. Honestly, as of two days ago, I had ruled out completely the chance to end up back in the Holy Land for school, but a lovely little note that stated that I would be receiving a 75-percent donor tuition discount on my program was a definite cause for a re-ignited track to see just how best that I could return to the Holy Land...on a full ride.
I would love to be back there, all things considered, but there's a lot more work that needs to be done. AND to top it all off, the morning I was going to just randomly drive to Oakland, CA to try and find a financial person to speak with is when I got a call from Loui Dobin, URJ Greene Family Camp director... at 7am Pacific Time! I mentioned I was going over there that day; he mentioned a friend of his to speak with. That friend has been making it all happen! She has been making calls on my behalf to local federations, some in Sacramento, some as far as Los Angeles, to see who would be willing to donate funding for this. And long story short, it looks like as soon as next week, I might have a fully funded trip back to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem...not including the MASA grant that would be coming in! That is definitely good news!
In the meantime, I had the chance to take a trip back to Los Angeles to do some job interviews, tour graduate schools, have some job interview, and even attend the USC vs. UCLA football game! And it all was soooo much fun! The first night I was back, I stayed with my pal Megan in her apartment in Hollywood. It was great to see her and to go out with all the old friends the following night at Woodranch Grill by the Grove in LA. I also went out to the DTD TROY toga party and got the chance to hang out with my friend Laura from Sacramento, who is a fine arts student at USC. It was all good times. And I officially have two graduate programs that I will be applying to: One is a Joint Master's Program with the Hebrew Union College and USC in public administration and communal service, and the other is at UCLA (i know, it's ok though!) in their public policy/administration program. Both applications will be keeping me busy in the coming weeks.
This week has been getting all of the scholarship as mentioned above together. Tonight I'm driving back to Los Angeles for two job interviews, one at USC/HUC and another with Porter Novelli, Inc. in downtown LA. They're a PR firm that I used to work for in 2004, and they're offering a full-time PR intern/account staffing position. We'll see how it all goes!
Anyways, if you'd like to call and check in, I'll be on the road tonight, Dec. 9 and probably arrive late night from LA on Dec. 10. Keep checking back for new updates :) And of course, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and all that good stuff!
~Josh :)
I'm not sure who is still reading this anymore (you might want to comment so I know...haha!) but I am updating this blog anyway since it still is relevant to my return to the Holy Land. And much has happened since my arrival two weeks ago back in Sacramento... Acceptance to the Hebrew University, a trip to San Francisco, a trip to Los Angeles, and seemingly several hours of phone calls to various agencies.... yes, this blog entry will definitely be worth reading...!! All things considered, there are several new developments to life in general that might worth noting! And on top of that, two job interviews tomorrow in Los Angeles.
So there's a song my buddy Brandon played for me the morning I graduated from USC when he crashed with me called, "Go Getta..." by R. Kelly...and that would definitely summarize my two weeks back in the United States. Honestly, as of two days ago, I had ruled out completely the chance to end up back in the Holy Land for school, but a lovely little note that stated that I would be receiving a 75-percent donor tuition discount on my program was a definite cause for a re-ignited track to see just how best that I could return to the Holy Land...on a full ride.
I would love to be back there, all things considered, but there's a lot more work that needs to be done. AND to top it all off, the morning I was going to just randomly drive to Oakland, CA to try and find a financial person to speak with is when I got a call from Loui Dobin, URJ Greene Family Camp director... at 7am Pacific Time! I mentioned I was going over there that day; he mentioned a friend of his to speak with. That friend has been making it all happen! She has been making calls on my behalf to local federations, some in Sacramento, some as far as Los Angeles, to see who would be willing to donate funding for this. And long story short, it looks like as soon as next week, I might have a fully funded trip back to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem...not including the MASA grant that would be coming in! That is definitely good news!
