Getting to know the other E. Wertheim

"If I had to choose something that made me happy, it would pretty much be football on the beach." -E. Wertheim

Most people that know me well, when reading the above quote, would surely think that it came from my lips. Well, au contraire, it's from the lips of the other E. Wertheim, my cousin, Erica, from New York. Cousin Erica has been here all summer long, first as a participant on Birthright and then afterwards as a resident of Tel Aviv.

To me Erica was always my little cousin, a cool kid but one whom I did not know that well because of the difference in age (she's 19). After a summer together, I can now say that I know her quite well and she's AWESOME! She's fun, caring, smart, interesting and just an overall great person. We've had many fun moments together and I've really enjoyed getting to know her as an adult (ok, who am I kidding, neither of us are adults:-)

We're both regular beachgoers and have fun breaking out the שש בש (backgammon) and soaking up the rays as well as chucking the football (she throws the ball better than any girl I've ever met). We've spent many ice cream dinners together, gone out to the bars, seen a cool concert, walked all over Tel Aviv and much more. I'm very sad to see her go, but excited because she's planning on coming back next summer.

I would also just like to add that she's had a full summer at the beach and I only have one or two days there each week and my tan is still darker than hers:-) Love ya, cuz!

Tel Aviv - The Modern City

This was a very busy week for me!

The whole YouLicense Team was assembled in Tel Aviv (including our London and US team), so work was more stressful than usual (though we did also have our first-ever company bar-b-q). Also, I had the pleasure of going to see two fun performances.

The first one was a very modern dance show. My friend, Mara (who is making aliyah in 2 weeks... yay!), had an extra ticket so I joined her and her group at the show. This wasn't just a show, but rather an experience. Never before had I been to a show where you stand up and watch the performance from beneath the stage! Yes, that's right, you enter and are given a stool according to your height and then you stand up on that stool and push your head through the stage into these metal protectors. Then, you watch the whole performance while the dancers move all around you in erotic, exotic and unique ways. It was crazy! To really grasp what it was like, you must check out this link to the performance.

The second show I saw was a group called Mayumana and the very famous Israeli musician, David Broza. On a recommendation by cousins Anat and Brian Granath, cousin Erica (post coming soon on her) and I went to the show after work on Thursday night. What a show! Here is a quick YouTube link I found, but it's not nearly as good as the show itself. The group, Mayumana, is similar to Stomp in the US. They use all kinds of ordinary items (trash cans, oil drums, PVC pipe and more) to make awesome music compilations. Not only do they play music, but they dance around, have comedy fused into the show and in general just put on a great performance. As an added bonus, David Broza plays guitar and sings throughout the show. It's a fusion of Israeli and Latino rhythms and is a must see for anyone visiting Israel.

Also, I'd like to give a shout-out to Miss Jessica Rogers. It appears that I actually have a dedicated blog reader who is not a member of my family... hehehehe. Also, congratulations to Jessica for starting college this fall at Syracuse University! Buena suerte!!!

I'll be blogging some more very soon.... p, I'm not doing too bad, hehheheehhee ;)

The Adult Bat Mitzvah Girl

Ok, before I begin this latest post, I thought I'd share a couple of things that I love about my life in Tel Aviv. I love walking everywhere! I have two new pairs of very comfortable walking shoes, so that makes life more enjoyable as well (I highly recommend investing in a pair of Naot or Teva, I've been wearing them for years). Also, I'm drinking a fresh juice that I just got on the street, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!

So, when I was back home in the ATL a month ago, I also got to attend the Bat Mitzvah of my Mom. When I'd tell people here in Israel that I was going to my Mom's Bat Mitzvah, I'd often get a look of puzzlement on their faces. They'd say, "Why would she do a thing like that?" Most people I interact with here in Israel are secular Jews and it's difficult for them to understand the fulfillment that comes with learning how to read Hebrew, studying Torah and attaining this rite of passage in Jewish life.

