Time moves quickly – even in Cartagena

When I first got here, each second felt elongated, weighted down by humidity then baked in place by the sun.  Realizing I’ve been here almost two weeks this morning came as a  shock.  How could the weeks have flown while my body  crawled in Caribbean time, drugged by the heat and alternatively stimulated by sounds, smells, and the unexpected daily pleasure of getting lost.  Unbelievable.  And like so many ‘challenges’,  my initial frustrations with housing, torrential rains and sorting through my responsibilities as a teacher trainer are like a forgettable made-for-TV movie:  hazy on details, a pleasant few hours without the need to ever see it again.

A spa treatment for the adventurer at the El Tutumo Volcano mud bath. 200 meters deep, I had trouble staying vertical in the mineral rich mud. Fortunately there were women in the lagoon to scrub the mud off. We have no idea how lucky we are….

My student had it worse.  Becoming a TOEFL teacher is challenging under any circumstances.  Imagine: this guy Skyped his first two weeks of class – in a place with temperamental wi-fi.  Mr. Gomez, his teacher, never showed.  A practice class never materialized  (expect for one student!).  I showed up half-way through and disrupted his 90 minute lunch routine, while overloading his brain.  This guy is ready for anything!

 

This street is remarkable for it’s graffiti – I walked through it often on the way to class.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen 2-dimensional wall mural before this one – imagine these reliefs covering a wall about 20′ x 20′

Wandering deserted city streets at noon today with no place to be, I silently commended people for brilliantly staying out of the sun for a short siesta.  I had my sun umbrella (of course) walking the talk:  ‘Why does Linda cross the street?”  “To get out of the sun”.  Fortunately streets are narrow and easy to jot across as I zig zagged to success – finally finding the Colombian artist Botero’s reclining woman.

 

Patting this Botero’s statue is said to bring luck. She’s the one on the right.

Small squared and galleries are filled with art that is easy to enjoy while walking through the streets

This Ciudad Viejo (the old walled city Cartagena is known for) is all about the tourists, though locals swarm the streets selling hats, jewelry, and fruit.  I have to differentiate because this area is not cheap.  Food costs are comparable to what we’d pay in the U.S..  The typical salary is about $200/month USD.  The math doesn’t add up.  Most people work 2 jobs just to make ends meet – a universal story.  I’ve passed homes without windows at ground level close to swampy areas that must easily flood – as I notice elevated homes meters away.  Thatch roofs look charming on an urban restaurant, and utilitarian on a small hut planted on a rural hill with scrawny horses and cattle grazing close by.  All this from my first world perspective – what goes through the minds of locals as they watch tourists pour through their city showering pesos for drinks and consumables like it’s raining money.

Fishing ‘village at the local beach outside the city walls

This is the other side of that same group – cars were parked on the road as people came to buy.

Today I’ll take advantage of my last day moving in slow motion.  Drink coffee at Juan Valdez, visit the pallateria  and eat fish so fresh it must have just come from the sea – just check out the pictures above.  That and listen to the tales of fellow travelers who are kindred spirits as they adventurously wander the world  seeking growth and fulfillment in awesome ways.

Soccer tournament outside the city’s walls one night

Looking through the shutters of the hostel’ windows, can you see the woman across the way watching us? It’s easy to be a voyeur here, taking peeks through open doors at the wonders hidden behind plain doors.

Cartagena – A tale of two worlds

Cartagena lays claim to why spanish is spoken in South America.  Granted, it’s old history, battles fought hundreds of years ago between Spanish soldiers holed up in this fortified city and depending on the year either French or British naval invasions.  Walking around brilliant forts (or castles or just the walled city) and learning about soldier’ slaughters, I thought if it weren’t for war, Paul Revere would’ve saved himself a late night ride and been able to tweet about the British coming (for tea – remember no war).  Let’s just say there are riches to fight over here and many have been fought.  For better or for worse that is at least one of the questions.

 

Looking through the old city to the castle/fort San Filipe d’Baraias

Peeking through the old walled city are reminders of our more ‘modern’ age.

A city of water, this is exiting into the bay area and the neighborhood of Manga and where the synagogue is

The local beach, uncrowded early on Sunday morning. The water warmer than the showers.

Fast forward to modern-day Cartagena where I’ve been for the last week, teaching a young man to be a TEFL/English teacher.  Especially interesting since I haven’t really taught English and I’m happily relying on my  hundreds of years of experience facilitating and presenting ‘train-the-trainer’ workshops.  Fear not, I am helping him even as the class curriculum dribbles in like afternoon showers here.   I’m not in Kansas anymore.

