Imp at work

Now I can finally admit in public to being less than honest with my recent activities. For the past two weeks, I've been conspiring with Donna's friends and family to surprise her with a weeklong visit to California for my pre-fall term break. Thanks to Jillian, we have the moment of surprise fully photodocumented:

"Mmm, soft hands. Is that you, Cinyee?"


"Oh, it's just Josh. [beat] JOSH??"

Shock ensues.

A teary reunion!

Pretty good crowd for a Yom Rishon

The past weeks have become something of a blur as I inch ever closer to the end of the summer session. For all those buugged by my negligence, here's a news brief:

Last night our class held its first Beit Cafe, literally "house of coffee," but in actuality more akin to a talent show in which students performed for staff, visitors, and each other. All the cover charges and refreshment sales went directly to aid recovery in Northern Israel, and we managed to raise over 4000 NIS - roughly $1000. I played the piano in several acts, including a hastily arranged blues trio (guitar, harmonica). It's been a while since I tickled the ivories in public, and being the only student in my class with the relevant background, I was more than happy to oblige. The evening ended with a parody of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" and a Billy Joel sing-along, enjoyed by all.

Today in ulpan I gave my oral presentation on how I asked for Donna's hand in marriage, accompanied by a computer slide show and an attempt to play back the proposal on my weak laptop speakers. The ladies of the class (including my teacher) were sufficiently moved, while the men donned stoic expressions and nodded gravely as I passed the images around. I also took the opportunity to create a "teachable moment" by writing the names of several classical composers on the board - in Hebrew. As if Hebrew-English transliteration isn't tough enough to decipher - just try reading a familiar name in a Semitic script!

Not having Donna around is kind of a bummer, but I am already counting the days...

Taking pride

Last night I was invited to take part in the opening interfaith convocation for 2006 Jerusalem WorldPride, a weeklong festival that seeks to "bring a new focus to an ancient city through a massive demonstration of LGBT dignity, pride, and boundary-crossing celebration." I was one of a handful of HUC students to comprise the choir that sang in between speeches by clergy from various denominations. A good-sized crowd packed the HUC courtyard to witness the event, which also included remarks by Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). I told him we were all pushing for Joe Lieberman in Connecticut; I guess we didn't push hard enough!

It was incredibly inspiring and to see and hear so many people determined to make the world more tolerant, and especially to gather together in the heart of such a holy city where religious fundamentalists from all sects, who would otherwise have nothing to do with each other, unite only in their condemnation of homosexuality. As most of the speakers pointed out, however, the true "abomination" is that they condemn in the name of G-d, whose very nature is love!

There was a lot of press in attendance, and I suspect all the photos of the evening may be found at the festival's website.

I was proud to be on hand, and prouder still that the festival is taking place on the HUC campus, whose enclosed nature guarantees the utmost security to all, and whose open doors welcome everyone regardless of appearance, attitude, or orientation.

Blood and witchcraft

Yesterday the Magen David Adom (Israeli Red Cross) came to HUC to conduct a blood drive, and I decided I could afford to spare a pint or two for the soldiers. It was my first time ever giving blood, and I was the last one of the day - spent more time waiting for one of the 4 beds than I did being stuck with the needle!

After replenishing my lost sugar, I went with five classmates via sherut (10 passenger taxi) to Tel Aviv to surprise Donna at her performance of "The Crucible," an opera based on the Arthur Miller play. I had told her we'd be unable to attend because of the busy weekday schedule at school...but being occasionally devious has its advantages! Happily, she didn't even see us until the curtain call at the end; we all agreed the look on her face of simultaneous shock and delight was the best part of the evening.

We didn't get back to Jerusalem until 1:00am, but I'd say both my mitzvot were well worth the late night!