I’m overwhelmed.
I’m overwhelmed by the sudden shift from a crippling quarantine to an intense new reality in Tel Aviv.
So many people want to reunite with me, check in and see how two years in New York left their mark on me.
And as much as I’m willing to share, I also need to keep up with the fast pace of changes, both personally and professionally.
I think the most significant difference between New York and Tel Aviv is the familiarity of the situation. Even though street Hebrew is my mother tongue as well, I still feel like a total alien here, mostly because I’m actually from Jerusalem. Even mundane stuff like taking a bus or taking care of my bank account required me to cope with additional hiccups.
Yet beyond all of these challenges I’m finally home, even if this home is old and new at the same time.
My time in New York and at the 14th Street Y in particular have taught me not to be afraid of drastic changes. After all – this is what my shlichut was all about!
I’m glad that now I’ll have time to resume my day to day friendships with my pals here, see my parents face to face on a weekly basis, and to allow my relationship with my girlfriend to bloom.
On the professional level, I’m looking for a job that will allow me to continue working with a community – an aspect of the 14Y that I cherished deeply – and a job that will enable me to tell genuine human stories.
I’ll keep on updating you through my blog and social media!
Until next time, please take a look above at Old Jaffa in Israel!