In the meantime, I had the chance to take a trip back to Los Angeles to do some job interviews, tour graduate schools, have some job interview, and even attend the USC vs. UCLA football game! And it all was soooo much fun! The first night I was back, I stayed with my pal Megan in her apartment in Hollywood. It was great to see her and to go out with all the old friends the following night at Woodranch Grill by the Grove in LA. I also went out to the DTD TROY toga party and got the chance to hang out with my friend Laura from Sacramento, who is a fine arts student at USC. It was all good times. And I officially have two graduate programs that I will be applying to: One is a Joint Master's Program with the Hebrew Union College and USC in public administration and communal service, and the other is at UCLA (i know, it's ok though!) in their public policy/administration program. Both applications will be keeping me busy in the coming weeks.
This week has been getting all of the scholarship as mentioned above together. Tonight I'm driving back to Los Angeles for two job interviews, one at USC/HUC and another with Porter Novelli, Inc. in downtown LA. They're a PR firm that I used to work for in 2004, and they're offering a full-time PR intern/account staffing position. We'll see how it all goes!
Anyways, if you'd like to call and check in, I'll be on the road tonight, Dec. 9 and probably arrive late night from LA on Dec. 10. Keep checking back for new updates :) And of course, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and all that good stuff!
~Josh :)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Back in the Homeland...
Hey everyone,
Well it was definitely a very busy first week back in the USA, filled with not only the thousands of questions stemming from "what next?" to so much turkey and good food that resembles the greatest holiday ever that is Thanksgiving! First I should discuss that the flights from JFK to Sacramento were very easy, although a bit turbulent going over the mid-west. Interestingly enough, the landing in Sacramento was in zero visibility, as the airport was (quite typical for this time of year) socked in with fog. After unpacking and doing 8 (yes 8!) loads of laundry, it was time to get started on figuring out the plans for my return to the Holy Land this week.
And of course as many of you know, there is good news! I have been invited back to Israel as a visiting graduate student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, starting this mid-January 2008! Now interestingly enough, I was invited to study at the Hebrew University this past year for the year as well, although there was no accolade that was to come from the university, i.e. no Master's Degree. However, I can take those courses that I take from HUJ and transfer them to a separate graduate program at a university back in the United States. Since my MASA grant will actually work at HUJ and cover the entire costs of living and tuition, which is awesome, it is highly highly tempting to take this offer....
This week coming up will be very very busy as well, but LOTS of fun! This coming Tuesday, I have two appointments in San Francisco with the Jewish Agency and with the Consulate General of Israel, both in the downtown/Fisherman's wharf area. (I'm also super excited by the way to once again visit my favorite city on the entire planet :o) ) I'm also having a luncheon meeting regarding a scholarship program that could cover the costs of all of my graduate school with a program coordinator from the Agency. And on Wednesday, I head to Los Angeles for a long trip of interviews, job prospects, possibly looking at apartments, as well as taking a hard look into two specific graduate programs for the 2008-2009 years. I am interviewing with a small production company in West LA that is looking for a program coordinator/intern to help out with a lot of their daily activities, including filming and editing. If I get the chance to stay on with them, they are shooting a documentary in Australia, and I'd have to go with them...for two months! (How rough!) The second is a possible part-time position as a production associate with NBC News in Los Angeles. I'd be interviewing with the senior news producer based on the west coast of NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, and I just might definitely accept that on the spot if it gets offered. We'll see...
As mentioned there are two graduate programs I'm looking into for admission for the next school year. The first is a the public policy and administration program at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA ... I know, still a loyal Trojan always!). The second is a joint master's degree offered at the Hebrew Union College/University of Southern California (yay!) in Communal Service and Public Administration. I know that I want to get involved in political affairs, and these two programs would be steller to get into, AND if all goes to plan, we could have some of the classes I would take at Hebrew U and transfer them to count as courses to either of these programs!
Of course, my time in Los Angeles this week won't be without a little fun at the alma mater, USC. This week is spirit week at USC, with the big rivalry football game taking place with UCLA, which this year it's at the LA Memorial Coliseum. And this year, we're getting the Liberty Bell back!! I'll be at campus several times while I'm there for the traditional Thursday night bonfire, the Friday night traditional Delta Tau Delta fraternity celebration, and of course the pre-game tailgate before the 1:30PM kickoff at the Coliseum. I'm also staying with my buddy Megan at her apartment in LA/Hollywood area, and it will be awesome to see her and old friends again :)
I'll keep you all posted of more adventures as they come up, and of course, next time, look for pictures of my time in LA right here. It'll be fun! I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season, wherever you are in the world, and that you please stay in touch!
