Seeing Jews in Israel makes Jews in NY More Interesting

An interesting byproduct of my trip to Israel is the way it connects me to the city I live in. I live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. This is a historically Jewish neighborhood. Across the street is a huge Jewish community center and many other synagogues exist within blocks of my house. I used to joke that I lived in Israel West, but before going there I just really couldn't imagine how similar it actually feels.

Israel was a fascinating place to go to experience culture. I have lived with all these Jews around me, but never have been as interested in the different aspects of the culture or traditions of the religion as I am now.

UN General Assembly 2009

For the third year in a row, I perched myself at 46th and 1st Avenue and watched the procession of world leaders and their delegates going in and out of United Nations General Assembly meeting.

Its hard to describe what a wonderful international experience this is. So many faces from so many nations all there rushing by. So many colors, so many outfits. Its impossible to figure out where everyone is from, but here they are all together talking, sharing, venting (I guess that is what Qadaffi was doing), and trying to find solutions to the world's issues.