Jaskolls in the Holy Land

Our Trip

2011-08-31T03:53:00.032+03:00

So, I start this at 2AM as my 3 jet lagged kids sit and watch Little Einsteins 5 days after we've returned home. On my new mac. That I don't know how to use... lot has been happening in life, family wise, work wise, country wise and world wise.

But lets start with what you all want to hear about which is the Amsterdam strandation experience.

So as the trip was last minute-ish we got tickets kind of late and all 6 seats were random throughout the plane. In effort to try and get seats together we got to the airport 3 hours early- with 4 kids. Yeah, so of course, the unexpected happens and an angel appears. "Oh, you have kids? (like everyone else didn't??) Come right this way, past all of the lines, security and people, to this empty counter where we will take care of you immediately." (clue #1)

At angelic counter, we are checked in but told that sorry, seats have to be done at gate, 30 min before flight :) so now its 2hrs 45 minutes to flight and we (Plus the 4 kids) are in the airport at 830PM, during the 9 days... blah blah blah... 2 hrs and a poopie diaper later we have seats! Yup it was that easy. (Clue #2)

On plane, taking off, kids are ALL ASLEEP- all 4. (Clue #3)

"Ah folks, this is your captain speaking... ah.. garble garble... we've got ourselves a little engine trouble." ( heart drops, I look over heads of sleeping kids to Shai- its one of those moments, you know when your worst nightmares come to the fore. When you dont want to allow the thoughts that come up to take hold. When you smile reassuringly, but your hearts are in your eyes.)

"uh... specifically engine #2 has failed... " (Yeah, there it is. Dry throat, tight chest, I pledge Tzedakah and pray.)

unscheduled stop...." ( i thought he said Milan) "...garble garble garble"

Luckily, I overhear a flight attendant doing what the pilot should have done in the first place reassuring passengers that a plane has 4 engines and can really fly with one but its best not to." So, then my heart rate returned to normal...ish.

"... be landing in about 2 hrs"

I can't move due to sleeping kids but I figure ok, Thank Gd. We'll land for a few hours and then be on our way. Annoying but, thank God no biggie.

Slow down in speed and drop in altitude. "Uh, Ladies and Gentleman, just letting you know, normally we wouldn't even mention it, but don't want to alarm anyone should you happen to look out the window. On the left side of the plane, you might see a black stream emanating from the aircraft. We're just dumping fuel to make sure the craft isn't too heavy for landing.

We'll be landing in Amsterdam in about an hour and a half." (Amsterdam?!)

Still 4 sleeping kids, until the landing. Poor Hillel looks up confused, " We're in NY already?" Uh no, dear, we are stopping. Its OK, don't worry.

Long story short, we are dropped off in a deserted part of the airport at 345AM local time (445 our time). Airplane staff walked past us on the way to a hotel. We were told we'd be flying out by 9/10AM. They handed us vouchers for the (closed and unkosher) airport restaurants- was able to get coffee, coke and water. Luckily we found another family who we knew from up the block to commiserate with.

babies in luggage cart b/c Delta wldnt give us our strollers

passing time at 4AM

They had 8 month old twins with them as well as two older boys. We stuck the twins in the luggage carts since Delta didn't see fit to give us our strollers. Hours passed by with nary a Delta representative in sight. No one came by to talk to us, no announcements were made.

We decided to see what else the airport had and Thank God we did. I can say this: If you are going to be stuck in an airport with kids- do it in Amsterdam. WOW. The place had a nursery with cribs, tubs and microwaves- a lounge with bean bags and huge screen TVs (with dutch cartoons), a library, free wifi, a museum, a playground! and more. but still nooo Delta...

chillin

baby area of airport

Kids watching big screen TV with playground in background

its now 8:30AM and no one has said a word about a flight. We send the men to find out whats going on and a long time later ( I've got 4 exhausted & hungry kids and one cookie and I have not yet found the starbux)... they come back and say that the flight isn't until 7PM and they are sending us to a hotel.

So, out we go, in the rain, with no strollers, jackets, nothing except what we are wearing and shlepping- including carseat and carryons. We are out of food and down to two diapers. Blah blah- to the IBIS hotel where it is announced that a kosher lunch will be served at 1:30- very cool!

We wash up, let the kids fall asleep and let the family know the situation. I go buy an adapter for $15 (10 Euro)!! so we can charge our phones and the DVD lifesaving machine and wind up surrounded by 50 birthrighting Mexican teenagers buying "I got high in Amsterdam" crap.

Long story short, we make it to lunch where 1000 cheese sandwhiches are waiting for us. Baruch Hashem. We havent eaten a real meal in bout 20 hrs. And as we are trying to convince our children to PLEASE eat the cheese someone calls out that the Delta flight is leaving TOMORROW at 1:30 PM. Thats it. No representative, no assistance to help you get out, or get underwear- NOTHING.

The hotel- The IBIS was wonderful, the staff amazingly considerate and sympathetic. I told the head of the kitchens that we were going to need real food for dinner, that we hadn't eaten a real meal in too long. They explained that Delta really wasn't giving them much of a budget and even with them subsidizing, the caterer was asking for more. So I met with him, the kosher caterer and the ... Chabad Rabbi! In the Rabbi's words here's what happened:

the awesome chabad Rabbi's who got us food, strollers, diapers, tours!

"My bro-in law called me at 8 from the airport to say that they were here & stuck. We decided that we come to the airport and bring him some sandwiches. But then he added; “We’re not the only ones….” he told me that everyone was going for a few hours to the IBIS. Right away I called IBIS. The hotel manager told me that they have very strict rules, one of them no food allowed without prior permission. I told him that he was getting a few hundred passengers who need kosher food & told him to think it over and left my number. But I finished saying that I NEED to give these people basics & told him politely that I was coming either way. Within 10-15 minutes he called me back, when the first passengers were coming in and he saw that these where not his regulars. He ask me for kosher food and I brought him in contact with the caterer. They ordered 600 rolls and extra rogelachs and candies/pretzels.

The next was supper. Delta wasn’t offering enough for the meals. The caterer came down al lot but couldn’t do it for that price. After some back and forth the Hotel agreed upon a deal for supper and breakfast next day. The Hotel was very nice by letting in for the First time kosher food, giving us a room for davening, but Delta needs to answer your complaints!" R. Shmeul Spiero

In the end, the hotel worked with the Rabbi and allowed a caterer in Arjan Aling (of Laromme Kosher Catering)- and then we all worked together and they were wonderful enough to prepare a hot, healthy, varied dinner! YAY.

But dinner wasnt until 8 and we had about 5.5 hours till then when we had to keep ourselves and the kids (4- who were falling asleep in the chairs) up. Into the city we go. (It was drizzling on and off). After much consultation of where to go and what to do, we got cabs and decided to take the canal boat to see the city starting with kosher pizza and the Heineken Brewery!

houses on the canal

Everyone in Amsterdam has a bike and rides it, while holding umbrellas, talking on phones and smoking... they have separate lanes for bikes and I was almost killed cuz I didn't see them and a motorcycle barely missed me.

We saw the Heinekin Brewery- some of us from the park across the street. The men went to check out when the boats left and to see if the brewery tour was appropriate for kids. It wasn't, but it was good for a beer!

BUT they hadnt taken the tour and so didnt get the tokens
necessary to get the beer at the bar. After trying to pay for
one unsuccessfully, they heard a voice, "Gever, Hinai Kach-
Dude, her ya go" and the Israeli handed them tokens for
beer- and kept offering more. :) We walked to catch the
6oclock boat, but it was full... and no one but me had the
stamina/desire to wait for 7... so we shlepped around looking for diapers and heard
"Achi, Achi- Brother..." more Israelis! Asking if we knew
a reasonable hotels in the area (we didn't).

We went back for dinner, heard the Mexicans party into the night and tried to go to sleep, Shai and the kids slept.. me and ababy- like right now- shared the wee hours of the night.

The morning brought a huge breakfast and a Bar Mitzva! The Rabbi's nephew had been on his way back home to NY for his first post BM aliya. So he did it with us- cake and pineapple for all!

and we made our way to the airport... the lovely Amst airport... where you can meditate, shower, work, bathe babies... fight with Delta... long story short... Uri gets Heinekens with his voucher and he and Shai chug them before the stupid nonsensical regulations make you toss it for fear you might try to blow yourself and your kids up with it.

I did not want to go past security yet, for I KNEW it wasn't going to be quick, but, well... we went oh and guess what I was molested by the agent- yes I had to do a body scanner (we all did) and then without warning or explanation she groped me like a prisoner freed after 25 yrs. I was literally shaking and after 50 hours of no sleep, improper food and the same clothing, I had reached the end of my rope.

Now, during this entire experience, whenever I had wifi I was tweeting @deltaassist to try and get some answers. ( I asked if we could speak via phone and I was told that she wasn't near a phone- where the hell are you the Amazon??) not only were they clueless as to when we'd be leaving, unable to get us on another flight and to my mind not nearly accommodating enough, when I asked if I could be assured of compensation if I wanted to buy changes of clothing for us all she offered me vouchers- idiot that I am, I assumed she meant for the clothing. When I asked for clarification, she ignored me.

Back at the airport, they took the 300 of us and packed us into a room for for 150 - yea thats when I just about lost it. I gave the baby to my husband and went back to the security ppl. I looked up (way up) at the guy and said- I am not staying in this room. I have had it- 50 hours in the same clothing, being ignored by Delta, shoved here and there, this is a fire hazard and am I NOT staying here. "I understand miss, I will find out what's going on." He goes away, comes back and points to a flight attendant coming into the area "Ask her, she'll know." "Boarding in 5 minutes ma'am."

Ok, fine lets go-

On board and guess what? We wait and wait and WAIT. Having fun speaking to various people- (esp the nice young man in front of us who all the gay flight attendants were flirting shamelessly with) and Judith who wore an ensemble of the emergency kit white Tshirt and a skirt made of the Delta blanket from the first flight. Why are we waiting? Because people aren't happy with their seats and the rather incompetent attendants can't figure out to tell them to GET THE F OFF THE PLANE!

So we take off over an hour late. Yup.

Ok my jet lagged baby is screaming. I gtg. love me

Yom Haaztmaut

2011-05-10T21:28:00.000+03:00

Pesach with the Keats'

2011-04-26T23:22:00.000+03:00

PURIM & The Birthday

2011-03-20T22:36:00.000+02:00

We dressed as our friends Nachman and Sharona

Annual Jaskoll xmas trip

2011-01-05T21:42:00.001+02:00

We had an awesome time with Sabba and AAATTEEEEE as Shua called her. Was so much fun having them around to do homework, get air in bike tires, eat, go to museums and share cashews!

Here are some pics- we went up to Kibbitz Nahsholim for shabbat and had a great time like real Israelis. Apparently , I love trees and Hillel loves taking pictures of flowers... Oh and we singlehandedly got the Maccabeats above 4 mil hits

Chanukka 2010 - up north, Aunt Joyce, Becca & Bubbie!!