All best,
Josh :)
Well it was definitely a very busy first week back in the USA, filled with not only the thousands of questions stemming from "what next?" to so much turkey and good food that resembles the greatest holiday ever that is Thanksgiving! First I should discuss that the flights from JFK to Sacramento were very easy, although a bit turbulent going over the mid-west. Interestingly enough, the landing in Sacramento was in zero visibility, as the airport was (quite typical for this time of year) socked in with fog. After unpacking and doing 8 (yes 8!) loads of laundry, it was time to get started on figuring out the plans for my return to the Holy Land this week.
And of course as many of you know, there is good news! I have been invited back to Israel as a visiting graduate student at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, starting this mid-January 2008! Now interestingly enough, I was invited to study at the Hebrew University this past year for the year as well, although there was no accolade that was to come from the university, i.e. no Master's Degree. However, I can take those courses that I take from HUJ and transfer them to a separate graduate program at a university back in the United States. Since my MASA grant will actually work at HUJ and cover the entire costs of living and tuition, which is awesome, it is highly highly tempting to take this offer....
This week coming up will be very very busy as well, but LOTS of fun! This coming Tuesday, I have two appointments in San Francisco with the Jewish Agency and with the Consulate General of Israel, both in the downtown/Fisherman's wharf area. (I'm also super excited by the way to once again visit my favorite city on the entire planet :o) ) I'm also having a luncheon meeting regarding a scholarship program that could cover the costs of all of my graduate school with a program coordinator from the Agency. And on Wednesday, I head to Los Angeles for a long trip of interviews, job prospects, possibly looking at apartments, as well as taking a hard look into two specific graduate programs for the 2008-2009 years. I am interviewing with a small production company in West LA that is looking for a program coordinator/intern to help out with a lot of their daily activities, including filming and editing. If I get the chance to stay on with them, they are shooting a documentary in Australia, and I'd have to go with them...for two months! (How rough!) The second is a possible part-time position as a production associate with NBC News in Los Angeles. I'd be interviewing with the senior news producer based on the west coast of NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, and I just might definitely accept that on the spot if it gets offered. We'll see...
As mentioned there are two graduate programs I'm looking into for admission for the next school year. The first is a the public policy and administration program at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA ... I know, still a loyal Trojan always!). The second is a joint master's degree offered at the Hebrew Union College/University of Southern California (yay!) in Communal Service and Public Administration. I know that I want to get involved in political affairs, and these two programs would be steller to get into, AND if all goes to plan, we could have some of the classes I would take at Hebrew U and transfer them to count as courses to either of these programs!
Of course, my time in Los Angeles this week won't be without a little fun at the alma mater, USC. This week is spirit week at USC, with the big rivalry football game taking place with UCLA, which this year it's at the LA Memorial Coliseum. And this year, we're getting the Liberty Bell back!! I'll be at campus several times while I'm there for the traditional Thursday night bonfire, the Friday night traditional Delta Tau Delta fraternity celebration, and of course the pre-game tailgate before the 1:30PM kickoff at the Coliseum. I'm also staying with my buddy Megan at her apartment in LA/Hollywood area, and it will be awesome to see her and old friends again :)
I'll keep you all posted of more adventures as they come up, and of course, next time, look for pictures of my time in LA right here. It'll be fun! I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season, wherever you are in the world, and that you please stay in touch!
All best,
Josh :)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Israel: The Saga...well, could continue...
Well, the experience in Israel is officially over...at least for now. I can't honestly remember the last time I really choked up over something quite so emotional as compared to when the engines on the airplane I was on fired up for takeoff down a runway at Ben Gurion Airport. I can't begin to tell you the thoughts in my mind at the time...I honestly was overcome with confusion, concern, and most of all, I kept asking, "now what?" And as I sit here in the JFK airport in New York City waiting to transfer to La Guardia Airport, I still can't help but wonder, was I doing the right thing in leaving Be'er Sheva? Could I still go back? How long will it take to get home tonight? And how much longer do I have to wait in airports? And when might I, if ever, get my chance to take back the experience that I was supposed to have that I now can't in Israel?
