TZOMET FRIK 'N FRAK

110504 Hopes & Dreams of the Mighty Fallen Live

2011-05-06T00:44:00.000-07:00

Yom Hashoah & Yom Hazikaron

Israelis believe you can’t fully appreciate Yom Hatzmaut, Independence Day, until citizens of the State recall the price for their independence. Therefore, Yom Haatzmaut is the day immediately following Yom Hazikaron.

All too often, a moral voice deep inside haunts us: “Why?! Was it all worth it? All the dying, suffering! What was it for?” all the questions we are taught we have no right to ask especially if one is a person of faith in Hashem.

These were the questions parading through my mind as I walked along the Tyelet, the Southern Promenade, taking in the view overlooking the Old City walls, the Temple Mount. I observed all the massive growth of united Jerusalem and along with this sight was the realization of the prosperity of the Jews in order to bring about the renewal of Israel. Vibrant Jewish communities were brought to life from all those martyrs, all the men and women who died to preserve our freedom! What was it all for? The answer: From the ashes of the Shoah was the rebirth of a Jewish homeland!!! The bones and the sinews have come together, and Hashem has breathed life into His People as He promised!
My path led me to a young man sitting on the hillside of the Tyelet concentrating deeply as he was meticulously drawing the scene below with pen and ink. He didn’t miss a roof, house, stone wall or tree as line after line was connected together until the village below was patiently illustrated in black and white. I was so impressed with his art that I stopped to observe as he continued on with his masterpiece. Interfering with his focus, I just had to talk to him a few minutes – it’s permitted since I am a woman! I did not want to miss the privilege to meet another of

Israel

’s finest of this generation.

The handsome young man – and girls! we are talking HANDSOME! – kindly introduced himself.

Idan is presently attending one of the best of the best art schools in Jerusalem, Betzalel. He is in hot pursuit of a career in topography and illustration which will take a few more years of study since this is his first year. In the meantime, he has a job at the Little Italy Restaurant in the German Colony, a hotspot for the young college and career ‘yuppies’. But Idan assured me that the mature, wise, experienced folks (like me) in their Golden years are also welcome.

I always taunt young Israelis around the age of Idan if he/she has served in the IDF, because you always get a readily indignant reply such as his: “YES!!! OF COURSE! I’M ISRAELI! EVERYONE MY AGE HAS SERVED IN THE MILITARY RIGHT AFTER THEY GET OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL!” And a stare like “Woman! What world are you from?”

What was it all for? From the ashes of the Shoah came forth the ingathering of the Jewish tribes of Israel from the four corners of the earth. They are still returning home, and bringing forth a determined generation of young people, such as Idan, in pursuit of a future within their own Land never to be dispersed again. We can only pray for our youth’s every success in all their initiatives for a good and prosperous life.

I walked away from another of Israel’s finest, chuckling to myself: “YEP, Hashem! I need to learn NOT to ask stupid questions! Especially when it’s very clear that the human mind cannot comprehend the things of G-d because it’s definite Your ways are not our ways, and only You can create something good out of such evil and bring forth life from the grave.”

The souls of our precious martyrs and the Mighty Fallen live on in every generation. Their hopes, visions and faith are magnified throughout the Land. And their deaths sanctified the Name of Hashem who continues to breathe life into the nation of Am Israel!

110321 PURIM IN JERUSALEM 2011

2011-03-22T03:41:00.000-07:00

A ONE-MAN SHOW
It's hard to believe this Hassidic dance is comprised of only one man! It was fascinating to watch him maneuver the four dummies, two to each side. But pay close attention to the fact that only 2 feet ever really touch the ground as he dances to "Moshiach".

NEW ISRAELI SONG & DANCE

Youth always bring change to a culture and many find it fun and enjoyable. Yet, my generation remembers the Israeli folk dance and song that gave Israelis courage, faith and joy to persevere through many adversities to become a free nation.

But youth being youth, want progress and acceptance for their many talents, so many had fun and enjoyed the new changes that this group brought to Israeli song and dance in the streets of Jerusalem.

101227 YEDIDYA’S UPSHERIN AT KEVER YOSEF

2011-01-12T08:59:00.000-08:00

While visiting Kever Yosef, I was caught up in the joyful celebration of Yedidya’s first haircut. It is a tradition among the religious for a boy’s hair to grow for the first three years and then have a hair-cutting ceremony known as upsherin. Members of the family who are present each cut a wispy lock of hair, leaving the peyot at the sides.

Yedidya read the honey-covered letters of the Hebrew alef-bet, and licked off the honey, which represents that studying Torah is ‘sweet as honey’. This event marks Yedidya’s induction into Jewish education and he will officially begin the study of Torah. A kipa was then placed on the shorn head.

The first haircut of a Jewish boy from a religious family is the 3 year-old’s rite of passage into Judaism and is a special sign of maturity. One of the mitzvot that Yedidya will be expected to keep is wearing the tzitzit under his shirt to remind him of the 613 mitzot he will gradually learn.

