Category Archives: Holidays & Feasts

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December 27, 2024

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Chanukah, food, Hizbulla war, Holidays & Feasts, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Recipes, Uncategorized, War stories

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In Other Words…. 27 December, 2024. Day 458 the Captives Still in Gaza. Day 2 Chanukah.

A brief news recap for those who don’t get accurate coverage. Then Some more uplifting stories for Chanukah.

Last Friday it began with a Houthi missile striking and demolishing an elementary school in the center of Israel. Thank G-d it was around 4am and there was no one present. No injuries. For the past seven nights the Houthis have been firing missiles and launching explosive laden drones into the “Merkaz” – the fairly densely packed area between Beersheva to the south and Herzliya/Netanya to the north. It’s the name for the area all around Tel Aviv. 2:38am; 4:21 am; 3:18am; 2:02am; 1:37am millions of people running to bomb shelters, stairwells, safe rooms in fear of a direct hit or falling shrapnel. Thus far, there has been damage to buildings and 37 people injured, 1 critically. The IDF (with some US air support) have been fiercely striking back at Yemeni military targets, their port, their airport, and missile storage facilities. Two American fighter jets were downed by US friendly fire, but the pilots ejected over the Red Sea.

We are now celebrating the holiday of Chanukah, which commemorates the victory of the Maccabees (true Israeli Jewish freedom fighters) against the Seleucid (Greco-Syrian) army. Despite the Temple Mount being thoroughly trashed, the Jews rededicated it, and the last cruze of oil for the menorah supposed to last one day, burned for eight days until fresh oil could be brought in from the Galilee. Soldiers in Gaza, in Lebanon, on the top of Mount Hermon are lighting their chanukiyyas (lamps) and celebrating the Festival. Of Lights. Their spirits are high.

A soldier lights in Gaza
The chanukiyyah atop Mt. Hermon
Soldiers in rehab kindle the first light
An Iron Dome battery lights candle one
Soldiers in Lebanon celebrate the first light

In other IDF news, my American-Israeli friend, Noy Leyb, who is back here serving his fourth tour in Gaza, recently interviewed Shemesh B. Shemesh is a 66 year old reservist in the IDF currently fighting with his unit in Gaza. He has been in 5 wars and is still going strong. His main wish is to be able to defend his country in any way possible. Shemesh is a well-known national hero. His energy is unbounded as he is in for his third term in this war alone. Shemesh is an absolute inspiration to all the troops, decades younger than he. His message and prayer for Israel and the world: ”Am Yisrael Chai,” the People of Israel Live… and happiness peace and light for the whole world.” As an aside, Shemesh in Hebrew means sun, and he truly embodies this for his entire battalion.

Noy and Shemesh

Agam Berger, a 20 year old IDF soldier, was serving on the Nahal Oz base right on the border with Gaza. She was shown in that horrible video of the girls being selected for kidnapping and taken into captivity. They are all bloodied and bruised and still wearing their pajamas. Agam, from an Orthodox family, is an accomplished violinist, who, before her service had won many competitions. She desired to study music and become a concert violist before being taken hostage on 7 October. Agam has a twin sister, who was also in the army. After her sister was kidnapped, she was given the option to leave her service with an honorable discharge but chose to stay. This past week, she became a commanding officer. Kol ha Kavod, way to go! The entire family is praying for her return.

Four of our young IDF heroes who were critically wounded in battle against the Hamas terrorists had to fight to live. Amital, Roee, Ariel and Ari lost both their legs. Ari also lost his right hand and several fingers from his left hand. They have been in rehab together, and have become fast friends. Their spirit is indomitable. All have been fit with prosthetic legs. They enjoy boxing and plan to become paraolympians. Roee is engaged to be married this March.

Tamir Hershkovitz lost both his parents in the massacre at KibbutzBe’eri. The family home was destroyed, a total loss. Sifting through the piles of rubble, only one item remained – the menorah. Two nights ago Tamir returned to his home to light the family menorah in their memory for the first night of Chanukah. Am Yisrael chai.

There was a huge miracle at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem on the first day of. Hanukah. exactly one month before, policewoman Hodaya (Hebrew for giving thanks) Halperin, 26, was shot in the head while on duty in Jerusalem. Part of a rescue team made up of firemen, a SWAT team, and suicide prevention specialists, they were responding to reports of an armed suicidal man who had barricaded himself behind his door. Immediately before responding by breaking the man’s door down, she told her colleague, “You’re getting married in a month, I’ll go upstairs.” Hodaya underwent several head and brain surgeries over the past month. Seconds later, she was down. She remained unconscious and in critical condition until yesterday when she woke up, fully conscious. She is communicating with medical staff and family. The hospital is describing her recovery as nothing short of a miracle.

I just got this next story from Shai Davidai, the Columbia University professor, recently fired for his outspokenness about the pro-Gaza protests on campus. He is here with his family in Israel for Chanukah. Shai shared with us the recipe for a maple cake that was a favorite sweet Hadar Rosenfeld Berdichevski made for her family. Hadar and her husband, Itai, both 30 and new parents of 10 month old twins, were trapped inside their home on Kibbutz Nahal Oz when Hamas invaded on 7 October, 2023. She made the brave decision to hide the babies in their bomb shelter and go out with her husband to fight off the terrorists who had entered their home. Both were killed, and 18 hours later the IDF found the boys. The twins, now 14 months old, are being raised by Hadar’s sister sand brother-in-law, who also have 3 small children of their own.

This Chanukah, in their memory, make Hadar’s recipe. As Shai suggested, make it with your family, with your kids in celebration of everyday heroism. Let’s remember those everyday heroes that have been lost and that are with us today. Let us celebrate this holiday season with light and life. Let us not forget to remember the miracles and give thanks- Shabbat Shalom

Hadar Berdichevski’s Maple Cake

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cup self rising flour
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar
  • 200 g sour cream (4/5 cup)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • Maple syrup for pouring over cake
  • Optional: chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 180*C/350*F. Grease a loaf pan and set aside. Mix all the ingredients except syrup together in a large bowl. Pour batter into loaf pan. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Remove pan from oven when cake tester comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes. Remove from pan. Pour maple syrup all over and around warm cake.

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October 18, 2024

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A Not-so-Subtle Irony. October 18,2024 Day 378

https://videopress.com/v/2HPrXaD3?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

It started off without much joy. Sukkot is the feast of tabernacles or booths. It is a time of great joy and festivities. Booths are set up in the yards, balconies and sidewalks, and Jewish people eat meals and spend time with guests in the sukkah. The sobriety of the high holidays gives way to sheer delight – usually. Every year for decades we have decorated our sukkah meticulously. I usually spend weeks going over my fall menus and guest list.

Photos of our sukkah from years past

This year is different. We just got back from the US; my husband is now undergoing his last post-cancer checks (hallelujah it’s been 5 years and we are thanking G-d in advance for good reports); John and I leave for vacation (more on that later) on Tuesday and frankly, who wants the hassle of building and decorating a sukkah when missiles and shrapnel are raining down?

Whether it was G-d or not, there is an incredible irony in the fact that last year Sukkot ended with the 7 October (on the Hebrew calendar) massacre by Hamas. Exactly one year later, on the first day of Sukkot, there was a shootout between the IDF and five unknown terrorists. The brigade just happened to be clearing out explosives ‘in the field’ when the five were spotted. A shootout ensued.

It was a heated battle in the middle of the Tel Sultan neighborhood of Rafa in Gaza. It seemed to last forever. The troops called for additional backup. A nineteen year old soldier, who had only been in the army for nine months took a shot and critically injured the leader. A drone was flown in by the IDF. It filmed a very wounded man, seemingly missing his right had, sitting on a sofa. (Hersh had his right hand shot off by a Hamas terrorist when he was abducted) The suffering terrorist tried to pick up a stick and throw it at the drone. He lifted his head slightly and was shot by the 19 year old soldier.

Shortly thereafter, a tank arrived blasting the building, killing the other Hamas fighters in the rubble. Upon inspection, the leader of the group that was shot turned out to be Yahya Sinwar himself. He was above ground, a rarity, and it was sheer coincidence that he was killed.

Not only that, but two terrorists were his bodyguards. Official identification was found on them. It included all their info and photos. Their jobs were listed as UNRWA teachers. You just cannot make this stuff up. Total irony. In Hebrew we call it hippukh.

But wait, there’s more! The Tel Sultan neighborhood lies nearly adjacent to the Philadelphi Corridor. It’s less than 1/2 mile away. International pressure was put on the Prime Minister to leave it alone. The Corridor forms the boundary between Gaza and Egypt. The IDF uncovered over 50 tunnels underground leading from Gaza into Egypt. Some were wide enough to drive large trucks through. Obviously these tunnels were used for smuggling both ways and for other nefarious purposes. The Philadelphi is now under Israeli control .