 

Small squared and galleries are filled with art that is easy to enjoy while walking through the streets

There are the foreigner-filled beaches, and the tourists who wander in packs through the charming ‘Ciudad Vieja’ – the old walled city, with emerald shops on every corner, while you can’t avoid the offers for tours of every kind from men in front of every shop.  Everyone has something to sell, something to offer, smelling the sweet scent of foreign currency.   One tour guide linked Cartagena with St. Augustine.   An urban planner from New Orleans said she was reminded of her hometown thanks to the architecture, ‘festival’ and the intimate streets, not to mention the weather.  A torrential rain last Tuesday flooded the city and I got a the smallest taste of how Katrina must have devastated that city.

Saturday night fireworks as seen from my hostel courtyard. Why? Possibly a wedding. Or because it was Saturday night???

Traveling to any country is like falling into a whole new world.   Of course it’s not uncommon to cross a street almost anywhere in this same world and experience the passage from 1st to 3rd world.  My time in Cartagena finds me somewhere in between.   Discussing the differences in amenities with German travelers this morning we agreed we were very lucky to live in countries with such a wonderful standard of living –  and how easy it is to take it all for granted including having sewage systems that can handle flushing toilet paper.

Looking down a street in Getsemani, the neighborhood outside the ‘old city’ and where I spend my days teaching. A neighborhood that appears ripe for gentrification 

Substituting walking for motorized transportation – taxis or buses is a fascinating albeit harrowing experience.    The closest comparison is bumper cars though with everyone going in the same direction at dizzying speed and three lanes of traffic regularly swelling to five with motorcycles regularly competing for lane space – or should I say painted line space.  I haven’t taken pictures/videos of my experiences because of iPhone theft warnings:  see somethings are the same wherever you are!  And honestly, there are times I’m holding on tight.  It takes nerves of steel to ride in one of these vehicles not to mention cross the street (which I’ve now mastered with a hand wave!).  It must take nerves of titanium to get behind the wheel.  Good thing I love to walk.

Getsemani street art. Cartagena, like Bogotá is filled with colorful murals

Taking time to breathe, I luxuriate strolling more as a citizen than a tourist inside the wall,  exiting each afternoon into the ‘slums of Getsamenie, where I’m working.  Stepping out of my ‘world view’, I’m following the footsteps of the locals.  Slowing my pace and expectations and most of all trying to take things as they come.  There’s no sense of urgency here.  No ‘timely fashion’ as we might say in the first world.  Sharing this time challenge with ‘my NYC boss’ she responded: ‘well that’s why some places are not doing well and not advancing’.

It’s not that simple.  The culture is so different here in a way I can’t explain.     I don’t understand it yet, but give me another week to try.  Understanding – isn’t that the purpose of travel?

Enjoy!  And Shana Tova: Happy New Year.

Getsemani square in the early morning

 

I may be the only person who goes to the Caribbean and doesn’t race to the beach….. I did dip my toes and more and you can see how clean the water is and lukewarm…

Unexpected treat: Shabbat in Bogota

Before I take off for Cartagena tomorrow,  I want to tell you about a special – and unexpected treat: Shabbat dinner – in the Zohar hostel with the hostel’ hosts and E., an Orthodox Cali Jew/ fellow traveler.  Where to even begin….

 

E., B., J., from left to right. I have no other pictures from the dinner because once the sun went down, there would be no pics.

The Zohar’s J. and B. are captivated by Kabbalah, and by extension, Judaism.  E. has been satisfying their curiosity, providing equal opportunities to teach and learn.  I was invited to Shabbat/Friday night dinner thanks to my DNA.  At 5:30 we gathered in the hosts’ home on the 2nd floor and E. prayed the afternoon service.   Needless to say, not part of my ritual.

What I’m about to say may sound familiar if you’ve read earlier posts about my Eastern European conversations:  As Jews here reclaim their Judaism (Benei Anussim, Orthodox communities are springing up all over the country – 21 at current count – all Orthodox, because as E. shared, if you don’t know anything you should learn it all the ‘right’ way and then you have the knowledge to make the decision to do otherwise – choose your own brand of Judaism (and in my case “Jewish Renewal” thanks to Romemu in NYC).   Based on J.’s and B.’s strong affinity, E. threw out the possibility they had Jewish DNA – something that was drawing them back in so to speak.

Inside the church at Monseratte, one of Bogotá’s prize destination,  atop an eastern hill overlooking the city. I’ll have pics of synagogues as I attend. As you can imagine the churches  here are plentiful, with crowds attending afternoon services in those I’ve popped into.

Gondola that took us down the hill from Monsarrat – my scariest action so far – I was with a Peace Corps volunteer, W. from Paraguay and she agreed! This pic courtesy of rawinquiry.com

The Hebrew (with a Sephardic accent) and Spanish prayers were diligently listened to by J. and B. – from Kabbalah, they were focused on the pronunciation of each letter, and open to its spirituality.  It’s one more example of how intent guides the value of any experience.  I’m respectful – and in awe of those learning a new religion – having the strength and self-awareness to know something is ‘missing’ from their life – not to mention learning how to read Hebrew and pray. E. didn’t learn till he was 28 – (and he knew he was Jewish: his mother is Sephardic, his grandfather Ashkenazi/German from the EEuropean immigration of the ’20’s).

