Zula<\/a>,\u201d located in central Jerusalem.<\/p>\nZula, which means \u201ca cozy place in nature\u201d in Arabic, could not be a better name.<\/p>\n
When you descend to the Zula basement, you\u2019re immediately hit by aroma from the kitchen, where all kinds of food are available for free.\u00a0 It\u2019s welcoming, delicious, inviting, and warm.<\/p>\n
Your senses soon ricochet to the sound of music.\u00a0 Across from the kitchen, 60, maybe 70 young Jewish adults are hanging out, relaxing.\u00a0 There are couches. There are guitars.\u00a0 There is song, There is music.\u00a0 It fills your soul.<\/p>\n
Nothing here is by-chance.\u00a0 For all the seeming-informality, the Zula is an ingenious environment of smell and sound that is conducive for conversation.\u00a0 And conversation is the goal.<\/p>\n
Sometimes its about sexual abuse.\u00a0 Sometimes its verbal or emotional abuse.\u00a0 And sometimes the reason why someone comes is simply because they are lonely.\u00a0 Life can feel pointless when you believe no one sees you, no one cares.<\/p>\n
Late at night, spirited live music and delicious foods set the ambiance of comfort for young adults to open up to trained and experienced OU Advisors.\u00a0 Music and delicious food create a sense of warmth that permits one to share their stories and begin to heal.<\/p>\n
So too Channah Devora.<\/p>\n
While wandering the streets, Channah Devora came upon a violin years back.\u00a0 She taught herself to play.<\/p>\n
Last year she thought to apply \u2013 somehow \u2013 to music school but was too nervous to audition.<\/p>\n
This year, after hanging and playing with friends at the Zula, Channah plans to go to that audition next month; this time with confidence.<\/p>\n
Tonight, she played for me the iconic tune of the Mi-Shaberach prayer, composed for the healing and welfare of others.<\/p>\n
Channah is healing.\u00a0 And to my own surprise, so am I.<\/p>\n
Hear Channah play:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n