Here goes Halfway: Mid-Year Seminar in Israel

Somehow it's been six months since I left the US and came to Germany. It seems pretty impossible that this time last year I was still in Berkeley wondering what life after graduation would bring and now it's already three months into 2014!

Last week marked the official halfway point with the JSC Mid-Year Seminar in Israel. First, being back in Israel after two years was quite a trip. In 2012 I spent spring semester studying abroad in Jerusalem at the Hebrew University. I loved being in the international school and meeting the most wonderful people from so many corners of the world. It was an adventure shopping in the Shuk (the market), figuring out Israeli busses and exploring the country.

Returning to Israel this time though was an entirely different experience. It was strange being a tourist in a place I used to be so acquainted with. Also I kept finding myself thinking that Israel and Jerusalem was the most familiar place I would return to in the course of my year in Germany (since I wont be visiting the US). Regardless, it was great to see some old friendly faces while I was there soak up (a little too much) sunshine after a grey German winter.

The conference itself was filled with fellows new and old. It was fascinating connecting with people doing sometimes very different and sometimes similar work literally ALL over the world. Even just my two roommates Maggie and Katy's Fellowships are in Ethiopia and Haiti.

One of the most rewarding parts of the conference was the opportunity JDC Entwine gave me to present a case-study on "Managing Relationships". It was so great getting to talk about some of the challenges and successes I've had so far this year. The feedback from the other fellows was really uplifting. It was great hearing that people have had similar difficulties and somehow we could use each other's experiences for motivation.

After the conference I spent the weekend relaxing with some of the Israel fellows and some other people who decided to extend a few days. Having informal unstructured conversations about our years so far, our goals for the next six months and our plans for afterwards was inspirational and rejuvenating. Huge shout out to Ron and Julie for hosting, feeding and taking care of me!

Now I'm back in Germany totally ready for a Purim filled March. Looking forward to my next six months!

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