I feel pride in the belief that all of this news within the Gay & Straight Press shows Israel in a more positive light - a number of the articles draw attention to the fact that Israel is the most tolerant state in the Middle East, and that unlike the surrounding states who imprison/hang/behead gay men, Israel seeks to create a more diverse and egalitarian country.
In conjunction with our news I'm also delighted to hear about the Survey of views from American Conservative Jews about the Same-Sex debate. The study initiated by the Head of JTS, one of the two Masorti Rabbinic training schools in America, shows that there is a significant majority in both Rabbinic & Lay movements in favour of ordaining openly gay & lesbian students to the Rabbinate as well as recognising same-sex relationships within the Conservative Jewish community. Perhaps the Israeli Masorti movement too will start to understand that inclusion is best - where there is a Rabbinic Will there is usually a Rabbinic Way.
Aside from all of this media attention I have more personal news - I've started learning at the Conservative Yeshiva and am now enjoying classes in Modern Jewish Philosophy, Mishnah, Psalms & Liturgy. So after 10 years since graduation from Oxford I'm finally coming back to formal Theological study.
Ulpan has proven to be a consuming experience but I've decided to access other styles of learning and to keep myself in thinking-mode. Learning at Yeshiva is a great experience and yet I still feel indebted to Rabbi Janet whose Chevrutah (study sessions) with me has proved more than just a foundation for Jewish learning.
Yesterday I also graduated from Ulpan Morasha - a twinge of sadness hit us all at the ending of the 5 month term of intensive Hebrew learning. Studying with the same people Sunday-thru-Thursday, 8am-1pm, has exposed me to new friendships and challenges. I'm now speaking with some degree of fluency but I'm going to continue to learn Hebrew at Ulpan Milah in their next intensive morning class. More symbolically the end of this 1st ulpan marks the closure of my very first stage in aliyah & absorption. The challenges that faced me in mid-August '06 have been, to some degree, overcome - Jerusalem is now home and going into another ulpan will be faced knowing that I have a good foundation in Hebrew & Ulpan education.
Now I'm faced with getting my Hebrew skills upto scratch so that I can start practicing as a therapist, and to register in Israel as a licensed social worker. I'm also starting to work out possible routes for Smicha - Rabbinic Studies - but more about that one day soon.
As for now - I'm feeling the relief of a week-long vacation, and the pleasure of seeing Almond trees blossom - tomorrow heralds in Tu Bishvat the day when Israel starts it's Spring season
Hag Same'ach - חג שמח