Anyway, back to my Mom. I was so proud to see her up there on the bima, chanting her Torah portion flawlessly and following the text with the yad (special pointer that you read Torah with). Growing up as a Reform Jew in Montgomery, Alabama, it was not common for girls or boys to perform the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. About ten years ago my Mom's brother, Uncle Julian, also did an adult Bar Mitzvah and I guess my Mom realized that her time had come to be called to the Torah as well. Better late than never, the saying goes. In less than one year's time, Mom learned how to read a new alphabet and chant Torah. Also, the event was extra special because Mom was able to share it with a lifelong friend, Marlene Reeves, who did an amazing job as well.

I feel so lucky that I was able to be with my family for this occasion. Mazel tov Ema! The picture is of us outside the temple before services.

Back in the ATL - Paula's wedding

Alllllllllllllll-righty then (nothing like a good Jim Carrey line to start off the post:)

Since I officially have been reduced to one blog reader (ok, maybe 2 or 3), I am going to write a special piece for that reader. Big sis P, this one's for you!

A little over a month ago I had the fortune of attending the best wedding I've ever been to when Paula Miriam Wertheim married Harlan Luxenberg. Now they are the Paula and Harlan Luxenberg family. What made this the best wedding you ask? Simply put it was a weekend extravaganza that wasn't over the top filled with relaxing scenery, lots of family and friends, time to chill out, an amazing ceremony, a talent show, scrumptious food and soooo much more. Check out their website to see the weekend line-up for yourself: http://harlanandpaula.com/

Since there is a great plenty that I could write about the weekend, I'll start off with my favorite part, the ceremony. It was a classic Reform Jewish ceremony, but had its share of touches that made it unique for Paula and Harlan. For starters, the backdrop of the wedding was a lake and the ceremony was performed under a very special chuppah (ritual Jewish wedding tent).

For me, the ceremony represented two aspects that are very important to Paula and Harlan: family and sustainability.

Family: There were many aspects of the ceremony that were conducted by the families of the bride and groom. The chuppah was made by Cousin Bill Gordon (8 or 9 Hart cousins have been married under it). The cover of the chuppah was woven by Harlan's mom and was beautiful. My Mom sewed the talit (prayer shawl) that Harlan wore as well as all the kipot (head coverings) that all the men wore. Paula wore the veil (though this time as a shawl) that was used by numerous women at their weddings (the first being Honey's mother, my great-grandmother). Each of the siblings and parents read a translation of one of the seven blessings during the ceremony. Their kittubah (wedding contract) was a gift from our grandmother, Honey. The flowers were put together by Harlan's sister. There were kiddush cups that had been in the family for a long time. Cousins Micah and Carlyn provided the music. I am sure there are other family details that I'm forgetting also (sorry P:-)

Sustainability: Everyone who had a part in the ceremony wore a dress or clothes that can be used again. All the literature was printed on recycled paper. The outdoor setting represented the green life that Harlan and Paula lead. They describe it much better on their wedding "sustainability" page, so check it out here.

They wrote their kittubah and it is a beautiful document that was created on an original piece of artwork. It will hang in their home and be a constant reminder of their commitment to each other and their values.

Ok, this post has gotten really long and so I must end it. There is so much more to say, but I think if you check out the pictures you'll get a great feel for just how special the weekend was from start to finish.

Older sis and new brother have definitely set a family precedent for great weddings!

p.s. One other thing: Honey (my 83 year-old grandmother) beat me in Ping Pong! wtf??????

One busy summer...

Boy oh boy, where do I even begin?

There is nothing like the summer. There have been visitors galore, a trip back to the US, work picking up steam and numerous other exciting events and activities.

Here are some of the highlights (which will all be upcoming blog posts):

• Trip back to the ATL - Paula's wedding
• Trip back to the ATL - Mom's Bat Mitzvah
• Hanging out with the other ewertheim (Cousin Erica comes for the summer)
• Chris and Lauren make a stop in Israel
  
• YouLicense update
• Summer visitors
• And more...

My little sister, Robin, is currently touring Central America with her boyfriend, Jerry. Please check out her blog and live the trip vicariously: http://robinthelatina.blogspot.com/

My older sister, Paula, and my Mom are my regular two readers and they want me to start writing more, so I will try and post more often.

For now, it's off to the gym, then work and then.... the WEEKEND! Yep, weekends start on Thursday night here and I am more than ready for this one to begin:-)