2010-12-07T09:43:00.000+02:00

Hillel's School Finishing the 5 Books

2010-10-30T21:48:00.000+02:00

Rafting baby!

2010-10-04T23:03:00.000+02:00

At the chocolate factory

2010-09-29T16:04:00.000+02:00

Up north!

2010-09-28T23:54:00.000+02:00

had a blast with Uncle David, Aunt Joyce, Rachel, Adam and Rebecca! More pics forthcoming- We: Kayaked the Hatzbani river (and got soaked by fun loving Israelis of all ages), Hiked Tel Dan, Made gourmet chocolate and biked the Hula Reservoir...Moadim L'Simcha!

Koos Koos Tuesday-

2010-09-14T23:07:00.000+02:00

Someone I know had reason to be in Dimona recently. You should know what is in Dimona, if you don't- look it up.

At the front guard booth- "Atah Miragel Americai (are you an American Spy?")

"'No, I ah, I'm not an American spy."

"Are you sure? Cause you look like an American Spy."

'I'm not an American spy. If I was an American spy, I wouldn't know that today is kooskoos day.'

Wide eyes. "That's right! Today is koos koss day! Aich Yadaata-- How did you know?"

Nods towards the complex. 'I've been inside before.'

"OK. You're not a spy, if you were a spy you wouldn't know about koos koos tuesday." Looks at partner. "He knows about koos koos tuesday!"

'I've been here before - a few times. The first time was a short while after I made Aliya and we had lunch (koos koos) and then walked to the makolet and had artikim. Was the first time I had that flavor.'

"Thats right! The Makolet." Turns to partner, "He knows the makolet! First koos koos, then artikim!' Back to guy. "What flavor?"

'Guess'

"Tut?"

'No'

"Kivi? Petel?"

'no, no'

"Ah! Passiflora~ Passionfruit!"

"Yup"

"Of course! Passiflora, ken ken. Israeli's love passiflora!"

'Yeah... OK, so can I come inside the booth I just need to -'

"No. No coming inside the booth- Sorry, not allowed."

'Ok, I'll work outside. I just need to plug this in-'

'No, sorry, can't use the electricity.'

Later, through the guard booth window- after about an hour of chit chat...

'Hey, so have you had coffee yet today?'

"Ah, no"

The door opens, revealing a small stockpile of loaded automatic weapons, "Come in, come in, have coffee." Smiles- Inside the booth- "Are you from Jerusalem?... you look like you're from Jerusalem..."

'No. Bet Shemesh.'

"Ah, Sheinfeld, You're from Sheinfeld!"

'Nope'

"Nofei Aviv!"

'Ah, no....'

Had An Awesome Time at the Beach

2010-06-27T00:39:00.001+03:00

Noa had a party in Gan for her birthday- even though it isn't for another 2 months... and then we went to the BEACH! WOO HOOO

Yosef G (at the sink) and his friend Ben helped me get Shabbas ready thursday night so that Fri we could spend on the beach- then we had a really nice shabbas together-

despite the Jellyfish stings!!

Life Here

2010-06-18T00:37:00.002+03:00

has been hectic to say the least. In both good and less than good ways.

On a personal note: I left my job of the past 2 years. I learned a lot and loved many things about it. Others were tough, as with any job. Leaving will hopefully enable me to concentrate on the things I really want to see flourish- I need to take an Ulpan (Heb classes), I need to get myself and family healthy and on the best track possible, I want to work on working enough to make a living, but not so much that it is my life.

To that end, my sisters and I have begun working together. Its very cool to have smart, professional women I can boss around, comes with being the oldest I guess. They are great and lots of fun to work with- we've just started but have much experience between us. This enables us to bring a lot to the organizations we work with. Since we all have our expertise, we are able to mesh well together without stepping on toes. It helps that they make room for my ego. We have a temporary website at www.reach3k.com its not what it needs to be yet, but its there!

check it out

In other news- a commercial building went up across the street from us. I have mixed feelings about it. On the one hand it is AWESOME to send my kid to get milk/eggs/chocolate whenever I need it, on the other... its a commerical building across the street. Ok so I can live with it, but some enterprising man who lives in Jerusalem bought the rights to the roof and rented it out to ALL FOUR cell phone companies and they erected antennas- there are at least 12 and potentially 17 antennas across the street from me. There are people in buildings next door to the mall that are meters from the antennas. We are fighting them with a public campaign.

The city took one company to court on a technicality and we went to court to protest and make our voices heard. We were loud. I had the baby with me and as we are sitting in this small courtroom and the lawyer for the cellphone company is talking, he made a noise. The judge looked at me and said, "When you bring a baby to a place like this, you need to be ready to leave if he makes noise." I looked at her and said. "I understand, this is your place, but in my place there is radiation, thats why we're here."

Silence

Later in the proceedings someone in the audience (an old grandmother!) cell phone rang- the lawyer looked at us and said "See without antennas you wouldn't have cell phones." So ppl started screaming back- "They are across from my house." They're next to my kid's nursery." and the judge asked for order. Somone from the neighborhood stood up and said, "She starts with everyone and we can't answer back?"

So Israeli, so much fun.

Anyway, we are fighting them and I think there is a Youtube with me reading something at a rally somewhere.

Yehoshua has been sick on and off for the past few weeks- fever, ear infection and now a terrible allergic reaction that covered his whole body and we had to go to the ER and get steroids for- all on his birthday- poor kid! We hope we is on the way to feeling 100%.

The older two kids had their end of the year school trips- to the Galilee, Mt. Gilboa- Mt Tabor Area (pictured here)

Hillel slept out for one night and spent two days hiking and playing in water falls near the Sea of Gallilee. I am jealous. Riva went for the day and came back- tan, filthy and exhausted- she had an awesome time as did Hills.

Riva has a girl in her class who needs a walker. Since kindergarten she's been in her class and I have been amazed at the accomodations that are made to make sure she is able to participate in everything and the incredible kindness shown to her. The girls go out of there way to make sure she is included in everything.

When there is a trip, she always goes and participates in almost everything. A teacher and student/s go on another trail with her and meet up with the group at the destination, or if it is unaccessible completely, they bring her to another spring, pool, trail, that is.

Have to break off- to be continued with protests, Flotillas and more-

Our Tiyul (Trip)

2010-04-20T20:22:00.004+03:00

We walked and walked and walked and...

then BBQ!

Happy Yom Haaztzmaut

Happy Yom Haatzmaut!

2010-04-19T22:44:00.005+03:00

Unedited Ramblings of a 35(!) Yr Old

2010-03-16T22:20:00.004+02:00

I recently read the book The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. (Thanks Mom)

In it, he discusses a theme that is prevalent throughout Judaism and history at large, but that most people pass by without giving it proper weight and understanding (me included).

He writes of modern science's findings that human thought has quantifiable effect on matter. To the mind that considers itself 'enlightened' or 'modern'- this is laughable. The idea that we can- through thought or speech- affect the world around us is difficult to contemplate for those educated in the 20th century.

Still, it is interesting that it is so hard for us to believe in our own abilities given that history is replete with stories of people affecting nature. We tend to think of them as miracles or outright falsehoods. Why is it beyond us to imagine that we were created with an ability to affect the world we were given? Weren’t we charged with being stewards? How can we fulfill this role without powers to do so?

Judaism is full of references to words being agents of creation and change- both through prayer and through speech. I never understood why God tells Moshe- Enough! And forces him to stop asking to be let into the Holy Land. I learned that is was because if he asked one more time, God would have to allow him to enter. And I’m thinking- wha?? Scuze me? God is God and God can do whatever God wants- that’s what it means to be God! Who could force God to let Moshe in if God says no?

It could only be God’s own rules. The rules created as an intrinsic part of the universe at the moment of conception.

What if, within the laws created into this universe, there was a certain prescribed amount of praying where that prayer HAD to be answered positively? What if enough concentration and thought on something inevitably caused that outcome? I’m thinking this is the case- otherwise why force him to stop?

Leah- Leah cried day and night- constantly- that she not be forced to marry the evil Esau. We are all taught that Leah teaches us the power of prayer and we listen and nod and say how amazing she was that she altered her future and we agree that we aren’t ‘on her level’ and we move on.

BUT what if the amazing thing about her wasn’t intrinsic? What if what was amazing was that she RECOGNIZED the laws of nature (made by God) for what they were and grasped on to them and committed herself to using them to change her destiny??

Wouldn’t that mean a very different thing to all of us who read the story and feel that we can’t emulate her because we aren’t ‘on her level’? Wouldn’t it mean that we can do the same thing? Rules are rules. Whether you are Moshe or Leah or Shosh

It certainly is an epiphany to me.

In Hebrew, the word for 'word' is the same as the word for 'thing' and the Hebrew names for things reflect their inherent characteristics. They aren’t random letters thrown together.

God created the universe with words- Everything came into being through speech- God said- 'Let there be light.' And there was light.

We are created in God’s image- what does that mean? We know God does not have two legs and eyes- God loves, gives and creates. However, while God creates from nothing, we create from something- using our God given minds to ponder how things can be better, we improve, we invent. We wanted to fly- we fly. We wanted to connect instantaneously with others across the globe- we tweet.

Speech as Power

There are many references to the power of speech throughout Judaism- the power of the tongue for both good and evil.

Abracadabra is pretty much a morphed phrase from Hebrew/Aramaic- the language of the Talmud- Abayra K'Dabayra- meaning “I will create as I speak”

There is significant emphasis on prayer and speech throughout Judaism- on both the words and on the intent ('kavana' which means both to concentrate and to direct) we imbue into them.

Clearly, an almighty, omnipotent being has, by definition, no needs. So why do we pray? Many answers are given, including that the prayers are for our benefit- and they are. But what if its more than that? What if the world, the collective consciousness, the energies we all share- whatever your choice of label- is positively affected and shares that positive effect with all it touches and influences?

If we each believed that our thoughts and actions had real effect on the world- would we work harder to be positive? To speak less negatively? To judge less harshly?

If we knew that we had the ability to affect our world, would we take advantage of it, put it to good use? Would we spend our free moments thinking of positive changes we'd like to see- less suffering, peace and calmness, an end to violence- instead of pointless TV, idle chatter and wasted hours at the computer?

Instead of griping as we wait in line (or on hold!) what if we whispered a prayer or directed good thoughts towards a friend in need?

In the Torah, there are Mitzvot having to do with loving one another- not hating in one's heart- of judging favorably- and I always found these very internal mitzvot hard to grasp. How and why did it matter if I hated in my heart if I didn't act on it? One could say that it isn't really possible to hate in your heart and not have it affect your actions- and this may well be true, but the Torah already prohibits acting on it, why prohibit the thought- especially as thoughts are instantaneous, how is it fair to prohibit something reflexive?

Aren’t we creatures of thought? Souls with bodies?

Well, what if thought isn’t reflexive? What if hatred in our hearts is outlawed because the thoughts themselves have ramifications -negative affects on ourselves and the world at large? What if emotions/thoughts can be trained, directed- ruled by us and not the opposite. Is that what we are meant to learn from the prohibition? That it is a choice to hate? To think poorly of someone- even one who has harmed us?

