"When G-d will return the captivity of Zion, we will be like dreamers. Then our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with glad song." Psalm 126
This is an unusual year here in Israel. For the first time in many years, Passover, the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Coptic, and general Christian population celebrate concurrently their Holy Week. It is an exciting and special time to visit the Holy Land. This year, convents and hostels are filled with Christian pilgrims – many of them have traveled from Poland, the Philippines, Mexico and South Korea. Jewish people from the United States and Canada have come to celebrate Pesach with family living here. Still, the recent war has kept the multitudes away for the most part.
For the Jews, last Shabbat led right into the Pesach/Passover Seder. Families gathered together. Army units had their Passover Seders in dining halls and in the fields. Everyone celebrated the story of the liberation from Egypt under Pharaoh, the crossing of the Red Sea by Moses and the Children of Israel in Exodus, and ate the festive meal. During the seven days of Chag ha Matzot (the Matzah holiday) or Khol ha Moed, the intermediate days, Israelis head to to the hills and mountains hiking and to the shores of Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) camping. For those that stay in the cities, museums are all free.
As the Seder feasts wound down in the wee hours of last Sunday morning, Holy Week started for the Christians. Thousands gathered with palms for the traditional Palm Sunday walk. Tens of thousands of pilgrims came from all over the world. The crowds were still not as large as in most years, but the festivities started at BethPage at the top of the Mount of Olives, Har Zeitim. The Latin Patriarch and the Franciscan Custos of the Holy Land blessed the palms and the participants in the walk. The Arab Israeli Scouts from Jerusalem, Nazareth and Ibillin led the procession.
Arab Israeli Scouts lead the procession with drums and bagpipes
The walk starts at the top of Mt. Olives and winds its way down through East Jerusalem. Spectacular views of the Temple Mount, Old City and all of Jerusalem are one of the high points of the walk which traces the path of Jesus from the starting point to its finish within the Holy City. The entire walk is about 3 miles. As in the Gospel accounts, people wave palm and olive branches and sing Hosannas and great Hallels. Security is tight with armed soldiers ready against any act of terror. Helicopters circle overhead for added protection for the walkers.
Mexican pilgrimsInternational throng with palmsThe Franciscans A group of nunsFr. Francesco Voltaggio with the NeocatechumensThe Hebrew CatholicsSweeping views of JerusalemKoinonia John the Baptist from ItalyA procession of Hebrew Speaking CatholicsThe pilgrims enter the Lion Gate into the Old City
And even Jesus showed up for photo ops…
On Wednesday, Maronite Catholics, indigenous Arameans and Lebanese and Syrian Catholics living in the Holy Land, celebrated the blessing of the Holy Oils and the lighting of the Blessed Candles. Their congregations are mostly to be found throughout the North, where the majority of the Christian population is either Maronite of Orthodox Christian. Their population centers are Nazareth, Fassuta, Jish, Me’ilya, Tarshicha, Ibillin and Sh’faram.
Yesterday, the Orthodox Christians (Greek, Russian, Eastern) and the Roman Catholics celebrated Holy Thursday, the beginning of the Triduum, or three-day holy period, concurrently. Eastern rite/Orthodox priests and patriarchs led the procession through their churches with the carrying of the cross for their congregation to venerate.
Cardinal Pierbatista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch, commenced the Catholic liturgies at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There was a solemn procession from the place of the crucifixion to the stone where Jesus was wrapped and then throughout the church to the tomb where Jesus was interred. The faithful gathered to reverence, kiss and touch objects to the holy stone slab.
As soon as the Roman Catholic rite was finished, the church was cleared so the Orthodox worshippers could celebrate their liturgy. This is scheduled to happen throughout the weekend.
For the first time, in order to to accommodate all branches of the faith, the Roman Catholics will hold their Easter Vigil at the Holy Sepulchre very early in the morning – 06:30 am on Saturday morning. “Catholics must enter the New Gate between 05:30 and 06:00 am. After 06:00 am, the gate will be closed for entry to the Vigil Mass. Entry into the Basilica will be difficult due to extensive security apparatus in place on this day for the Orthodox Holy Fire ceremony. All those participating in the Latin Mass, will be obliged to leave the church after he Mass. No one will be permitted to remain, as the entire church will be cleared for the Orthodox worshippers.”
The Orthodox Holy Fire is the oldest recorded continual miracle. It has occurred in the Holy Sepulchre…the tomb where Jesus’ body laid… for 2000 years. The Orthodox priest enters the sepulchre at midnight with the Paschal candle and waits in darkness as the worshippers congregate throughout the basilica with their candles. A blue fire comes down and miraculously lights the candles. The flames burn cold for about 10 minutes afterward. This will be the eternal flame from the pascal candle that burns throughout the year in Jerusalem. You can view the entire spectacle onYouTube. It is quite fascinating!
Passover ends this Shabbat for the Jewish people. Saturday night, as the Christians celebrate the start of Easter, Jews in Israel will be celebrating Maimouna. This party at the conclusion of Passover, comes from Morocco. But it has taken hold of the entire Jewish population here. It is a time of great merriment as pastries and tea and candies are piled high on golden trays. The revelers wear bright colors and lots of gold jewelry. There is music and dancing and fun to be had by all.
I wish all of my readers a meaningful, holy and happy feast. Next year I Jerusalem!!!!
Rainbow spotted over Mediterranean/Tel Aviv, Thursday morning
Amid all the horrors and atrocities we’ve read about or seen in this world over the past week, there shines the miraculous. Sometimes in the middle of a storm, a rainbow appears. To remind us of the Mercy and Love and Promises of G-d. This week two huge ones shone brightly. Neither were widely noticed nor were they widely publicized.
The first rainbow was a true, visible one. The day of the return of Oded Lifshitz and the Bibas babies in coffins, amidst the gray clouds and raindrops, a rainbow shone. Out over the Mediterranean, off the coast of Gaza and up to Tel Aviv, Herzliya and Netanya. It didn’t last long, but it was there, almost as if it were a sign.