Rich red and green dot the eastern hills above the city, these in Monsarrat.

During a lovely dinner of soup (with lots of potatoes Colombian style), salad, chicken and ox tail (yup!), B. asked non-stop questions – in Spanish with spectacular non-verbals!  My brain bloated way before my stomach, though most of her questions (I think…) dealt with both the history of Judaism and also specific Halacha (rules).  E. clearly outlined the difference in men’s and women’s roles in Orthodox Judaism – separation of the sexes, men leading prayer in volume and intensity –  while I explained how my service is filled with singing and dancing – and mixed seating.  I imagine over the next few months I’ll find myself in many different synagogue groups, equally awed, equally amazed, and feeling wonderfully blessed (and even frustrated).

Overlooking Bogotá – as you can see a HUGE city. The skies are overcast and actually quite polluted thanks to diesel fuel

E. and I were in total agreement that there is no-one way to be Jewish.  As he said – it’s not a race, nationality, or even just a religion – it’s a way of thinking.  And freedom of thought, as Jews reclaim their identity here is the greatest gift.  Though he was quite insistent on the importance of following the ‘rules’ (Halacha) which is not my way of practicing.  This insistent determination is something I’ll be paying attention to over the next few months.

One thing is for certain – I listen for similarities from my E.European conversations and that has to stop.  I’m in a different culture with a different history.  I know so little – I have so much to learn.

The eastern hills are lush and beckoning. Notice the cross planted as a reminder – a mecca to all who look up. By late afternoon the sky clears to reveal brilliant blue sky and welcome warmth!

 

 

Blocks away, is this restaurant/sign. It appears I not only can’t understand Spanish – but I can’t understand Hebrew either. Yet, that it’s even here intrigues me. If anyone can translate – please do!

Everybody loves Kabbalah

A slight exaggeration.  While Madonna put it (back) on the spiritual map, there are certainly worse trends to follow out there.   In here, my current hostel, The Zohar, my hosts’ (Joshua and Beatriz)  red-stringed wrist shows the far-reaching appeal of this practice.  There was even a Kabbalah center here in Bogotá which my hostel host is pushing to reopen.

The ‘living room’ at the Zohar Hostel

Coming to the Zohar (the hostel) was accidental – focused on satisfying my physical, not spiritual needs – I walked past and had seen the pictures.  Uncovering the Kabbalah connection came when I realized the name’s familiarity – though I had to google it to be sure.   My host, J. knows little about Judaism.  He does know Jews – through work in NYC and also ‘rumor’ so to speak here in Bogotá.

The original site of Bogotá!

I wouldn’t say this hostel is particularly spiritual, though it’s got wonderful down comforters which adds to my sleeping nirvana.  Yet, in a country of less than 5,000 Jews there are now 2 of us here – Elijah, who is here for work.   He’s spent 12 years in Miami and will be going back for the Jewish High Holidays.  I notice  how fluidly people travel between the Americas – which also means I can’t say I’m American – because so is everyone else here.

Elijah’s Orthodox, living in Cali, a small city west of here –  there is a community and a growing Jewish community as Colombians declare their Judaism.  There has always been a population here insisting they were Jewish – but unable to prove it with papers, meaning  they’ve been ignored.   E. shared they practice the Halacha (laws), keep kosher, speak Hebrew.  But still the ‘established’ Jewish community, the Ashkenazi who moved here in the 1930’s fleeing Hitler, wouldn’t recognize them.   Last January, Spain released a list of over 5,000 names of those exiled 500 years ago.  Surprise, surprise – they were all Jews.   There are 21 Jewish communities springing up around the country.  And they are Orthodox – E. says if you are embracing the religion take it all and then decide what you believe, and how you will practice.  (I’ll be writing about Shabbat dinner with Elijah, Joshua and Beatriz soon).

Really, I don’t look for this stuff.  Not yet – not on this trip.  But already my curiosity is sparked and I can feel the draw to explore in-depth other parts of the country – and these communities.  After all, there are no coincidences.

This ‘mini-golf’ event courtesy of Quaker Oats was taking place at the original Bogotá site. This could have been anywhere….

It all comes back to identity:   how one maintains identity when it’s not supported by the environment.  I’m sure I’ll learn more about this with indigenous people as I see the country.

Then there’s language:  I’m here to teach English, the ‘universal language’.  At a ‘Spanglish’ conversation group at a local bar, Eduardo, a young ‘Biology teacher who teaches in English’ pointed out if everyone speaks English what will happen to all the other languages.  What will happen to alternative ways to communicate and express oneself.  Will Starbucks and H&M take over?  Or are they already here and I haven’t seen them (which is more likely….)

Subway shops are everywhere, I’ve seen a Starbuck’s cup (not store), several McDonald’s – you get the idea….