I admit to hating Hitler/Nazis/Rapists etc- … what should I do about it? Maybe the hatred needs to be channeled into positive action- not passive negativity- maybe I need to write, teach, ‘spread the love ’- Dunno exactly, but I welcome suggestions.

Brown references something I saw- and was fascinated by- years ago. There is a Japanese scientist who runs experiments with water. He basically exposes water from various sources to positive and negative thoughts, words and varying types of sound. He then freezes and takes a picture of the H20 molecules after this exposure. His findings are fascinating. Those water molecules exposed to calm, positive thoughts become symmetric and beautiful. Those exposed to negative, angry aggressive- thoughts or sounds are asymmetric, and sick looking.

So here’s the thing- We are 80% water ourselves. The Earth is ¾ water- the sky is made of water- God first created with water- the waters above and below were separated before anything was created on this planet- it’s the basis for all life… you see where I’m going with this?

Jews have been making blessings over everything we ingest- even water- for thousands of years. Blessings of gratitude to the One who provides it- coincidence? I think not...

WE WERE CREATED TO AFFECT OUR WORLD, OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER.

It is our duty to use these abilities for good and positive effects on the world. To direct our energies and thoughts to beheficial outcomes.

I am not saying don’t get angry (hello, kettle, its me pot)- I’m saying get angry at the right things. Injustice. Evil. Suffering. And think about fixing it. Think about changing it and making it better. Don’t give up because you aren’t in a position to do something- You can do something now right where you are this very second!

We all can.

We don’t need a large gathering (though wouldn’t that be nice) we all just need to be aware and conscious of our influence and the potential of our thoughts and directed prayers.

Just try it- a little a day. See how it goes and what it influences. I know what I’ll be asking for. I may not be Leah, but I can learn from her not to accept what others see as inevitable. Not to give up.

I love my country

2010-03-11T21:31:00.003+02:00

For Zayde

2010-03-03T23:41:00.003+02:00

There are those who blame the world for their woes, and use them as an excuse to take-and there are those who learn from evil how to be good, and why it is so important to give

There are those whose pain defines them- all alienation and separation
and those whose pain brings them higher and holier- all connection and love

There are those who paint the entire world with the colors of the evil they’ve seen
and those who see the intrinsic beauty in each individual soul

There are those who turn from history –run from the source of the pain
and those who cling more tightly and build upon a cherished heritage

There are those who watch the joy of others- full of resentment and wracked with envy-and those who spend their every day giving thanks for what they have

There are those who are stingy with smiles and easy with critique
And those for whom every word is a kindness, a gift to be shared

There are those who learn to take
and those who teach to appreciate

Those who are clever
and those who honor

Those who take
and those who give

Those who judge
and those who welcome

There are those who look to leave this world having amassed wealth, title and fame and those who look to leave the world bit better than it was before

In each and every case Zaide strove for- and accomplished- the latter.

The joy he took in seeing his grandchildren and great grandchildren steeped in Torah, loving one another and living a grateful life was more than enough payment for his suffering. The care he took to provide for each and every one- never forgetting a birthday, or a special occasion- was a clear indicator of the value he put on the interest to his investment.

Nothing was more precious than his children, nothing mattered more than their happiness and well being. Far from fagining us our move to Eretz Yisroel, he alwys stressed his pride in us and our children for making a home here.

Everything we do, every mitzvah we keep is in his name. May he watch over us in Shamyaim and hasten the coming redemption. Amein.

Purim!

2010-03-03T23:33:00.005+02:00

For Zaide- We want you here!!

2010-02-10T21:02:00.004+02:00

LOOOOVE IT

2010-01-26T09:58:00.002+02:00

Noa is in a rythmic gymnastics class with girls older than her (the younger class was too small). They did this last week. So amazing what kids can do- I ran out of memory so its a short clip but SO cute!

Work and Life get in the way of posting...

2010-01-21T23:00:00.004+02:00

I think this is the longest I've gone without posting and I am very sorry- lots of things in the way and using my energy. Good things mostly. Lots of work and work and kids and home :)

So here are pics- My mother in law was good enough to buy the kids winter gear... but there hasn't really been a need for it- so we made Hillel the snowman including a carrot- here he is :)

Exposure

2009-12-21T13:14:00.007+02:00

They say that at the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, the sun can be enjoyed without any of its harmful effects- the distance being too great for the damaging rays to travel. So you get the warmth, the joy and the caresses without having to lather up, cover up or take care.

I don't know if this is actually true, but it made me think as I looked out at the barren desert landscape, beautifully harsh and devoid of tree or grass and the ever evaporating sea. I wonder if in order not to be hurt we have to be distanced, empty and barren. If being protected also means being removed, somber and desolate.

The sea is gorgeous. All greens and blues- it looks deep and full and refreshing. But get closer, touch it. It is oily, hot and sharp.

It exploits the slightest weakness.

To be fair, the waters are also healing and theraputic- but even then almost exlusively at the surface level. They smooth skin and soothe joint pain.

But, internalize the bitter waters and they cause a great deal of lingering pain.

Too much exposure leads to burning.

Does this mean anything? I dont know- I wonder if in Moshiach's time the landscape around the sea will bloom and green and if likewise we'll be able to leave ourselves exposed to love without the fear of getting burned.

Down South for the weekend

2009-12-20T08:52:00.005+02:00

Hotel Lobby had a huge Chanukiah and we al lit together- very cool-

Will write later- for now pics :)

Happy Chanukka!

2009-12-17T07:03:00.004+02:00

Baby coughing in my arms, cant really type. Here are some pics though :)

We have strep (HY) and a cold (YA)

2009-11-30T22:26:00.004+02:00

But Auntie Avra came by today--

YAY!!

Sorry-

2009-11-24T18:51:00.004+02:00

Btwn work, kids, work, house, work, kids and husband I haven't much time to post- And the baby's crying... ok will post a few pics and go get him.

And now girls screaming from bath...

Happy baby Randoms

2009-11-04T14:46:00.004+02:00

Because the goat has the bell

2009-10-30T11:38:00.004+02:00

Over Sukkos, we ate at the home of some very close friends and from their porch enjoyed a majestic view of the opposing hills. Over said hills a Beduin sherpard walked far ahead of his flocks of sheep who grazed serenly, enjoying the weather and walking slowly but steadily onward.
I asked "How do the sheep know where to go?"

A flock of goats ahead of the sheep was pointed out. The one in the lead walked with the shepherd. "They follow the goats."

Me: "Why do they follow the goats?"

"Because the goat has the bell."

For the next month, that became the tag line for when anything we didn't understand occured. We used it to answer all inquires for which there was no better reason.

4 weeks later, I had a discussion with a friend about people and their tendencies to do what others do, or tell them is the right thing to do, or what somone claims someone else did/does to the exclusion of any independant thought.

It didn't hit me until a few days later- Its 'because the goat has the bell'. There's no damn good reason that people do half of the crap they do. But here is the thing.

Do they know that they are following the sheep who are following the goats following the bell? Its all good and well for a sheep. It needs to follow the bell because the bell is on the lead goat which is beside the sheperd who sustains them. It is the sheep's bell, its his job to follow it. But what if the cows started to follow the sheep? And the dogs and cats and llamas and orangutangs- there would be a lot of animals doing the wrong things and a lot of things not getting done- at best.

At worst it would lead to conflict, confusion and a lack of progression. Yet, this is exactly what is going on in the human population.

The bell rings and people follow. Exceedingly few question who/what they are following and even fewer get out of line.

Whether it is CNN, Obama, the latest book/craze/fad, their religious leader, the cool kids in high school or Madison Avenue- they just follow.

And they don't look around as they are lead. At the things they pass by, at the options and opportunities ignored- at the alternatives, the forks in the road, the consequences- at those left behind and and those trampled on. They don't look at the covered signs, the turn offs concealed and the side roads unpaved.

Why don't people want to think for themselves? To evaluate and make the call? To gather their own information, make an informed decision? To admit that they don't know?

At the very least- acknowledge the goat and the bell being followed. Acknowledge the blinders, so nicely fitted in the latest style.

And accord others the right to follow their own goat albeit different from yours, or even better- none at all.

It is the lack of doing so that leads to such things as conflict, religious intolerance, human rights abuses, the brain drain, fat stupid kids, the Goldstone Report, ignorant smart people, rich idiots and all the rest of man's ills.

Go ahead, ask the sheep next to you why s/he does what s/he does. They may be hard pressed to answer. Ask yourself- you may be surprised at your own goats.

Recap

2009-10-21T20:32:00.007+02:00

Let's see-

Over Sukkot we: went to an airforce base, saw animals, rode horses, decorated the Sukka, saw Avraham's well,had BBQ's, saw family, went to the beach, the Moshav to see Adi's family and hung out with friends- was very nice

Oh- and we planned a wedding

An AWESOME wedding

with a Henna- more than one person (married over a decade) said "I'm getting married again and this time we're having a Henna!"

LOVE this pic http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=133279&id=621225917&l=ae644ba878

I can't even post all the pics, but one friend made this beautiful slideshow http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1893035/Avra%20%26%20Shmuel%20-%20Forever-Medium.m4v

and my cousin marilyn made a beautiful photo book

Book

we made 7Brachot at a beautiful place- was fab

At this point my house is now empty of guests (till lori comes for shabbas :) and my little sister is married and now we wait for the rest of you to cowboy up and get your crap together and make the move

Blogger is taking way too long to upload, so I aint waiten around- go check out the links I posted in the benatayim

LOVE YOU

So much...

2009-10-21T08:16:00.003+02:00

I have much to catch up on- Wedding, 7Brachot, family etc... will take a while, but had to post this official inauguration into the Jaskoll family.

We took Avra out - Sushi and Kotel

2009-10-11T23:10:00.003+02:00

LORI'S HERE!!

2009-10-01T10:00:00.004+02:00

We blindfolded her for her first visit to the Kotel. She didn't see it until she stood directly before it. This is her reaction.

Am without my boys :( not inspired to write

2009-09-28T23:11:00.001+02:00

Last Shabbas

2009-09-10T22:59:00.003+03:00

We went to the embassy to register Yehoshua as an American and since the embassy is in Tel Aviv pretty much on the most western edge of the country on the beach we walked on the boardwalk and dipped our feetsies- watching the morning people

Had a nice shabbas and Esther came and played for us afterwards- it was very nice.

Mazal Tovs All Around

2009-09-03T21:54:00.007+03:00

We had our 11th anniversary and went out to a really cool place where they bring round meats off the grill and keep 'em coming till you turn the little doohiky to red- These are the salads they give yum!

Then we went to Armon Hanatziv and looked out over the Old City- so breathtaking.

These are pics from Yitzchak Shlomo AKA Tzachi or Zac's brit.

Sunday

2009-08-23T15:02:00.004+03:00

This is HY and YA in the same outfit...