I will now share with you a post on X/Twitter that was written by Hillel Fuld. “Hilz” is a completely reliable witness. I can vouch for him. He is the brother of my friend Ari Fuld (of blessed memory), who was killed in a terror attack right before Yom Kippur a few years back. I will now share with you from the X account of Hillel Fuld:
Since day one, I’ve been telling anyone who will listen that since 10/7, we’ve witnessed so many miracles, it’s hard to count. Some of these miracles are easy to recognize, like how well the beeper operation went down or how successful we were at intercepting or detonating those hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles fired at us from Iran. Twice. Other miracles were harder to recognize. And then we have last night. Last night was a miracle the caliber of the splitting of the sea. I am talking an open miracle that could and should have ended very differently.
Do not ask me my sources and if that means you don’t believe what I’m about to say, so be it. You can keep scrolling. But if you know my work, you know I’m very careful with what I share so if I’m sharing this, trust me, it’s based on a reliable source.
Last night (Thursday), a young lady noticed a suspicious object on a bus in the center of Israel. She reported it to the driver who pulled into a station, got everyone off the bus at which point, the bus blew up and was completely destroyed. But that wasn’t the end of it. Not even close. Over the hours that followed, an additional four bombs were found on busses, some of them exploded, others were taken apart before exploding. Some malfunctioned. According to my source, and this was news to me, a whopping 15 busses were supposed to explode this morning. According to reports, the terrorists set thetimer to 9 PM instead of 9AM. So, is that the worst of it? Not even close. In addition to the 15 busses, 5 suicide bombers were set to detonate bombs on the light rail at the same time, all in the center of Israel (Tel Aviv area). So, is that the worst? Nope. That’s the good part. Where did this attack originate? Gaza? Nope. It was Judaea and Samaria. In other words, these terrorists came from within Israel. And here’s the kicker, and again, I am not telling you where I heard this, all of the above was intended to be nothing more than the distraction, much like the incoming rockets on 10/7. Just a distraction for the real invasion. My source says that as those busses and terrorists blew up, massive security and emergency forces were supposed to rush to the scene at which point, there would be a massive breach of the security fence and many terrorists from Judaea and Samaria would invade Israel and carry out another 10/7 2.0. Only this time it wouldn’t be from Gaza so it would be an invasion into basically every major city in Israel. For the third time, this is not information that is publicly available. I can’t share a link and I won’t share a source. Believe me or don’t. Up to you. It is worth pointing out that for decades, we did not have any bus explosions in Israel. We do this deal and release terrorists, some of whom were the architects behind the buys bombings during the intifada, and all of a sudden, we’re back to busses blowing up. I can’t imagine anyone believing that that’s a coincidence. All of this was supposed to go down during rush hours and would have caused hundreds, maybe thousands of Israeli deaths. Even if the rest isn’t true, multiple busses blowing up like this bus during rush hour? Can’t even imagine. Yesterday morning was one of the hardest days in Israel’s history. Perhaps the hardest. We all felt hopeless, every last one of us. When we are in pain, G-d is in pain with us. I don’t know about you but yesterday morning, as I saw the coffins of the Bibas angels, I looked up to HaShem and asked why. Why would He cause us so much pain or allow Hamas to do this to us? I told myself that we’ll be okay but wasn’t sure if that was true. Was G-d even watching over us any more? Has He abandoned us? Did He turn His back on us? Then, as the hostages were being delivered, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the Israeli skies, a sign from the times of Noah, that G-d won’t ever destroy the world or let it be destroyed. A rainbow, according to Jewish scripture, is G-d’s way of telling us, “Don’t worry. I got your back.” Still though, I was just so sad and so angry. And then the news started to hit my feeds. A bus exploded. No injuries. Hmmm. “How does that happen?” I asked myself. Then another bus exploded. No injuries. And a third. No injuries. I already felt G-d’s presence again. And the news kept coming in. More bombs discovered. More Intel. This was supposed to be the biggest attack since 10/7, maybe even bigger. Totally thwarted. By who? The IDF? Nope. Shabak? Nope. Mossad? Nope. This was a massive attack prevented 100% by G-d Himself. And a very vigilant young lady who noticed the suspicious object. Whatever Hamas planned or didn’t plan for this morning. I would not be writing these words if the plan had come to fruition. But G-d had other plans and fate all the pain G-d’s chuildren endured yesterday, He felt we needed to be reminded of His presence. He felt we needed to be reminded that He has our back, now and always. He was right. We did need it. This event might go down in history as one of the biggest miracles the Jewish people experienced since Biblical times. “There are two ways to live life. One is that nothing is a miracle. The other is that everything is a miracle.” The beepers? The walkie-talkies? Getting Nasrallah? Haniyeh? Deif? They’ll attribute all of that to Israel’s intelligence. But this? What happened last night? Israel had nothing to do with it. If you don’t see this event as a miracle, there is only one explanation. You don’t want to see it as a miracle. Open your eyes. Clean your lenses. HaShem is here with us in our pain and each day that passes, we are one day closer to Him finally revealing Himself to us, explaining why any of this had to happen, and ultimately bringing Moshiach. For now, I just wanted to recognize HaShem’s greatness and on behalf of the hundreds, maybe thousands of Israelis who should be dead right now, just say thank you.
הודו לה השם כי טוב כי לעולם חסדו Give thanks to the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endures forever. ברוך אתה ה׳ אלוהינו מלך העולם הגומל לחי ים טובות, שגמלני כל טוב. Blessed are you, O LORD, our G-d, King of the Univese, who rewards good deeds, who rewards me for every good thing. We say this blessing when we are saved from tragedy. Today the Jewish nation was saved from tragedy. Thank you, HaShem.
-Hillel Fuld, on X
Bus driver checks bus, orders all passengers out after spotting a suspicious package… bus will explode 1 minute later
Have I told you yet how much I absolutely love this country? Its customs and traditions? Today is New Year’s Day! For 🌳 🌲🌴🌵🌳! Yes. TREES!!!! How cool is this? It’s the Hebrew month of Shvat – also amazing because who else has a month Shvaaaahht??? Even saying the word makes me laugh. And the 15th of the month, during the full moon, we celebrate nature. It’s the original Earth Day without all the political hype. And of course…. We eat and drink. But more about that later.