110105 NEW YEAR’S EVE 2010

2011-01-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

I desperately needed a day out just to relax and release myself from the captivity of mundane things. Besides it was the New Year’s Eve day. So, I crammed my faithful partner, Gypsy, into the back seat and abducted a friend who was in the doldrums also, and headed to parts unknown for a cup of java and whatever else we could participate in.
Judy is not as adventuresome as I, but curiosity got the best of her and she said, “Why not!” that is, until I bypassed Jerusalem and headed for the Judean hills, having warned her not to plan on returning home for 3 or 4 hours.
I couldn’t have picked two worse traveling companions to celebrate New Year’s Eve with. Gypsy hates crowds and doesn’t like anyone mauling her as if they want to be her best friend in this present world and the olam habah. Judy on the other hand, doesn’t know up from down if she gets over 2 miles away from her caravan – she is a genuine ‘home-body!” I mean, she could write her own book entitled “HOME ALONE AND LOVING IT!”
For me personally, it was a very short but fun day trip since we wanted to get home before the night crew of celebrants hit the streets for New Year’s Eve. As we sat at the Pit Stop enjoying our coffee, a group of motorcyclists came crashing in upon the serenity from all directions. Finally, the noise subsided and was replaced by a rowdy bunch of guys dismounting from their bikes and sat down at the table right next to ours. As they removed their helmets, the ‘boys’ got older and older!

One of them came over and struck up a conversation with us while petting Gypsy who had made rapid pace to get under the table. The man then asked: “Do you girls know why animal activists throw red paint on fur coats but not on leather jackets?”
Both of us shook our heads negatively and inquisitively said: “NO!”
And with a broad grin on his face, he said: “Because they would rather fight off rich women than deal with Hell’s Angels!”

The ‘boys’ geared up and blasted out the same way they came in. On the heels of their leaving another group came rolling in on their toys only with less noise pollution. This time they were Bicyclists, yet still around the same age.

On the way back to familiar surroundings, we stopped for Judy to purchase a fawn that she felt she just could not start the New Year without. And she has plenty of room for a deer in her yard. She really got it for a good bargain and it doesn’t eat much!

101026 KIBBUTZ GINOSAR ROCK ARTIST

2010-11-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

I. MY FATHER’S BOOK

Yuvi was born and raised at Kibbutz Ginosar on the seashores of the Kinneret along with his four brothers. I recently had the privilege of hearing about a few of their youthful escapades as kibbutzniks and fishermen.
Yuvi is a ‘rock artist’, but not the ‘rock ‘n roll’ kind. His work is out of real stone found in the area. A particular carved stone of his is only one that makes up the Peace Arch as you enter the hotel at Nof Ginosar. He refers to it as ‘the Family Book’. This is one of the stories he related to me:

My father and mother grew up on Kibbutz Ginosar. When they married, a woman gave my mother a pair of white doves which represented their marriage. Everything about our family life is written in the book. (SCULPTED INTO THE STONE: Two doves are engraved into the stone at the top. A book is open and a man and woman are kneeling within it. The photo is of the practice run before the finished product.)
It was very important to my grandfather that everyone spoke Hebrew. Seventy or eighty years ago people did not speak Hebrew in Israel. Jewish immigrants came from Germany, Romania and other places in Europe mostly. They brought books with them in their native tongue or yiddish, so my grandfather wrote a book in Hebrew. He gave it to the people to learn Hebrew so eventually they could communicate in Hebrew.
But when he met with the people, they told him, “We have no money for bread! Why are you bringing us a book?” So he said: “Okay, the book stays here and I will return in two months so we can talk in Hebrew.” Gradually, the people learned Hebrew and slowly more and more people talked together in Hebrew.
This is the story in my grandfather’s book, and that’s why its engraved in the stone of my parents’ lives and is one of the foundation stones in the Peace Arch.

II. MY BROTHER BENI
Yuvi introduces me to his brother Beni who is driving a tractor and playing a harmonica.
Beni is my older brother and he is in charge of everything on the Kibbutz. He takes his harmonica with him all the time to play music. He just came from playing music for the children, and he likes to make people happy.
We like to dance Israeli dances on the Kibbutz and Beni used to play all the different musical instruments at the dances before tapes and CDs came along.
There is an antique tractor displayed on the Kibbutz but the one Beni gets around with on his daily rounds is even more antique.

III. ROCK ARTIST APPRENTICE

ESTI is from Poriya and she is learning to sculpture the rock.
I come every day. I just cannot stop. I told my child I can work here 7-9 hours a day and I don’t feel tired. I don’t need to eat; I don’t want anything. Every night I just wait for the morning to come.I have the freedom to do everything that I want whether I fail or succeed it doesn’t matter.

Right now I want to make many butterflies. At first, when I started to make a butterfly, it becomes something else. But that’s what is so magic about the stone. You think you want something and suddenly in the middle the stone tells you a story and it becomes what’s inside.
If someone were to ask me if I’m a ‘stone cutter’, I would say ‘no’ because I’m a writer and artist. I also create from ceramic. And now I can’t leave the stone alone.

IV. ROCK ART AT KIBBUTZ GINOSAR

As a rock artist Yuvi wants to leave behind a legacy of his civilization so that in another 2000 years archeologists will be finding rocks that endured the difficulties and traumas of years between now and then.
He believes there is a story within the rock and when it is handled with care, the rock will reveal its hidden identity. The artist may start out with one idea in mind, but the end product will be something totally different. Every sculpture of Yuvi’s has its own unique personality, and usually has a little humor in its character.

101008 THE PITSTOP

2010-10-09T02:24:00.000-07:00

You get to meet a lot of people at the roadside pitstops which are few and far between in Israel. The Desert Inn is a favorite found on Highway 1, east of Jerusalem called the 'Way to Yericho'.
Children are never bored between the food, playground and camel rides.