And this is Josh Josh AKA Shua smiling and and playing peekaboo-

Fun in the Pool with Fam

2009-08-23T09:41:00.002+03:00

Had us at the Kind David hotel pool- very very nice- Kids and parents had a great time.

Thanks Guys- Hillel is waiting for your emails :)

Went to the Beach with friends

2009-08-19T22:15:00.004+03:00

Had a blast! BBQ and Marshmellows- if we only had a tent to put them to bed in and a bottle of red- I could have stayed all night!!

The coast of Israel is the first that 'hits' the sea since the Americas- all the others coasts are to the north and south of the sea (Meditteranian from Atlantic) and every time I am there I think of all the way the waters have travelled and all the things they've 'seen' the different cultures, peoples, etc...Just fascinates me.

Was Joshie's first time at the beach.

We went to Zichron- had a blast

2009-08-17T22:02:00.002+03:00

We visited friends- kids had fun- we had fun its a lovely place.

Went to a really great kids place built within an orange orchard- literally- there are trees in the pool! Lots to write, but kids are home... so I'll put in pics first

Noa has taught herself to swim- she did not leave the pool for hours!

Its the Humidity!!!!

2009-08-14T17:02:00.002+03:00

If u can watch this and not laugh...

2009-08-04T11:43:00.002+03:00

Tisha B'Av

2009-07-30T11:01:00.005+03:00

Why do we need to mourn something that happened thousands of years ago? Why do we need to sit on the floor and cry as we read of the tragedies of our people? Why must we make ourselves sick reading of mothers, out of their minds with starvation, eating their beloved children- of people expiring in the streets and of our holy city burning?

Why must we fast, not bathe, wear leather shoes or be intimate?

Why are we to feel as if the destruction of Jerusalem is happening now and to us? Why must we shed tears? Why dedicate an entire 25 hours to mourning something that we've never had? What are we meant to get from it all?

It is said that to understand light, one must experience darkness, that to know joy, one must experience pain.

I find that most in this generation aren't so interested. Why know pain, sadness, hurt when you can tranquelize, anesticize, pop a pill, avert your eyes, turn the channel? It has come to the point that most don't live in reality.

It used to be that television was to escape reality, but at this point- there is nothing to escape and so now, the TV is turned on for reality. Ah, but this reality is safe because it is not my feelings being hurt, back being stabbed or heart breaking.

Virtual Reality games are getting realer and realer and I wonder- WHAT ABOUT LIFE? Dont play Tennis on the Wii- Go play tennis! Don't slay dragons and rescue princesses virtually- pick a cause to be your dragon and fight- make an actual difference- rescue orphans, battered women or volunteer to teach a child to read!

Complacency is the default mode of 99.9% of the world. The other .1 actually try to matter and to return their souls more complete than they got them. To leave an imprint, to do something they are proud of.

Since when has feeling- really feeling- become something to avoid, to nuetralize?

It is during these moments of true joy, pain, sorrow, love, helplessness that we can grasp that elusive connection, that trueness that we all have, yet rarely connect to. It is during the throat choking, heart breaking moments that we see that the daily ins and outs are nothing and that the rare moments of deep emotion are the ones that make us who we are.

It is true that not knowing hard times makes it impossible to really appreciate the good. A life of tranquility may be easy and enjoyable, but it is not life. Life is where we come to create ourselves, to see what we are made of and to be our best. It is the silversmith's fire before the piece is molded. A lump of raw silver is tranquil, but will never be a masterpiece. A human being unchallenged, unthinking, unmotivated will at best not do harm.

As it is our nature to stay at rest, we need motivation to be foisted upon us, to have contemplation and emotion madated at times. We MUST read the accounts and bring ourselves to tears. We MUST think about the unpleasant and the possible.

Like the heart stopping crack of thunder in the dead of night. Like the car accident avoided by millimeters. Like not finding your kid in the store- these moments throw reality at us and hold us down to stare at it.

it is our choice to look away or to grow

and it is because we look away that the tragedy of so long ago is till ours today

Yehoshua 5 Wks

2009-07-22T22:28:00.002+03:00

Sorry- Btwn kids, house, work, baby, no sleep and neighbors renovations my thoughts dont come together too well- but here's a pic- Enjoy!

I should mention that today starts the 9 days- which end with Tisha B'Av the ninth day of the month of Av when the temples were destroyed and many other tragedies befell the Jewish ppl over our history.

No Meat- No swimming- no laundry...

We miss you guys:

2009-07-12T11:16:00.005+03:00

For the past 4 weeks, we have had our parents visiting. For 2 weeks we were blessed to have all four of our parents here. Not many people can say that having all of their parents around is a wondeful experience. In fact, I know many people whose own parents do more harm then good -never mind the in laws.

We however, have four incredible parents who are not only good to us, but get along with one another very well. It is such a blessing and we are spoiled. It isnt easy to leave home and hearth and dunkin donuts and dog for 3-4 weeks and go live in a small apt in the heat of summer.

I have to go to the kids but wanted to say thank you very much for being who you are and giving as you do

we love and miss you

Noa had a party in Gan...

2009-07-12T08:52:00.005+03:00

What she is saying is "Ani Ani Bat Melech, V korim li Noa Yaskoll= I am a daughter of the king, and my name is Noa Jaskoll"

Went to the park today

2009-07-05T21:17:00.003+03:00

pics

2009-07-03T10:21:00.003+03:00

NOA at beach

2009-06-28T22:20:00.007+03:00

more pics

2009-06-28T22:09:00.002+03:00

Shua

2009-06-28T00:13:00.003+03:00

Brit Pics

2009-06-23T21:59:00.003+03:00

Brit

2009-06-23T11:31:00.002+03:00

Yehoshua Adiel

2009-06-23T10:59:00.002+03:00

My grandfather had many names. He answered to them all, but in my mind, the only one that ever fit is grandpa. I did not even know his actual Hebrew name until he died 3 weeks after Hillel was born. My nephew Dovi is named for him.

In the years since, I assumed we would choose a name that sounded closest to the others he was called when and if we had a son. Now, Baruch Hashem, the time has come and as parents are wont to do- we stare at the child and throw the names at him, but none of them stick.

Yehoshua! He screams back. And I wonder, how it is that that can be.

Instead of sleeping as he does, I am writing this answer.

My daughter is learning sefer Yehoshua in school this year. One of the first stories she brought home was that every night, in the Beit Midrash, Yehoshua would stay after the others had gone and tidy up the room, putting the books lovingly away for the next day’s learning. Yehoshua was brilliantly learned, but so humble. He was a fierce warrior for God and His Torah, and intensely loyal to his teacher and people.

My grandfather studied in the Yeshiva of Lublin, he knew and loved the Torah. When I was younger and would do something wrong, he would look at me sweetly and say, “Not on Shabbas.” And that was enough. During the war, he used his assets to ensure that his relatives survive. Though his wife and child were murdered, he was able to support and save others.

Unlike most grandparent- grandchild relationships, ours was unique. It was to him I turned when I was sad or angry, confused or excited. His hand stroked my head as I sat on the floor by his chair, just content to be there.

My grandfather was not my mother’s biological father. Her father had died when she was 2.5. My grandfather stepped into that role smoothly and with love so that the lines blurred and he was never anything other than Daddy. Yehoshua did not birth the Jewish nation, he did not go through the long pregnancy and labor for them as Moshe did. He inherited the strong willed people and the willful adolescence they came with- and he did it with love. He brought them into Eretz Yisroel and saw them through the hardships of klita and adjustments. He was patient and long suffering- like a father.

If our Yehoshua can inherit the sweet loving way of my grandfather, the Derech Eretz and love of shalom that he had, if he can talk God’s Torah with sweetness and fierce loyalty without arrogance and haughty judgment, I will know that grandpa is watching over him and guiding him through life.

The baby’s second name comes from another very special person, who unlike my grandfather did not live long enough to see grandchildren or great grandchildren. My friend Adi died at the age of 28. Adi and I were roommates at Hebrew University. I was a crazy American come to live in Israel, she was the daughter of Persian immigrants who made their way on donkeys to the promised land. Where I was stormy, she was calm, where I was emotional, she was even keeled. I have never known anyone like her. Sweet and joyful, Adi’s smile lit the room and her laugh chased away demons. What she saw in me, I’ll never know, but we were great friends.

I spent time with her family on their moshav and they became my family here. We met our husbands, got married, and became mothers at the same time. Shai and I, and eventually Hillel, spent shabbosim on the Moshav with Adi and her family. When I moved back to the US, we stayed in touch and continued when she moved to Vancouver. In 2005, she returned to Israel, all the while we spoke of once again being neighbors. I called to speak with her one day and someone answered the phone. I asked for Adi and the person said, “Oh you didn’t hear? She died.” Between my Hebrew and my shock it took me time to register and when I did, I hardly spoke for three days.

It is hard to express what makes someone a friend, close to your heart. I can say that where others are often out for themselves, looking for opportunities to get ahead, judging others and excusing their own sins, she was pure of ulterior motives. She loved life and the world and her Emunah was unshakable. Not like those who speak it, profess it and preach it, she was Emunah- there was nothing else. For her, God was so evident in life, that speaking of it was superfluous.

I bless my son that these two people should watch over him and guide him in life. That their strength and faith should be his and that he bring joy to those he is blessed to encounter just as these two people changed me and my life forever.

I’d like to thank our families for being here and for always giving more of themselves than has ever been expected (or deserved). We did them a great injustice by moving so far away and I know that we have pained them far more than they ever let on. It is in their merit that their grandchildren learn Torah in Eretz Yisroel. Every word they learn, every bracha they pronounce adds to their reward. It is impossible for a child to ever properly and effectively thank their parent- the universe is built this way. I can only hope that they know that we love and honor all that they do and any inadequacy in our appreciation is ours alone.

Mazel Tov - The Newest Jaskoll

2009-06-19T14:57:00.002+03:00

You just can't do this in Jersey guys...

2009-06-14T06:23:00.004+03:00

Shai, G-d bless him, has the incredible privelage of transversing the Holy Land as part of his job. The one thing that Moshe (Moses) begged to be allowed to do, but was denied, my husband does daily (on some days for multiple hours on end). Usually when he goes he takes pictures for me of the places he sees since I am generally cooped up in front of my computer at home, or in the Jerusalem office (poor me;)

Lately, he asks me every morning if he is ok to travel - meaning am I in labor-

Thursday he asked and I told him nothing doin and he could go to Tiberius on the Sea of Gallilee about 2.5 hours away from home- After pouting with jealously, he asked me where I'd like him to pray for us (There are many righteous people buried in and around Tiberius).

One place I'd never made it was to the tombs of Rabbi Akiva and his wife. R Akiva was a poor Jewish sheperd who fell in love with his rich master's daughter- but moreover- she loved him. However, her father forbade the match because he was ignorant-not the great scholar he expected his daughter to marry. She saw the potential he had to become great and encouraged him to begin his studies though he was 40 years old. The story goes that he saw water dripping onto a rock and recognized that the small but steady drops of liquid penetrated the solid rock creating a hole where it fell. He knew then that study could get through his 'aged' mind and he agreed to begin learning. He started with the Alef, Bet in school with the children. He and Rachel lived in abject poverty having been disowned by her father.

