In Joshua’s Shoes: What’s the Take Home Value?
That’s the end of that chapter. Back in Minnesota, I am processing and reflecting on some of my favorite memories and lessons from my Year in Israel.
Author Archive for Brian Nelson
Brian Nelson has spent the last 25 years living in or near Minneapolis. After completing a B.A. in History at the University of Minnesota, he worked for Temple Israel, Mount Zion and Bet Shalom in a variety of capacities. While working in the Reform Movement, Brian developed a passion for Reform Judaism and is currently studying at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion in the Rabbinical School.
In Joshua’s Shoes: The National Holidays
From remembrance and mourning to elated celebration. There is nothing quite like the experience of being in Israel for the big three National Holidays.
May 18, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: This Year in Jerusalem
Every year we end our Seder with the words, “Next year in Jerusalem”. This year I was in Jerusalem and it was a great way to experience Passover.
Apr 27, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: The Ride of a Life Time
After months of fundraising, the fun began. On Sunday March 6th I hopped on a bike with more than 35 people to ride from Modi’in to Masada. What a ride!
Mar 23, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: Ride for Reform
Outside of HUC’s coursework for the Year in Israel each of us using some of our time giving back to various communities in Israel. Luckily I have the chance to combine my love for biking with fundraising for the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism.
Feb 13, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: A Tribute to Debbie Friedman (z”l)
I never realized how great of an impact she made until I was at an evening in tribute to Debbie Friedman’s life, music and memory at HUC in Jerusalem. May her memory be a blessing.
In Joshua’s Shoes: Hanukah in Jerusalem
I kept waiting for the ‘holidays’ rush I was used to in Minneapolis. This year, in Jerusalem, was different, amazing.
Dec 15, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: 5-Minute Drash
One of the most challenging things for me is writing and delivering a speech. Especially with constraints. This was a great learning experience for me.
In Joshua’s Shoes: Then The Army Stopped Us
I joined Rabbis for Human Rights to help Palestinian farmers harvest olives in their fields. Then the army stopped us.
Nov 18, 2010 | 17 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: A Refresher
At times when school seems overwhelming, there are moments that remind me of what could lie ahead for me. I was refreshed by the beautiful Ordination Ceremony.
Nov 05, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: The Sounds of Zion
If you take the time to pull the iPod ear buds out of your ears, there is a wide variety of sounds from different cultures that permeate the air in Jerusalem.
Oct 21, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: It’s a Wrap
In many different prayer settings I have watched in fascination as people get ready for Shachrit (Morning) Services by putting Tefillin on their arm and forehead. Yet I had never preformed this Mitzvah. That is, until earlier this year.
Oct 06, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: High Holy Days In Jerusalem
Israel and HUC is a very difficult place sometimes. I was expecting the High Holy Days to be extra meaningful just being in Jerusalem. Some of the days were powerful and other parts were tough. Some experiences are only possible in Israel.
Sep 23, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: The Long and Short of It
We took the short, beautiful way down the foot of Mount Carmel. But we didn’t think through the last part of our hike.
Sep 09, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post
In Joshua’s Shoes: Home Shul?
One thing that I miss from Minneapolis is a shul that I can call my home. Here in Israel, I have been shopping for a congregation that I feel comfortable praying in.
Aug 24, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post