The Bislam Brigade of the 828 Battalion was the one that shot and later discovered the identity of Mr. Evil. This was the same infantry division that accidentally shot and killed the three escaped hostages , thinking they were terrorists.

Yahya Sinwar’s finding by sheer chance above ground was ironic. A flip. He seldom came out of the tunnel, and when he does reports say he disguised himself as a woman. Where he was found carries so much hippukh and symbolism. For months we heard “All eyes on Rafa.” A chant meaning IDF genocide against innocent Palestinian civilians. The international community, especially the Biden administration, pressured Israel to not go into that particular city. Kamala Harris insisted that to enter Rafah would be “a huge mistake.” She had “intently studied the maps to come to this conclusion.”

We got the news just at sunset. It flashed as an important news update on my phone. Within seconds we heard cheers erupt throughout the neighborhood. Someone was blowing a shofar. Our neighbors, Gia and Yanna came over and told us to quickly drive up to Rabin Circle the next neighborhood over.

It was amazing. People waving flags: Israeli flags, flags from the IDF units. Cars honking, emblazoned with Israeli flags, people sticking their heads out of the windows. Music was blaring from a loudspeaker. And throngs lined the circle and streets. There was no handing out of sweets or shooting off fireworks. There was no rock throwing or flag burning. It was peaceful and joyous. People were singing patriotic songs and praises to G-d. It was absolutely glorious. An enemy had been vanquished, a monster eliminated. The Hamas machine was crumbling.

Yahya Sinwar, The Butcher of Khan Younis” was the evil mastermind behind the attack on Israel last Sukkot.

So much irony. Check out the date….

The leader of Hamas oversaw both its political and military units since 2017. He was the one who directed the rocket strikes, tunnel system, infiltrationinto Israel, murders of entire families, rapes, tortures and kidnappings. In the 1990s, Sinwar got his start planning and executing lone wolf suicide bombings throughout Israel. He was the one responsible for the 2006 kidnapping of a young IDF soldier, Gilad Shalit.

Sinwar was serving a life sentence in 1988 for the murders of his fellow Palestinians, who he accused of being spies for Israel. He was brutal and maintained strict control within Hamas even from an Israeli prison. While there, he earned two university degrees, became fluent in Hebrew and learned the Israeli culture. After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009, he was operated on and treated at an Israeli hospital by Jewish doctors who saved his life. In 2011, he was traded, along with 999 other convicted criminals for the return of Gilad Shalit.

Sinwar got right to work planning the 2014 Gaza War. Between 2018 and 2023 there were numerous rocket barrages from Gaza into Israel. Each time a cease fire was declared. Each time Hamas broke the ceasefire. Sinwar planned the incendiary devices attached to balloon’s which sailed from Gaza and burned large swaths of land from Gaza to Jerusalem in 2018-2020. Using international funds earmarked for humanitarian aid, Sinwar collaborated with UNRWA staff to train children from kindergarten up to be ‘resistance fighters’ against the imperialist enemy, Israel.

It has come out that Sinwar was actually in the tunnel with the six murdered hostages (including American, Hersh Goldberg-Polin) who were held in Rafah. He had been using them as human shields. When the head of Hamas sensed the IDF closing in on him in the tunnel, he ordered the starved and tortured captives shot point blank in the head, but not without a struggle first. Sinwar’s DNA was identified along with the blood of the hostages in the underground tunnel. The other terrorists that killed the hostages were identified and eliminated two weeks ago.

In a press conference last night, Netanyahu offered a reward and complete immunity with passage out of Gaza to anyone holding a hostage who would give them up. Israel Katz, the Foreign Minister stated that the death of Sinwar creates a unique opportunity for quickly freeing the hostages and establishing a Gaza free from Hamas and ultimately, Iranian control. A Sukkot miracle indeed!!!

It is crucial now, that in this in-between time (there are 8 days of the holiday. The first and last are major feast days with no work done like on Shabbat. The middle days are called kohl ha moed) we pray fervently for their release. It is a precarious time when anything can happen, both horrific and terrific. Please pray!

In the meantime, we are overjoyed that this evil man is gone. That he can terrorize Israel and the world no more.

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October 4, 2024

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It Came in With a Bang Day 362. 4 October, 2024

For the Jewish people, New Year’s Eve is not brought in with parties, balloons, champagne toasts and fireworks….well, not usually this year it was different.

I decided at the last minute to make a little Rosh haShannah Seder and meal in thanksgiving of the great miracle the previous night. Iran launched 180-200 intercontinental ballistic missiles directly at U.S., and none fell into a populated area. Many were intercepted. Many fell into the desert. The only person killed was an escaped Hamasnik from Gaza that was walking the streets in Jericho. The fact that there were no more casualties was miraculous.

Still, there was a definite pall over the holidays. Usually, the neighbors are out wishing everyone a sweet new year, people are visiting friends and families with large gift baskets of fruit and wine and sweets and flowers. Usually people are happy and the street is lined with the cars of family members who traveled to be with their parents or grandparents. It’s a time of large family gatherings here.

The high holy days, or days of awe are also a holy time, when Jewish people attend synagogue (like many Christians go to church on Christmas and Easter). Rosh haShannah is a day when G-d in all His glory and splendor is crowned King of the Universe, King of Kings of Kings. He is sovereign and reigns supreme. It is a day when sins are confessed and forgiveness is requested both from G-d and from those we have personally wronged.

This year, everyone was instructed to stay close to a protected area. No large gatherings outdoors or indoors. Many congregations chose to split up and have smaller minyanim in community centers, private homes and the like. Even though the majority of the people turn off phones, radios, and televisions during the holiday, this year we were instructed to be able to hear the instructions of Home Front Command just in case anything was happening.

The day started off somberly. So many soldiers and reservists who had been fighting in Gaza or in Judaea and Samaria were looking forward to a short leave to go home for the holidays. Four more battalions were called up on Wednesday to serve on the Northern border. We knew there would boots on the ground imminently, but it was not something that was publicized in the news or on social media.

When I first moved here and when Max went into the army, the parents were instructed to never put down in writing on social media troop movements. “My son’s unit is being moved from central Israel to the Gaza border” for example. Or “I was driving on the highway today and saw about 50 tanks on Rte 6 heading North tying up traffic.” Or “My daughter told me hospitals are preparing for a large influx of patients because troops will be moving in.” No.No.No. We do not give up any information that could compromise our position or fall into enemy hands and be used against us. I was given these instructions repeatedly.

So it was understandable when my neighbors and landlady and other people I knew were absolutely irate at the United States. At a press conference on Wednesday, Jake Sullivan, one of the president’s top advisors leaked that the Israeli response would be limited. That the army was going into Lebanon on a limited scale. Very limited troops only 4 kilometers into the very Southeastern tip. It would be just to clear out the villages there of Hizbulla operatives to remove the threat.

Is it any wonder or surprise that just at sunrise yesterday morning, 8 of our beautiful young men walked right into an ambush and were killed? And that over 30 were evacuated to the nearest hospitals for immediate treatment?

It was indeed a sad morning. But it grew more and more – I can’t even begin to find the words…exasperating? Maddening? Suspenseful? John and I were not afraid, but all day the missiles were being lobbed across the border by Hizbulla. We would listen as the red alert would go off on my phone and we would see where the next volley was headed…. Tiberias, Migdal, Kibbuts Degania, Ein Gev, Genesseret, Kfar Nahum, Korazin; Kiryat Atta, Acco, Kiryat Motzkin, Ein ha Mifratz, Kiryat Biyalik; Kfar Vradim, Terence, Madj Al Krum, Karmi’el, Shorashim…. On and on it went all through Thursday and all through Friday….and then a lull from about 2-6am this morning. New Year’s has definitely started off with a lot of fireworks and bangs.

On Wednesday, I would prepare dinner and pack for our trip until a siren came. Then I would get under a protected space. The dangerous part is falling shrapnel, so it’s pretty important to stay somewhere that your head is covered by thick, reinforced concrete, like an inside doorway or a stairwell, if there’s no time to run to a safe room. Yesterday I did not walk to synagogue. I stayed home and prayed out of my prayer book for the holidays. Later in the afternoon I did take a couple videos of incoming, but they can be rather frightening to those who are not used to this. So I will not post those. If you want me to send Amy directly, DM me…

After hearing the siren and getting an all clear, I’d go out and take photos. Some missiles were shot down right over our heads. The local police monitored the streets continually in their patrol cars. And a text would go out from the city to warn of falling shrapnel. We were instructed to call a certain number if we saw any shrapnel or unexploded rocket parts. Do not go near them as they can be deadly. Even the mayor was out, driving around and checking on people.

We were awakened a little after 6 this morning to red alerts and the volleys of missiles – usually in groups of 10-20 have been coming over throughout the day. I’ve had to stop this writing three times already to enter into our safe room. It’s exhausting physically and mentally.

