Hello from Jerusalem where I have continually assured friends who have been emailing me that we are far from the missiles being launched into Northern Israel. These are not words that I ever imagined having to formulate. It would seem that Israel is at war and all of us are on the edge of our seats waiting to see what happens next. The news is bleak on jpost.com, haaretz.com and the nytimes.com which I’ve been looking at just about ever hour on the hour.

If I was scared to get on buses before, I’m more scared now than ever. A student told me over instant messanger to “be safe” and “not die.” All of my students were aware before we left for summer vacation that I was coming over to Israel for my conversion process.

The outlook on the conversion is complicated. I’m meeting with people from Eternal Jewish family soon. The program I am in is a little far to the right where I stand. I suppose I am affiliated to Modern Orthodoxy and most of the Haredi community here seems opposed to that affiliation. I am learning lots. There is a possibility that I will convert before Rosh Hashana, a dream I had been holding onto which may soon be realized. Still, it is possible with the Chief Rabbinate in Israel trying to create more uniformity in conversions that my conversion will not be recognized in Israel.

Let me tell you something about Israel, it is a beautiful place, which has really done a spell on me. My plans to go to the Dominican Republic next summer have turned into plans to come to Israel and study some more G-d willing.

My health could be better. I have to deal with decisions like: To daven or not to daven because I frequently hurt myself holding up a siddur and reading.

On a lighter note, I miss sweet American challah! Sick of the sesame seeds here and the wheat!