So to quote my friend, Arky Staiman, we have this holiday where we celebrate the blossoming of the trees. They are just beginning to sprout forth right now. Here in Israel. Now listen, for those Ashkenaz Jews in the US (hello, Chicago, NewYork, DC, St Louis and Seattle), in Canada (you out there freezing your tuchuses off inMontreal and Toronto), in France, Germany, England….this holiday makes little sense. For those in the extreme South (yes, you in Tasmania! In Argentina and Brazil, even in India) you are in the throes of summer. But here in Israel, the rains have come and everything is green and the buds are shooting forth from the ground and the bushes and trees. Judaism only makes sense here in Israel.
No where else does this make sense. The trees know it’s time to blossom their beautiful flowers and it’s all connected to one place, right here, in the Land of Israel, where Judaism is connected and the holidays are connected to the Land and Nature and the People. It’s the time when people go out and the earth is soft and fruit trees (and other trees) can be planted. The early settlers in the 1800s and early 1900s took this opportunity to restore the ecology and verdure of the land by planting forests and groves.
Groups of schoolchildren were out today planting bulbs and trees in the neighborhood park. Whole congregations go out together and plant – avocados are becoming increasingly popular. A friend lives on Kibbutz Ginosar (Gennesaret) where they are planting dunams/acres of bananas this week.
Did you know fruits can be really really Kosher? That Jewish trees in Israel are circumcised??? That’s another weird one. Let me explain. A fruit tree is planted about now…15 Shvat. It is cared for and grows. The first year comes and fruit pops out. Leave it alone! Do not touch the fruit! It is not ready yet. Why? Leviticus 19:23 states
When you enter the land and plant any tree for food, you shall regard its fruit as forbidden. Three years it shall be forbidden for you, not to be eaten.
In the fourth year of fruit bearing, the farmer would bring the fruit from those trees to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem as an offering…on Tu b’Shvat. Then the tree is circumcised, holy, set apart for eating, Kosher. Who knew? From year five onwards, the nuts, the fruits, the seeds are all good to go. Pretty wild, eh? Many farmers still abide by these Biblical laws today here in Israel – except they offer the fruits and nuts to the poor because there is no longer a Temple.
In the 1500s and 1600s, the Jewish mystics of the city of Tsfat (only 20 minutes from here) created a Tu b’Shvat Seder which has come into real popularity in Israel today. It was modeled after the Passover Seder, where different foods are eaten in a certain order, blessings said, and everything has a symbolic, deeply spiritual meaning. We have our own lovely Seder. Here’s what I do:
The table is set with a lovely bunch of fresh flowers I just picked from the neighborhood park. There is no requirement to light candles, but as this is a festive celebration I light the two candles and say the holiday blessing. We have four small glasses of wine set out – white wine, a light rosé, a darker rosé and a red. We take turns reading just like at Passover. I fill a large pitcher with rose scented or lavender scented water. There is a basin. Each person recites the prayer for handwashing and washes his hands individually.
The First Cup of Wine
This glass of white wine symbolizes winter. For a mystical twist this is the energy G-d used in creation to create the trees and flowering, seed bearing plants. We read Deuteronomy 8:7-10 and then lift our glass, say the blessing and drink the wine.
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam borei peri ha-gafen.
Blessed are you, Source of all life, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
Reader: For Adonai your God is bringing you into a good land. A land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths springing forth in valleys and hills, a land of wheat and barley and vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey, a land wherein you shall eat without scarceness, you shall not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you may dig brass. And you shall eat and be satisfied, and bless God for the good land, which is being given unto you (Deuteronomy 8:7-10).
The First Fruits
Did you know a nut is also considered a fruit? At this point we eat a fruit that is hard and inedible on the outside but with a softer flesh on the inside, like coconut, pecans, walnuts, almonds. The hard shell is strong like our covering and protection by G-d when we walk in His ways. We become strong spiritually, but in the inside we are still tender and yielding. Today as a first course, I serve walnuts in the shell, almonds (indigenous to Israel. Aaron’s staff had budding almond flowers) and also some feta cheese.
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, borei peri ha-etz.
Blessed are You, Source of all life, Creator of the fruit of the tree.
The Second Cup of Wine
The second glass of wine is a light pink rosé. It stands for springtime. It is also a mystical symbol of mercy (the white wine) mingled with a little bit of justice (the red grape juice or wine), two attributes of the Creator. We read Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and the curses for obedience and disobedience to G-d’s commandments. Then the blessing over the wine, and drink the second cup.
Reader: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall you be in the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your land, and the fruit of your cattle, and the young of your flock. Blessed shall you be in your basket and your kneading trough. Blessed shall you be when you come in and blessed shall you be when you go out (Deuteronomy 28:36).
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha-olam, borei peri ha-gafen.
Blessed are You, Source of all life, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
The Second Fruit
The second fruit(s) we enjoy are soft on the outside with a seed or pit in the center. I use olives, as they are one of the seven Biblical species indigenous to the Land. They grow everywhere throughout the Galil. It has become a sign of home. You can also use any stone fruit like cherries, apricots, peaches. I also use dates, because they grow here around Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and in Hebrew, the date palm is Tamar. These fruits remind us of the spiritual and emotional strength within us.
We read Psalm 1. We say the blessing over the fruit again. Now eat the olives or dates.
The Third Cup of Wine
The cup of late spring early summer. The wine is a deep pink rosé. It is more judgment than mercy. It is a season of growth and development. Life is always changing, but G-d remains the same.
The Third Fruit
This fruit symbolizes the first harvest. We eat fruits that can be eaten whole without peeling. What you see is what you get. It also stands for G-d’s omnipresence. Blueberries. Tomatoes. Apples and pears. Grapes. I use grapes as that is also one of the seven species. We read Genesis 1:29-31, say the blessing and consume the fruits.
28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
The Fourth Cup of Wine
The last glass is red wine. We are judged for our actions. As the fall comes and winter sets in, it is time to plow under the soil. The land rests. We become introspective and make things right between ourselves as people and with G-d. This glass, all red, also stands for fire, burning, purging, but not consumed like the burning bush, or the fire of the Divine Spark within us. We read the story of the burning bush in Exodus 3, say the blessing and sip the wine.