Speaking of camel rides! It can be very hilarious to observe parents and grandparents attempt to mount a camel, and even more humorous to watch them ride it. Kids adapt well as the imagination takes them to the place of freedom, riding a camel in the hot desert wind.
But I could certainly understand why the camel would take flight and run into the open dunping the rider into a pile of sand on the desert floor when I heard the alarming squeals of a woman as she shrieked: “Ima-leh! Ima-leh!” I mean give me a break! That would terrify any animal even of the mildest nature! (SAVTA SHOSH from Ramat Gan, with her grand-daughters, Lia & Dolev)

Adults certainly enjoyed the coffee shops and buying those famous Israeli sandals fit for any nomad of the desert, male or female. And of course, who could resist those fresh fruits and veggies at the open stands.

But all too soon, tourists ascended back onto their buses and left for parts unknown. Well, maybe not too soon to please the vendors and the camels who just want a siesta break from the noonday sun.

100927 ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER IN GEMMA'S SUCCAH

2010-09-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Gemma's succah was full and overflowing with friends who came for her annual spaghetti dinner at Succot 2010. One of my demands was for her to sing a few of her childhood favorites which she grew up with.

AUNTIE ALMA

This was Auntie Alma's first time to visit Gemma's succah even though they have been friends for some time. They met at their favorite spa in French Hill, Jerusalem. For her participation in the evening's event, she sang one of her favorite childhood songs.

THIS OLD MAN DAVID BEN REUVEN

David is really not that old but the song he sang is about an old man, Paddy-whack! David brought along his guitar to Gemma's succah and sang a number of songs while everyone else ate all the spaghetti. His music added a little more flavor to the evening and evidently to the food.

100924 FIRST DAY OF CHOL HAMOED SUCCOT

2010-09-26T01:45:00.000-07:00

The first day of Chol Hamoed Succot 5771 was a tremendous success as hundreds made their way up through the Hevron hills to Adurayim for a simcha even though it was a hot day and got hotter.
Families came in buses, loaded vans and private cars as young kids and old kids unloaded the vehicles and hurried to the activities which awaited them. The last remaining building of the abandoned IDF Army base Adurayim may be in need of a lot of cleanup & repair but all this did not deter the crowd of adults who crammed into the meeting room to hear VIP speakers: Rabbi Dov Lior of Kiryat Arba, MK Professor Aryeh Eldad, Yehuda Glick.

Young children gathered to paint a banner of the Temple Mount provided by their dedicated art teacher, Yehudit Eisenberg. Each of them really take serious their part of the painting! I drooled over the banner trying to come up with a plan to get it into my Succah, but in the end I surrendered and let it go to a much larger cause.

The older kids – well, they just went wild over the SUMA wrestling as they battled it out for the place of #1 Suma Victor. Believe me! Suma wrestling can get ‘purty ruff’! Especially, when the battle to be in first place is between brothers.
Everyone in between got plenty of exercise on the inflatable slides, climbing walls and just bouncing in mid-air. But in the end, not only the children who participated were drained of energy, but also those of us looking on. Okay, you go figure.

Balloonists, Elazar Brandt and his wife Krine, worked hard to satisfy the demand for creative & colorful balloon-wear. They kept up with the demand with a little extra help from Rene Morgulis and her daughter Chaya. By the end of the event, they had designed some 300-350 balloons. Satisfied customers proudly donned colorful hats, or waving swords!

Plenty of IDF troops kept close guard over the place full of activities. When Women in Green provide these special events, there is never had a dull moment for the soldiers who keep watch in the hills. They are never bored as the children surround them asking so many questions. The attention of bright smiling little faces or the boldness of adolescents keep them entertained

The Mussa Berlin family struck up the band and put the men into action as they mounted the children on their shoulders and began to dance to the music, ending the event in the true tradition of Simchat Succot.

By the time came to say “l’hitraot” and part company, kids were exhausted, parents were wilted having used up their energy, yet all separated with joy that renews our strength to enter Shabbat with rejoicing. A small reminder of what Am Israel will eventually be at all times! (Women for Israel’s Tomorrow website can be found at http://www.womeningreen.org)