Somehow I’m making time to look for work – one ‘offer’ for an unspecified number of hours and I’m soon off to another interview.  I’ve finally tapped into the corner of the expat community at the local language school and realize there are people who will help me settle in and see the city.

Mike (right) and his buddy showed me the ropes of taking a bus and their experience as Expats. On their way for a casting call, Mike will be playing a dead guy in a Micky Rourke movie

It all reminds me I need to learn Spanish!  My handful of words aren’t enough in this country where English is as rare as hot water in the kitchen faucet.  The simplest things can be a challenge when there is a language barrier.   I was proudly escorted to an ATM yesterday by a (haltingly) English-speaking businessman.  I’ve shared that feeling many times in NYC, escorting foreigners through the subway and city streets.

Fortunately those little acts of kindness are immune to language – or should I say rely on the power of universal language – a smile.

That’s a bit of my first 8 days….

FYI:  I’m off to Cartagena tomorrow for a 2 week gig.  This should be interesting!

 

A new journey: Bogota I have arrived!

Once a wanderer, always a wanderer.  Three years ago I took off for Eastern Europe conversing with Jewish communities about identity.  Little did I know how much those conversations would become part of my identity and world view.  These past years found me physically in New York, but mentally in transit.  Last Yom Kippur I decided it was time to reconcile my mental and physical states and temporarily changing countries.  That’s the cliff note version of how I now find myself in Columbia – looking for an English teaching job.  Like I said – cliff note version.

 

Every country has their ‘coca cola’ sign – perhaps most appropriate here? This was taken at the modern art museum

This is the beginning of conversational journey 2.0:  I’ll be connecting with the Jewish community here (as soon as I get security approved – more on that later).  Thought I expect to take lots of side trips on this road including staying here for several months and teaching English (I hope).   Columbia is a country in flux, with a presidential vision to become the premiere seat of Latin America.  Increasing English fluency is part of that vision, and I hope to be part of it.   Three days into my ‘trip’, I’m feeling differences between Latin America and Eastern Europe:  or is it my filter?  Is it just that I feel different? I suppose time will tell.

One of main squares filled with families enjoying the ‘shows’. Yes, those are llamas.

If you’re wondering why I didn’t go back to Eastern Europe to teach English – good question:  it is hard for Americans (with no experience) to find jobs.  Companies prefer to hire people with EU passports with no need for visas.  Besides, I now have the opportunity to explore a new part of the world, with a different history and very different culture.

The city center is filled with stalls and was crowded with Saturday shoppers. Different – but with a touch of NYC’s Chinatown

One thing is for sure – language – or more specifically a common language – is key. When I first traveled to Soviet Eastern Europe over thirty years ago, my non-verbal communication and an occasional word got me by with shared laughter and (I think) understanding.  The power of youth prevented the lack of a common language from being a barrier.  Three decades later, in 5772, it was verbal communication that secured my trip’s meaning and connection.  Lucky for me, English is, and is becoming, the international language.

English need = Linda’s job opportunity!

As my 2014/5775 trip began on LAN airlines from Miami to Bogotá, English was the obvious step-child.  Translations were rushed and not well enunciated.  You’ll be happy to know I made it through the flight – and more importantly through customs with my less than mediocre Spanish.  Seeing the sites requires open eyes, listening to stories requires an open mind – and a common language.   I’m dusting off and polishing my Spanish with the expectation I’ll understand the flight attendants on my December return flight.

Bogotá has a superior network of art museums. Most famously, the Museo de Botero, which highlights Botero’s work. A larger version of these statues welcome visitors to the Time Warner building in NYC’s Columbus Circle.

I’m used to diversity in New York.  A daily ride on the subway was shared with people and languages from all over the world.  Still, it was my English and my culture that kept me safe while feeding my sense of worldliness.  Non-english speakers traveling to the states were seen huddled around maps on street corners.  They were unable to ask for directions.  What a lonely way to travel – as I’m experiencing right now.  I’m doing a darn good job of just smiling and nodding.

I’m looking forward to enjoying the natural beauty of this diverse country.

So I start this new journey without a clear path or even final destination.   I’ll listen and learn from those I meet, while listening and learning from my own experiences as a newly minted expat teacher.    Stay tuned and share any advice or thoughts on teaching abroad or learning a new language.

Wishing you great conversations!

 

 

6 strategies for Preventing Genocide through (naked) Identity

Talking about 6 steps to prevent genocide…

While walking through Brooklyn’s Greenwood Cemetery  with my friend Julie, she pointed out nobody cares about genocides.  Not really.  After all it will never  happen to them.

This is to prevent forest firest….genocideourcarelessness.jpg

People care about bullying.

Bullying happens.  A lot.  School yard bullies graduate to board rooms.

Have you ever  teased a little too far or not acted with kindness when you were feeling unhappy or insecure?  Bullies act because they’re not secure.