The Fourth Fruit
The fourth fruit has a touch, protective skin on the outside, but sweet, soft flesh within like avocado, citrus fruits, mangos or bananas. It symbolizes the mysteries of the world and the hidden mysteries in Scripture. We are constantly seeking to uncover deep truths and are nourished by her fruits.
This is just a tiny bit of our Seder. We sing songs and eat lots of great vegetarian (and I serve dairy) foods between each part of the fun ceremony. There’s a lot of deep spirituality that goes with each part and, as a result, lots of discussion.
I know it’s a bit late for you this year, but here are some recipes that we will be enjoying.
Tu b’Shvat Israeli Salad
Ingredients and Directions: Chop a variety of fresh vegetables into small diced chunks… Tomato, Cucumber, Yellow or Orange Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Carrot. Add crumbled Feta Cheese. Dress with juice from 1/2 fresh lemon and a drizzle of olive oil. Gently stir in roasted, salted sunflower seeds.
Tamar’s Sweet Israeli Tabbouleh
Serves 6-8 as a side dish 4 as a lunch entrée. Vegan. (Pareve)
Ingredients:
1 cup bulgur
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1/4 cup pickled red onion (onion pieces swimming in vinegar with pickling spice)
1/2 cup parsley, chopped very fine
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped very fine
1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup pomegranate arils
2 persimmons, chopped into small cubes
1/4 cup yellow raisins
1/4 cup chopped dates
Dressing ingredients:
1/2 cup extra Virgin olive oil
Zested rind and juice of 1 large naval orange
2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
2 Tablespoons pomegranate syrup/molasses or carob syrup, if available
2 tsp sumac
I tried to use all things indigenous to the land and/or part of the seven species in this cold salad. Wheat, dates grapes (raisins) pomegranates and honey for the Land of Milk &Honey. It’s so healthy, light and addictive! Very Israeli with a twist. I really do hope you make and enjoy this one!
In the meantime, plant some bulbs or a fruit tree. If you desire to bless Israel, go to https://shop.jnf.org>collections>plant-trees and plant a tree in the Land of Israel for only $18. You’ll get a gorgeous frame able certificate and can plant the tree in memory of someone who has passed away or honor someone having a special event like a birthday, anniversary, wedding or Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
It’s Friday and I should be busy cooking and preparing for Shabbat, but I thought I just might leave you all with a few feel good stories from Israel.
Thank you, G-d, for another gorgeous day in the Galilee!
Amidst so much bad news, it seems like an awful lot has been accomplished for the good the past couple weeks, so we’ll focus on that to slide into the weekend. In the States, the swamp is being rapidly drained as the plug is being pulled from the foul tub and the scum is being exposed as the water goes down. That’s a good thing. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu was quite productive – the US and Israel have pulled out of the UN Human Rights Council and the WHO. The International Criminal Court is being sanctioned. And “deals” are being announced that could have interesting effects and bring peace to war torn nations.
We are beginning to see the return of the hostages…the American, Keith Siegel came home last weekend, as well as two other men, Ofer Calderon and Yarden Bibas. (Hopefully we will have good news soon as to the fate of his wife, Shiri, and two young children)) And the five surveillance soldiers from the Nahal Oz base were returned from Hamas hands. It was a tearful and joyous weekend as we watched the girls hugging their family and friends.
US Israeli citizen, Keith Siegel hugs daughters after 479 days in captivity
Agam Berger, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, Daniella Gilboa and Karina Ariev all returned from their being held in Gaza after 15 months. The came back as lionesses, showing courage and faith and radiating joy. Videos have surfaced of them hugging, dancing to music, holding signs that thank G-d, the IDF and all those who supported them during their captivity. The Azrieli Mall in Tel Aviv completely shut down one day last week to allow the girls a shopping spree. They have received pampering spa days and concert performances by the Israeli Philharmonic. They are being kept out of the public eye, for the most part, to respect their privacy and help them heal. All were released from the hospital yesterday to celebrate Shabbat with their families.
The five girls make an ‘I Love You’ to the photographers at the Azrieli Mall
A hearty MAZAL TOV to released hostage Daniella Gilboa and her boyfriend, Roi Dadon! Roi, the devoted boyfriend of the captured IDF lookout, exemplified unwavering love and faith throughout her 477 day captivity. The couple, who have been together since the 7th grade, redefined the term ‘long-distance relationship’ during the harrowing ordeal. In December, 2023, Roi dedicated the writing of a Torah scroll in Daniella’s honor. During the emotional ceremony, while dancing with the Torah, he looked to the sky and shouted, “Daniella, marry me!” That evening he proposed to her symbolically by asking her parents for her hand in marriage. Last weekend, Daniella was finally freed and Roi had the chance to fulfill his promise. Roi’s Hope never faltered, even after witnessing a heartbreaking video of Daniella being carried off by Hamas after being shot in the leg. (courtesy Jewish Breaking News).
December, 2023 Roi asks G-dFebruary, 2025 She says ‘YES!’
The number one song here for the past two months have been a song which in Hebrew means, “I am blessed by G-d. I know he wants only the best for me. He loves me and everything will be better and better.” It’s amazing. You hear it played everywhere. People are shouting it and singing it from every restaurant, market, mall and car radio. Soldiers are dancing to it. It has pumped our nation like nothing else. Lyrics include lines, “G-d hears my prayers. He wants for me well-being, health and healing, livelihood, friendship, a good way, joy, safety. He is always with me and He loves me always.” I love the video in that it captures the people of Israel perfectly. The young spending time with the elderly; the diversity of ethnicities; the collective joy and spirituality; the love for life.
Also, everywhere I go I see this poster. It hangs from balconies and overpasses. A constant reminder that G-d alone is King. There is no other. With a spirit like that, you can’t lose.
