Daniel Minahim Araujo da Silva, 32, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Universidade Salvador: BSc Computer Science, UFG: MSc Computer Engineering, EBMSP: MD psychiatry specialty
Track: Jerusalem Learning
Jerusalem Learning is a track focused on studies. It's a blend of different subjects such as Judaism, hebrew, zionism, and conflict. Rabbi Eliyahu Yaakov teaches us Cabala and helps us to experience Israel in a moremeaningful way. His website is www.lightuntoournation.com.
Besides the classes, we are offered field trips every Tuesday, Israeli movie night, group lunches, ulpan classes and much more. It offers the flexibility and although I'm not in the arts track, I participate in an amateur theater play and open mic nights.
How did you hear about this WUJS Israel program?
Masa website. Learn more about Masa: WUJS Jerusalem Learning
What will you be studying on the WUJS Learning track?
I'm doing Hebrew (level bet), basic concepts in Judaism (Kabala), wrestling with angels, Zionism, torah reading of the week, giants of jewish thought, talmud, israel update and arab-israeli conflict
What have you been active in your Jerusalem community?
Sarah Fortman, Abbie Silber, Matt Goodman and I are going to be playing randomly on Open Mic nights (usually Tuesdays) at the "Jerusalem Comedy Basement". I'll also be playing the Policeman in Shakespeare's "Comedy of Erros" at Merkaz Hamagshamim in November.
Have you had any difficulties settling in?
No mistakes so far, but during my first trip to Tel Aviv I gave a ride to Anya Kochegarova, and we almost ended up in the Gaza Strip because she forgot where her friends lived.
What did your friends say when you told them your plan to come to Israel?
"Are you insane?" "Do you have life insurance?" "Can I be in your will?"