You can hear the thuds at the vey end as more missiles are taken out in the distance

So, the UN still has not condemned Iran for the massive barrage. Te international community its says nothing about the pounding we are getting. We all say, that at Ramadan, Israel was urged to pause the fighting in Gaza so the Muslims could have their holy time. We complied, like idiots. But at the Jewish holy days? Not a word. We get pounded even harder. There is no call for Hamas, Hizbulla, Iran or any of the terror proxies to cease fire. It’s decidedly lopsided.

And then, we are really, really mad. At our own government. At the US administration. At Iran. Netanyahu made a statement on Tuesday that Israel would respond to Iran’s attack Wednesday night proportionally and soon. The US quickly got involved setting out lists of what we cannot strike: oil fields, refineries, storage facilities, manufacturing facilities, their population centers (we never go after innocent civilians), and their nuclear facilities.

Both Biden and Harris publically stated that Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel has a right, bla bla bla. To quote from yesterday’s Wall Street Journal:

After Tuesday’s missile attack, he (Biden) is already telling Israel the targets it cannot hit in self-defense. Asked Wednesday if he’d support an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the President said, “The answer is no.” This is extraordinary. Even before he talks with Mr. Netanyahu, the President engages in public lobbying aimed at blocking a sovereign state and American ally from deciding on its own what is the best response to a direct military attack on its territory.

Iran attacked Israel for the second time in six months, it Mr. Biden tells Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khameni that the U.S. will help the regime protect its most prized and threatening military asset….Mr. Biden doesn’t even wait to keep Iran guessing.

If Mr. Biden won’t take this opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear program, the least he can do is not stop Israel from doing the job for its own self-preservation.

Kamala Harris, on the campaign trail, yesterday (Rosh haShannah) said that she would withhold the delivery of arms to Israel. She does not support any further acts of (Israeli) agression. She is burdening us with what is to be.

On another note, John went to the bank a little while ago to use the ATM and get some money for the trip. We had a siren in our neighborhood and I saw the paths and expected targets of the 14 missiles. So they were headed for my immediate neighborhood. Marc and I ran into the saferoom, heard the booms. I waited 2 minutes and then went out. John came back a few minutes later. I asked him where he was when the siren went off. He didn’t have one. He was walking between two buildings downtown when he heard and felt the booms. He saw the puffs. Everyone that was downtown just continued about their business. Most things were closed today. But there were still people out and about going. It’s just all so weird!!!

The amazing thing is how exact the pinpointed warnings are. Our bank is just 2 miles away from our neighborhood, yet we had sirens but they did not. The technology is absolutely incredible. The precision!

The other good news is that the IDF soldiers rescued a Yazidi young woman in Gaza earlier this week.Fawzia Sido was captured in Iraq by ISIS at age 11, ripped away from her family, and sold to a Palestinian jihadist as a sex slave. She was resold later that year to a man in Gaza (who was a Hamas civilian terrorist) and held there against her will for 10 years as a sex slave. After eliminating her host/terrorist, she was taken to Israel for evaluation at a medical center. The 21 year old was escorted back to her home country where she was reunited with her family on Wednesday. Hopefully the rest of our 101 captives will also be rescued soon.

For the third time since I began writing this… it’s really getting old. We had 4 more missiles intercepted and crash right overhead. So what happens if you are in the bathroom? It’s a question asked frequently here. Showers last about 3 minutes, because one never knows…. Me? I just stay where I am. When it’s my time, it’s my time. But I’m not trying to rush down marble stairs dripping wet wrapped in a towel. Nope. Just not gonna do it. TMI-

As you can see, it’s back to snaxxxx and I’m really mad about that, too. Darn you, terrorists! I’ll diet in November….

We are almost packed and are planning on leaving tomorrow night. With a hugely long layover somewhere in Italy. I just pray we will be able to get out. And no, we will be returning right after Yom Kippur. My husband has his last scans and tests. He will be cancer free 5 years now. From Stage 3.5+ to now. It’s nothing short of miraculous, and definitely something to Hallelujah about!!

Hopefully, nothing eventful will happen over the next week. If it does, we will be on top of the news at all times. I hope I don’t have to do a blog post, but if there is anything going on, I have my neighbors and friends to keep me posted. There goes four more booms. Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud. House shakes. Windows rattle. It off in the distance, so…and one last thud for good measure. Prayers no one is hurt…

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October 2, 2024

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A Great Miracle Happened Here 1 October,2024

My next door neighbor recorded this last night

Normally I’d be cooking up a storm for a crowd because tonight marks the beginning of the High Holy Day period. Rosh haShannah is a time of new beginnings, usually a time to celebrate and pray for G-d’s blessings for the coming year.

The year started absolutely horrifically as you know. We have been living under the threat of rocket fire and the loss of soldiers. We have seen the video of the rapes, the bombings, the torture and kidnappings and massacre. We have searched for missing friends. We have cried with the testimony of the returned hostages and collectively prayed for the release of those still held captive.

This past week has been nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to Israeli intelligence, planning, cunning, and daring, the IDF took out all three top tiers of Hizbulla leadership in Lebanon. I thank G-d for pulling g it all together with perfect timing, perfect intensity, and perfect ability for it all to come together.

Hassan Nasrallah was a very evil man, despite how the obituaries are portraying him. He was the mastermind behind the attack of the Beirut US army base in 1983 that killed 243 American servicemen and wounded scores of others. He was the planner of the Buenos Aeries bombing of the 1994 Jewish Community Center killing 85, wounding over 300 – as well as the Israeli Embassy bombing 2 years prior. Nasrallah, the head of Hizbulla, brought once-prosperous Lebanon down to an impoverished country. He diverted funds meant for the people and for infrastructure and put that into his war machine.

There were plans to pour over the border through underground tunnels and by sea into Israel this Rosh haShannah. The Iranian proxy group had plans to do the same type of massacre that was done in Gaza. It was called Galilee Overthrow. The Ayatollah of Iran, Khameni, vowed swift justice upon Israel for the assassination of Nasrallah.

Yesterday, missiles had been fired steadily throughout the day at Northern Israel. Our ground troops had moved in and were clearing out all the weapons storage and tunnel shafts. Hidden launch pads were being destroyed. We didn’t have more than two sirens in our neighborhood, but could hear the continuous bombing in the distance.

It was really strange. I don’t know if it was me, if I was imagining it, or if it was real, but all day long into the early evening, I would hear shofar blasts. During the time of the holy days, and the entire month previous, it is customary for the shofar, the ram’s horn to be blown. But over the past nine years, no matter how hard I listened, I rarely experienced this powerful call to awaken the spirit. But yesterday, I would hear loud bursts, then later short staccato blasts, then long, long drawn out shofar wails. It was the oddest thing.

Last night, shortly after dinner, we got word that Iran was planning something, maybe for later in the night. Stay near a shelter. Listen to the messages of home front command. Nothing else. OK.

Confession: when I was younger I used to smoke cigarettes. At times of extreme stress, I get the pressing urge to go buy a pack of cigs. This time, no. But it would be nice to have some popcorn while we waited. And if we had to wait through Saturday (would our flights be cancelled?), it would be great to have some snacks. Lots and lots of crunchy snacks.

So, I sent John to the store to buy snacks and went upstairs. Within 3 minutes of his leaving my whole screen started lighting up like never before. It wouldn’t stop. Dimona!!!!athey are after the nuclear plant! Tel Aviv!!! Jerusalem!!!!Beersheva!!! I started hearing sirens in the far distance so ran out on the mirpesset (our rooftop patio) to see what was going on….

It looked like an alien invasion! Seriously like something out of a sci-fi movie. Unbelievable. They were coarsing through the sky like a pack of mad hornets, but no sounds. All heading south. I didn’t see one Iron Dome interception as we usually do.

OK. So at that point, I was a bit jumpy because I didn’t know what was coming next. I ran inside and sent an urgent prayer alert to my three friends back in the States. “It has begun. Please pray for us. We are under attack.” We only had about a three minute warning. Marc, who lives with us, quickly made tracks for the saferoom. I told him to look out the window first. His jaw just dropped, mouth gaping open. Then the multiple pound, resounding booms echoing through the valleys, bouncing off the mountains. And the faint red glow miles to the south.

Then all was quiet. Whew!! That was a close one. My battery was at 3%, so I plugged in my phone (didn’t even think about the emergency power pack) and went out on the balcony. All was incredibly silent except for the neighborhood children excitedly speaking to each other next door. I began to pray and thank G-d loudly for His protection. Then I began to sing. Sing!! sing!! With my frog voice croaking loudly hymns of thanks and praise.