Bullying and genocide share DNA.  Genocides, the Holocaust, hate crimes – are merely bullying on steroids.

The Holocaust started as aggressive bullying way before Kristallnacht (1938) and Germany’s invasion of Poland  (1939).  It started in 1933 with Hitler Youth learning to spot Jews, and beat up weaker ‘youth’.  Hitler youth turned in parents who didn’t support Hitler.  They learned new songs…

“Yes, when the Jewish blood splashes from the knives, things will go twice as well.”

Scary…

Hitler youth were primed and ready for genocide.  Why did they get so wrapped up in this identity?  What was wrong with their authentic selves?

I wonder how this relates to  branding on Facebook and Twitter in the wild world of social media.

It’s a similar question to why kids  join gangs:  the need to belong.   To be liked.

After the recent Boston bombings, the ‘experts’ chimed in about what makes a terrorist:

“Terrorists are people who are alienated.  They have a confused identity… not ‘x’, not ‘y’… not connected to family or to parents… they find a new identity on the internet…” (summarized and pulled from various sources)

Red flag: people are turning to the internet to build community, AND to discover who they are, or who they want to be. HUH???

“Those who don’t love themselves as they are rarely love life either.”  Rachel Naomi Remen

For self-love, here’s my 5 strategies for secure identities:

Step 1:  KNOW your strengths, weaknesses, challenges.    Learning about yourself can’t be googled.  It’s complex and includes race, religion, gender, nationality, looks, socio-economics, and, our innate personality or what I call ‘naked identity’:  who you are without your ‘stuff’.

The best way to undress your naked identity is through the DiSC assessment tool.  The DiSC uncovers how you behavior, act, react, deal with conflict, work and your natural abilities as well as challenges.

I had an education student who was told to be an engineer – inside he was an English major.  Look around your office/classroom – are people their inside ‘selves’, or doing/being what others expect from them?

I’d put money on the mean, grumbling person not being their DiSC style.  Don’t judge others for not being like you.  Accepting someone else helps them accept you.  Focus on you.

Step 2:  Let your values guide your action

Identify your values (click here to identify yours).   Live them.  Believe me it’s hard.  And realize:  you and I may value ‘relationships’ but define it very differently. Understanding these differences in defining them is what’s key to security.

Step 3: Listen to yourself 

Everyone has an opinion about who you should be and what you should do.   Chances are those ‘everyone’s’ are telling you what they want.   I bet they have a different DiSC style and values than you.    Moments of Awareness  is the best and easiest way to listen carefully.

Your ‘friend’s’ not quite complimentary comment that leaves you wondering how you feel – about the comment, him/her, and yourself?  Listen:  it’s more about the commenter than you.  Listen to yourself.

Step 4:  Care more about yourself 

This may sound selfish – but just the opposite.  You can’t take care of anyone else unless you’re secure in yourself.  Taking care of yourself makes it easier to listen to others.

Step 5:  Don’t be a victim of Identity Theft:  Believe in yourself 

Knowing your DiSC, values, and regularly using Moments of Awareness to assess your feelings, will secure your identity.   If someone makes you doubt yourself, try

confidence-thechangeblog-com

to understand which of their values aren’t met.  Learn and ‘listen’ if it is in line with YOUR identity.

Step 6:  Share your identity

D., a young American-Korean woman I met in Berlin said it best:  A secure identity means you can explain who you are to others.  Practice till you can.

What is your identity?  

How does knowing your identity keep you from lashing out to others?

What do you think we need to teach others to prevent bullying – and genocides?

CelebrateTrees: Tu B’shvat, the Jewish Arbor Day!

‘It is because of you we are here.‘  Lilka Bielski, Tuvia Bielski’s widow said as she looked up at the trees (in a video) in the Belarus forest where the Bielski partisans (best known from the movie ‘Defiance’)  survived the Holocaust.

Please go here to read more about amazing Partisans: http://www.jewishpartisans.org/

These same trees that saved partisans during the Holocaust, are the ‘green lungs’ that maintain life.  Celebrating these – and all – trees, and the renewal and rebirth they represent – is what Tu B’Shvat is all about.

Forests provide safety

This holiday is sometimes called the Jewish Arbor Day, or what might be called the Jewish Earth Day.   Clueless, I’ve thought of this as the ‘dried fruit holiday’ since the kosher supermarkets in my neighborhood offer a smorgasbord of dried fruits which I happen to love.

Literally, Tu B’Shvat, a minor holiday, means the 15th of the Jewish month of Shevat.

Tu B’shvat delights

What I love more, is understanding what this holiday is all about:  celebrating nature and our relationship to the earth and as a reminder to serve and protect trees.  In Israel it’s all about ecological awareness and planting trees.

