...Purim overtook the entire country!

People always ask me why I moved here; how I deal with the low wages and high cost of living; why I chose a war-torn, unsafe country; how I survive without air conditioning in the summer, how I could leave my family and friends behind, and what I miss most about America.  I am almost never asked what I like most about being here.  When Israelis ask about my move, it is often with shock and disdain (that I would leave the cushy life of America).  They think that I am crazy.  Sometimes, I am met with admiration (also because I left a cushy life behind for something much more challenging).  Very rarely is news of my move met with contentment or understanding.  I can be admired for my move, yes, but many people can't fathom why I would choose to do something so hard.

Moving to a foreign country is hard.  I do get homesick sometimes.  Summers are hot and sweaty.  I am making less money than my friends in America.  I do stock up on a ton of clothes and goodies when I go home for a visit.  All of that is true.  But I don't realize it.  It isn't something I think about often.  It isn't something that particularly bothers me.  What I think about in Israel, despite how hard it is (in terms of language, bureaucracy, etc.) is how easy it is.  I have really good friends.  I have a life with weekly "activities."  I have favorite spots.

But there is something more than those things.  There is a feeling you get on a Friday afternoon in the shuk with the mad rush before Shabbat; the feeling when you ride the bus during Hanukka and pass hundreds of lit menorahs.  Most recently, it is the feeling of Purim.  In America you eat a little, drink a little, and dress up a little.  You make sure you hear megilla (the text read on the holiday), and you continue with your day.  In Israel it is a national holiday, and you really feel it.  Everyone is dressed up or talking about costumes, the markets and bakeries are bursting with hamentaschen (traditional triangular cookies), and hearing the megialla is a true experience.  This year, my friends and I went all out.  I was at a musical service and megilla reading at night with Disney tunes, some tunes from the Beatles, and a few other fun ones too.  It brought the holiday spirit of the country into the prayer service and was very festive and fitting.  Then I continued to another friend's apartment for some finishing touches to our costumes, and then we headed off to the shuk for a huge party.  There were Israelis, Anglos, religious people and secular people.  Everyone was dancing and having a good time.  And this was just one of the many parties to choose from.There were parties in town, in and around the Old City, in the various parks and public spaces, and at people's houses.

The next day throughout the city were Purim parties, activities for kids and families, and fundraising events. A group of men in our extended group of friends arranged a "Morning After" brunch, megilla reading, and charity auction for One Family, a local organization for overcoming acts of terror.  People within our community donated services (personal training session, cleaning services, lawyer services, dental check-up, etc.) to be auctioned, and together we raised about 15,000 shekels for the organization and another couple thousand for the needy in our community.  The fact that we did this in our community makes me proud to be hear.

 The day continued with a BBQ in the park.  We did it in costume, potluck style, and it was great.  We and the rest of Jerusalem celebrated a full 24+ hours, and the fact that that's normal here, and even expected, is why I live here.  The fact that Purim is just a given and that everyone can celebrate it and enjoy it is one of the reasons I truly love living here.  It feels like home because it is.