Holidays in Israel

It has been another great few weeks in Beer Sheva! I have finally truly settled in with the continuation of classes. With the other international students, I am taking Hebrew as well as “The Impact of Security Factors & the Search for Diplomatic Solutions in Israel’s International Relations.” Both classes are very cool and very interesting, and composed of a diverse group of students which makes for stimulating class discussions. Additionally, I have an independent study conducting research with a professor and I have an off-campus internship with the Israel Lacrosse Association, where I am able to practice my Hebrew while coaching youth lacrosse in Beer-Sheva. After a few weeks of classes, we have had a few weeks of vacation for the Jewish holidays. It is an incredibly unique experience, and one that I have not had before, to be in Israel for the high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as well as Sukkot and Simchat Torah. For Rosh Hashana, I was able to spend time with friends in Ashkelon. I spent Yom Kippur in Beer Sheva, and I am glad I did because I was able to see the city completely shut down for 24 hours. My friends and I were able to walk the streets of the city with absolutely no cars and very few other people while we were fasting. Following Yom Kippur, I was able to tour the country during the rest of the vacation. I took a trip up north to visit Netanya and Haifa, followed by a few days in Tel Aviv. Finally I finished the vacation back in Ashkelon where I was able to watch some American football with other American friends living in Israel. It was incredibly easy to travel – the Beer-Sheva North train station is across the street from the dormitories, and there are multiple bus stops within a short walking distance. While Beer-Sheva may be located in the Negev, it is certainly not limiting in regards to travel throughout the rest of the country. I am looking forward to the continuation of classes and the start of the semester for the Israeli students! It is supposed to be a completely different campus once all the students arrive this week.