I’ve learned this for the first time thanks to  Rabbi David Ingbor’s sermon one Friday night at the Romemu Synagogue.   Environmentalist or not, this is a time of physical and spiritual renewal.  A second Rosh Hashonah.   Check out Romemu’s site and download the sermon:  http://romemu.org

And listen to the music on “A Taste of  Romemu:  http://romemu.org/music

It’s so easy to take trees for granted, especially this time of year as they stand naked and silent, seemingly devoid of color and purpose.

‘naked trees’ in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, preparing for spring

Tu B’Shvat is the perfect time to start celebrating nature as we (humans and nature alike) enter this time of fertility after winter’s dormancy.  And don’t trees deserve a much-needed time of rest, of fallow, after all they do for us?

Those seeds strewn in the fall, and through Rosh Hashonah intentions?  They’ve had time to scatter and settle, hopefully to miraculously take root and prepare to bloom when conditions are right.

Tu B’Shvat is a reminder that life stirs before we see it:  just as our dreams don’t come true one sun-filled morning, but rather build over the course of mulching and mulling experiences and actions.

While this may be a minor holiday, trees serve a major purpose in Judaism and Israel, which I think is pretty amazing:

Jews were ‘told’ to plant trees when they ‘returned’ to Israel.

All the more interesting since there were virtually no trees there.  So now, when Israel boasts having more trees now than 100 years ago, it is easy to understand how this is true.

In 1901, early settlers in Palestine began planting trees as part of the Jewish National Fund (JNF).   Now, there are over 240 million trees in Israel!  In fact, one of the most popular ways to commemorate and celebrate an event or person is by planting trees in someone’s name through JNF.

http://www.jnftrees.com/

(FYI, about planting trees…  James Michner, in his fictional book “The Source”. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TheSourceNovel.jpg   writes about American Jews coming to visit ‘their’ trees, only to find they aren’t memorialized that way!)

Good thing there are so many trees since that proverbial peace symbol of an olive branch, well, we need lots more olive branches  from lots more olive trees…

olive tree stamp http://www.greenprophet.com/2009/11/israel-pa-olive-crops/

While some of those who have planted trees were Partisans, and the children of Partisans, I think in this day and age we are all Partisans of a sort in need of safety.

We all need a safe place to hide – from the ravages of climate change.

10,000 trees were killed, uprooted, in New York alone during Sandy.  Ironic – the trees that will save us from climate disasters are destroyed during those same disasters.

I want the world to be a safe place, full of safe hiding places, preferably for play, not war.  So while I won’t literally be planting trees this weekend, I’ve already ‘asked’ JNF to plant a few to honor a niece.

Who knew Tu B’Shvat is in fact a major holiday in intent?  A holiday of action and change!

Here’s to celebrating renewal and rebirth as we all start to thaw from our winter fallow.  And a reminder to go hug (and plant) a tree in thanks for the safety she provides.

Harlem’s Gospel experience and invitation

The Apollo theater, Harlem’s famous landmark was initially home to Yiddish theater before launching the career of musical giants including Michael Jackson!

On a hot August morning,  buses line Harlem’s 125th Street as hundreds of people snake single-file past street vendors and residents before dodging down side streets in search of spirituality.  Spirituality in Gospel music.

Soaking up the cultural and spiritual Gospel experience is a must-do for NYC tourists and residents.   A to-do that took this New Yorker 11 years to accomplish!  Along with fifty members of NYC’s

138th Street, Strivers Row was where the wealthy lived in Harlem 100 years ago

Shorewalker’s, we looped through Harlem’s Striver’s Row on 138th St. on our way

Striver’s Row @138th Street in Harlem, NYC.

to a large square building more reminiscent of a government building or bank than of a church.

Fitting I suppose for a religious institution.

Mount Olivet Baptist Church, at 120th Street and Lenox Avenue (now Malcolm X Boulevard), was built  in 1907 as Temple Israel for German Jews. Its four trunk like Corinthian columns could be mistaken for something out of imperial Rome were it not for the Stars of David nestled in their leafy capitals – and the Stars of David in the balcony section and the Ten Commandments and Hebrew inscription above the baptismal pool that was once the Ark. The synagogue was designed by Arnold W. Brunner, architect of Congregation Shearith Israel, the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, at Central Park West and 70th Street.

Hundreds of us – literally – are crowded into the back of the sanctuary of this exotic venue.  We’re sweaty and makeshift fans courtesy of the programs are both relieving and mildly distracting.

Stars of David atop the pillars of Ephases Baptist Church. Respectful of the service, I didn’t take any pictures inside.

It takes only minutes for us to sink into the warm ambience and spiritual energy that makes Gospel a full experience.   Four women singing around the piano in the front left, belt out songs, challenging us to participate. 

The question is, how do we participate? 

Do we sing? Clap? Stand and sway? 

Is there a protocol and how do we learn it?

Congregants rise to shake hands in welcome to  each other while slowly making their way to us visitors.  This is the easy part: it takes little enticement for us to eagerly reach out for connection, touch.

