Updates, updates, updates!

Hi, Josh and Donna here. We have been neglecting the blog because we've actually been really busy! But we finally have some time today as the city of Jerusalem celebrates the festival of Purim (see below) and Josh has the day off of school. We have a few things we wanted to blog about... we'll try to be brief so this post doesn't go on for three pages!

HUC Tiyul to the Negev
At the end of February, we went to the Negev desert area and Eilat on HUC's final extended field trip of this year. We stayed a couple nights at Kibbutz Yahel, the first Progressive Jewish (Reform) kibbutz in Israel. The highlights of the tiyul were our all-day hike in the Negev, specifically in the Red Canyon; snorkeling in the Red Sea at Eilat; sleeping overnight in a mock-Bedouin tent (it was run by hippie Jews) and visiting the super eco-conscious Kibbutz Lotan. All the photos are up at Donna's Flickr photo website as usual, but here are a couple faves:

At the top of the first big climb, with a spectacular view of the Negev mountains in the background.

The hike was so much fun!!

After our all-day hike: Sunset at the Bedouin tents. We were a bit tired!

Visiting Guests
Our friend Siri was here this week on her way from Vienna (where she was living for six months) to India. Siri is going to India and Nepal to teach English and music for 10 months! We enjoyed having her here -- it was her first time in Israel -- and Donna played tour guide in the Old City.

Siri and Donna with a vegetable seller in the market. They all couldn't keep their eyes off this tall blonde woman and HAD to have photos taken with her!

Donna at the Kotel

While Siri was here, we went to Stephanie's place for "Camp Shabbat," a recreation of Shabbat practices at all the various Jewish sleepaway camps in the US. It was loads of fun, and we sang practically every Jewish camp song in the world! Siri left for India on Sunday and we wish her the best of luck on her journeys!

Purim in Jerusalem
Finally, last night we celebrated the festival of Purim at HUC and in Jerusalem at large. It was certainly one of the most fun, most memorable and most hilarious Purim celebrations either of us have been a part of! Josh and Phil planned and led a rollicking Purim service that had people laughing the whole night. Along with some faculty members, many different students -- including Josh -- participated in the Megillah reading of the entire book of Esther! Donna takes full credit for Josh's costume here (we call him "Fruma Shukele"), and Donna ran publicity for "Patience" by wearing her Act II finale costume!

Josh as a disturbingly lovely "frum" girl, and Donna as Lady Angela

Fruma Shukele and Marilyn Monroe (Phil) lead an amazing Purim service

After the Megillah reading and service, we were highly entertained by the "Shushan Night Live" Purim spiel -- all the skits were parodies of SNL favorites! Donna laughed very hard throughout the spiel, especially at Josh's funny sketches!

Josh and Jamie's "Night at the Orthodox Roxbury"

And finally, after the spiel we went out dancing at a gay bar (?) appropriately called Shushan, and then walked the streets to see all the revelers out and about. Once again, you have to check out the photo album online to see all the great pics! We had loads of fun... we're a little pooped today but we're enjoying the day off. More posts -- we promise -- to come soon. Chag Sameach!