My doctor has instructed me to be as active as possible….I’ve gained far too much weight since the lockdowns and it’s mandatory for me to shed the kilos immediately. Besides being on medication now, and the most super-strict diet ever, I’m getting out of the house and walking 2-3 miles a day. Oy!!!! I’m so grateful that around every (Jewish) city and village, walking/nature trails have been put in. Sometimes we drive to nearby moshavim and yishuvim (hamlets and villages), but there are some spectacular views from our hikes.
Earlier this week, we kicked through the other end of the wadi below our house. It took us through olive groves and lots of cows. One charged at me. Our usually protective little dachshund ran the other way. John picked up rocks to throw at her. Because I can’t run, I just stood my ground and spoke softly – she just stood and stared at me. So I slowly walked away, but she followed us, bellowing loudly. OK. I was a bit frightened, but eventually, she turned back. Another fun day….
So all in all, things are looking up. I pray we all have a safe, quiet and blessed weekend. Shabbat shalom.
Late last summer, the war front in Israel moved up here to the North. Hizbulla began firing missiles at us every day, multiple times a day (and night). Each salvo contained anywhere from 20-60 missiles. When the red alert siren sounded, we had only a few seconds to find shelter. Thank goodness we had the Iron Dome Missile Defense System which intercepted most of the rockets. But then there was the vey real danger of falling shrapnel.
Soon after, concrete bunkers – small shelters called magenit, or little shields – started popping up on highly trafficked street corners. They were placed in parks, near schools, kindergartens, shopping center parking lots. Hideously ugly, they did the job. But they also proved to be the perfect blank canvases. Enter Australian artist, Justin Andrew Hook.
John and I had the good fortune of spending a day with Justin last month, hearing his story and getting to know this amazing human being. Justin, whose, stepfather is Jewish and mother who is Christian, worked for a while in the luxury hospitality industry in Sydney, even serving members of the government and foreign dignitaries. Everything changed for him during COVID, when his jobs ended. This led to some intense soul searching.
“G-d placed certain gifts inside me that needed to be honored. Art was my currency that actually became my identity. When I started to acknowledge and use that, things began to shift for me,” explained Justin. He began to show his paintings at exhibitions and galleries, and then became a curator and manager of an art gallery in the heavily traveled Bondi Junction suburb of Sydney. Opening nights attracted many different kinds of people from all over the world.
Because many Israelis travel the globe after their army service, Justin soon made many new Israeli friends. He began to bump into Israelis everywhere, and a desire to visit the Holy Land grew within his spirit. He now comes every year. “I absolutely love Israel! The culture is so attractive, fast-paced and super inclusive. The people are warm and inviting: the lifestyle and food is amazing! It’s like you become instant family with everyone here! Despite all the severity here, Israelis know how to live life, prioritizing G-d, family and friends. They live life to the max and know how to get the most out of life.”
Totally extroverted and exuberant, Justin has met a wide spectrum of people in Israel from Orthodox Jews to seculars; from Arabs to Druze; Christians and Messianics. His experiences are different each trip. In 2022, he was commissioned to paint a huge mural on a prominent wall in the village of Mesilat Zion outside Jerusalem. A short documentary was made and put on YouTube which opened up many more opportunities for him.
During his 2023 trip, Justin happened to be celebrating Sukkot in a village outside Haifa when the 7 October Hamas invasion into Israel took place. Thousands of rockets were falling on Tel Aviv and the center of the country. The Australian government put a notice out to all travelers that they must return home immediately. There was no choice and a military airlift was scheduled to depart. Justin was in no way fearful. He even wanted to stay and help anywhere he was needed, but the government was insistent that he leave.
In the months that Justin was home in the Land Down Under, it seemed that everything had truly turned upside down. The narrative of the situation in Israel as told by the media was nothing but half-truths and outright lies. This deliberate anti Israel propaganda resulted in the growth of the pro-Palestinian movement, marching and chanting and vandalizing the larger cities of Australia. The media was playing upon the good Will of innocent, well-meaning people – stories of genocide and IDF atrocities against the people of Gaza was a complete deception. Immediately, Justin knew he had to become a voice for truth and for the people of Israel. He was well connected to the Land and the People and knew firsthand the reality of the situation on the ground.
At the very last minute, this past September, he knew in his spirit that it was time for his return. Justin booked round trip tickets for a 2 1/2 week stay during the Feast of Sukkot. He was led to travel the country, bringing a message of hope and support to his friends. When he arrived at Tiberias on the shores of the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee), the doors opened wide for him to put his artistic talents to work.
Despite continual bombing by missiles from Hizbulla in Lebanon and suicide drones, those ugly cement shelters were calling out to him. Justin reached out to an Israeli friend, who immediately and miraculously received instant approval from the mayor of Tiberias to decorate the blank boxes. Not only that, but Justin’s Jewish friends who run NGOs throughout the Galilee would help support the project. There was just one hitch: it had to be done now or never.
A new dilemma arose: Justin was scheduled to fly back to Australia in less than a week. There was no way he could attempt to complete such a project in so little time! Justin walked along the Kinneret, praying and seeking G-d’s direction. Everything was happening so quickly, but if this was part of the Divine Plan, all the little details would come together. In Israel, there is a saying: “There are no coincidences. It is all by HaShem (G-d).” And so it was, that at the very last minute, Justin’s non-refundable plane ticket was changed and paid for by his very own travel agent who also had a deep love for the people of Israel. Both of them knew that Justin had been handed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I also set up a last minute page (on his social media) showcasing this opportunity. It included a Go Fund Me link so people could help contribute to my living expenses. My visa was good for three months. Amazingly, after posting a few videos, generous people from all over the globe caught on to the vision and funded my ability to stay in Israel.” The various cities paid for all of his art supplies and he was able to focus on the project and complete the first season of shelters. The. L-rd provides and guides.
“It was during this time I learned spontaneity. I just rode the wave and flowed with the Spirit. I knew G-d wanted me to be a bridge builder with love and the desire to help these people in need.” For the next three weeks , Justin painted his first shelter, right in the center of downtown Tiberias, an extremely important Orthodox city, one of the four holy cities of Israel.