Thus began the Torah of one of the most beloved and great Rabbinic scholars ever. When he returned from the years of study his wife had sent him off to with over 20,000 students, his wife came out to great him. Not knowing who she was, his students blocked her path to their teacher. He stopped them and said, "All of the Torah I have learned and all that you have learned are hers." Much later in life after teaching some of the greatest Torah ever, he was tortured and killed publicly by the Romans- his last words were the Shema prayer.

Shai went and davened there for us, family, friends and the State of Israel- He also found a well linked to the water/rock story and prayed there as well.

HY got glasses

2009-06-03T07:40:00.002+03:00

Happy Birthday Yaffy!!!!

marriage

2009-06-01T14:33:00.004+03:00

Of the things one accomplishes on this Earth, some matter more than others. Of these, few reveal the essence of who we are as the way we treat our spouse.

We can be generous with our forgiveness and understanding or we can be harsh with impatience and judgement.

We can be soft and flexible with our needs or strict and unyielding in our demands.

We can be full of support and kind words or we can wound with jabs and intolerance.

We can give love freely and without expectation or condition, or we can withold affection and attention when it suits us.

We can count the number of diapers we change or we can thank them for the child they gave us.

We can refuse to get off the couch again or we can lovingly get the glass of water.

We can demand that the rules never change or we can understand that there are no rules.

We can argue over dollars and cents or we can realize that nothing is as precious as our other half.

We can remember that their heart is in our hands or we can choose to forget.

We can appreciate the many things they do for us or we can harp on the few that they don't.

We can say I or we can say we.

We can look for ways to get or we can look for ways to give.

We can know that they never meant to hurt or we can constantly accuse them of it.

We can ask what we get out of marriage or we can ask what we can give to it.

We can stare at the screen and grunt an answer or we can look into their eyes and show we hear.

We can make sure our spouse knows they are loved, cherished and appreciated or we can miss the opportunity to be the light of someone's life.

It is said that when we die, we are asked and judged on 3 things. One of them is how we treated our spouse.

chag sameach

2009-05-28T18:21:00.004+03:00

Have a great chag!

Various and Sundry

2009-05-27T23:59:00.002+03:00

Hmmm lots to talk about

Holidays here are always so all encompassing. The kids learn so much at their ages- more than I ever did. Noa comes home telling me about Har Sinai and the Torah and the Commandmants and cheesecake- She came home the other day with the most beautiful plate of food shaped into Torah's and mountains and flowers- I didnt even have a chance to take a picture- I came into the kitchen to find her and a friend elbow deep in the plate- cholocate EVERYWHERE!

She made so many projects to decorate the house and would only wear dresses with flowers because Mt Sinai was decorated with flowers... Riva's school had an evening of song, dance, learning and an art project for mothers and daughters. It was very nice.

It is actually very special that the holidays are so focused on- it infuses the kids with the meaning and cycles of life and their part in it.

On the flip side, I saw a US show recently and I cannot get over how people dont look like ppl anymore. Firstly- no one that I run accross in real life and I know lots of lovely people- looks the way these people do. Does anyone not see how ridiculous they look?

Women can't smile because of the silicon, botox- whatever- sitting in their faces- they look bizarre and freakish- Hair so clearly bottled, and body so clearly molded I cannot believe people have gone so far- and this is attractive? The world is falling apart and people spend thousands of dollars to have their bodies altered. It is so bizarre I don't even know what to say.

So much money spent on things and gadgets and stuff- just to have it. I dont get it. I really don't.

As you know, we are due quite soon... my wonderful husband has convinced me to take maternity leave a bit early so I am not completely exhausted by the time this kung fu baby decides to come out.

And my sisters and I have officially launched a business. We do everything a non profit organization needs- from grant writing, to PR materials, web content and media placements. We are starting slowly as we all have personal projects in the works (two babies and a wedding!) but if anyone knows of a non profit that can use very experienced and dedicated assistance in these areas- let us know. We are REACH3K (3 Keats for those in on the secret- 3000 for those not ;)

Anyway, looking forward to hearing from you all-

hope to have pics soon

us

Mazal Tov!!

2009-05-19T23:46:00.002+03:00

Yes, its been a long time and I am sorry- I have lots to talk about-

Kids
Israel
Education
Sfirat HaOmer

but I spend most of my time working and with kids and ignoring dishes that I can no longer reach due to enlarged midsection and the rest of the time with fingers too swollen to type much... So for the moment I just present this Mazal Tov edition of the blog dedicated to the engagement of my sister to Shmuel Nedjar!

Shmuel made aliya from France over 7 yrs ago, completed hesder army service and university and works in Tel Aviv. He is a great guy and fits in quite well. We are all very excited.

A new song

2009-05-03T22:16:00.002+03:00

Yom Haatzmaut!

2009-04-29T21:32:00.004+03:00

So- I know that in the US July 4th is BBQ and fireworks and its quite similar here... except-

1.) Independance Day follows Memorial Day- and here Memorial Day is not an excuse for deals on cars or linen sales, it is the most solemn day of the year with sirens, ceremonies for those who gave their lives for this country's survival, and programs all day and night about the fallen. There is not a family who is not affected with loss of a loved one over the past 6 decades of conflict and struggle for existance. So after this very heavy day...

2.) Israelis go nuts- they are the happiest ppl on the planet on this day, it is a day where it is good to be proud of your country and people, good to feel good about where we are. Today everyone BBQ's - anywhere-I tried to get pics for you of ppl on the side of the road- in every park, nook and craney of this gorgues gorgues country. Israelis love their country.

They love to hike, bike, explore and visit all her hills, parks, beaches and forests.

We had breakfast in the park with the Derovans and then went to an air force base where we saw lots of planes, choppers, missiles, rescue equipment and soldiers/ettes. It was very nice- then of course, we BBQ'd!

Now I post pics before passing out.

Why Remember?

2009-04-21T10:03:00.003+03:00

Today is Yom Hashoah- Holocaust rememberance day.

Many- most- of us couldn't forget if we wanted to. We've grown up with grandparents profoundly altered because of, parents raised in the nightmarish shadows of, aunts and uncles we'll never know because of, and perhaps we are only alive due to - the most heinous sufferings human imagination has ever enginered.

I say most - and I mean it- because even those who suffer in natural disastors- or 'conventional' wars are caught up in things that are not about them. The Earth shifted, winds converged into a malstorm, kings wanted land etc... but this was about the intentional desire to bring humiliation, pain, suffering and eventually eradication of each and every one of its victims because of what runs in their veins. They had done nothing, but been born. It was about death to the Jews- anyone who denies it need only read the madman's words himself.

But we cannot only blame one man- it took thousands to listen and believe and implement his goal. It took many preachers many years of righteous calling from the pulpit, of whispers at the dinner table- it took many people's passive observance throughout the centuries. It took the willingness of publishers to publish cartoons deriding Jews and their so called inferiority and malformation. It took textbooks describing us as vermin and parents not protesting. It took an audience willing to sit while the madman preached.

This cartoon is not from the 1930's but from 2009- mainstream media.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,510678,00.html

These textbooks are not from the mid 20th century but from early 21st.

http://www.pmw.org.il/BookReport_Eng.pdf

This madman who claims the Holocaust is a lie and openly calls for the destruction of Israel is the head of a country and is welcomed with hugs and kisses by European leaders- 2009

http://www.adl.org/main_International_Affairs/Ahmadinejad_UN_2008.htm

I believe it was Yoni Netanyahu who said "One thing I've learned from the Holocaust- When someone says they want to destroy you- believe them."

Why Remember?

Because forgetting is to allow it to happen again. The world clearly has no true understanding or remembering of how it came to be that the systematic persecution and extermination of millions of people functioned for years. If there were a true recollection- a true comprehension of the path toward that dark twisted place that stood in the sunlight amoung operas, concerts and poetry, then the above three headlines would not exist.

How incredibly appropriate/ironic that Durban II- the conference against racism opened the morning before Yom Hashoah with the most famous modern racist spewing his filth on a platform before an audience of world leaders calling for the destruction of the only democracy in the Middle East.

He should have been banned from the place with those who fight racism in all its forms- the US with its African American president, Israel who welcomes immigrants of all colors and takes in escaping African refugees fleeing from the murderous Muslim rapists of Darfur leading the conference in a true attempt to deal with the evil of racism. The UN is a joke- a sad sad joke made all the more so for its wasted potential.

It's a Brave New World out there for anyone with half a brain to see it.

Here, a siren rings accross the country. Everyone stands in silence- some pray, others think about the past and some the future. Some may think it is silly- why do it? For that minute, when the siren goes off and you are called to attention much like the shofar- the nation is focused on remembering- whatever that means to them, however they choose to use that knowledge to be better, make better. At least we know that standing by is not an option, that speech, jokes, hatred- they all lead somewhere.

A people that forgets its past has no future- This statement could not be truer and I honestly fear those who want to forget everything we've learned. For what was it then, the suffering of humankind, if not for the world to learn, to change?

The numbers still stand strong on the arms of our grandparents. What will happen when they fade from memory?

The madman from Iran has his hand raised.

Fri- Going Back a bit

2009-04-13T09:57:00.006+03:00

We drove to Hebron- I admit I was nervous at first- but what a beautiful drive!

Dad was ready to blow everything up by the time we left- Its hard to know something is yours and has been for over 4000 years- with the earliest recorded real estate transaction- Genesis- Chayai Sarah- and have to be guarded in and out due to other people who claim it as their own- though I do think we are often our own worst enemies for not sticking up for ourselves.

in any case - What I find sobering about being in the burial place of Abaraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob and Leah is the reminder that they were very real people, flesh and blood from whom we are decended and we are given the same opportunities they were- Able to choose our rights and wrongs and our allegiences and alliances. They hurt, loved, bled and lost- as do we.

We can be great- the greatest potential us with the right choices- and every minute of every day is another choice.

Afterwards we went to Deerland- animals and ziplines in the beautiful woods...

OK- off to the beach-

Sunday Chol Hamoed

2009-04-12T23:31:00.003+03:00

We went up North to the lower Galilee- So very very beautiful- So much traffic!!!

Riva said she likes the above better than watching the DVD in the car! We are looking for sponsors

Pesach Cleaning and Birkat Hachama-

2009-04-08T15:32:00.006+03:00

We all blessed the sun today on its 28 yr cycle of returning to the spot where it was placed in the sky on the day of its creation

Was very cool got up before 7, shlepped the kids out to do it-

Things to think about-

The sun does its work every minute of everyday content to be who it is as it was created to be.