Many of Harlem’s churches, like Mount Olivet reveal rich reminders of its Jewish past, brief as it was.  In the balcony, emerald-green Stars of David are centered in the stain glass windows of this former synagogue.  Front and center, the Ten Commandments atop the ark, held the

Manhattan Grace Tabernacle in Harlem with its Magen David. The writing in the arch is Hebrew

Torah’s and now houses the Baptismal pool.  Hebrew lettering arched above reminds all of the German and Eastern European Jews who called this sanctuary and neighborhood home from the late 1800’s to the 1920’s.

This Gospel Church’s Jewish past  surprised many in my group.  Yet, human ‘migrations’ are the universal story of cities large and small, for better or worse.

Neighborhoods change, seemingly in a NY minute here in the Big Apple.  Subtle reminders remain, requiring focused attention and observation.  In Harlem alone about a dozen churches began their spiritual life as synagogues!

Former Allen St. Synagogue in the once Jewish Lower East Side and now Chinatown is a  Buddhist Temple and 99 cent store

‘In the name of G-d has sparked so many wars, yet sanctuaries fluidly change religious affiliation.  Both from year to year, and more often, from day-to-day.  My Kabbalat Shabbat, (Friday night services welcoming the Sabbath) are spent in a Presbyterian church.

There’s peace in those pews.  If we can pray in the same space, can’t we play nice?

As I sway and clap back in Harlem on that hot Sunday, letting my body blend with the music, my mind wonders and wanders: why don’t tourists  include Jewish services, or other religious services to their cultural experience?

Here in 2013, post-apocolyptic-Mayan-miss, there’s a perfect opportunity to understand and connect with others.  To develop and grow our empathy. 

If we can’t literally walk in someone else’s shoes to grow and develop empathy, it’s possible to pray in someone else’s pews. 

Have you had the opportunity to pray in another house of worship? 

What did you learn about your own religion and sense of spirituality?

Here’s to a year of peace, empathy, and, connection!

From Moscow about Love: identity Talk in the Park

What part of your life would you change for love?

Why would you  change your beliefs and identity?

How do you know if what you changed for is ‘real’?

 I meet M. in NYC’s Bryant Park where as ‘The Coach is IN:  A Talk in the Park:  people present situations and needs.  I  ‘coach’ success strategies to help them resolve conflict, improve communication, and  focus careers.

I think of it as my new conversational journey:  http://communicationessentials.wordpress.com.    

M. and her friend L. huddled over their MAC’s debating ‘to be or not to be coached’at the table next to me.  Insinuating myself into their conversation,  I had myself two new ‘clients’.  (like Peanuts’ Lucy, I charge a nickel so “clients” must be in “air quotes”) http://communicationessentials.wordpress.com. 

M. and L’s  friendship begun on a bus to Boston  has lasted through time and distance – a fact that speaks volumes about them both.  Interestingly, both had relationship questions but at different ends of the ‘love’ spectrum. http://communicationessentials.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/friends-after-…ch-is-in-vol-5/

M’s in a relationship and she’s scared.  Fear is causing a conflict:  internally.   

This fear has evolved in the last year – it wouldn’t have been relevant before.  A Moscow Jew,  she has been learning and becoming involved with Judaism (it sounded like through Chabad).

http://www.chabad.org/centers/default_cdo/aid/118309/jewish/Bronnaya-Synagogue-Agudas-Chasidei-Chabad.htm

One of Moscow’s synagogues: Choral Synagogue

Friday nights find her in Shabbat Services these days.  Her beliefs, life style and identity have changed.  She now works for a Jewish organization, taking young people to Israel on Birthright/Taglit trips.  www.birthrightisrael.com

The Friday we spoke would be the first Shabbat not spent in a synagogue in a year.  She wondered how she would feel, already missing the sanctuary services offered.

M’s complications:  love and religion.  She’s dating a young man from her synagogue, a man she was friends with for months.  They like each other – a lot.

Her fear is NOT about whether the relationship will last. (she knows it’s a real possibility).

Remember her conflict is internal.  It’s about her changing at her pace. Her boyfriend is more observant, observing dietary laws (kosher) and the Sabbath (Shabbat).  For them to be together she would have to be equally observant.  Now she  attends Shabbat services,  but is she ready for more?  What does she want?  She’s not sure.

Her fear:  being told what or how to do things.  She doesn’t want to change for the wrong (read:  not her) reasons.  This tug-of-war wraps pulls at her mind  and emotions:  she loves shrimp but might  be willing to be Kosher.  He can keep Shabbat, but she may still want to see a Saturday movie with her friends.

Optimistically she questions: Perhaps he’ll change and meet her half way?  She knows the answer.

As her afternoon coach, I can only offer strategies to understand and then

Me with my coaching sign in Bryant Park!

communicate her needs.  Providing a framework to sort through her thoughts and feelings, I leave her to do the hard work.

