Day 1

Go to airport, yada yada yada.  We had to wait on the longest line I have ever seen just to get our luggage checked in.  Picture 3 different Yeshivos/Seminaries just waiting in a long line and that’s what I had to go through.  While standing on this size record breaking line I started talking to the people around me.  I met an African American woman on line behind me and she became good company.  We talked for most of the time on the line, and she was very friendly.  When we reached the area where El-AL asks you those questions (did you pack your luggage? Have you brought anything for anyone? Etc….) I, like everyone else was asked the questions.   After they had determined that I was in fact not a terrorist, and I was not carrying anything questionable they went on to the lady behind me.  The guard took one look at her, another guard came over, and after a quick exchange in Hebrew, turn to the woman and say those dreaded words.  “Ma’am, would you please come with me.”  I have no idea what happened to her, or where she went after that.  (Good luck to her wherever she may be.)

Then continuing in line I was told to approach the security counter.  Everyone in front of me had to have their baggage checked through the radiation scanner, I although was for some reason allowed to omit that part of the process.  The kid behind me (also going to Lev Hatorah) did have to have his scanned.  Thus is the end of part one. 

After just making it through security in time to board the plane, we took off for the holy land.  I of course loved the takeoff as always.  Unfortunately I had an isle seat in the middle row and could not take pictures out of the window.  Luckily I sat next to a pleasant and friendly person as apposed to what could have been worse.  The movies on the plane were scant, although the one I did watch was actually quite good.  It is called Entrapment, with Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta Jones.  Other then that was Speed Racer which I saw in theaters and thought it was an hour and a half too long. 

Many many hours later we landed in Tel Aviv, with the passengers applauding as we touched down.  It was quite interesting.  We proceeded to get off the plane and get our luggage, at which point we were joined by Lev Hatorah madrichim (A madrich is like a dorm counselor).  From there we went to the Yeshiva, ate dinner (I traveled 7,000 miles to get Pizza!), and then had time to do what we want.  This brings me to now when I am writing this.  I have already unpacked, met all the important people at the yeshiva, set up my electrical system, speakers, dart board, the works.  The dorms are actually large houses, and each bedroom is a different set of guys.  I have 2 other in my room, and I know both of them so everything is Kosher here.  As for the buildings?  They are mostly finished.  There are wires hanging down from the ceilings in the Bet Midrash, but the dorms are 'done'.  Now it is time to go to bed.  Good night all.

Jesse