NBN aka A Three Ring Circus

well, tonight was my first and if I have anything to say about it, my last "Mega Event" 

it may suit some, but left me with a headache - I won't bore you with the details, I want to forget them quickly

my advice to others who may be on the same path and prefer a calm atmosphere - read their web site - all 500 + pages - the general overview is all there & that is what they recommended themselves, as well as doing a whole lot of other internet surfing to find out anything including the cost of groceries in Israel

did I learn anything useful ?  

primarily,  I will really need one on one's with those in the know - my first one is coming up on Sunday, though again that one may just skim the surface as it is with a NBN staff - I really need to figure out what their area of expertise is

I did get some clarification on the state of my status form the JA who had a booth there - so despite having been a 'temporary resident' there in '77-'78 and doing a five month ulpan then, I can/am allowed to start with a fresh page, & so entitled to do another ulpan, I am pleased about that

Veronica (of the JA) almost threw a spanner in the works though when she said I would need a letter form a Rabbi to prove that I was Jewish, I wondered how a Rabbi would know any better than I - fortunately my Hebrew birth certificate states it clearly.

This raises a political hot potato I have read a bit about - the acceptance of converts is coming under question - which considering I know several (one was there this evening) who would consider making Aliyah, I find this distasteful for them.

p.s. have ventured to greater blog exposure.........................