Then it started up again. They came by the hundreds. Like a meteor shower. Sailing past from north to south over our heads. I heard the alarm on my phone as it went off and wouldn’t stop. This was the big one. It was headed for the population centers of central Israel. I’m really trying to describe, but I just ant find the words. It was powerful. It was horrific. It was beautiful. I was not afraid. Somehow, I knew G-d would protect us and I just prayed. Loudly.

Craaaaaap!!!, John!!! Where was John??? Why did I so selfishly send him to the store? Was he still there? Did he hear and see what was going on above us in the night sky? Was he, by now, on his way back home???

Then the lights. Orange red glows coming from the South. The thuds. The ground shaking and convulsing. The booms. It was literally a wall of blasts and shockwaves that rocked the entire country. All at once, one after the other. Holy cow!!! Then silence. My neighbors and friends all started sending each other texts. “You OK? “ “Will there be more?” “Is everyone safe?” “Do you need anything?” “Hey, I got some great videos! “Can we come out of the shelters? I think we should all stay inside our safe rooms for the night.”

Watch until the very end! (Eva was excited and held her phone the wrong way, but-)

The videos and news started getting posted online at a rapid clip. Lots of spectacular “fireworks.” Our very good friends were enroute to celebrate the holidays with their kids and grandkids in Kfar Sava. They had to pull over on the side of the road as the sirens wailed. It was incredibly frightening and real for them.

John returned just a few minutes after it all went down, laden with bags of popcorn and pretzels and chips and crackers. There were about six people in the grocery store still doing their holiday shopping. As there were no sirens, no one seemed phased. An IDF soldier was standing near the bomb shelter smoking a cigarette when he left the store. That was all. He was completely unaware that anything had happened. We drive an old car that lunges, so he didn’t notice if there were thuds or rumbles.

Miraculously, there was only one fatality. A refugee from Gaza, a Palestinian man was hit by a falling missile. Several people had to be treated for minor injuries as they fell rushing to a protected area. More than a few were treated for shock and anxiety. Several windows were blown out near the desert. A restaurant in Tel Aviv was hit by falling shrapnel.

Other than that, no military bases were hit and rendered inoperable. Ben Gurion Airport closed for about an hour, then re-opened. It was reported that 181 intercontinental ballistic missiles were launched from various sites across Iran, coming at Israel in waves. It took only 12 minutes, average for them to reach their intended targets. The later report has been revised to upwards of 400 missiles I three separate waves.

From our friend, “the general:” The dimensions and mass of the ballistic missiles are built in such a way that even if the explosive warhead is eliminated during interception, ore 5an half a metric ton of various burning components such as metal, engine, fuel tank, and reinforced structures still remain in an altered trajectory. This usually results in substantial destruction and collateral damage upon impact. “

Basically, it comes down to this. The Chanukah message. “A great miracle happened here.” Ness gadol haya po.” נס גדול היה פה!

So we celebrate His miraculous protection. This incredible miracle. Were the missiles all intercepted? The US said they shot down 12. Jordan intercepted 37. And Iron Dome? David’s Sling? So far I have heard no word. It doesn’t matter. We dodged a big one. It’s incredible.

I was not going to do any cooking. We are still in the major grieving period for John’s father’s passing. We leave Saturday night, right after Shabbat. With this huuuuuuge long layover in Italy. We will arrive in DC Sunday night. Extended family members and friends are begging us to stay. To move back to the US. We are incredulous. There is no way we will leave this country at this time. It is a Land of Miracles and we are witnesses to history.

I got up early to shop and cook for the rest of the weekend. John and I will have a small celebratory Rosh Hashanah Seder with all the symbolic foods. We will pray for a better year. May our enemies be defeated. May we enjoy new life (one of our daughters is expecting again!) May we be the head and not the tail. May we enjoy a year of G-d’s blessings and abundance. May it be a sweet year of only good news. May any bad judgements, decrees or laws against us be nullified. May all those who seek to harm us flee. May our names be inscribed in the Book of Life for 5785.

Shannah tovah u’metukah 🍯🍎🍷

📖 שנה טובה ומתוקה. גמר חתימה טובה. ✍️

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October 1, 2024

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On the Cusp: A New Year. 1 October, 2024

For most here in Israel, and for Jewish people around the world, we stand at the cusp of a new year. The past year, 5784, is coming to an end. And what a year it has been!

My husband and I have welcomed two beautiful new grandchildren into our family and have been present to congratulate our son on his graduation from university. We have been able to travel to Florida for a very short family reunion: it was the first time in almost 15 years that all of our children, their spouses, and our six grandchildren were able to be together for quality time. It was the first time several of us had the opportunity to meet one another. This past year saw the addition of new friends and new opportunities.

However, it has also been a horrific year fraught with the brutal invasion of Hamas terrorists into Israel, butchering, raping, burning and pillaging the land to the South of us. Over 240 were taken captive into Gaza terror tunnels: men, women, children, even babies, 2 of whom are still there today. Israel entered into a war being fought on five fronts.

John and I did what little we could at first – preparing meals for the troops; taking up basic necessities for those who left everything to defend their country; keeping a written log of events as they transpired; and helping the IDF troops receive the necessary helmets and ceramic vests they were lacking. We attended funerals and comforted the mourners. We mourned the fallen soldiers in our community…five so far. And we have also attended weddings. And engagement parties. And I’ve known so many women who have had new babies.

I’ve seen the determination and resilience of a people who value the gift of life this year. People who have left their homes and families to fight for their survival. There is a saying here….”My dentist has a secret life as a tank commander. My son’s teacher is a paramedic. Our baker has another job as a border patrol officer. And my daughter’s ballet instructor is a paratrooper.”

Our hotels, once full with visitors and tourists are stuffed to the brim with displaced families. Many of our national parks are closed due to danger of attack. Our tourist destination, once vibrant with pilgrims and vacationers now stand empty. Businesses have shuttered due to lack of customers. Yet, hopefulness remains in the air. Tomorrow. Next year….

Families have been wrenched apart as fathers are called up to serve in the Reserves. They leave behind their young children and often wives who must pick up the slack of their own work, a family business, the house work and raising the kids. It definitely takes a toll emotionally and psychologically. Yet the people are strong. Whenever someone can lend a hand, they are quick to do so. With the help of G-d, we are holding each other up.

This has been a year of prayer… for our government, our loved ones, the hostages, the soldiers, those who mourn, for our safety and our victory in eradicating evil. Many who have never lifted their hands heavenward, made a challah, studied Scripture, lit candles, attended religious services, recited Psalms, are doing so now. There is a definite turn towards the Divine. This has been a year of increased spirituality and faith.

This past year, I have tried to write the facts of what is happening in this part of the world – to counter all the misinformation and propaganda. I have also written from my personal experience. I want you to be able to experience what we are going through as if you were here with me. Perhaps give you a different perspective.

I have been thankful for my husband’s sense of humor. He is always able to de-fuse even the most tense of situations (we have been hearing the Iron Dome take out Hizbulla missiles fairly close to us all morning and he is making fun of my jumpiness). He makes fun of our enemies ineptness as well as my own. His comedic impressions and wisecracks are always welcome.Nothing is serious. Nothing is too sacred to make fun of.

We have made new friends. And we have lost friends along the way who have disagreed with us politically or religiously. But time is way too short to hold grudges or to harbor ill will. For Jewish people, this marks a time of introspection, of getting rid of unforgiveness, of being aware or one’s faults and flaws. It is a time to resolve to do better. To be a better, more loving, more caring human being. And to leave the rest up to G-d. We can all learn from that.

At the time of this writing, I look on the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Helene over the people of North Carolina and the Southeastern US. It, too is horrific. A war zone, as one would say. My heart and my prayers go out to them. I read that Iran is putting together a very nice surprise missile for us in the foreseeable future. And I see the uncertainty in the world.

My prayer is that this coming year will be a time of renewed faith and hope. I pray that the captives will be released, the wars and natural disasters will come to an end. I pray it will be a year of healing – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. O Lord, hear us. Have mercy on us. Heal us. Keep us close.

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September 16, 2024

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Bits & Pieces. Day 346. 16 September, 2024

It’s been a couple weeks since my last posting. So much has been happening just within our own household. We came back from ‘vacation’ to a dust covered home but no real work done. After vacuuming as much as possible, we were able to sort through all my son’s effects…. Accumulation of years of army, university, and life. We packed him up into two huge suitcases and sent him off to England.

The next day the shiputznikim’ returned to begin the process of mold removal from the walls and ceilings and of re-painting. John and I moved all the smaller furniture and items and boxed up all the items from desks, tables, counters….we covered everything in layers of plastic. The Israelis do nothing of the kind, and when the workers walked in they were absolutely dumbfounded. They just had never seen and could not believe. I know they think we Americans are most definitely mishuggah. But these guys don’t even wear protective masks.