100910 HE IS KING! HE IS MOSHEL!

2010-09-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

Rosh Hashana is the Coronation of G-d as King. We accept the yoke of His kingdom, His rulership. A king can only be appointed by the people who endorse his authority. But he then becomes a ‘moshel’ (dictator) who asserts his will over the rest of the people who resist his authority, according to Rav Zev Leff. The following story is an example of the King, the Moshel.
Feivel was a well-known tailor in his community. He had a modest shop, but even the rich and famous came for Feivel’s clothes. Yet, he never made any distinction between the wealthy and the poor for he was also well-liked for his humble ways and his honesty in business.
So, when the King sought out a tailor for a very important event, his daughter’s wedding, Feivel’s fame reached all the way to the throne of the King. One of his servants told the King of how meticulous Feivel was when sewing garments which ranged from tailored suits to royal robes.
Immediately the King sent his royal carriage for Feivel. Feivel shook in his boots at the very thought of an audience with the King. But, at he stood before him, all the materials necessary for the King’s royal rode was brought to him. It was to be white embroidered with colored threads of purple and red. The lapel was to be laden with silver and gold.
In all humility Feivel promised it would be a magnificent garment, truly fit for a King.
In the days that followed, all kinds of people embarked upon the doorstep of Feivel’s shop. His demanding customers said: “:Oh Feivel! You have favor with the King. You have to enlarge your shop! Increase your prices! Hire some help and let them do the work! Then you can relax and take it easy! Do this! Do that! You have plenty of time to do the King’s garment before the wedding!”
Feivel, the humble little tailor, soon turned into a wheeling, dealing businessman. He enlarged his shop, hired others to do the work, and he sat up late at night counting his money. Humility turned into pride and arrogance, and the quality of the work suffered since the help had no experience.
The day was quickly approaching when he was to submit the royal robe to the King, so Feivel hurriedly put it together boasting to himself: “This is no problem. After all, I’ve been doing this for years! I can practically put this thing together in my sleep!”
Once again, he appeared before the King. Yet, it was apparent that he had changed. Instead of the humble Feivel, he was somewhat pompous as he presented the garment to the King.
The King’s face turned red, and he stood upright in a rage! Knowing they were suddenly confronted by a Moshel, everyone in the court fell on their faces, as he bellowed out in indignation: “This is NOT the royal robe I ordered! Do you honestly think I would wear this to my daughter’s wedding? You have even ruined the material, and haven’t embroidered the royal seal into it! The gold and silver has been sloppily set into the lapel! GUARDS! TAKE HIM AWAY!”
Feivel fell to his knees, begging and pleading that he be given another chance! He would work day and night and definitely present the King with a garment that would be the finest ever made in time for the special occasion.
The Moshel calmed down and said he would give Feivel another chance. BUT, he also promised if one little detail was wrong or out of order, off to the dungeon Feivel would go. NOT EVEN ONE LITTLE MISTAKE WOULD BE ALLOWED!
Feivel ran out of the court and down the road to his shop as fast as his short legs would carry him, his peyote and tzitzits flowing in the wind. Once inside the safety of his shop, he just sat down and wept, crying out: “How stupid I have been! Full of pride and arrogance! I had the King’s favor! Now I have the Moshel’s wrath!” After some time, he contemplated on what to do: “I love the King! I want the King’s favor! I will make him the most glorious robe a King has ever had!”
Feivel went to work straight away. Every thread was woven with a fresh humility. The seal was embroidered with the royal colors of purple and red, and each and every precious stone on the lapel was embossed with gold and silver. Soon Feivel had completed his finest garment ever. But he had not done it for his own ego; he had done each and every stitch out of love for the King.
Waiting in fear and trembling, the King’s horsemen came to escort him while he clung to the new garment. He humbly bowed before the King and laid the garment at his feet. Everyone present was silent, almost holding their breath, as they waited for several minutes while the King inspected the garment. They shook in their place pondering: “Poor, poor Feivel! What will be Feivel’s fate?”
The startling sound of the King’s voice broke the silence! “Arise Feivel!” Worriedly Feivel peeked out of his closed eyes as he arose, and was finally relieved as he saw a smile across the King’s face!
“Feivel! You have done an incredible job! It is better than what I even imagined! You are free to go! Let this be a lesson to all! You will prosper in every good work that is done in humility and love for your King and his subjects!”

100721 TU B’AV 2010

2010-08-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in ancient Biblical times, Tu b’Av was the time romance filled the air. Although match-making has developed into a more sophisticated process, or should I say a more complicated process, such as seeking out a shadchan for a shiduch, or even searching on the internet for that life-long soul-mate. The more daring might try the Hollywood version of searching for your Romeo or Juliet; a girl’s so-called Don Juan; or the opportunity to kiss a frog that hopefully turns into Prince Charming. Whereas, a guy might be smitten with Cupid’s arrow when finding his Cinderella’s glass slipper, or even better, kissing his Snow White and awakening her love for him – I mean, the opportunities are endless nowadays.

But in Biblical times, romance was much simpler. You didn’t even have to buy a dress or rent a hall for the simcha. The daughters of Israel borrowed a dress – of course, it had to be white, and it had to be simple. The rich girl and the poor girl were to look alike since not all could afford the luxury of others. The young women dressed in simple attire so as to break down the barriers of class distinction. In turn, the young men were to focus on the girls’ virtues, instead of outer beauty and prestige of family.
I can hear some of you skeptics: What an imagination! While the suspicious are questioning: Where do you get your facts? And the inquisitive are asking: When! and where! is this happening in Israel? And the hopeful exclaim: I want to participate!
I’m glad you asked! The ancient story is found in Shoftim 21:15-24. The Tribe of Benjamin had been disavowed from the nation of Israel due to their treacherous behavior. When it later became a reality among the other tribes that this particular tribe might become extinct, they came to the conclusion to drop the prohibition to intermarry among the tribes in hopes that Benjamin would be restored. The Jewish people were reunited when the tribe of Benjamin was permitted to reenter the community on the 15th of Av. Then, at a certain time on that date, the young women were all let loose and ran through the vineyards at Shiloh as the young men chased after them in hot pursuit to select their wives.
This date has remained on the Jewish calendar as a minor holiday and has become a popular date for weddings in Israel and in western countries among Jewish Communities. The acknowledgement of this day provides an opportunity to encourage Jews to date and marry within the Jewish communities.
Tu b’Av follows exactly one week after Tisha b’Av and is considered one of the two most joyful of days of the Jewish year even though it seems strange that this gleeful day should follow the day of mourning, which annually highlights the lowest suffering in Jewish history.
The theme of joy and optimistic hopefulness has carried through to today.

100719 TISHA B’AV 2010

2010-08-08T12:14:00.000-07:00

Almost 2000 years ago on Tisha b’Av - the 9th of Av - the Roman armies of Titus burned the Second Temple to the ground. The Jews understood that because of their base hatred towards one another Hashem allowed their enemies to conquer and destroy the Temple.

