Well now we are operating out of our home base in the student village of Hebrew U and all moved in to our rooms. The way the dorms are set up is in 5 person apartments with a communal living room and kitchenette, bathrooms and shower inside. It is nice to have my own bedroom, and to have semi-permanent place to live. I have to two Israeli roommates as well as two from Philadelphia who are also in the program at Rothberg International school. It is a nice living situation, but we are so busy that I really don't spend that much time here.
Today we had our first class with Dr. Mendelsson, exploring the origins, motivations and desires for the Zionist movement and the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. I appreciate how his method of questioning challenges us to think critically about this subject and makes it interesting to learn. It is also nice to have a smaller class of about 15 as it promotes discussion and students don't feel as reluctant to participate.
After this, we met Prof Bernstein and our Jerusalem tour guide Barack at the King David Hotel downtown. As we discuss why we have come here and what Jerusalem means to us, I am still taken aback that I am actually here experiencing all this. A city with so much history can be overwhelming, if you dig literally anywhere you may find remnants of civilization dating even before 500 B.C.
On this day we got an introduction to the city, the first neighborhood outside the city walls and the topography of the region. Barack introduced us to the idea of two cities: a heavenly Jerusalem and an earthly Jerusalem, competing elements that tell the story of the area. Between these are ideas of history and faith, record and legend. A perfect example of this is the Tomb of King David, over which is said to be the room of Jesus' last supper with the Apostles, as well as a Mosque. All three monotheistic religions claim a part of the site, although it is uncertain whether or not any of these are actual sites, as the archeological records do not agree with the claims of religion. In this way the place inhabits a grey area of fascination with myth and reality.
We finished the day with a walk through the old city and a visit to the Western Wall. Although relatively uncrowded this site still gave a powerful presence. As I stood there and placed my hand upon the stone, it felt as it the stories of the centuries could be told in that place.
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