The construction work was done in three whole days. Despite insurances of complete cleanliness, there was shmutz all over the house. We even took down curtains to wash, so cleanup could be streamlined. Then came the intense cleaning, dusting and mopping room by room (I still have two rooms to go), which began in earnest. Yesterday, our friend from Virginia, who is an ice hockey and other sport coach, came to live with us through the end of December. He stays in Max’s bedroom, so that whole floor with Marc’sbedroom and bathroom were all ready. Our bedroom and the kitchen is sparkling now. Almost ready for the holiday season-

In more exciting things to report, we had three separate Iron Dome interceptions in our immediate area last week. Hizbulla in Lebanon has been sending over scores of rockets and katbam, suicide drones laden with explosives into the North. Mostly they have fallen in fields, causing brushfires. Any that are destined for army bases or civilian populations are taken out by Iron Dome. Last Tuesday, we heard the loud boom! and rushed outside to see the contrails. Right over our house. Praises be to G-d for His protection. It was not scary. Just a little bit of excitement for the afternoon. We are safe and not afraid in the least. It made for a pretty cool video:

John’s father, Poppa, has been moved to hospital hospice in Florida. He is resting comfortably, but it’s a very volatile situation. Every day we wait for the news. He will be flown from Florida to Northern Virginia, where the family lived for over 30 years. poppa will have a full military burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Funeral will be in N.VA. I am finding hotel for us all and John is looking into airlines.

We are in quite an interesting position. ElAl is the only airline that currently flies in and out of the country due to the ‘war’ – but I suspect much of this is contrived nonsense that amounts to BDS (Boycotting, Sanctioning and Divesting) from Israel. Either way, finding a flight out is nearly impossible. All flights everywhere are booked for the next two weeks. Even going to Europe first and taking a connecting flight seems impossible. We are believing G-d will sort out all the details for His perfect timing and for all the loose pieces to come together.

What else is news here in Israel? Would it shock you to know that Palestine (the PA) has been officially admitted to the UN? Would it be a surprise that 29 more members of UNRWA were just discovered to be Hamas terrorists, having taken part in keeping hostages or training young children to be fighters? Or that the Brits have halted the military shipments Israel contracted with and bought from them? They include spare parts for helicopters and jets as well as smaller ordinance? Sinwar, head of Hamas, has said he will release all terrorists if the IDF will let him go free and promise not to target him in the future.

In the meantime, both John and I have a serious case of brain mush. I sent him to the store yesterday with short list of needed ingredients. It included a small head of cabbage for a salad I wanted to make. He came back with 4 large cabbages. What to do? I spent the day preparing for holiday season early… it should take us from Rosh HaShannah through Sukkot. I got out my crockpot and made the most delicious deconstructed stuffed cabbage. It cooked all night on low, and this afternoon I have 6 tubs filled to go into the freezer.

Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage (meat)

I made enough for an army and it freezes beautifully. Will keep for up to 6 month, so I’ll have enough for company and for a couple winter meals too. This is my mom’s old recipe but without all the work of boiling cabbage leaves and stuffing them and all the fancy. It’s mouthwateringly delicious. A little sweet, a little tangy, meaty, with just the right amount of heat, it fires on all engines.

  • Ingredients:
  • 1 kg (2.2lbs) lean ground beef
  • 2 heads of cabbage, core removed and shredded
  • 2 brown onions, chopped
  • 6 cloves minced or crushed garlic
  • 1 1/2 cup basmati rice
  • 1/4 cup brown raisins
  • 1/3 cup yellow raisins
  • 1 medium knob of fresh ginger
  • 1 large can crushed tomatoes with juice
  • 2 TBSP sweet paprika
  • 2 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/4 cup silan (date honey)/ or regulate honey
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Brown the onions and ground beef. Transfer to large crock pot. Add shredded cabbage, raisins, rice, and can of tomatoes. Mix thoroughly. Incorporate all spices. Mix in silan or honey and water. It will all cook down. Turn crockpot to low heat and let cook for 6-8 hours. Remove lid and stir, adding more water if needed. Let cool and transfer into freezer safe boxes. Serve with green beans or peas and applesauce.

What else have I been making? We are eating a vey Mediterranean diet after splurging on all that food during our trip to the States last month. I am also using what we have seasonally. My husband’s favorite of all favorites is an appetizer I served two Shabbats ago. He wants me to make it regularly now. It’s extremely luxurious, yet deceptively easy to make. It’s a whipped feta that uses only a few ingredients….and oven roasted olives. Oh my goodness, oven roasting your olives takes them to an altogether new level! I was lucky to get a photo after we polished off half the dish. Once you start, you can’t stop eating it. Serious crack, this is. And an amazing way to make a delicious first impression when entertaining or for a pot-luck.

Oven Roasted Olives on a Bed of Whipped Feta (dairy)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups olives…a mix of black, green, kalamata (try not to used canned olives)
  • 1 lemon
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • Handful of fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup feta cheese
  • 4 ounces of softened cream cheese
  • 2 Tbsp honey
  • Zataar (Middle Eastern spice),optional
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup extra Virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 200*C/400*F. On a large parchment lined baking tray, scatter olives with 2 cloves sliced garlic, and a few sprigs of thyme. Cut the lemon into slices. Lay half over the olives. Sprinkle with the olive oil and bake uncovered for about 15-20 minutes until the olives release their flavor.

In the meantime, in a medium bowl, whip the feta and cream cheese, and the honey. Add in some grated lemon rind and the 2 remaining garlic cloves, crushed. Incorporate well. It should be very smooth and glossy. it will stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days.

When ready to serve, spread the cheese mixture into an oven proof dish. Scatter olives and lemons on top. Microwave for 45-60 seconds until melts and fragrant or place in 170*C/350*F oven for 10-15 minutes. Scatter toasted sesame seeds, thyme sprigs and/or zata’ar on top. Serve with challah, crusty bread, pita or crackers.

Last week I found some Belgian Endive at the market, so I used what I had at home to create a yummy, no-fuss, elegant Shabbat appetizer. it’s crunchy, cheesy, slightly salty, a wee bit sharp, and a tad sweet. So easy to throw together, room for creativity (add some chili flakes, drizzle some honey) and a nice presentation.

Stuffed Endive Boats (dairy)

Ingredients:

  • 1 head Belgian Endive
  • 1/4 cup blue, Gorgonzola, goat or feta cheese… I used blue
  • 3 very small scallions, minced
  • 1/4 cup dried, unsweetened cranberries
  • 1/4 cup roasted (smoked) almonds, chopped
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Honey
  • (Chopped apple or pear would also make a great addition to this for your Rosh HaShannah table)

In a medium bowl, mix the cheese crumbles, nuts, scallions, and cranberries (also fruit if you wish). Arrange 2-3 leaves of endive on plate to form a boat. Stuff the endive boats with cheese mixture. Drizzle Balsamic vinegar and honey lightly overtop. Serve immediately.

In other parts of the world,our son called last night to say he had unpacked his things in his dorm in London. It’s an ultra modern building and he’s on the 13th floor. No superstitions there. Max had just come from the widely advertised Orientation and Get Togerher BBQ. BBQ. Like we’re from the US. That means Brisket. Burgers. Dogs. Ribs. We’re also Israeli. BBQ. Asado. Kabobim. Shishlik on giant skewers. Marinated pargiot/chicken thighs.

Welcome to UK wokeness. It was a smorgasbord of plant based vegan material. No meat. Some grilled tofu. Undistinguishable planks of plant based 3-D generated stuff. Soylent green???? No. The WEF has designated this year a year of high protein manufactured chemicals and plant stem cells. All cafeteria foods will be vegan by design. Welcome to 2024-2025. I’ve no doubt Max will be doing quite a bit of pub and such.

So, until next time. Settling into autumn….

Blessings and prayers for deliverance for the 100 hostages still captive.

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June 14, 2024

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It’s Getting Hot in Here!

Always such drama. And the temps keep rising. We found out just before we went to Jerusalem on Monday that our “host” was unaware of our even being invited – it was a third party invite – so we had to scramble like the dickens to find anything available on the evening and day of a major holiday. Crazy, no? Pressure, no? Luckily, there were none of the usual tens of thousands of tourists that flood the city during a holy time, and we managed to find a gorgeous room right at the Old City Walls for an incredibly cheap price.

I was smart enough to bring our own food from home as EVERYTHING closes around 2pm from markets to transportation on the evening of a holiday or Sabbath. And to bring my all-white clothes, as is customary to wear on Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks or the Giving of the 10 Commandments to Moses at Mt. Sinai.

Looking out over David’s Citadel
Our window overlooked the Old City walls
All of a kind family
On the way to the Kotel, Western Wall
John snapped the photos while I was at the Wall
Oh my word, this outfit!❤️💗❤️

The next day we finally met up with our friends at the Hurvah Synagogue to hear the Torah reading of the Ten Commandments. Two of the men and their wives had been up all night studying the book of Ruth, the Torah and other subjects. This is traditional for Shavuot. Something I used to do a few years ago – I am now sorry I didn’t attend the women’s study sessions. But as young as they were, they were pretty exhausted when we met.