The people wept and mourned as they sat on the ground wailing lamentations in remembrance of the Temple and of Jerusalem before it was plowed under like a field. Along with the rabbis, they cried out: “What shall we do now that the Temple for the G-d of Israel is no more? Where shall we bring our offerings to G-d?”

Later, Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakkai’s reply to their questions was: “Now you must bring Hashem acts of loving-kindness for He desires mercy and not sacrifice. Yes, the houses built for G-d are gone, but the Torah says:

ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם

And let them make a mikdash for Me so that I may dwell inside them. Shmot 25:8

The verse does not say inside IT meaning the Temple, but it says inside THEM referring to the people.

Therefore, each of us is actually a living temple and we pray that by acts of loving-kindness we will be able to expedite the redemption of our people,”

Tragic events which occurred throughout the history of our ancestors on this day:

1. The sin of the spies caused Hashem to decree that the children of Israel would not be permitted to enter the Land because of their evil report of the Promised Land

2. The First Temple was destroyed

3. The Second Temple was destroyed

4. Beitar, the last fortress to hold out against the Romans during the Bar Kochba revolt in the year 135 CE was destroyed sealing the fate of the Jewish people

5. One year after the fall of Beitar the Temple area was plowed under

6. In 1492, King Ferdinand of Spain issued the Expulsion Decree, setting Tisha B’Av as the final date by which not one single Jew would be allowed to walk on Spanish soil

7. World War I began the downward slide to the Holocaust on Tisha B’Av

8. The most shameful - Expulsion of 8,000 Gush Katif residents by their own government of their own Land

Gush Katif is a Winner!

2010-07-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

Voice of Elimelech Ben Efraiyam.
Elimelech celebrated his Bar Mitzvah shortly after submitting his project: In the Shadow of a World Destroyed, Memories of an Expelled Teenager, based on Shifra Shomron's novel, Grains of Sand. He won for
his region in the state-wide competition at Rider University in New Jersey. He was able to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah with a newly gained respect for his Jewish identity, his Land and his People because of the book and a personal connection with its author, Shifra.

The following are his personal words:

GRAINS OF SAND: The Fall of Neve Dekalim affected me in many different ways. As a teenager living comfortably in my own community, I hardly believed that over 8,000 people could be expelled from their homeland in 2005 after more than a quarter of a century of life and growth. I knew that behind the character of Efrat was a real member of this community – Shifra, the author, a teenager not much older than myself who struggled to come to terms with the loss of everything she once knew and loved.

Efrat described the vivid beauty of Neve Dekalim, and it was sad to know that this was a girl who was in many ways borne out of Shifra’s own experiences. The story made me feel sorrow that something like this could even happen. I began to realize that the destruction of Neve Dekalim would be an important story for my history project. I turned to songs to inspire me as I learned about the vibrant community of Neve Dekalim.
Neve Dekalim was Israel’s agricultural homeland. How can you not feel sadness for those living there? The greenhouse and geraniums, palm tress and paved streets – they were beautiful – it took so much time to grow and build, and only a few days to destroy it all.
GRAINS OF SAND inspired me to search for photographs and articles that chronicled the destruction of Neve Dekalim. The photos that shocked me the most were those showing the destruction of the synagogues because they were the spiritual heart of the community.
I encourage everyone to read Shifra’s book. I think they will want to learn as much as they can about Neve Dekalim and what was once a wonderful and thriving place. Shifra’s book is a celebration of her community.
I was fortunate to have chance to ask Shifra some questions. I asked Shifra what she would most remember about Neve Dekalim. She answered: “The houses, the gardens, the brick sidewalks, the sand dunes, the view of the sea in fair weather and storms, the sunsets and sunrises, the rain water rushing past our house, flowing down the hill, the fresh air.”
I started thinking, how could anyone get over this kind of loss?
Could I? Could you?

Elimelech & other readers can be heard at: Readers Discuss the Book Grains Of Sand: The Fall Of Neve Dekalim -- Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9DfQ_4yywc -- Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Q44W09Dd8&NR=1

(For a copy of the book, go to the author’s website for a list of bookstores: http://grainsofsand.insightonthenews.net/studyguide.html Or contact Mazo Publishers; also a Literature Study Guide is available for the book for free downloading. For more information, contact the publicist at publicist.sls@gmail.com)