On the outer walls of the bomb shelter he painted the most gorgeous mural of the Sea of Galilee in the full bloom of springtime. The painting wraps around the entire magenit. The mountains of the Golan and lower Galil region encircle it. Butterflies ands birds symbolize new life. The red poppies are a remembrance of the hostages still in captivity. Working with a medium of spray paint, Justin captured the fishing boats on the sea and the migrating birds overhead. The morning sun over the mountains depicts the verse from Malachi 4:2. “The sun of righteousness will arise with healing in his wings.” It was truly a project of healing.
But this was not all. Missiles flying overhead and the thunderous booms as Iron Dome intercepts the incoming rockets can be terrifying for many people. Little children, especially are easily traumatized by having to run for cover. Through Justin’s gift, fear, trauma and ashes could be transformed into beauty and hope.
Justin was inspired to paint a large tallit, prayer shawl wrapped over the entrance to the shelter. It was a sign of G-do’s abiding presence. People were beginning to take notice as he painted. Rabbis stopped to admire his work. Justin painted a verse from Psalm 16:1, a Psalm of David, in Hebrew: Preserve me, O G-d. You are my shelter.”
Stepping inside, instead of being greeted by cold, gray walls, Justin painted the seven-branched menorah that stands in the Old City of Jerusalem, its flames almost alive, glowing brightly. It was truly an inspired vision and a way to share the message of hope and G-do’s love and mercy to His people. It is the national symbol of Israel and has become his signature inside each bomb shelter. “The menorah is a sign of the victory of the Jews over their enemies. It is an eternal symbol that proclaims ‘I am with you always,” explained Justin.
The chief Chabad rabbi of Tiberias sent a video of the finished shelter to the chief Chabad rabbi of Sydney. It was shared with the public on the last night of Chanukah, giving a loving message of perseverance to the Jewish people of Australia. The video soon spread throughout Jewish congregations worldwide:
After this first shelter project, 50 more quickly became available throughout the Galilee, in Tiberias and he Holy City of Tsfat. Justin has received a commission to decorate magenit at playgrounds, skate parks, bus stops and schools. Thus far, six have been completed.
Returning to Jerusalem, Justin bumped into wildly popular social media influencer and Jewish/Israel activist, Zack Sage Fox at the Kotel (Westen Wall). He was visiting from the States.The two did an interview on the spot and Justin’s fame spread like wildfire. I met up with Justin a couple days thereafter. He is totally a bridge between Australia and Israel, the Christian Zionists and the Israeli people.
Justin had to leave as his visa was up, but is praying that the Australian and Israeli governments will grant him a long term visa which will enable him to see the new art project to its completion. “We are all called to be light wherever we go,” he told us over coffee. “We embody His living Torah; we are to do good works and serve others in love, to bring joy and hope to those we meet. We are each given specific gifts and talents that make up our unique identity. If everyone used the gifts given us, for the betterment of the world, this would be a better place.”
The longer we live in Israel, the more reasons John and I find to fall in love with this country. I always thought Americans were unparalleled in their giving….and they ARE! But the Israelis!!! For good reasons, native Israelis are called sabras, or cacti. The cactus is rough and prickly on the outside. If anyone has ever accidentally rubbed up against a cactus…ouch!! Watch out! But inside the flat green plates and the purple fruits is luscious juicy sweetness that just drips out. Israelis are much the same way: abrasive and tough on first encounter, but with hearts of pure gold. The entire story of Yad Sarah is a prime example. But first, a little backstory-
O.K. So I am now using crutches or walking sticks as my back, hips and knees are at the crumbling stage. No biggie. My crutches help when I really need them and absolutely nothing will stop me. When we were in Venice in October, I propped my crutches up on a balustrade over one of the canals to take the most gorgeous selfie of John and myself. And that’s when it happened. One of my rather expensive sticks slipped into the canal. It floated on the surface for about four seconds, as if it was waiting to see if my dear husband would jump in and rescue it – and then, glug glug glug, sunk down to the bottom of the Venetian canal.
Two weeks ago, I visited our local Yad Sarah. I’ve seen the signs pointing to their branches in various cities, and have heard many people talk about using their services, but never really paid much attention to this most amazing organization. Yad Sarah is a non-government, non-profit volunteer service. They have offices in almost every Israeli city, many Arab villages, and in the larger kibbutzim and moshavim.
In Jerusalem, 1976, a rabbi and high school teacher, Uri Lupolianskineeded a vaporizer for his sick child. He searched drug stores and medical supply stores throughout Jerusalem, eventually finding one to borrow from a neighbor who had immigrated from the States. Seeing an immediate need, with a large vision and a small amount of seed money, Lupolianski started Yad Sarah in memory of his Grandma Sarah who had died I the Shoah. He started by procuring and lending small home medical equipment to those in need: wheelchairs, crutches, vaporizers, oxygen tanks, etc.
Today, Yad Sarah is the largest volunteer organization in the country, with over 9,000 volunteers. It has grown exponentially over the past decades, allowing patients to rehab in home, thereby staying out of the hospital and long term care centers. Every one of two families has been helped by Yad Sarah in some way. The branches provide everything from hospital beds to apnea monitors; breast pumps to nebulizers; shower chairs, toilet lifts, and post-surgical walking boots. Lent for free to the poor, home bound and elderly, this saves the country over $350 million annually in medical costs.
As if this was not enough (Illu!), students do internships and residencies for university credit, helping in the fields of occupational and physical therapy, child development, gerontology, social services, psychological services, and even legal work. The larger Yad Sarah centers offer help in preparing advanced medical directives and wills. There are counselors who advise the elderly and poor on their medical rights and with contracts.
Professionally trained volunteers at many Yad Sarah centers work with children ages 3-12 who have developmental issues, autism, ADD and other problems. They offer art and music therapy and even provide parenting classes for free or a nominal cost. There are day centers I Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Renaana, and Netanya that service disabled and challenged of all ages. They offer everything from volunteer organized and staffed yoga, art, music, dance and exercise, and even horticulture classes. The various services offered are truly amazing! Complete courses in computer skills and basic programming are offered to the disabled so they can enter the workforce as well as interface online.