Shavuot marks the birth and the death of King David. I did not realize this. So we went to David’s tomb, which was pretty packed. The Upper Room where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper is located in the same building just above David. I also had not realized this. It was locked, but the roof access was open, so we went up there to pray and to chat. There were a few people already up there, including a group from Hong Kong, of all places. So a lady we spoke with was kind enough to take a photo of us.

Inside David’s tomb
The women’s portion. Men are all gathered beyond the partition

Max came home for the day to babysit our doggie (a spoiled rotten long-haired dachshund, Haggis). Usually I don’t answer my phone on Shabbat or holidays, but the buzzing wouldn’t stop and was driving me nuts. By 9:30 I must have gotten more than 50 buzzes, so I finally checked, just to see if Max needed something, or if, G-d forbid, there was another attack.

It turns out the IDF hit a really high level Hizbulla commander on Sunday night. This combined with the hostage rescue in Gaza and Hizbulla’s solidarity with Hamas, and they were angry, angry, angry. And wanted to teach us a lesson. From Tuesday night through Wednesday there were over 200 rockets/missiles directed at the Upper and Lower Galilee and the Golan Heights. Our friends’ daughter served as an IDF nurse at the hospital in Tsfat. When David, Jocelyn’s dad, picked her up at 9, they were dodging shrapnel the whole way home. Our friends in Korazin, in Migdal, in Tiberias spent most of the morning in their bomb shelters. All the people in the Sea of Galilee hotels who’ve been displaced by the war since October were even more traumatized. Katsrin and other locations in the Golan received direct hits as did Metulla and Kiryat Shmona. Fires caused by incendiary carrying drones from Lebanon were burning in many places. Even towns far south like Cana, Tura’an, Mughar (all Muslim), Tavor (as in Mt Tabor), and the Jezreel Valley were hit.

Jocelyn shot this as her dad drove dodging shrapnel
Just about 30 minutes worth of missiles

So it’s been pretty incessant for the last two days. The jets and copters are once again nonstop strafing the skies here – all day and all night. Don’t know if it’s recon, retaliatory or just to let Hizbulla and proxies know we’re still in the game? And the outdoor temps are reaching a sizzling 99*/39* throughout the weekend. I feel so badly for the firefighters and the troops out there in all their protective gear. And we just heard the rumor that the IDF got Nasralla’s brother (head of Hizbulla) in an air strike in Lebanon early this morning. So we expect “the temperatures to climb” even higher this weekend.

I went out early this morning to do some grocery shopping. Every morning I recite Psalm 121 It’s become one of my favorites (YouTube Omer Adam singing ‘Esa Einai,’ the Psalm in Hebrew!!!). “I lift my eyes to the mountains, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the L-rd…” So these days as we’re driving I lift my eyes continually to the next mountain ridge over. Except I’m looking for drones and missiles and interceptions. And trying to figure out where the next community shelter is. The International Council of Christians and Jews has placed 24person concrete bunkers on every other corner. Thank you US givers!! It’s become an interesting life for us….but we still feel safer here than anywhere else. So far only four people have been mildly injured from shrapnel here. I think there are angels up there watching over us.

Artists decorate our bomb bunkers so they’re happier
Always celebrating life – even on a bunker
Nothing incoming despite windshield shmutz

So we are now beginning to hear ‘the rest of the story’ of how the actual rescue of the four hostages earlier this week went down. It was like a Fauda episode, only it was real life. Undercover elite Israeli spies who spoke fluent Arabic, including women disguised in burkas and hijabs, posed as wealthy Gazans, Hamas associates escaping the IDF in Rafiah, rented a house in the Nuseirat neighborhood. They were there to gather intelligence, to confirm suspicions that Noa Argamani was being held in the vicinity. Super-cool, nu?

They confirmed not only Noa, but the three men down the street being held by the journalist. The spies vacated in undercover cars and on foot on 5 June, and Yamam elite began the planning and training that night. The mission was executed the next morning. The captives were all safely rescued, but complications arose due to heavy fire from the Hamas terrorists embedded in the neighborhood. It seemed every home in the area had someone with a gun, an RPG or grenade. Cmdr. Arnon Zamora, 36, fathers of 2, was killed in the melee. Gaza Health Ministry first said 197, then amended to 436, later revised down to 274 innocent Palestinian civilians were killed. There was no specification of how many of these innocents were actually terrorists.

It’s getting late and I must start food prep and last minute cleaning before Shabbat, but let me leave you with a few bits from the North this morning. All non-necessary clubs, activities, shops, classes, religious or other are canceled in Tsfat, Ma’alot, Nahariyya, Rosh Pina, Sea of Galilee communities (see map). Sirens have sounded in Northern towns all day, although now it seems quiet. The smoke makes me feel like I’m back in Southern California during brushfires season. We are thoroughly prepared and as the Brits say, we ‘keep calm and carry on.’ Like, what else can one do? We had volunteered to go cherry picking in the Golan with friends next week, it now, it looks like that will be canceled. Again, this harvest season, much of the produce is going unpicked. Hopefully soon-

Incoming Hizbulla missiles above Tsfat bus station this morning
Caption says it all
Across from Ma’alot. Don’t know if it’s in Israel or Lebanon
Incoming over the next mountain towards Ma’alot/ Kfar Vradim

In the meantime, I wish us all a very peaceful and very quiet, and very relaxing weekend. Until next week💙🇮🇱💪🏼🙏🏻🩵 אם ישראל חי The people of Israel live.

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June 10, 2024

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Milk & Honey

We’re leaving shortly for a few days in Yerushalayim. Meeting a friend from Vienna with a few Israelis thrown into the mix! We will be celebrating the holiday of Shavuot, which is the Feast of Weeks. Most of us have been counting the fifty days between Passover (when the Children of Israel were liberated from Egypt and Pharaoh) and Shavuot, which is when all of Israel gathered at the foot of Mt. Sinai and Moses received the Ten Commandments from G-d. It also marks the death of King David.

One of the younger set of our group suggested we all hike down to the Kotel (Western Wall) at 4am for sunrise at 5:30, then hike up the mountain to David’s Tomb. Ummmmm, no thanks. I’ll pass on that one- but we will have some time in the Old City…just a little later in the morning. Then comes the feast. A picnic/party is planned for Teddy Park with lots and lots of dairy.

It’s customary to to dress in white (I told John I feel like a stay-puff marshmallow) and enjoy nature, especially decorating the home with tons of flowers and wearing flowers in a wreath around your head (again, the cute young people) as it’s the beginning of summer and the Old Testament barley harvest, which is still celebrated today. We eat tons of dairy – several different reasons on this one: Moses was given the Torah, the Word of G-d is associated with spiritual nourishment or milk; we live in the Land of Milk and Honey; it has a lot to do with Kosher laws, which are too complicated to discuss on this platform. So there! Let’s eat-

ROASTED BEETS SALAD

I use a mixture of white beets, golden yellow beets, chioggia beets and red beets that I grow in my garden. It makes a gorgeous, colorful, and healthy dish. Add in pickled red onions, which I always have on hand, some herbs and creamy goat cheese with a drizzle of balsamic. Wow! Really easy dish. Packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 8 beets of varying color (if you can find the different varieties, if not, use red beets)
  • 2 large sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Fresh thyme
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Pickled onions (recipe follows)
  • 1 small log goat cheese
  • Balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 200*C/400*F. Peel beets, cut in quarters, place in heavy aluminum foil. Sprinkle with olive oil and a tiny pinch sea salt and fresh pepper. Add in the rosemary sprigs and a few fresh thyme sprigs. Close up the foil and roast on a baking sheet for 30-40 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Place in serving bowl. Sprinkle on top about 1/4 cup pickled onions. Dot with chunks of goat cheese. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top of the salad. Throw in a few extra thyme sprigs and marigolds petals for extra color.

PICKLED RED ONIONS:

Thinly slice 1 red onion. In a (covered) bowl, combine 1/3 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp pickling spice, 1 TBSP honey or sugar. Add in onion. Cover and let marinate in fridge for at least an hour before using. Great on salads and sandwiches or on the side with cheese and crackers.

MEDITERRANEAN SUMMER SALAD

Another easy one to make. Very filling with protein as well. This looks as fabulous as it tastes, is great to pack up for picnics or outdoor barbecues. It’s a great side for grilled fish and chicken, as well as being a win for the vegetarian crowd.