100711 AGRICULTURAL YOUTH CAMP AT NETZER

2010-07-13T04:23:00.000-07:00

After a pep talk at the ‘rally’ from leaders and rabbis, the boys went one way and the girls another way to fields which had already been cleared. This photographer went with the girls and the experienced young man that was their madrich for the day.
At first, both of us were just shaking our heads as we watched with fear and trepidation as the in-experienced girls started whacking away at the ground in the sandals and crocs, skirts blowing in the wind and gold jewelry necklaces swinging freely from side to side. I looked at him and asked: “How did you get this job!” He rolled his eyes, shook his head and patiently walked to the girls and tried to give a few instructions: “You are standing on a field. This is a sapling tree in my hand. You are going to dig a hole. And then we will plant the tree in it.” Easy enough! Right? Absolutely not! Being females, no one was listening and everyone was talking.
But they took to the field with weapons – oh! Excuse me! – tools in their hands, two by two, and started punching the ground, hardly scratching the surface. Anyone knows in Israel there’s nothing but rock under the surface. So, after scratching the surface, everyone was yelling for their instructor to help, yelling at him: “I hit a rock! Come and get this rock out of the way!” They would just stand there in a prissy pose like they were running for “America’s Next Top Model” as he made his way from one to the other digging the hole for them. Believe me! He needed to solicit the help of a whole lot more heroes for this crowd.
This was the girls’ strategy: Two girls stood face to face, one with a pick-axe over her head and one with a pick-axe to the ground on the count of two they were to swing simultaneously. One axe went up, the other went down. And eventually you were to have a good rhythm working as a team. In the midst of all the giggles and the timing w-a-y off, this is where I closed my eyes and just aimlessly clicked the camera button, hoping we would all leave the area in one piece and hopefully NOT in an ambulance or worse.
When this proved to be futile, some of the girls opted to remove rocks from the field, so they tiptoed through the pile of rocks and carefully selected the not-so-heavy ones to throw out. This took more time than if they just rolled over one after another. But what do I know!
Okay, that’s too much for a girl to do, so what’s next? To accommodate giving them something workable, yet easier, a few were told to go to the vineyard which had been planted some time back, has taken root and growing nicely. In that place, they were to remove the weeds. Wow! This proved to be the easiest task of all since Israeli weed roots are only surface deep and don’t grow any deeper because of the rock. Yeah!
As we descended the hill, I looked again across the field of labor below. The girls had taken on a new attitude and were working together with determination. They were applying muscle behind the tools and swinging them with more power. It seemed my perspective from a higher position was more revealing and I thought of Hashem and His perspective of things from His position must be yet even clearer: I smiled as I thought: “Does He see this as humorous as I do?” And for a moment I was comforted by the thought that it really doesn’t matter how much is accomplished. It is the effort we extend to live, grow and develop His Land that He is pleased with.
Gleaners of the fields like Ruth they are not, but these Jewish girls are Esthers, queens in the making.

100706 ADURAYIM: Activities for the Kids

2010-07-07T02:56:00.000-07:00

Buses were full of parents with their kids as we made our way to Adurayim for different activities for children. Others joined from nearby communities so there was a full house of tiny tykes.
It didn’t take long before chocolate was on their little faces, cheeks were bulging with tasty treats. Then, they reclined to hear the story-teller weave a story and dress them up to play different characters.
Elazar Brandt & wife Karina were the ‘balloonists with the most-est’, but the balloons seem to burst more quickly than they could be blown up, especially since some kids took a big bite thinking they were edible.
Hands were dripping with paint as the banner of Israel, designed by Yehudit Eisenberg, unfolded and they began to dibble & dabble. Some put their heads together and worked together in a team.
But it took all to make up a fun day of activities for these precious children.

100618 Hikers Arrive at Adurayim

2010-07-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

A group of hikers emerged from the fields below. At first it looked like an invasion of Arabs until the men unwrapped their kafiyahs and mixed with acquaintances. The ‘David & Ahikam’ youth group hike through the desert of Judea and the mountains of Shomron every week in memory of David Rubin HY"D and Ahikam Amichai HY"D, murdered in 2007 by Arabs while hiking in the hills of Hevron.
Among the hikers was a beautiful 18 year-old by the name of Eliraz Binyamin from Otniel. She found a shady quiet place to rest and play a few songs on her guitar before continuing with the youth group on their journey through hostile territory.

100414 Camping Out in a Castle

2010-04-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

I recently took one of my favorite friends home after a very tiring, yet very learned, walking tour of the Old City ending with a visit and shiur of the rebuilt Churva Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter.
As we pulled up to the Family Castle, Princess Chaya was at the doorstep to meet us and I was invited in for a tour of grandeur of which I am not accustomed to. During the course of our tour of her new home, she informed me she was not yet sleeping in her luscious bedroom, but camping out downstairs, since the water is not hooked up in the bathroom, and the bed has not yet arrived.
I met several members of the Royal Family, including Prince ‘Mo’ who was shortly off to parts unknown to study. And all the while, I was wined and dined – water, coke & pretzels - by Princess Chaya, who also proved to be the ‘hostess with the most-est’. Before my departure, she sat down at the piano to show off her skills by playing a couple of ‘do-wah-ditties’ she has been faithfully practicing on.
Hats off to the little Princess Chaya who is camping out in a castle!

100328 Customs Before Pesach

2010-03-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Distribution Centers Provide Matzah for Pesach

People, especially the poor, line up to receive free commodities for Pesach – especially matzah!

Kashering utensils for Pesach

Boiling pots of hot water are found throughout religious neighborhoods for the convenience of certain pots being kashered for Pesach by immersing them in boiling hot water, ridding them of any remains of chametz.

B’dikat Chametz
It is customary to search for any remaining chametz the night before Erev Pesach. The custom is called ‘b’dikat chametz’ and is made a big game among the children of each family as they search every nook ‘n corner of the house to remove every crumb. The search is preferably made with candle-light, but flashlights have also been used.

Burning the Chametz

The morning of Erev Pesach families and children encircle the fires in neighborhoods to burn the last remnants of chametz found by kids the night before. This activity is to be completed by 11:30 am.

100305 IT's RIVKAH RIBAK's BIRTHDAY

2010-03-06T21:47:00.000-08:00

I have to tell all you young'uns that you never get too old to be a 'kid', and you never get too old to enjoy friends and birthday parties with birthday cake and all the trimmings.
That's what us older 'kids' did in the outdoors on the hillside of Netzer this past Friday. The broadcast went out loud and clear that it was the birthday of one of our most loyal participants and photographer friend, Rivkah Ribak. So, we took up the opportunity to celebrate the moment with her.
I never got the age since there is just some things a girl doesn't tell!
יום הולדת = birthday
מסיבה = party
עוגה = cake
בחוץ = outdoors
לחגוג = to celebrate
גיל = age
מורד הנבעה = hillside

100301 PURIM in Givat Zeev 2010

2010-03-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

Kings and queens were seen recently throughout the streets of every city of Israel. Along with them were angels and butterflies. All species of wild and domestic animals were roaming about as the evil Haman disguised himself in numerous garbs trying to flee his ill fate. Megilat Esther is read to remind everyone of the Jews’ victory over evil when Haman was tricked by the beautiful Queen Esther and hung by the King.
So one of the traditional foods to eat in the celebration of Purim each year is אוזני חמן or Hamantashen (Yiddish) = HAMAN’S EARS.

