...well actually Feldman Family American when...

From this site

In Israel, we are in the midst of Chaggim, High Holy Days.  Recently we celebrated Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.  For about the past month, and for another few weeks, greetings of a sweet New Year can be heard on the streets, and smells of cooking come from every apartment.  Pomegranates are in season, and even the buses are spirited.  Next up is Sukkot, and sukkahs (huts) are springing up all over Jerusalem: on roofs, in parking places, on balconies, on sidewalks, at restaurants, and in parks.  The days are still really hot, but the afternoons are perfect weather for eating out in the sukkah.

A lot of my friends go home for chaggim or visit family in Israel. I stayed in Jerusalem and although I was apprehensive at first, I had a really really nice and meaningful holiday.  I made a meal and a few other friends made meals too.  There was lots of eating and celebrating (on Rosh Hashana, not Yom Kippur), and that holiday time made me realize how successful and complete my transition to Israel has been.  Celebrating with my friends and making new traditions (this is already my second Chaggim season) makes me feel really connected to my country and my community.

The shul (bottom)
taken from my balcony

Some old traditions don't need to be changed though.  This year, I went to a synagogue literally across the street from my apartment. It was a minyan of mostly young people, many of whom were English speakers.  I went with friends and saw tons of people I knew.  It was such a nice feeling, but the proximity was also a huge huge perk.  Walking home after my fast on Yom Kippur took all of three minutes (across a street and up 142 stairs).  It was so Feldman Family American when I broke my fast with bagels and cream cheese.  My roommate thought it was kind of funny but partook as well.  The breakfast-for-break-fast tradition lives on. The only thing missing was my family and Aunt Cindy's cinnamon rolls.  Maybe next year I will do a bit of pre-fast baking so I can continue to merge my American and Israeli customs into a meaningful blend of traditions and customs for the years to come.  Until then, though, I will enjoy the continued eating during Sukkot as well as a bit of time to relax now that ulpan is finished and before classes start.