Ingredients:

  • 1 500g jar (Cara Mia) artichoke hearts marinated in oil and Italian spices
  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 1 small red/purple onion
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup torn basil leaves
  • Sea salt & freshly ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup thinly shaved Parmesan cheese

In a serving bowl, dump the entire contents of the artichoke hearts, oil and all. Drain the can of chickpeas and rinse well in a colander under cold water. Drip drain.Add to serving bowl. Add in halved tomatoes and thin slices of onion. Sprinkle on basil leaves, salt, pepper, and additional Italian seasoning, if desired. Top with thinly shaved Parmesan pieces.

THE BEST OF SUMMER SALAD

Another beautiful summer platter that we just love. It’s colorful and delicious, wholly satisfying as it combines sweet, salty, savory, crunchy and creamy. I serve this with grilled fish… beautiful for a potluck!

Ingredients:

  • 2 large nectarines
  • 2 large peaches
  • 3 large (heirloom) tomatoes
  • 6 radishes (I use a variety of red and white)
  • Extra virgin olive in
  • Sea salt/black pepper
  • Balsamic vinegar, 1TBSP
  • Silan (date syrup) or honey 2 TBSP
  • 1/4 cup shelled pistachios
  • Torn basil leaves, fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 large Burrata (mozzarella) ball
  • Optional: purslane leaves (high superfood in antioxidants)

Preheat oven to 200*C/400*F. Cut fruit into quarter slices, place in foil, sprinkle with a tiny bit olive oil and sea salt & pepper. Wrap tightly and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Reserve the ‘juice’ in a separate small bowl. Just before serving, arrange a platter with the fresh burrata in the center. Around the mozzarella ball, artfully arrange the tomato and fruit slices. Sprinkle radishes around and sprinkle the nuts over the top. In a small bowl with the reserved fruit juices, add in the Balsamic vinegar and the silan or honey. Add in a pinch more salt and pepper. Mix well and pour over the top, especially over the cheese ball. Scatter some thyme and basil leaves over the top and serve immediately.

    A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about an engagement party we went to. After we sat down at our tables, the salatim were served. These are a bazillion little dishes of salads served like tapas with fresh vegetables or bread/pita. it’s a very typical MidEastern thing. You can expect to have at least six different types of eggplant: mashed roasted eggplant, baba ganoush, eggplant in barbecue sauce with roasted veg, caponata, spicy eggplant dip, etc. Then there are the cabbage dishes, both red and white: cabbage in mayonnaise, cabbage with salt and lemon, pickled cabbage, roasted cabbage, etc. The pickled vegetables of all sorts- tomatoes, turnips, carrots, corn, you name it and they’ll find a way to pickle it. And all kinds of different versions of tabbouleh. And the fishes. Smoked salmon for the boring Ashkenaz, fish in spicy tomato sauce, pickled fish pieces, smoked trout tails…Then there was THIS!!! I have absolutely no idea what the name of it was, but my friend and I sat eating it by the shovel full. I promised her I’d deconstruct it and send the recipe out. So Gila, this one is for you- enjoy!!!

    Ugly but Amazingly Refreshing!

    I have no idea what to name this one. It just looks kinda gross. But who’da thought? Something this ugly could be so delicious you can’t stop eating it. Maybe I should call it crack salad??? It’s really inexpensive to make, especially if you grow your own herbs. It’s incredibly densely packed with nutrients. Low cal. Filling. Satisfying. Light and refreshing on a hot summer day. Great for the urinary tract (TMI!)

    Ingredients:

    • 1 bunch parsley, washed, remove longer stems (2 cups, processed)
    • 1/2 bunch fresh mint, washed, leaves removed from stems
    • 3 small scallions/green onions.
    • 1 Granny Smith apple
    • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
    • 2 TBSP red fruit or raspberry vinegar
    • 2 TBSP silan (date syrup) or honey
    • 2 TBSP water

    In a food processor, pulse the parsley and mint leaves until chopped up really well. Place the chopped leaves in a serving bowl. Very thinly slice the white/light parts of the scallions and add to bowl. Add in the dried cranberries. Finely chop the apple and add to the mixture. In separate bowl, combine the vinegar, sweetener and water and stir thoroughly to combine. Pour over salad. Mix all ingredients well to coat. Cover. Refrigerate for an hour and then serve.

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    May 15, 2024

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    Entertainment, Israel, Holidays & Feasts, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, War stories

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    The Rollercoaster

    Taken in 2015… my first Independence Day, re-posted with greeting for 2024

    Life in Israel at this time can be likened to a rollercoaster ride. Not just the extreme and arduous uphill climbs with exhilarating views at the top which last for a microsecond before you come crashing down at breakneck speed, but the stomach punching curves and loop-de-loops as well.

    The past few days have been just that: attending a funeral at house of mourning of a young soldier followed by a beautiful spring drive with the scenery of the rolling countryside and visit with friends. The day of Remembrance of Holocaust Victims. Being on a major highway when the two minute alarm sounds nationwide. All the cars come to a stop. The people get out. Everyone bows their head in honor and prayer for all those that were murdered in the Shoah and its Middle Eastern counterpart, the Farhud ( yes. It happened throughout the MidEast as well, just without concentration camps). We do not have a television (cable connection), but all the Israeli stations had memorial services and programs dedicated to that near genocide throughout the day last week.

    The week following Yom ha Shaoah continues as normal, with the hustle and bustle of daily routine. The weather has been variable as well: blisteringly hot for a day or two followed by a day of heavy humidity, then surprise wind and thunderstorms, lightning and thunder and a half hour of intense pouring rain followed by sunshine. All to happen again.

    On Sunday, the radio stations started playing soft, melancholy music again. Songs of love and loss; patriotic hymns; heartfelt Psalms that are all too real these days; songs of promised return of a loved one. Just after dark there is another two minute national siren and the entire country plunges into silence (well, almost the entire country). There are ceremonies to honor all those that have fallen, both in the military and also victims of terror. All day, the television spotlights those who gave their lives defending the country and its citizens, and of those citizens who were murdered by terrorism.

    I had planned to go to a sunrise service in our city. It was a prayer and memorial service for the six soldiers in our community that were killed since 7 October. But just as I was leaving, the floodgates of heaven opened up and a torrential rain started that lasted over 40 minutes. It was as if the heavens were crying. Later that day I heard other news from Be’ersheva in the South – a true miracle. From Batsheva Nagel in Be’ersheva:

    rsheva:

    Unbelievable! On Friday there was a crazy sandstorm that lasted about five minutes. I was standing outside at the park with my three children and I remember thinking it’s gonna be a very windy Shabbos. We ran inside into our apartment, because sand and paper and leaves were just flying everywhere. But then it just stopped. It was really bizarre. Seemed out of the blue because it was such a nice sunny day and all of the moms were out with their kids taking a break. Be’er Sheva hasn’t had a siren in months and the parks were just full of kids. But this huge gust of wind, sand flying everywhere forced everybody back home. About 10 minutes later the red alert siren sounded. Five rockets launched at Be’er Sheva, one landing in a playground that had been full of children just 10 minutes earlier, causing massive damage. The random (HaShem) gust of wind saved all of our lives. We are surrounded by open miracles and the fact of HaShem’s ahava (love) and rachmones (mercy).

    I read this on my WhatsApp group of women and my heart is boosted. It is a true miracle that no one was killed or hurt. A few apartments surrounding the park were mildly damaged by shrapnel. Yet the day is somber. There is no noise except for the booming of Hizbulla missiles landing a few miles to the North and IDF jets strafing the sky. Memorial Day is a national holiday where most people are off work. Everyone visits cemeteries to pay respects to those that have been “unalived.” This afternoon, the streets leading to our local cemetery are so packed and there is no parking, you have to walk for nearly a mile, then stand in line for quite awhile just to get it. People are milling about the front entrance. Reserve duty soldiers, both men and women, with their machine guns strapped to their backs. People carrying Israeli flags, teddy bears and other mementos to adorn the graves of the recently buried. The roller coaster is definitely headed downwards.

    Coming back home, I ask friends and neighbors what the citywide schedule is for the next 24 hours. Israel, at sunset of Yom ha Zikkaron, Memorial Day, goes straight into Yom haAtzmaut, Independence Day. It’s the 76th anniversary of the State of Israel. Usually there are huge concerts. The biggest music stars and pop groups tour the country going from one city to the next putting on great performances. We usually enjoy 3-4 really great free shows in our local amphitheater that night. This year, there are no concerts. Especially now. No groups larger than 250 are supposed to be in public. No sitting duck targets. Just too risky.

    This night is different from all other Independence Days. Usually we enjoy a rousing fireworks show, but due to PTSD and trauma, fireworks displays are now banned in Israel. There used to be great parties and celebrations. This year the night is still. No music blaring from peoples’ backyard parties. The next day, I again wake up to a silent day. Even though the children are off school, there is no loud laughing and playing as kids ride bikes and are running around outside. Many of our friends have expressed fear that on this day in particular, we will be attacked as it is Nakba Day (the Day of Disgrace) for the Muslim population.