We are each and everyone one of us necessary and having a place in the universe and the job we are given is vital to the orchestral symphony that plays throughout it

Think of where you were 28 yrs ago and where you want to be in another 28

Thank God for everything we are given every millisecond in its perfect place and order to keep us sustained, healthy and whole

Be happy you are here

Oh- and Noa got a bike... she kinda likes it :)

This is proof that it is genetic (and not on my side)

Mom and Dad are here

2009-04-06T23:08:00.005+03:00

We went on a trip today to different places, caves etc.. Weather started yucky and became lovely

its funny, dont ask an Israeli if a hike is short, a cave is tough to get through, or a hill is steep. they dont have the same measuring stick- no matter how you think you phrase it to make it clear, your definitions will always be different

Dad and Hills went through the cave- Dad on his belly- often backwards

girls wouldn't go despite numerous false starts- and I am really glad they didn't!

We did hike and as you can see Noa refused to continue at times being carried in various ways by zeidi

ד ניסן

2009-03-29T16:33:00.002+03:00

It's my Hebrew read: real birthday today-
One is said to be able to bring blessing down to others on their birthday-
Anyone who wants a Bracha call or write before sunset over here... We are 7 hrs ahead

Went out last night with my sisters- was really nice

Waffle Bar and then kotel-

Went on a hike and BBQ in the park

2009-03-12T23:04:00.003+02:00

Depending on who you ask, the hill/mountain was either steep or not steep - but everyone agrees it was gorgues and then we had a BBQ at the park and Yoni passed out on the bench- seriously

Purim

2009-03-10T21:24:00.005+02:00

We had many a costume change this

Purim- From cowboys to babies to mommy's to baseball players- much fun was had by all

Oh and check Shai out- people thought he drew it on... oh no- its real

Purim Has Started- Sabti is here

2009-03-09T21:33:00.005+02:00

Purim is crazy here- crazy

Shai and I went on a little picnic

2009-03-08T15:39:00.002+02:00

Friday morning- The hills are gorgues and all the wildflowers are up- so nice

And Riva and Hillel dressed up today in school I have no picture of policeman Hills- but Oh was he cute!

And we're back

2009-03-05T12:40:00.004+02:00

Chodesh Tov

2009-02-24T16:06:00.003+02:00

How Noa came home from school... Its Adar (the month) and everyone is happy!

Unexpected Exchanges

2009-02-21T19:34:00.002+02:00

We had a few last minute and very lovely guests for Shabbas this week- students from America here to learn for the year. One of the guests asked me why I made Aliya and if I feel it is better to live here and why.

I said honestly, that I made Aliyah because I wanted to live here and that without question I feel it is better to live here. I said, God gave us Eretz Yisroel, not Bergenfield NJ (where we moved from).

He said, but can't one be a good Jew and perform the mitzvos anywhere?

We said yes, but there happen to be mitzvot that can only be performed in Eretz Yisroel. Shmitta, Trumot and Maisrot (tithing of fruit), Hakel, etc

Also, you can't compare walking the same paths as our ancestors, praying at the same graves, and holy sites as our people have done for thousands of years, connecting to the land and people we have in common.

OK, but you can live like a frum Jew and visit EY.

I said, True- you can live there and come here on vacation and visit those places.
Here, we have Pesach and Sukkot as holidays, mail comes on Sunday not Shabbas and there are no Christmas songs in the malls for 6 weeks.

I love Christmas

I feel at home here, whole, complete.

I don't feel that.

I understand, not everyone does. People are different and connect to different things.

Are you really happy here- you don't just feel like you're doing the right thing?

I wake up happy to be here every day. Every day. The thought of leaving is like cold fingers around my neck.

Really? You don't miss America?

America itself? Maybe the conveniences.(certainly not the miserable cold!)

But, as I spoke, I realized that these are all personal to me- others may not feel the same way. They may not love that the plumber, bus driver and waiter all are Jewish. They may not care that the holidays we get off are our own. It may not matter to them that the signs are in our language, that the streets are named for our prophets and ancestors, that we are greeted with a Shavua Tov after Shabbas and a Chag Sameach when calling during a week long holiday to complain about our phone bills. These things may not speak to them at all.

It may be only a few of us that feel the need to collectively celebrate and suffer with our nation in the land that we have collectively celebrated and suffered in for millenia, it may be that the sight of the hills and valleys of this land stops the breath in only some of our throats. In fact, we know that this is the case and that's OK.

However, there is one fact that is irrefutable. A Jew can only reach their full potential, their real innate ability to complete their life's goal to its fullest, here in Eretz Yisroel. We are hard wired to connect with this land and through being here and living the Torah to connect with our Creator. We can come close, very close, but nowhere else is the connection as strong or as hot as it is here. Higher plains, deeper levels and greater heights are to be found no where else- no matter who you are.

We have not prayed toward any other land in our entire history. We have not cried with bitter tears over any other ruined city. We have not struggled to reach any other patch of earth than the one we as a people inherited, fought and died for.

This is our land, bottom line.

I appreciated having that conversation and the fact that he asked in an honest way- not derisive or judgmental. So rare these days...

It even got me to whip our Shai's computer and type... now I gotta hand it over-

Shavua Tov

Happy Birthday Chaim!

2009-02-19T17:09:00.002+02:00

I fried my keypad

2009-02-16T07:56:00.002+02:00

So I have been using Shai's computer- hence when I have it, I am working and don't have time to blog.

Avra and I dropped Mom off at the airport last Th night and as I was walking through and seeing all the people -Jews- leaving, I had a minor freak out. I really can't imagine leaving here. Certainly not voluntarily!

Bad enough to have to leave for a few days/weeks, but to voluntarily make my life somewhere outside of the Land... it is truly something I can't even contemplate.

I am sure this will not be popular with some ppl reading this, but it is how I feel and well, its my blog :)

Kids have various forms of minor illnesses and I am just growing larger and less comfortable.

How's by you?

bubbie

2009-02-12T16:57:00.002+02:00

I forgot...

2009-02-05T14:44:00.002+02:00

Only in Israel:

Will your mover (not outwardly religious looking), when asked if he has extra insurance on his back, answer "In Olam hBa- in heaven"

Will said mover as he is walking out of your apartment wishing you luck as an new immigrant go to kiss the doorpost and reprimand you for not having a mezuzah.

Will single boys occupying apt downstairs be learning in Yeshiva and in the Army.

Good Luck Av!

Since it seems to be working...

2009-02-05T10:26:00.002+02:00

Homework & Dentist

2009-02-05T09:07:00.004+02:00

Here's a vid of Noa singing

Mom and Avra's Lift arrived

2009-02-04T21:22:00.003+02:00

A Must read from an Israeli Soldier

2009-02-01T10:42:00.001+02:00

January 28, 2009
How I Survived Gaza
By Joshua Eastman

Eleven days ago today, Israel terminated an operation after having reached a state of cease-fire with a cowardly and murderous foe. We pulled out of Gaza. I pulled out of Gaza.

We were first called up on a Shabbat, right at the end of ten months of regular training and an extra two months of specialized training with the whole brigade in the Golan Heights. We were told that Israel was preparing for a possible conflict with Gaza. We were allowed to stay in phone contact at the beginning, and we listened for news from our families, always better informed than the army. We heard the bombs falling near the Strip, and readied our gear. And we waited. And waited. Every day another rumor came in.

"We're going today"

"We're going today"

We waited a week.

We were sent the following Shabbat.

The first time we came back out, after twenty four hours, our unit was under the impression that all the other units would be coming out as well. A little R & R, and then back in. But only our soldiers arrived at the base. The others were in till the very end.

The next two weeks we were deployed over and over again into neighborhoods whose names are ingrained as if from childhood memory, and we were told to ready ourselves for the final operational steps the army was preparing.

Thank God, for us, those steps never came. After fighting through less densely packed urban neighborhoods and villages, as an army, we never had to enter the tightly packed urban nightmares of the inner cities.

"The world is already trying to fault Israel, telling everyone that civilians died, and Israelis murdered. But I was there. I saw the twelve year olds with missiles and RPGs strapped to their backs. We watched in anger as our bombs, so as not to fall on large civilian centers, fell on our own troops."
A cease-fire was signed, and we pulled out with hatches open on our vehicles, waving flags and flashing the peace symbol even though no one was there to photograph it. After all, we were one of hundreds of squads returning. There was no way to record every tank and APC that came home. But it was cathartic, and made it official.

I saw many things. I heard things. While I was in Gaza.

I saw soldiers who were virulently anti-religious don tzitit under their bullet-proof armor. As one soldier said, "Why do I put it on now, if I never wore it before? When do you ask your father for help? When you need it."

I saw heroes. Boys just out of high-school, young men who should have been playing sports or starting families or going to college, loading weapons and placing armor on their fragile frames, securing helmets, and checking gear. They suppressed the fear that lurked at the edges of their minds, and as a unit swept across the fence and planted unwavering lines of boots in the soil of Gaza. I watched them fight like grown men against evil.

The first night we went in, we were unable to wear bullet-proof armor in my unit, and had to settle for flak vests (we couldn't wear armor when we first went in because, due to the weight we were carrying, it would have hampered our movements, creating a safety hazard). My young commander, who had an easy load to carry that wouldn't interfere with his vest, still left without bulletproof armor. "If my men don't, I don't". I told him the next day, I would have followed him through the entire Arab world if need be, my respect for him was so great. I saw my brave wife, Chana, who came down to volunteer, just to be close to me, braving rockets and missiles, and watched her help soldiers by handing out desperately needed winter gear and food. I watched Chabadniks who came to us every day and inspired the soldiers with song and mitzvot. I saw heroes praying for our safety, and feeding us, and caring for us.

I saw pain. Just today, I ran into yet another friend from another unit, who tells me, when asked how he is, "I am fine from the neck down." Sixteen of his friends were injured in a blast on the first night. He lost many more before the end. He is still sweet, still charming, but his laugh is more weary, and his eyes are sadder. Another friend in a different unit lost two-thirds of his whole platoon when a bomb destroyed their house. He says he walked in, and he saw limbs moving or laying still, and bodies unattached to them, hurting, dead. He still hasn't pulled back completely. A former commander of mine died, and a friend lost his arm and use of his legs, and is still in a coma.

I saw lies. The world is already trying to fault Israel, telling everyone that civilians died, and Israelis murdered. But I was there. My feet were on the ground and I saw the truth. I saw that warnings were given, I saw the enemy that fought us. I saw the twelve year olds with missiles and RPGs strapped to their backs. I saw that it was with sadness and great anger Israeli troops recognized the need to fire on people who crossed the red line, the danger zone which meant they saw us, and knew where we were. Old people mined with bombs, children armed with detonators, tunnels that opened in the ground to swallow our soldiers. I watched my commanders passing out all of our food to the children who were taken prisoner. I received the commands "closed to fire on the right" if our intelligence had reported civilians in the area. I watched us, more often then not, taking cover when supposed civilian positions fired on us from “the right”. Yet the world thinks it can bend the truth. We were not allowed to fire on schools. We were told not to loot. We watched in anger as our bombs, so as not to fall on large civilian centers, fell on our own troops, so that we could tell the world we were attempting to scare the enemy while limiting civilian losses. Yet they won't say that in the press.

