April 25, 2007 4:26 AM

Hi everyone, my name is Tamara Frankel and I am studying at Hebrew University this year for my junior year abroad. I am originally from Toronto, Canada. I posted some info about myself on the weblog already so if you're interested to learn a little bit more about me, then you can refer to a comment I made on the next post. In any case, our course director, Vered Madar, advised us to introduce ourselves in a creative way (i.e. through an object or a text that is meaningful to us) instead of listing our hobbies and what our favourite flavour ice cream is. So I decided to take Vered's advice and tell you a little bit about who I am through a book by Shel Silverstein called "The Giving Tree". Well, here it goes!Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree" represents a significant aspect of my personality. "The Giving Tree" tells the story of a young boy who swings off the branches of his favourite tree in the entire forest. But as the boy grew older, he was no longer interested in playing games; he wanted to sell the tree's apples and use its branches for wood. The tree was always willing to give what she could to the young boy. Giving made the tree smile. I can relate to the tree's joy of giving to another. I often find myself sharing advice with finds, making time for family and also providing material things to others in need. This text demonstrates how I am able to connect to many different types of people and their needs.I hope that we will be able to share with one another in this course just like the tree did in Shel Silverstein's book; honestly and sincerely.

April 18, 2007 6:43 AM

Hey. So in terms of the video conference, which was now a couple of weeks ago, I thought it went really well. I'm constantly amazed by technology, as the last few days I've been involved in a constant stream of communication between Canada, Israel and Australia. Its very easy to be open and have a dialogue with an anonymous person online, but with the video conference we are connecting as students in a unique forum. As much as we sit and discuss Jerusalem, in any capicity, I think it's important to keep in mind that our voluntary participation in this course says a lot about our ideals and a willingness to understand the view of the other. That said, not everyone feels that way, which is why I think it's wonderful that amongst us there is such a diverse voice.As for me:I'm a third year student from the University of Calgary, but have little desire to be back there. Being in Israel this year has been a wonderful opportunity as I have first hand access to the archaeology sites that I study. I suppose I could symbalize (who said they couldn't write in English anymore? I second that!) myself through dance shoes. Because they represent my life spent on stage in theatre, and as a dancer. I've recently been bitten by the travel bug, as i've visited Jordan, Morocco, Spain and Turkey in the last few months. I want to go everywhere and see everything. That includes Ohio. But for now, I'm working on finishing out my year at Hebrew University, and I'm looking forward to going home to see my family.

April 18, 2007 6:30 AM

though it has taken me a couple of weeks to get around to this assignment, i think that it's better late than never. I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Tamara Frankel, I am Jewish and I live in Canada. I am studying at Hebrew U this year. and although I am studying Jewish Education, I thought that this course would be a rare opportunity to meet new people and share ideas; it was an offer I couldn't refuse. But at the same time, I am skeptical what will come of this course. even with modern technology, i think that this type of communication increases the distance that lies between us. we cannot go out for coffee. and when we want to say what is on our minds regarding jerusalem and any other issue, we do not have the opportunity to convey these thoughts face to face. i think that as much as we can see each other in the video conferences and have access to each other's weblogs, we hide behind them. i am not trying to sound too pessimistic but i would like to be honest with all of you as well. on another note, living in jerusalem this year has taught me a great deal about the culture of the city, those who live and breathe jerusalem everyday. but i must admit that i do not know all of jerusalem. i am limited to the streets i know, the museums i visit, the grocery stores i shop at. and sadly, i don't think i will ever be able to comprehend fully what jerusalem is all about. in a certain sense, this course is my attempt to explore different aspects of this city.i think that's enough for now. again, i look forward to hearing from you and you are all welcome to visit my blog any time. all the best!

May 21, 2007 5:45 AM

Hello everyone! Some of you may or may not remember me but I'm studying at Hebrew U this year and am originally from Canada. I have to say that this course and the weblog technology is VERY foreign to me and a large part of my reason why I have not actively participated in our 'communal' weblog as well as updated my own personal one is not because I am disinterested in the subject at hand. In any case, today I decided to allot an hour to click and scroll etc. I hope that I have found an appropriate place to post my thoughts.After reading the comments to this post, my feelings are indefinite. Let me explain. For those of you who know me well, I'm sure you can attest to the fact that I am the kind of person who "has their head screwed on really well". I know what I want; I passionately care about my family, friends and values; and I am not afraid to say what's on my mind, boldly and clearly. I think that as human beings, we are always looking to secure our sense of self and ensure that our identities are grounded. (Maybe I'm only speaking for myself here...) The point that I'm trying to get at is that this course has really probed me to think and rethink many assumptions that I have maintained to date. And it is unsettling for me. At the same time, I believe that this feeling of uneasiness is extremely healthy and necessary. Sometimes we need to hear counter arguments in order to reassess our opinions and evaluate the situation in light of new perspectives and testimonies that we have heard. At the same time, it is possible that after this re-evaluation process, I may come to the same conclusions that I had before this course. Who knows???Anyway, I think what I'm trying to say is that this course has shaken up a lot of my reservations about what is going on in Israel and although this may surprise many of you, I am grateful for the earthquake you have caused because it has allowed me to examine not only Middle Eastern politics but a huge part of my identity. And so, I would like to thank all of you, from Al-Quds, Ohio State and Hebrew U, for presenting an opportunity for me (and maybe for others) to reflect, reassess and listen.