Purim = Jewish Halloween

This week was finals/midterms, so thank goodness that is over. Now I only have two classes to focus on. Hallelujah. Because of all of the tests not a lot happened this week (besides Purim-more on that later), but I have some photos saved up to share so don't worry, you will still get to see my face this week. 

Here are some photos of the Jerusalem center

 These are some fuzzy pictures of the Forum. I have easily spent 100 hours in this room. School and orientations are never ending. 

The computer lab 

 The auditorium, where we have church, This picture was taken after a formal talent show. 

So this week was Purim! A Jewish holiday that celebrates Esther. For some reason it is like Halloween where everyone dresses up. It is also an excuse for everyone to go out at night to party. So we went out on the town to check out the festivities. 

 Here we have Leggo men costumes and the rabbits behind them. 

We went to the great synagogue to hear a reading of Esther- something you are suppose to do on the night of Purim. And it just so happened that the Prime Minister of Israel made a surprise appearance. He gave a little speech at the end, but it was in Hebrew, so alas I didn't know what was going on. 

 During the reading you make noise with your noise makers whenever Haman is mentioned (at least that is what I think. Once again-I don't speak Hebrew). 

 After the reading we went and got dinner 

 This was the best Shawarma I have ever had. Brooke got really into the spirit and dressed up as a chicken for Purim. 

 ice cream. of course, 

 Ben Yehuda street

 Purim dance party. The Jerusalem center definitely got this dance party going

 A week or so ago we also had our own Seder dinner. Don't worry, that's grape juice. It was really interesting and fun, later we also learned some Jewish folk dancing which was also super fun. 

That's all for now folks. But in other exciting news, I go to Turkey in a few hours!