Hi guys! Life is wonderful. Sorry for so few updates, but my cute little new computer is in the shop (when it comes back I'll sit down and write all about that adventure!). In the meantime, I'm borrowing my roommate's computer (she's great!) and sitting in a coffee shop. I've moved into my dorm, and classes are wonderful. Sorry this update can't be longer--her computer battery is about to die--but I hope you all are doing great and I promise to give more updates when my computer returns (let's hope that's within the next week!!!!)

Love,
Rach

Hello, my friends. Shabbat just ended here in Jerusalem. I am so happy to be in Israel. Philip's apartment is in an amazing location, and I've now walked to the Old City twice and explored quite a bit. My sense of direction here is terrible (ok, it's terrible everywhere, let's be honest...), but fortunately, I've had some good guides! Shabbat starts and ends VERY early here. Candlelighting yesterday was 4:25! I'm used to the sun setting late in Atlanta, so this is something I'll have to get used to. Last night we ate Shabbat dinner in the sukkah of a JTS friend of my brother. Today I tried to get up for services, but ended up sleeping until 12:15...oops. Apparently, my body is still a bit confused! That's ok, though...my brother woke me in time for Shabbat lunch in the sukkah at the Conservative yeshiva. From there we walked to the Old City, explored quite a bit, and then davened at the Kotel (the Western Wall). It was an amazing Shabbos. I'm really enjoying being here with my brother, and all three of his roommates are great people.

I miss you guys lots!

Hello, all! So many people asked me if I was writing a blog that I decided perhaps it is a good idea. So here it is!

The very, very first leg of my adventure has begun. I am now in New York with Philip and Becca, getting ready for Sukkot and visiting my grandparents before the next, big adventure begins. Good news for today: both of my suitcases weighed in at 49 pounds. Hooray!! Somehow I managed to barely make it under 50 pounds. :-)

Tomorrow I get to help Becca shop for her wedding dress, see my grandma, and celebrate Sukkot... and I'm leaving for Israel in just three days!