Since I've since had a long time to sort things out and think about what might come next, I can honestly tell you all that within the past few weeks, I've sort of had a change of heart with regards to the journalism career. Television reporting and production are fun, yet the career is painstaking, underappreciated, and frankly ruthless. I have spoken with several of my friends in the journalism world now who are no longer interested in doing what they thought they wanted to do simply because they are often overworked to no ends and hardly compensated, let along appreciated. Since taking a few classes at BGU and having experienced Israel in this unique way, I have since really become interested in politics and public policy, and I recall on some of my positive internship experiences as working in politics. Now I've always had an interest in this, but this time around it seems to be much more evident, especially having spent a little time abroad and studying the U.S. from the outside in.
I have since done a little investigating into two particular programs, one of which might allow me to come back to the Holy Land in only 6 weeks. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a graduate semester program, where I can take classes in middle east politics and public policy, and transfer them to a school like UCLA or USC, which both have top rated programs in public administration...a move encouraged by the folks I spoke with at UCLA. That said, that could be an option, and I would graduate by 2009 with a Master's Degree, still sooner than a lot of my friends in grad schools now.
In the meantime, I will be at home taking care of things and going through the holidays. My American cell number is now online and is still the same. I want to thank you all for tracking these adventures...however, don't unbookmark this blog just yet... it could be possible that the adventures will resume shortly. And for sure, I'll keep you all posted right here on this blog.
shalom, toda raba v'laila tov b'new york!
Since I've since had a long time to sort things out and think about what might come next, I can honestly tell you all that within the past few weeks, I've sort of had a change of heart with regards to the journalism career. Television reporting and production are fun, yet the career is painstaking, underappreciated, and frankly ruthless. I have spoken with several of my friends in the journalism world now who are no longer interested in doing what they thought they wanted to do simply because they are often overworked to no ends and hardly compensated, let along appreciated. Since taking a few classes at BGU and having experienced Israel in this unique way, I have since really become interested in politics and public policy, and I recall on some of my positive internship experiences as working in politics. Now I've always had an interest in this, but this time around it seems to be much more evident, especially having spent a little time abroad and studying the U.S. from the outside in.
I have since done a little investigating into two particular programs, one of which might allow me to come back to the Holy Land in only 6 weeks. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers a graduate semester program, where I can take classes in middle east politics and public policy, and transfer them to a school like UCLA or USC, which both have top rated programs in public administration...a move encouraged by the folks I spoke with at UCLA. That said, that could be an option, and I would graduate by 2009 with a Master's Degree, still sooner than a lot of my friends in grad schools now.
In the meantime, I will be at home taking care of things and going through the holidays. My American cell number is now online and is still the same. I want to thank you all for tracking these adventures...however, don't unbookmark this blog just yet... it could be possible that the adventures will resume shortly. And for sure, I'll keep you all posted right here on this blog.
shalom, toda raba v'laila tov b'new york!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Eilat, and the Old City of Jerusalem
Dear all,
I'm glad things are going well for you, and thanks again so much for your support from the last entry. I know that things are going to be alright in the next little bit. That said, I am still having a lot of fun before I have to go, with trips to Eilat and a few to the Old City of Jerusalem.
Travelling with the Office of Overseas Studies students, a group of friends and I boarded an early bus (6:45 a.m.) and headed toward Israel's southern-most city, Eilat. Our first stop (aside from a quick coffee break on the way down) was a viewing point along the Israel/Egyptian border. We were able to get pictures looking into Sinai and the rolling hillsides that were pretty much desert. See Max, my roommate, and I striking the "Walk like an Egyptian" pose along the border...ha! We definitely didn't let that one go! 
From there, we completed the 3.5-hour bus ride from our viewpoint to a mountain area. Now we weren't necessarily told how intense this hike was going to be, other than I have to say it was probably the best I've ever had in my life. We hiked up a mountain called Mount Shlomo, which is on the southern edge of Eilat and from here, you can see the city of Eilat and southern Israel, to our right facing the Red Sea you could see Egypt (Sinai), waaaay off in the distance just to the left of that is Saudi Arabia, and continuing left across the Gulf of Eilat (Red Sea) is Jordan. Breathtaking views of the region, looking into four different countries at the same time, as well as the Coral Beach right below us. This was, without words, awesome.