Some of the larger cities have Yad Sarah offshoots. Gil Zahav is one of them. In Hebrew, senior citizens are called Gil Zahav, or Golden Agers. Seeing the need for the expanding older population, Yad Sarah established centrally located spaces where the seniors can meet for classes and social events. There are lectures and activities, field trips planned, movies and concerts shown and beauty (hair, manicures) and light medical services (podiatry days, dermatology days) provided for very low cost. All Gil Zahav places offer light snacks and meals, some are even equipped with cafeterias.
Horticulture class at Gil Zahav center
Also available for the elderly are geriatric dental services. This even includes a mobile dentistry unit that travels to more out-of-the-way locations. Dentists and hygienists volunteer one day a month to keep this service running. Volunteers from Yad Sarah drive shuttles that are specially equipped for disabled. They provide rides to and from clinics, shopping centers and grocery stores and even airport shuttle services. There are also special programs for shuttling disabled tourists, everything being arranged in advanced from the main center in Jerusalem.
“Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!!!” If you are from the United States, you will easily recognize this commercial for home medical alert systems. The system was developed by Yad Sarah volunteers here in Israel. A need was recognized and solved and wall-mounted and wrist-worn medical alerts were provided for a small fee. The alarm system once activated goes to a central 24-hour YadSarah control which is then immediately routed to United Hatzalah (motorcycle paramedics), Magen David Adom (ambulance), police, or other necessary unit. As an extension, the Azakah Gan, or kindergarten alarm was installed in every kindergarten as an alarm in the event of a terror attack, G-d forbid.
The services just go on and on and on. We spoke with Alan, one of our local Yad Sarah volunteer staff, who gave us an extensive list of all their services. There are people, who, for a nominal charge, will pick up soiled linens from the home bound, wash and return them within two days. There is a meal delivery service, which for a small monthly fee, provides hot Kosher meals daily. This is contracted out to a local catering service and is much like a meals on wheels program. On staff here are four gentlemen who donate some of their time as shiputzniks, or handy men. They will go to the apartment or home of an elderly or home bound person and offer small fix-it and plumbing jobs at no cost. It’s considered a mitzvah, a good deed to a fellow human being.
All the equipment that is lent out (larger or more expensive items are loaned for a small, refundable security deposit for a renewable period of three months) is either donated new or refurbished. All items are cleaned and sterilized by an all-volunteer staff. The items are inventoried in centrally located warehouses, labeled and sent out again. A brand new six month training course offered to new immigrants (in the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas) by Yad Sarah certifies them to correctly assemble and package medical equipment. This provides these usually low-income, lower skill set people from countries like Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union with future employment opportunities. It also gives them a way to integrate fully into their new country. What a great idea!!
Especially during this time in our country, Yad Sarah offers Rehab Centers and services for wounded soldiers. Not only are they helping with physical therapy but also emotional and psychological therapy is provided to soldier with PTSD. And now, services have been extended to all those affected by the trauma of war. As if all this was not enough, Yad Sarah also provides a myriad of service to victims of domestic abuse. In women’s restroom stalls throughout the country, there are stickers notifying victims of abuse of how and where to receive help.
An injured soldier receives help
Yad Sarah has won many awards for service and charity including the Israel Award and recognition by the UN (really!). This organization has expanded its training modules to underserved countries throughout Africa and into Asia. Effective, accessible and affordable medical services in order to raise the dignity and worth of every individual is their primary mission.
Yad Sarah is the most amazing organization I’ve ever encountered. Yes, their central offices in Jerusalem are staffed with paid employees. But most of the medical equipment and service vans are provided by generous donations from both within Israel and abroad. Local and international charity drives are often held. When renting a medical device, if the person is able, small extra monetary donations are gladly welcomed. Tax deductible receipts for all donations are given. This is one group we will gladly support, both monetarily and with our time.
If you are within Israel, reading about this for the first time and are I need, contact *6444. Someone will be available to answer your questions in Hebrew, Russian, English, Arabic, Spanish, French or Amharic. There are fundraising branches for Yad Sarah set up in The UK, US, and Canada. To be added to their mailing list or to make a charitable, tax-deductible donation, go to Friendsofyadsarah.org.
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.
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.
For those of you who tried using the link I gave for providing needed gear to the soldiers, here is a correct and direct link:
Causematch.com/bc
Gia displays his new protective gear
Gia came over to thank us for the gear and had John put the vest on. He was elated. Gia patrols the Northern border between Israel and Samaria (aka West Bank). It’s more than dangerous with hidden roadside IEDs and armed militants.
What more can I add? We pray the Psalms mostly in addition tomorrow other prayers. I listen to what in America would be called worship songs, mostly in Hebrew. Everything is packed for our trip. All the laundry is done. The house is fairly clean. The saferoom ready to go. This morning I gave John a haircut. Watered the garden. Made tuna salad. Made egg salad to last through until Sunday. We will be eating our Shabbat dinner earlier than usual tonight.
After three days of mourning all the terrorists that were taken down, Friday night marks the intense waiting period. Iran, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and possibly Turkey have vowed combined and punishing retribution. It could come as soon as tonight. Israel stands as ready as she will ever be. More communities were evacuated from places close to the Lebanese border. Whole cities. Small kibbutzim. Factories using hazardous materials were ordered to shutter and secure by noon yesterday. Citizens have been told to stay close to shelters and be familiar with surroundings. No panic. No fear. Just be aware.
We were told to not use cell phones to film UAVs. I have had two friends in the States tell me to “never trust the government. By not photographing, they are trying to cover up something.” I have spoken with three tech people here in Israel. All have said the new UAV technology hones in on GPS signaling. By using a cell phone to take photos, your whereabouts could be tracked. Use caution. You don’t want to invite a surprise guest to your home.
We have not talked with our children. Our son is in camp. Our daughters do not listen to the news. We don’t want to worry them unnecessarily. Our plans to board a plane Sunday night for the States have not changed. We have planned this family reunion for six months now. It will be the first time the whole family has been really together with quiet, quality time, in almost 15 years. We have weddings, anniversaries and births to celebrate. We will be there….