CELEBRATING PURIM WITH CATS/KATZ & FRIENDS

The before-dinner entertainment began with Ori and his father, Akiva, as they broke out into song and dance around the kitchen.

One of the young guests for the evening was 12 year old Chaim Yair who o-o-h-ed & ah-h-h-ed everyone with his juggling performance.

Nine year old Chaggi, 10-year-old Yedidiya, and 12-year-old Michal stepped up to the plate to demonstrate their ability to make use three cups with a bridge of knives braided together for a glass to stand on. It took some time to achieve the feat, but three heads of three brothers put together with determination caused them to succeed in the end.

Ori came up with the bright idea of filling a glass with water and swinging it around without spilling it, and WALLA! He succeeded in not spilling it, but he slung the whole glass of water in his father's face! We all decided the kids need to practice this game alot before they name it "How NOT to Throw Water in Your Father's Face!"

100129 Planting Trees at NETZER, the 'Offspring'

2010-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

An event ponsored by Women In Green; The Committee for a Jewish Shdema; Judea Action Committees; Netzer Settlement Group;Yibaneh Fund. See: http://www.womeningreen.org)
This year, celebrants took to the hill of Netzer which overlooks a valley of vineyards and olive trees planted by Arabs with the financial aid of EU and US sponsors. A vast majority of the land has already been taken illegally, but there are still areas which is considered 'no man's land' and is up for grabs.
Netzer means 'offspring' (of a tree) which is not a branch, but materializes from the root. Biblically it is a reference to the 'offspring of David' and is very important to Jews who have returned to the Biblical heartland of Israel, Judea and the Shomron (Samaria). So, we refer to this particular lonely hillside as Netzer.
Grandparents piled out of vehicles bringing along their offsprings who are now moms & dads who brought along their offsprings. Everyone came bearing gifts– trees and grapevines - in appreciation for Hashem giving us the Land.
Although there was such an atmosphere of joy and celebration brought on by our family musician who walked through the fields playing Israeli songs on his accordion, the children were sincere and intent about leaving an indelible print deep in the Land as they dug down into the rocky soil and planted the pardes (orchard) of olive trees and vineyard.

As I observed through the camera's eye, I realized these children themselves are the 'planting of the L-rd' in their own Land, taking root in the harsh stony ground of the Land; their roots reaching down into the depth of the soil where water is eventually found. They are the 'netzer', the offspring of David.

100131 The ALMOND TREE

2010-01-31T01:36:00.000-08:00

The almond tree is the highlite of late fall to early spring in Israel. It awakens the soul from its slumber and photographers travel the highways and biways for the challenge of that one shot that creates a unique photo. I took advantage of the opportunity of a morning walk with my faithful companion, Gypsy Roz, through the wadi below my apartment. It has a small stream lined with abandoned almond and cherry trees. Following the heavy rains, everything was so fresh I just wanted to lay in the sun and take in Hashem's creation which surrounded me in my small part of His world before man has the opportunity to pollute it all over again.

SWASHBUCKLING PIRATES IN JERUSALEM

2009-12-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

Ahoy Mateys! This humorous musical produces a fun and relaxing atmosphere for family, friends and children. The costumes were creative and colorful, and the music was very professional. I went with a young lass, my friend Chaya, for an afternoon performance of the Pirates of Penzance at the Hirsch Theatre in Jerusalem. Of course, we allowed her mom, Rene, to go along for the ride since she was holding the doubloons.

In the beginning of the performance, the main character, Frederic, along with his Pirate mateys, are celebrating with "Yo Ho Ho" what they believe to be his 21st birthday. Due to his nursemaid being hard of hearing, she had misunderstood his father's desire for him to become an 'apprentice pilot' and instead turned him over to a band of buccaneers of the high seas when he was a wee lad to serve as an 'apprentice pirate' until his 21st birthday.
But a dilemma unfolds when it is brought to everyone's attention that Frederic was born on February 29 which only comes every four years on leap year – Aye! Aye! Mateys, that 'ere's the truth! So when they calculate the years versus the birthdays, he may be 21 years old, but he has only had five birthdays! – Oy vey!
Although, the gentlemen of fortune were considered 'scallywags' within society, this particular band of Pirates was totally unsuccessful as bandits of the seas, and considered total failures with no booty 'n plunder, and known only for their merciful kindness to their victims. They claimed they were lilly-livered cowards with no stomach for criminal activity since they were nothing but innocent orphans cast upon the sea of misfortune.
The dilemma broadens when Frederic meets a refined young lass on the beach. The fortunate meeting eventually introduces him to the landlubbers of high society until it is discovered there is a 'pirate among them'!
Life for the town turns topsy-turvy as the rumor-mill churns! 'Pirates among us! They're coming to steal your doubloons!' Oy vey!
The town constable and his tribe shudder at the mere mention of "PIRATE"! Assuming the worst conduct imaginable is thrown at the community's doorstep – coming to steal everyone's pieces o' eight - it is their responsibility to rid the town of the scallywags and send them to fiddlers green! But HOW?
They begin to ponder a strategy, when an elderly military General, who acclaims fame, not by military feats but by wealth, comes to the rescue with his numerous unwed lasses who have become enamored with the tenderhearted simpletons.
The concluded strategy is a wedding, Aye! Pieces o' eight! Is a purty good booty for each lass!