    Since 1948-

    John and I had planned fun backyard barbecues for friends on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. We’ve finally gotten the jungle under control, the flowers are all in bloom, and we’ve uncovered the grill and bought the meats and veg. I was busy making salads when we received the first message. The lovely new couple we just met recently (they’ve just moved here over the past year) are packing up and leaving. Back to the French countryside of Normandy where it is quieter and less risky. They gave their landlord notice, and will be out by this Thursday. Wow. That’s a shock. I hear from our neighbor that most of the regular Yom haAtzmaut activities the city sponsors are not happening. No parades. No block parties with street vendors. No huge activities for the children. Grilling and picnics in the local parks are all that’s going on. The excitement of the day has turned a sharp corner.

    The rollercoaster car turns upside down when our friends from the Tel Aviv area decide not to come up. Everyone seems to want to be staying close to home. All people are talking about is the fact that the United States has cut off all arms shipments to Israel. We have been betrayed by our best friends. Individuals around the world are writing in of their support, but it seems to pale in comparison to Israeli’s despair. Will there be enough anti-missile missiles for our Iron Dome? Now that we have been thoroughly isolated, Will other countries perceive Israel as weak and vulnerable and attack us?

    Prime Minister Netanyahu makes a speech to the nation saying that although the people of the US have been and will continue to be our friends, we are fully capable of defending ourselves. If we have to, we will go it alone. If the need ever arises we will fight with our fingernails. (Oy vey!) The UN decides to officially recognize Palestine as an official state. This is all a reward to Hamas to keep fighting. Th United States has declared through Gen. Miley and Secretary of State. Of State Blinken that we are not allowed to enter Rafah, the last Hamas stronghold. They say they have intelligence withheld unless there is a ceasefire. The Pentagon knows the whereabouts of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. He is not even in Rafah. The UN comes out with updated count of the number of civilians killed since the war started. It has been adjusted and is less than half of what was originally stated. There is no genocide….but the world no longer cares because they have already heard that over 18,000 children were killed and the rollercoaster lurches ahead faster.

    As I am writing this (still excited to see some great friends at tomorrow’s planned barbecue), we can hear bombs falling from Hizbulla rocket launches. I get my red alerts on my phone and about 3 minutes later, there is a loud, low thud and the house rumbles a tiny bit. We go on with what we are doing. I’m writing this blog. My husband is on speaker phone going over financial planning with our son. “Did you hear that? Did you feel that? It was up in Meron. In Sasa. In Zion…that’s where the girl that makes my pottery lived.” We continue with our work.

    Speaking with a neighbor yesterday, Gil said that those border towns are pretty much unrecognizable now. He has a son and daughter-in-law and their young family who lived up near Shlomi. He said they haven’t been able to get up to see if the house is even standing or in what condition because it’s an active military zone. They have been displaced for six months now, living at the hotel at Kibbutz Ginosar on Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee). Gil told us that about 80% of the homes are uninhabitable. The rocket barrages, anti-tank missiles and RPGs have destroyed the border villages with Lebanon.

    We have our son’s Dean’s List ceremony next week, a friend’s daughter’s wedding the week after that. Then his graduation. Then a family reunion in Florida. We have a lot to look forward to. No more steep, sudden plunges please. No more unexpected turns. Let me off the rollercoaster for a while and put me on a beautiful carousel…

    The Beersheva missile miracle!
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    January 26, 2024

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    There’s a crack in Everything. That’s how the light gets in. -Leonard Cohen. War Stories Day 112. 26 January, 2024

    Yesterday was Tu b’Shvat in Israel. It’s the oldest Earth Day on record, a new year….for trees. It’s been on the Hebrew calendar for centuries. We celebrate by eating produce native to the land of Israel, namely dates, figs, pomegranates, grapes, barley, wheat and olives. And we plant trees. Fruit trees and sturdy oak, cedars and pine, eucalyptus and carob and nut trees.

    This year trees were planted at the graves of fallen soldiers. An entire citrus orchard was planted outside Sderot (Gaza Envelope) for victims of 7 October. There were over 1000 orange and grapefruit trees placed in the ground in memorial.

    Outside Kibbutz Nahal Oz a shade grove was planted. One for each of the 249 people taken captive into Gaza. It was very moving. There were red ribbons wrapped around each tree representing a returned hostage. Black ribbon for those who did not make it. And yellow for those still presumed alive in Hamas or PIJ captivity.

    Another moving shade forest was planted at the site of the Re’em field where the peace concert took place. Friends and family put a tree in the ground at the site their loved one was found slain. Each tree had a picture of the deceased and an article of clothing hung from a stake in front of the tree. These will be permanent memorials. They celebrate death. We plant trees and celebrate new life.

    Coincidentally, since 7 October, Israel has been blessed with a baby boom seen at no other time in its history. Maternity wards are filled to overflowing. In the early days of the war, and even now with many husbands gone, greater numbers of women are choosing to have a home birth with a midwife. There are many that are afraid to leave the house alone at night to travel to a hospital, so home births have boomed.

    Batsheva had a home birth
    Her baby is named Amichai, my people live
    A dad comes home from the front to see his new baby
    Triplets were born to a couple who survived 7 October massacre

    This week Elya and Novo were released from their unit after over 50 days of heavy combat in Khan Younis, Gaza. Both of their wives went into labor on the same day. The women share a recovery room and the new fathers have a week leave to be with the families. Brothers in arms; brothers in childbirth. Mazal tov!!

    Meet Battalion 8103. They went into Northern Gaza from the beginning. Since 18 October, 29 babies have been born to this special group of elite soldiers.

    Another heartwarming story:

    And lastly, a friend sent around this pregnancy announcement from her daughter. Her son-in-law is a reservist serving in Samaria. This will be her third grandchild- B”H is an abbreviation for Barukh haShem or Praise the Lord

    Israel is entering into its 4th month of the war. So far, over 32,000 soldiers have been injured. Over 400 critically. Since military tactics have been changed to appease the US requests for scaling back and slowing down, more soldiers have been wounded. The use of surveillance drones to make pinpoint surgical strikes is gone. Both sides are now incurring more casualties.

    Yet despite the high numbers of wounded, this war is seeing the lowest death rate percentage wise (IDF) than any other war in history. Major medical advancements have been made. Each unit is trained in triage and battle care so as to stanch bleeding as medics are called in. Tank units become mobile ICUs, containing full ambulance equipment and paramedics including surgeons, anesthetists. Type O blood is held in reserve, so that for the first time in history blood transfusions can be started in a tank or helicopter. Surgeons are lined up in operating theaters awaiting the injured.

    The mortality rate stands at 6.7%. This is a decrease of more than double. According to the data, the average time from injury to the operating room stands at 1 hour and 6 minutes. This is for Gaza and for the West Bank. If war were to break out with Hizbulla, these statistics would be quite higher due to the larger area, more difficult terrain and proximity to hospitals. Thus, field hospitals will be set up at strategic locations along the northern front in event of escalating hostilities.

    The soldiers of the IDF realize that this is an existential fight- if they don’t protect the land on 4 fronts (Hamas/Gaza; PA radicals/West Bank; Houthi rebels/Eilat; Hizbulla/North). Israel would be wiped out. The country is united in their mission. Our soldiers, especially those that have given up everything in sacrifice for their loved ones, are being hailed for their valiant efforts.

    I believe this attitude helps make all the difference in the recovery of the patient. They know their sacrifices were not in vain. We salute them and thank them and owe our lives to their bravery. Medical advances are being made in the areas of physical and occupational therapy. Prosthetic limbs are helping amputees get back to living more quickly. And a robotic type exoskeleton has been developed to help paraplegics stand and walk again.

    Amitai Argamon was in one of the first units to enter a booby trapped building in Beit Hanoi. Four of his friends were killed. Five others were seriously wounded. At the initial blast, a wall fell on Amitai, crushing both legs beyond repair. He was on the verge of death, with almost no pulse, but a strong will to survive and a stronger faith in the Lord.

    He knew to stay alert and talk with his rescuers, answering questions and asking questions of the paramedics continually engaging. The doctors at Ichilov made the split decision to do a double amputation which also saved his life. Amitai, surrounded by family and friends, medical staff and personalities from the Israeli music and film industry and religious groups, was in ICU for a month. He has remained an inspiration and encouragement to everyone.

    “I knew that I was fighting for my family and for my home. I know my life has been preserved by the Lord. There is a reason I’m still here. There is a special purpose I will now have for my life. We are a strong and resilient people. There is always hope. There is strength in G-d and strength in Unity. Together we will win,” stated Amitai with a smile.

    Even in the darkness the Light shines for the upright…

    Shabbat shalom and May we have a peaceful weekend-