From here we went to Eilat, checked into our hostel and found a really cool pizza place to eat at before the Sabbath (Shabbat) began. From there, it was resting and then getting ready for a night on the town. We went to a place called the Three Monkeys, only kilometers from the Jordanian border, which was especially cool because a live band had come to the pub to play a gig that night. We rocked out 'til the wee hours of the morning to some great classics ranging from The Eagles to The Beatles...the best music in the world of course!
The best part was a full day at the beach! A coral beach, that is! I got the chance to go snorkeling off the coast of the Red Sea just a bit...and saw some amazing fish and other ocean life. The pics below include people snorkeling and us hanging out on the beach. It was a nice day of relaxing and getting in that last suntan of the year before winter hits. From there, we went to a Bedouin tent for some good Nargila, Pita and Hummus... Then back to the hostel, grabbed our stuff, and got locked in for the 3.5-hour bus ride home to Be'er Sheva.
Snorkelers and divers on Coral Beach, Gulf of Eilat, Israel.
All of us at Coral Beach!
This past Sunday was a trip by myself to Jerusalem's Old City. Since I'm heading out in a few days from now and am not completely certain of when I'm coming back here, I thought I'd get in a little bit more touring of probably the best spot in Israel yet. I got to spend some time walking around the Armenian quarter, which is probably the longest settlement yet in Jerusalem (dating back to the 4th Century...and they haven't been kicked out yet!)
Finally, I wandered through the Christian quarter looking for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre...call me crazy..., but I couldn't find it! After asking around a bit, I stumbled into the Jewish Quarter, somewhat more familiar territory, and tried asking people who might know where the Church was...still no luck. Shortly after, it started to pour rain! And walking in leather flip flops in shorts without an umbrella meant bag it up and go back to the Old City the next day.
Now yesterday I found the Church of the Holy Sepulchre! Yay! And it definitely was awesome. I walked into the front doors only to find probably the most important relic to the church, which was the Stone of the Anointing, believed to be the place where Jesus' body was prepared for burial. The pics to the left show how people were bringing personal objects to touch it and saying prayers sitting next to it. 
From there, I walked over to the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre, which is thought to be where the Tomb of Christ was, with a dome above the Edicule that was incredibly high. Next was a visit to Calvary, which was really interesting to see. Sitting in that spot, a crafted iron cross hangs above the spot where it was believed that Jesus was crucified. Lines of pilgrims from all walks of the Christian faith had lined up to touch the actual rocks of where the Cross was pounded into the solid rock.
From there, I visited a chamber at the bottom of the church where it is believed that the crosses had remained and were rediscovered after Jesus' death. I also walked into a few other rooms that had other relics to the crucifixion, as well as people lighting candles and saying prayers. Overall, it was a fascinating experience to see all of the cool relics and to see where all walks of Christianity meet on one particular perspective on something that definitely happened...
So my adventures in the Holy Land are winding to a close......for now! It might be possible that I might come back quite soon...look for updates on when that will be. I will also post some of that information here on this blog, and from there, we may get some new adventures in the Holy Land once again.
There is also a new video up of my adventures on YouTube! Click here to check it out! And click here for a new photo album of all the action!
I hope everyone is doing well, thanks for keeping up with my adventures. Keep in touch!
B'Shalom,
Josh ;)
I'm glad things are going well for you, and thanks again so much for your support from the last entry. I know that things are going to be alright in the next little bit. That said, I am still having a lot of fun before I have to go, with trips to Eilat and a few to the Old City of Jerusalem.
Travelling with the Office of Overseas Studies students, a group of friends and I boarded an early bus (6:45 a.m.) and headed toward Israel's southern-most city, Eilat. Our first stop (aside from a quick coffee break on the way down) was a viewing point along the Israel/Egyptian border. We were able to get pictures looking into Sinai and the rolling hillsides that were pretty much desert. See Max, my roommate, and I striking the "Walk like an Egyptian" pose along the border...ha! We definitely didn't let that one go! 
