Sydney Flynn is one of 20 young adults participating in Onward Israel LA, an 8-week Israel program for college students and young professionals that includes a resume-building internship as well as group experiences to deepen participants’ understanding and connection to Israel and its people. While exploring life in Tel Aviv with her peers, Sydney is currently interning at Amit LaDerech, an association that helps to integrate and empower young adults from Israel’s periphery, post-army service. Sydney is blogging throughout her 8-week experience.
It is startling to think that we only have two more weeks here in Tel Aviv. As I begin to create a long list of things I want to do in this remaining time (like go to the Tel Aviv Contemporary Art Museum, explore the Jaffa beach at night, and indulge in the renowned Thai House restaurant), I am also struck with sadness at the realization that we only have two more Shabbats here to enjoy together.
On the very first Friday in our apartments, we established a tradition of home-cooked Shabbat dinner eaten on the roof. The menu typically consists of a variation of chicken, rice or couscous, and a medley of vegetables. One night, a delicious homemade schnitzel was fried up, and last week, an Asian theme graced our table, with a teriyaki chicken and vegetable stir fry with wild rice. Not only is this a time to whip up a delicious meal, it’s the best time of the week for everyone to come together, sit on the roof, and truly relax. This relaxation is felt across the city as the number of cars on the road begins to trickle down, the sun begins to set, stores close, and buses stop running.
This city forces us, quite literally, to take a step back and reflect on the week that has passed. I have never experienced a culture where it is accepted and encouraged, country-wide, to do whatever you feel will help you recharge for the week ahead. This aspect of Israeli culture is not something I was expecting, but it makes me feel more connected to the country and is a feature of the Israeli lifestyle I have grown to deeply value. As we begin to see our time here come to an inevitable close, I plan on making the most out of these last two Shabbats by spending them cooking and conversing with my Onward Israel LA family.
Read our “Onward Israel LA: Meet Our 2016 Participants” blog for a full list of participants.
For more information on Onward Israel and other immersive experiences, please contact Margalit Rosenthal at (323) 761-8208 or MRosenthal@JewishLA.org.