You are the reason we returned. You are the reason I am alive.
I saw cowardice. We listened with concern when Hamas threatened to use snipers and bombs on us, to fight us every step of the way with their fifteen thousand man army, and we watched videos of full brigades parading, waving their weapons and threatening Israel. But as we invaded, they fled. They would attack in small groups, hit us with missiles and sniper fire, and then flee. The 'warriors' of Hamas were brave when their rockets fell unanswered on the schools of children and the homes of elderly, but they did not stand when the enemy called them up to answer for their crimes.

I saw miracles. Rockets that blazed past our houses, bullets that scarred the outside of windows we were watching from. A unit near ours that was walking in to Gaza had RPGs pass straight between their ranks without hitting a single soldier. Mines that didn't explode, mortar rounds that landed next to friends that didn't explode. RPGs that blazed into the earthen barrier directly in front of our APC, detonating before penetration. The night walk through a neighborhood that wasn't on the map, that was full of snipers and mines according to reports, that we walked through unawares, by accident, without harm or incident. And that was just what we knew.

I felt fear. Every time I entered, every time I squeezed the trigger, every time a missile landed nearby, I was struck with fear. It is a deep fear, hard to explain. Your body shivers as if you are frozen to the core. You find yourself staring at the ground, trying to adjust to the ringing in your ears. You freeze, and unless someone slaps you, or you manage to shake yourself, your eyes stay downcast, and you lay numb on the earth, waiting without realizing. Eventually, your training pulls you out and forces you to stay alert, your gun snaps up, and adrenaline masks the fear and hurt. You roll on seemingly fearless, with adrenaline telling you that you are invincible.

I have felt weakness. I have felt my supposedly mighty muscles shudder, felt my devastatingly powerful weapon shake in my hands, felt my heart hammer against my armor, felt my soul and mind search for some way to avoid pain and the nightmares that were becoming real.

I felt strength. I would have been lost, but for the words of my Rebbe. "Ein od Milvado" There is no one but Him. The mere utterance strengthened limbs, and a surge of faith and hope carried me through the invasion, through the detonations and whistling of ricocheting rounds and falling bombs. For I knew, for once KNEW and understood absolutely that I was in the hands of the greatest general on earth. A veteran of every war and every conflict, the ultimate warrior and defender of His people. I remember the joy that swept through the lines when they said the head commander was entering the field, because of his experience and strategies, everyone felt safer. It reminded me that an even greater Commander had been there all along. I understood the words of Tehilim 147, "Not in the strength of the horse does He desire, and not in the legs of man does He favor. God favors those who fear Him, those who hope for His kindness." My strength had failed me, yet when I begged God to allow me to be a conduit for His strength, to be His shield and a sword for His people, I was able to stand and fight. Those nights, my body was there, but God fought on that field.

I am not free of sin, and was by no means worthy of the miracles that befell me. That God aided me; that my entire battalion walked out, against all odds, while every other unit suffered losses, without serious casualty or mental scarring, was a miracle beyond any. That I was able to feel His strength replace mine, a gift for which I was undeserving.

My strength lay in the thousands of people who prayed for me, who prayed for the wellbeing of the army, who cried for the return of the fragile and precious Jewish youth who fought like lions where men twice there age would have fled. You are the reason we returned. You are the reason I am alive. You, the people who pray and cry and feel you are not the front lines, are truly the army of Hashem. The IDF, as people should see, is merely the physical arm of what your prayers accomplish. You are the ones in the battle. We are the holding action, delaying the physical evil while you battle to clear the path for Moshiach. Never again will I feel a yeshiva student who learns all day is not brave for not being with us on this field. Because I watched the words and letters that he learned and prayed march ahead of us, thousands deep, and millions strong, absorbing the bullets and metal meant for me. I thank you, humbly, warriors of my heart and faith. You let me come home to my wife.

During this war, we received a tremendous outpouring of love and support; letters, donations, food, and clothing. In specific, because I know them, although without diminishing the greatness of all the people I don’t know, I want to thank my mother and her tireless blogging efforts, my family for their support and letters, my wife for being brave beyond any woman or man I have ever known.

I want to thank Congregation Tiferes Yisroel for remembering an old neighborhood kid, and multiplying that to help all my brothers in uniform. I want to thank all of the community in Baltimore for the davening and love that we felt even in the heart of darkness.

I want to thank the little six-year old who wrote, "Dear IDF, I am proud of you." I cried over that letter, my tears running through the pain and stress as we recovered from Gaza.

I want to thank the people who donated money for the vests that saved our lives, the people that gave us clothes to warm our bodies, candy to warm our hearts, and letters to warm our souls. You cannot know what one pair of socks, one chocolate bar, or one hastily written sentence can do to save the minds and hearts of your children from despair.

I am not as gifted with words as my mother, nor a hero as great as those who marched beside me or filled the air with prayer around me, but I hope from this letter, from my fumbling thoughts you can draw for yourself the love and hope I am trying to convey.

I have seen this people, my people, at its best and at its worst. I can see why Redemption will come soon. As a nation, we drew together. Disunity, differences in Kippot or sects fell away, and everyone reached out to help as best they could. No one said, "I have no part" or "This isn't my war". May Hashem see the greatness of His holy, beautiful people, and allow me to sing that old song to my child, with absolute truth and great joy: "I promise, my little one, that this is the last war."

Joshua Eastman made aliyah from Baltimore in 2005. He met his wife, Chana, on a trip back to Baltimore; and the two of them live in Givat Ze'ev. Joshua is currently a full-time soldier in the Golani Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces. When he can get near a computer, he blogs about his life in Israel at "Through Josh-Colored Glasses," http://hashkeofthedevonshire.blogspot.com/.

For Yaffs

2009-01-27T21:02:00.004+02:00

Today was gorgues, unfortunatly.

We are in desperate need of rain.

Between the drought and Hamas we are being given strong messages. The Hamas only exists to be a stick for us.

If we did as we should they would dissapear...

Googling God

2009-01-25T14:39:00.001+02:00

Don't you just wish you could Google the Heavens?

Search for: My mission in life

and get the answer- right there- so all you have to do is read it and then go and do it. I wonder if its because we are so used to having things at our fingertips now that we've forgotten how to actually think something through.

What happened to sitting under a tree up at the leaves and working out a problem, thinking through the process and drawing conlcusions. It's like our brains are running so fast with things to do and ways to get them done faster that the bigger picture, the main mission spaning far accross the 'Get Milk's' and 'Work 8 hours today' is just lost and uncontemplated.

We want to wind down in the evenings and turn off our brains. TV, computers and socializing help with that, but we aren't really turning off our brains as they were never truly 'on'. They're just running the treadmill of daily routine that has us mired in the muck of exisiting.

I hate that the evenings are lost to this 'unwinding' god.

Maybe its because I no longer have Sunday's but I am looking for those hours of being able to tune in to that larger mission, that greater reason that my heart beats. Maybe its more because now that I am here in Israel, I lack knowing what it is that I lack. For years I knew what I needed to do and why.

Now that we are here, it is less clear, though I know it exists. Finding it... I only know of one way. And in this I must be much more consistant and persistant.

I need to make a list of things I need to do this month- Tomorrow is Rosh Chodesh

It is the first of the month of Shvat- I think I'll go make a list of things to do this month.

1- Study for that damn driving test

2- Ask God every day to PLEASE show me wht it is I am meant to do and how to accomplish it

3- (thats private)

The 'ceasefire'

2009-01-19T19:46:00.002+02:00

I've been quiet lately. Well, on the blog anyway. Its been very hard for all of the various elements within me to totally deal with this war in some ways.

Don't get me wrong. We are 1000% in the right and I have no qualms at all with us going in other than it should have been done long ago. Every drop of blood on both sides of this conflict is on Hamas.

Every.

Drop.

You'll likely never hear the stories of booby trapped homes and classes rigged by Hamas with kids inside,or about the Israeli helicopters with terrorists in their sites who called off the strike because the terrorist was with his wife and kids (I disagree with it- those spared have gone on to blow up busses and send their beloved children to blow themselves to bits-but its not my finger on the trigger), or the mosques and homes full of weapons and ammunitions, with tunnels dug out to capture and kidnap Israeli soldiers, how the Hamas uses children to relay written messsages from the leaders hiding in bunkers under hosptials to their 'brave' terrorist on the ground.

We hear them and know them and so comparing them to the mainstream media and here we see Al Jazeera and BBC etc... it is truly insane- You look at the world and how totally backwards it is to be rooting for absolute barbarians who aim rockets at towns randomly when they know school is out to spill as much Jewish blood as possible- the same animals that choose to buy rockets instead of build infrastructure, who sew destruction on their people instead of hope and you know that something else is going on.

Gangs of absolute monsters are raping and mutilating women and children all throughout Sudan and NO ONE SAYS A WORD, China tortures people for wanting freedom, rockets fall indiscrimnately on Jewish homes and THE WORLD IS SILENT. Something bigger is going on here.

Never is this country as unified as when we are at war.

At the supermarket, they give out boxes and products are marked half off if they go in the box. After you pay, you write a note and put it in the box- they are then sent to the soldiers. They've gotten so much food they actually said to stop sending and to send other things instead- and they call the people on the notes to say thank you. 18,19 yr olds are on the radio saying they are there to defend their homes- that they are worried for their grandparents back at home since they are not there to help them get to the shelters now.

There is no nation like ours- none. None so vilified and hated. Yet so desiring peace.

I am in shock when I hear people - Jews!- call Israelis Nazis.

Dead children are tragic and no one cares more than Jews, for we consider children the most prescious treasures- we understand the loss of children and the heartache of parents. The children killed in Gaza are on the hands and head of the bastards of Hamas and those who support them and no one else's. Where they put their kids in suicide belts, we protect ours with our bodies.

I, and most of the country are shocked and dismayed at the gov't decision to retreat. This monster will not die until hacked to pieces and our men were doing just that. They had no right to pull us out. Hamas is already screaming that they will rearm and fight.

They always tell the truth about their intentions to destroy us- Why does no one listen- What is the f-ing problem here?

This is very far from over... its just a matter of how long before we are in again and how much more they will rearm by then.

right now

2009-01-12T21:36:00.003+02:00

It is hard to describe the incredible mix of emotion and energy here.

There is overwhelming support of our troops - except for the completely psycho off- the-wall, nutjobs who have given up their common sense and perspective for a life of self imposed guilt and flagellation. But thank God they are few and far between here-many more in Europe and other far far away places.

There is also the beautiful unity that is always displayed here during times of crisis. Thousands of residents of the south are being housed in cities out of rocket range- guest houses, apartments, personal homes, guest bedrooms,couches- anywhere. We are cooking for these displaced families and hosting their kids in our community centers.

Packages and coffee, socks etc are being sent to the soldiers- friends are being drafted- kids are praying daily for the soldiers and residents of the south.

At the same time there is a terrible feeling of pain for people who have been used and continue to be used by their own leaders-

Why after THOUSANDS of rockets are there much fewer casualties on the Israeli side? Because our government uses money to build bomb shelters and air raid sirens (for the rockets from the Arabs) while their 'government' uses donated money designated for humanitarian aid to buy said rockets!