Aye! Aye! with a hearty Yo, Ho, Ho!, a little Jewish flavor was added to the performance in Israel. A rabbi shows up hoisting a wedding chuppa, instead of ol' Jolly Roger! Each callah grabs a shy chatan and passes through receiving the blessing of the rabbi.

Aye! Aye! Mateys! the buccaneers have plundered the General's household, but it’s the lasses who take home the booty!
In the end, Queen Victoria appears to pardon each of them.
My thanks to Chaya and her mom, Rene, for my wonderful birthday present 2009!

Why 9 Lights at Hanukkah?

2009-12-16T00:19:00.000-08:00

חנוכה = Hanukkah, from חנוך = education, but also means dedication
חנוכיה = Hanukkiah (9 branch candle-holder used only at Hanukkah)
8 lights represent the miracle for 8 days in which oil reproduced itself
1 light is the 'shamash', the servant candle which lights the 8
Compared to:
מנורה = Menorah, the 7 branch candelabra which rested in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) & illuminated the inner sanctuary. It was lit with a special processed olive oil from the olive press. The Menorah, the olive and its oil are the symbols of present-day Israel: the olive branch represents the supernatural peace of Hashem which rests over the Jewish People; olives must endure the pressure of the olive press to become the purest olive oil, a reminder of the struggle for the Jews to survive their dispersion among the nations; and the Menorah represents the nation of Israel, a light among the nations. Yet, more than that, the light represents the illuminated face of Hashem upon His people, and the fulfillment of prophecy that He will return this people to their homeland from the 4 corners of the world, NOT for their sakes, BUT for His namesake!

Don’t Follow the Path, Pave It!

2009-10-28T03:58:00.000-07:00

(ALL material for this posting was provided for by The Committee for a Jewish Shdema and Women in Green.)
“Don’t follow the path, pave it!” is the motto of the dedicated, pro-active, and energetic Shdema Youth. These young people from around the country participated in various events in Shdema during the past year. Realizing the importance of Shdema as a flagship for the struggle for the Land of Israel, they decided to organize themselves and to recruit additional youth to the campaign for a Jewish Shdema.
In the past months they’ve intensified their activities with events, hikes, and building projects.
• During the month of Elul, dozens of youth from Yeshiva L’Tze’irim came to Shdema for Slichot.
• Last Friday, youth from the military academy (mechina) of Nokdim came to Shdema to hear the lecture of Brig.Gen. Yehuda Duvdevani in honor of the yartzeit of Rehavam Ze’evi.
• Last Sunday, the youth of Shdema hiked from Shdema to Herodion. This area never sees Jewish hikers, and the youth were treated to many “discoveries”: water wells, almond orchards, and caves. So far, there’s no water or electricity in Shdema, so the discovery of nearby water sources is propitious for our future development plans.
• On Monday, 8 Cheshvan, girls from Midreshet Tohar in Yad Binyamin visited Shdema. They immediately went to work painting, planting, and cleaning. Before departing, they heard lectures on the importance of the struggle for Shdema and on Rachel Imeinu, whose resting place is just a few hills over from Shdema.
Another group of youth also visited Shdema that Monday. They found good use for some of the trash littering Shdema by recycling old tires into armchairs!

To join the activities of the youth for Shdema or to order one of their special t-shirts, call Tzuri at 054 6522292 or Tchiya at 050 4500834.

Attached are a few pictures of the latest activities by the Shdema youth in Shdema and the logo of their T-shirts.
With love for Israel,
The Committee for a Jewish Shdema and Women in Green
For details : Nadia Matar 0505500834 or Yehudit Katzover 0507161818

GREATNESS: The Israeli "Gandhi"

2009-10-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

Moriel and Hodaya visit Har Herzl Cememtery to learn about great men and women in Israeli history. They are in Kita Tet.

(In Memory of Rehavam Ze’evi, 1926-2001)
At the bottom of the stairs I had just descended, two teenage girls yelled at me: “Take our picture! Take our picture!”
I asked: “Why?”, and they replied: “BECAUSE WE ARE IMPORTANT!”
How can a photo-journalist walk away from such self-proclaimed ‘greatness’? So I accommodated their demand. After all, if youth proclaims greatness, who knows what will be in their future!
Don’t even ask what their importance was. They are teens! And most teens carry with them a confidence of self-significance. After all, unbeknownst to them, they have not yet been tamed by the experiences of life.
I photographed them and requested of them to tell about their day’s event at Mt. Herzl Cemetery.
Excitedly, they rambled on about learning of the historical greatness of the man Herzl, followed by lectures of heroes and heroines while visiting the military area. All the while, I thought: “What a perfect, yet - so it seemed – a missed opportunity for them to learn of greatness in their immediate generation, since the whole purpose for hundreds in appearance, including Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Peres, along with a number of other government ministers, that day was for the Memorial of Rehavam ‘Gandhi’ Ze’evi, assassinated over 8 years ago.”
As the girls sailed out the gate, running after their bus which was leaving them behind, I stood watching and silently prayed for teachers not to neglect to educate our youth of the examples of greatness which has passed on in their generation so they will be able to recognize greatness in their midst.