From there, we completed the 3.5-hour bus ride from our viewpoint to a mountain area. Now we weren't necessarily told how intense this hike was going to be, other than I have to say it was probably the best I've ever had in my life. We hiked up a mountain called Mount Shlomo, which is on the southern edge of Eilat and from here, you can see the city of Eilat and southern Israel, to our right facing the Red Sea you could see Egypt (Sinai), waaaay off in the distance just to the left of that is Saudi Arabia, and continuing left across the Gulf of Eilat (Red Sea) is Jordan. Breathtaking views of the region, looking into four different countries at the same time, as well as the Coral Beach right below us. This was, without words, awesome.
From here we went to Eilat, checked into our hostel and found a really cool pizza place to eat at before the Sabbath (Shabbat) began. From there, it was resting and then getting ready for a night on the town. We went to a place called the Three Monkeys, only kilometers from the Jordanian border, which was especially cool because a live band had come to the pub to play a gig that night. We rocked out 'til the wee hours of the morning to some great classics ranging from The Eagles to The Beatles...the best music in the world of course! The best part was a full day at the beach! A coral beach, that is! I got the chance to go snorkeling off the coast of the Red Sea just a bit...and saw some amazing fish and other ocean life. The pics below include people snorkeling and us hanging out on the beach. It was a nice day of relaxing and getting in that last suntan of the year before winter hits. From there, we went to a Bedouin tent for some good Nargila, Pita and Hummus... Then back to the hostel, grabbed our stuff, and got locked in for the 3.5-hour bus ride home to Be'er Sheva.
Snorkelers and divers on Coral Beach, Gulf of Eilat, Israel.
All of us at Coral Beach!This past Sunday was a trip by myself to Jerusalem's Old City. Since I'm heading out in a few days from now and am not completely certain of when I'm coming back here, I thought I'd get in a little bit more touring of probably the best spot in Israel yet. I got to spend some time walking around the Armenian quarter, which is probably the longest settlement yet in Jerusalem (dating back to the 4th Century...and they haven't been kicked out yet!)
Finally, I wandered through the Christian quarter looking for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre...call me crazy..., but I couldn't find it! After asking around a bit, I stumbled into the Jewish Quarter, somewhat more familiar territory, and tried asking people who might know where the Church was...still no luck. Shortly after, it started to pour rain! And walking in leather flip flops in shorts without an umbrella meant bag it up and go back to the Old City the next day. 
Now yesterday I found the Church of the Holy Sepulchre! Yay! And it definitely was awesome. I walked into the front doors only to find probably the most important relic to the church, which was the Stone of the Anointing, believed to be the place where Jesus' body was prepared for burial. The pics to the left show how people were bringing personal objects to touch it and saying prayers sitting next to it. 
From there, I walked over to the Edicule of the Holy Sepulchre, which is thought to be where the Tomb of Christ was, with a dome above the Edicule that was incredibly high. Next was a visit to Calvary, which was really interesting to see. Sitting in that spot, a crafted iron cross hangs above the spot where it was believed that Jesus was crucified. Lines of pilgrims from all walks of the Christian faith had lined up to touch the actual rocks of where the Cross was pounded into the solid rock.
From there, I visited a chamber at the bottom of the church where it is believed that the crosses had remained and were rediscovered after Jesus' death. I also walked into a few other rooms that had other relics to the crucifixion, as well as people lighting candles and saying prayers. Overall, it was a fascinating experience to see all of the cool relics and to see where all walks of Christianity meet on one particular perspective on something that definitely happened...So my adventures in the Holy Land are winding to a close......for now! It might be possible that I might come back quite soon...look for updates on when that will be. I will also post some of that information here on this blog, and from there, we may get some new adventures in the Holy Land once again.
There is also a new video up of my adventures on YouTube! Click here to check it out! And click here for a new photo album of all the action!
I hope everyone is doing well, thanks for keeping up with my adventures. Keep in touch!
B'Shalom,
Josh ;)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