While M’s story is not unique, I’ve heard  50 shades of it since my conversational journey last fall,  amazement at this movement’s magnitude continues.  

Throughout Eastern Europe, Jews are exploring  long hidden, forgotten, ignored Judaism.   Throughout Russia young people are exploring (all) religion, dealing with the ‘usual’ debate over who is ‘legally’ Jewish.   A generation after the fall of communism  people have the freedom to ‘wake up’ and stretch their beliefs.  Religion, and faith can be explored and expressed.

I’m reminded again how easy it is to take my Judaism, my freedom to believe, for granted.   My fear:  how easy it is to store aspects of my identity until they’re needed or wanted.

M. is strong and determined.  She’ll maintain, grow and develop her identity, discovering  who she is and who she is meant to be.  I hope I can do the same.

One bit of (ironic) news about Eastern European Jewry heard while docenting at  Museum at Eldridge Street:   A., an Israeli-German woman living in Hamburg, shared  all (almost) synagogues in Germany are Orthodox!  Before WWII, Reform Judaism began there.  

New Jewish congregants are moving into Germany from ‘the East’.  The only reform synagogue is the Orienenburger Synagogue, http://www.jg-

The Orienenburger or Neue Synagogue in Berlin is home to a beautiful and welcoming egalitarian service (just be sure to get on a list to get in!). The beautiful facade is all that is left of the synagogue which was destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938. Germany has a GROWING Jewish population, only recently publishing a Jewish newspaper for the first time since WWII!

berlin.org/en/judaism/synagogues/oranienburger-strasse.html   is egalitarian. The  Cantor and Rabbi are women, lead beautiful and welcoming services.    I attended several services here when visiting Berlin,  services which felt like ‘home’.

Multi-faceted Jerilyn: Recreating Identity Perfection

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about someone you thought you knew recently?

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve unveiled about yourself?

Think of people you know: from work, a social group, church or synagogue, or family. How well do you know them? Or as Charlotte in TV’s “Sex in the City” asked: “How well do we really know anyone..?”

According to John Godfrey Saxe’s (1816 – 1887) version of the famous Indian legend, getting to know people takes exploration. My favorite reminder is the

Sufi tale of the Elephant and the Blind Men. If you don’t it, read it for great analagies to so many life situations

Sufi tale of the blind men and the elephant.

www.noogenesis.com/pineapple/blind_men_elephant.html

There’s more to a person’s identity than meets the eye, as ‘seen’ by these six explorers.

Let’s face it’s easy to apply generalizations to someone, even if our belief is flattering. Take my friend and colleague: Jerilyn WillinL  Speaker/Writer/Adventurous Fiction, Inspiring Self Help

You can learn better business practices in one of her leadership development classes, achieve your goals as her coaching client, or listen and be inspired by one her speaker presentations.  She comes across as what I describe as “all business”.   You may think you know her.   Think again.

To start: Dig deep. In fact deep, deeper and deeper still!  Jerilyn’s  co-written journal  journey for people to explore professional and personal life potential and focus. (Sign up for her email prompt for deep thought and conversation: www.jwillinconsulting.com .  New quotes and deep digging questions are sent weekly and will spark your creative juices.)

Digging deep and  listening beneath the surface reveals glimmers not captured by  the boardroom or office cubicle.  Identity, afterall,  is about sharpening and polishing personal facets at the surface and below.  Some of those facets are easily recognized and  ready to be unearthed and exhibited.  Others take lots more elbow grease to unveil identity perfection.

Ever notice how people sparkle when their identity is polished.  It’s more than charisma – it’s magic!  Without a doubt, identity is ROMANCE.

How do you get find the romance in management consulting? (No federal workplace laws are violated here!)

 I looked to Jerilyn for direction.  Digging deep, she summoned her inner romance, by sharpening another facet of her identity.   Practicing Thomas Edison’s: “Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” a brilliant romance e-book  was uncovered.

  “Unless a Love be Free”   is available through Amazon at www.Amazoncom.

This is such a perfect summer – or year-round subway read!

This is a read you won’t forget – or regret!  (There’s a reason romance novels are popular – they really are about power and freedom which you’ll see when you read this. )

Think your identity doesn’t include reading a romance novel?

If so, that’s the perfect reason to read ‘outside of the box’.  I’ve found reading new genre’s  polishs my facets and even improves my ability to solve problems, communicate and daydream.   Laugh about daydreaming, but it’s key to polishing  new facets of  identity.

So read “Unless a Love be Free” and daydream.   Especially if this is your first romance share how this book revealed new ideas for you!

Another plug for great authorship and ingenious selling modes: Garrett Robinson was in NYC’s Bryant Park selling his self-published books including Zoe, a fictional account of his identity quest through travel. Sounds captivating and is available through Amazon.com. How to sell your wares???