It is horrific and tragic but it is not our fault and not ours to fix- we have our hands full trying to care for ourselves and our babies- We waited too long and have suffered for it.

The bastards THE GOD DAMN BASTARDS used the humanatarian ceasefire that we voluntarily established for their own people to get aid to shoot rockets and hit two homes and schools- only God saved the families who now have some serious work to do on their homes.

And then there are the outright miracles being reported in various sources such as-

A man called a local Rav with this story (someone we know)

His son is an NCO is a special forces unit operating in Gaza. He and his squad were about to storm a house with suspected Hamas terrorists inside. A woman in long black local attire came out and pleaded with them not to storm the house. During the fierce house-to-house fighting, the same woman appeared to the NCO and his unit in three other houses. It turned out that all four houses were booby-trapped.

When they asked her who she was she replied 'Rachel'

As in our matriarch known for her constant beseeching in heaven for her decendants.

We are all aware that this will not go away easily- Joe the Plumber is a corrospondant here!?- and who knows what the end result will be we can only hope/pray that they will not finish before our safety is guarenteed.

The people in Gaza deserve to be free of those who believe their blood is only worth the bad PR it gives Israel.

For an incredible accounting of Why Children Die in Gaza- click here- http://shmuel.ahdut.com/2009/01/why-children-die-in-gaza.html

Behind Curtain #2

2009-01-12T09:27:00.002+02:00

I can't help the overwhelming feeling that we've walked into a trap.

True, it was one which we had to enter in order to dismantle, but why we didn't see it being set up in the first place... well, that's another outcome of our overly hopeful and Yehiyeh Beseder (It will all be OK) outlook.

True Hamas uses the Gazan people to hide behind and does its best to 'eliminate' Israel. It knows it wont succeed- but it will make us look bad, kill some of us and hey they all go to heaven so none the worse off.

But while the world is focused on the left hand in Gaza, the right hand is on the button in Iran.

The Iranians fund Hamas- they explicitly threatened to cut off funding if Hamas accepted the ceasefire- so they are saying 'Keep this war going regardless of what you and the civilian population in Gaza want.

Now, I feel no sympathy at all for Hamas and hope they all die horrible deaths before meeting 72 soul burning virgin demons in hell, but I do feel for those few innocents and misguided souls in Gaza who are being used not once but twice.

The world screams sympathy for the Arabs- yells death to the Jews- yet no one offers to take them in until Hamas is obliterated...

Point is- this is just the first act and the main show won't be as cute and might just start on a stage we don't even know is there...

I hope we and our leaders turn to the only real source of information and assistance and fast.

A funny and many not

2009-01-08T22:01:00.002+02:00

Jewish community leaders in Rome expressed outrage over a trade union proposal to "identify and boycott" Jewish-owned shops in the Italian capital in protest of Israel's operation in Gaza, The Times reported Thursday.

CNN is reporting as fact that the IDF shot at the UN convoy- IT DID NOT- In fact our soldiers evacuated the wounded Palestinians to the border and they were brought to an ISRAELI hospital. One died, the other is being treated in Israel- Man I hate CNN

3 to 4 rockets were fired at the north this morning hitting a nursing home. Dozens hit the south including a school and 2 of our beautiful boys were killed by sadistic bastards whose sole purpose in life is ending ours.

I am making food for displaced families here in Bet Shemesh ...

And last

This made me laugh out loud- really

Sudanese rally against Gaza operation - I hope they didn't have to take too much time away from the raping and pillaging.

Just a few

2009-01-08T09:42:00.003+02:00

Ashdod

First rockets fired on Shabbas. Landed on a mall that is open on Shabbas. Many in shock- non injured.

Next Shabbas rocket lands in the parking lot of the first and only non kosher meat packing factory in the city. Windows blown out- Many in shock- none physically injured.

These are messages- are we that blind?

From lazerbrody.typepad.com

2009-01-07T23:23:00.001+02:00

The Iranian Gamble

Hamas wanted a truce long ago. Seven or Eight of its top ten villains no longer see the light of day. Yet, they're still fighting and succeeding to fire more rockets at Southern Israel. Who's egging them on? Ideology? Hatred? Both true, but only a partial answer. The #1 interested party of continued strife in the Middle East is Iran, for two big reasons:

1. Iran is going broke with crude oil at $40/barrel, when they need a minimum price of $90/barrel. Historically, oil prices skyrocket whenever there's war over here. So the deal is that we get Grad missiles on our children's kindergartens so that Achmedinejad can balance his budget. Now, dear friends - how would you feel if Achmedinejad and the Hamas had you in the shelters?

2. While the whole world is focused on us, Achmedinejad and Iran are in the final stages of assembling their first nuclear weapon. Not long after the coming ceasefire in Gaza, we'll have to face up to Iranian Nukes and their Lebanese proxy.

3. The Iranians are the most cunning strategists in the world. They know that Obama, for the sake of peace, quiet, and "objectivity," will sell Israel down the river. Israel has no choice but to defend itself; Iran's prime pupils - the Hizbolla and Hamas - both fight behind human shields of populated areas, especially mosques, schools, and hospitals. Israel had to neutralize missile and mortar fire from the UNWRA school, or else subject its soldiers and citizens to more danger. Obama's condemnations of us - the first stage of the sellout - are only 2 weeks away.
Iran's gamble is working. Achmedinejad is definitely on a high roll laughing all the way to the bank while the lower than low Hamas does his dirty work. The dedicated IDF can't win this battle, because it's a spiritual struggle against arch-evil. Only Teshuva can. What can you do? Say Shema Yisrael with your children at night. Learn about Emuna. Be a little bit better than yesterday.

Let's Be Clear

2009-01-07T19:41:00.002+02:00

There are absolute miracles occuring here on a daily basis. Dozens of rockets (40-60) hit Israel every day- every day- and Baruch Hashem there have been minimal casualties. It is not a debatable fact.

For now, Hashem is still being very merciful to us giving us time to wake up.

The drought hasn't roused us from our slumber, the financial crisis didn't shake us- I hope this unjust war, both here on the ground and worldwide in the media, ring the alarm loudly enough that we finally jump out of bed with sudden understanding.

Anti Jewish attacks are happening worldwide as anitsemitic rhetoric increases.

We cannot continue this way- living in lala land- living with all the wrong priorities- all the wrong concerns- thinking that it is we who make the money, who call the shots, who are in charge.

We ignore the source of all and wonder why it all goes wrong.

Guess Who let me Blow Out her Hair?

2009-01-06T20:46:00.002+02:00

It lasted about an hour before the kookoo went in...

There are planes overhead

2009-01-05T22:25:00.002+02:00

This is what the sky above Bet Shemesh looked like today. Planes don't fly over Israel- well unless they are small planes to and from Eilat, or military. Any plane that goes in and out of this tiny country leaves over the meditteranean since we aren't allowed to fly over our neighbors. So, streaks in the sky are just not seen.

These are the trails left from military planes going to Gaza and looping back around over Bet Shemesh to return.

We are in hand to hand combat in enemy territory. Please PLEASE keep praying for the safety of the IDF and of the citizens. We've already lost a brother 22 yrs old.

No more-

Why kids are dying in Gaza

2009-01-05T12:06:00.001+02:00

Courtesy of www.muqata.blogspot.com

The daughter in law of Nizar Riyan, senior Hamas terrorist killed last Thursday gave an interview today to "Ma'an" and described Riyan's last moments on Earth. (Sorry the Nizar video is a bit crass, it's the only one I could find)

The daughter-in-law arrived at the family's home an hour before the bombing. When Nizar Riyan saw that she arrived, he laughed and asked her, "why did you come, do you want to die as a "shihada" (a martyr)?"

Of course, she answered in the affirmative.

A bit later, Riyan and his children swapped jokes about death and martyrdom. Riyan complained that his children aren't prepared to die with him, yet the stated they were prepared.
"We will live together, or die toegther", his children said.

His youngest son said that he wassn't willing to live without his father, so he also wanted to die a martyr like is father, and enter paradise in the afterlife.

Afterwards, some of his children said that the bodies of the casualties are taken to the morgue and kept in a freezer. Riyan laughed and said he doesnt want to be cold, and besides, he's too fat to fit in the morgue's freezer.

"I want to be buried right after I'm killed, so I can go straight to heaven", said Riyan.

Afterwards, his daughter-in-law left the house, and the house was bombed by the IAF, killing Riyan and his family.

The End. (source in Hebrew)

Who Else? מי כעמך

2008-12-31T19:29:00.002+02:00

Livni continued to Sderot, where she said that Israel continues to make a distinction between Hamas and Palestinian civilians.

"We need to understand that they produce missiles in homes occupied by civilians who are well aware of this," she said. "Before each attack, we announced it via their media and asked civilians to leave. We also dropped leaflets from the air, and made more than 19,000 phone calls to residents in the area."

Wounded Gaza civilians treated in Israel By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

A seven-year-old Gazan boy who suffered a serious head wound in Israel's retaliatory air strikes was rushed through the Erez crossing and taken to Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva on Wednesday.

The boy, whose transfer was facilitated by the Peres Peace Center, was in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.

Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, which favors the transfer of Gaza civilians hurt in the bombings, said the Palestinian Authority is unwilling to pay for their medical care in Israel because Hamas is responsible. The PHR-Israel has urged the PA to facilitate such transfers immediately and argue later about who would finance the treatment to save their lives.
A total of three wounded civilian children have been transferred during the past two days via the Erez Crossing, with help from UNRWA, while 20 Gazans suffering from serious illnesses were allowed through on Wednesday for treatment in Israeli hospitals.

Meanwhile, Magen David Adom director-general Eli Bin raised the alert level of his organization to its highest on Wednesday. MDA staffers and volunteers are now manning 600 ambulances round the clock to help wounded from Gaza rockets and missiles. Vehicles that had been in garages for emergency use were taken out of storage.

The breadth of activity is unprecedented for the organization, MDA said.

In addition, MDA has begun teaching first aid to teachers in shelters in the settlements and cities targeted by Hamas, as schools in the targeted areas have been closed.
The basic two-hour courses teach how to stop bleeding when a person suffers external hemorrhages; how to use a shirt or sheet for bandaging; how to treat people suffering from burns, smoke inhalation and head, chest and abdominal wounds; and how to open victims' airways.

Over 100 kindergarten and school teachers took the courses on Wednesday.

The Jewish Spirit

2008-12-29T21:12:00.001+02:00

http://www.hnn.co.il/index.php?module=albums;task=view;id=6316

The people of Sderot and expelled communities from Gaza light the Chanukka candles on shells of Kassam rockets fired on them.

Sabba & Safti are here

2008-12-29T20:07:00.001+02:00

Guest Post

2008-12-25T21:49:00.006+02:00

foggy Tsfat

Well, not really, but someone (can't mention names...) told me two things I should share about living here:

On breaks btwn meetings in the city instead of searching for starbux- we go to the Kotel

And on the way btwn meetings outside of the city we make detours to Tsfat.