We pray for angelic protection for all the troops as well as for all the citizens of Israel. We pray for a Divine shield of protection to fill in any gaps not supplied by Iron Dome, David’s Sling or the Arrow. We pray that the Spirit of G-d will be within and upon every single troop and all the members of our government. We pray that every stronghold of the enemy will be torn down. We pray that there will be no fear for the L-rd of Hosts goes before us.
As one of my favorite rabbis, Rabbi Michael Barclay of Ner Simcha in Westlake Village, CA (do we miss you now, Rabbi Michael!!!), the darkness might seem impenetrable, but there is Light and Light always defeats and follows the darkness. A new day is dawning. Just hold fast, hold onto HaShem and wait for that glorious Light which always appears. It’s just over the horizon. Day always follows night.
In the meantime I leave you with this update…. It is full of news you might not get in your country.
What I am listening to: (it is customary not to listen to music during the three week period leading up to Tisha b’Av on 13 August, but these are special times and I pray best with music….no apologies)
For observant Jews, today marks the beginning of the three weeks. It starts off on the 17th of the Hebrew month of Tammuz and ends on Tisha b’Av, the 9th of Av. Today, all over the world, Jewish people are fasting and praying. For those interested in the coincidences of history and bad omens for the Jewish people, it is an auspicious period. It marks a period of calamities and danger.
Events occurring on the 17th Tammuz include:
According to tradition, Moses broke the tablets with the Ten Commandments when he saw the Jewish people worshippping a golden calf
The beginning of the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem when daily sacrifices of sheep/lamb stopped under Nebuchadnezzar
The walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans in 69 AD after a long siege
The Three Weeks, Beyn haM’tsareem (in between the very narrow places), or Dire Straits is a period of repentance, prayer and mourning. Music is not listened to, there are no marriages or happy celebrations, the men do not shave or cut their hair, some refrain from eating meat, wearing bright clothes, jewelry, makeup or leather goods. In synagogue, portions of the Book of Lamentations are read as well as dark prophesies of Jeremiah and Isaiah.
Because really bad things usually happen at this time, the more superstitious will go as far as to refrain from any dangerous behavior, not undergoing unnecessary surgery, postponing flights and court cases on the weeks leading up to 9 Av.
Things really begin to heat up, both temperature wise here in the Northern Hemisphere as we go into the hottest part of summer and in the news cycle from 1 Av -9 Av. This year those days fall between sunset on 4 August until sunset on 13 August, 2024.
Now to get really creepy…. horrible things for the Jewish people seem to have taken place on the 9th Av. It is the absolute saddest day of the entire year. Some of the things that happened are:
10 of the 12 spies sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land came back with a bad report, thus dooming the Children of Israel to wander the desert for 40 years (1313 BC)
The First Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BC
The Second Temple (rebuilt) was completely torn down and burned on this exact day in 69 AD
The Bar Kochba Revolt was completely put down by the Romans in 133 AD
The Jewish community of Beitar was massacred by the Romans in 134 AD on 9 Av
The Romans plowed under the Temple Mount in 135 AD. Not a stone was left unturned (except for the Western Wall/the Kotel).
1099 the Crusaders entered Jerusalem and began to slaughter the Jews and Muslims there.. Some report as many as 70,000 were massacred and in the Holy City, the streets were filled with blood.
The Jews were expelled from England by “ King Edward l “Longshanks” (the same guy that fought William Wallace and the Scots) in 1290 AD.
The Kyburg, Switzerland Massacre of 1349 when 300-400 Jews were falsely accused of poisoning a well during the Black Death. Men and women were locked in a fortress and burned alive. The children under age 12 were saved but forcibly baptized.
In 1492, on Tisha b’Av, the Jews were expelled from Spain under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (of Columbus fame).
World War I starts on 9 Av as Germany declared war on Russia.
The disengagement plan for Israel to give Gaza to the Palestinians, declaring it free of Jews, was implemented on Tisha b’Av, 2005
Today the world is more interesting than ever. More Biblical prophecies have been fulfilled in the last 75 years than at any other time in history. In every book of the Old Testament the Ingathering of the Children of Israel (we call it kibbutz galuyot) back into their land after exile is written (Jeremiah 52:31, Ezekiel 11:17, Psalm 106:47, Jeremiah 29:14…)It began in the late 1800s and is still going strong today (Deuteronomy 30:3-5) Lost tribes have been and are being identified (DNA) and have made Aliyah after millennia of being scattered and in obscurity. The people of Israel are again speaking Hebrew conversationally after it being only used liturgically for over 2000 years as a holy tongue (Zephaniah 3:9) Vineyards are once again being planted on the mountains of Samaria (Jeremiah 31:5) Knowledge is increasing at an unheard of rate (Daniel 12).
Zechariah 12:3, which refers to Jerusalem in the end times says, “And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it.” Ezekiel further states that all nations of the earth will come against Israel. It sure appears that things are at least heading in that direction today.
Orthodox Jews throughout the world are crying out for Moshiach, the Messiah to come. It is not u common to see groups of Chabadnikim or Nanachs singing and dancing, “Moshiach!Moshiach!” here in Israel. Or to drive and see the words on a billboard “We want Moshiach now!” A must-visit place in the Old City of Jerusalem is the Temple Research Institute. These guys have studied and produced all the accoutrements necessary for the Third Temple and have the priestly line set up (Cohenim) to resume animal sacrifice. It’s incredibly interesting, and a little scary.
The Muslims are crying out for their version of the Messiah, the Mahdi. Some say that he is alive and walks among us somewhere in the Middle East Today. For them, he will only come and set up his caliphate when there is enough chaos and the bloodshed of infidels on the earth. That is very, very frightening.
Christians are awaiting the return of their Messiah, and his descent to Jerusalem to set up his kingdom of peace and justice. Everywhere people are trying to hasten the coming of their messiah. And so much is happening on a daily basis here and around the world, that it’s positively head-spinning. Every single day I hear someone say “May Moshiach come quickly and in our day.”
I have no idea when this will happen or how it will all actually play out. I’m no prophet, but I do find all of this so incredibly fascinating. I will tell you, that every year during the Three Week period, I become hyper aware of global events concerning Israel. With Netanyahu giving a speech before Congress in DC tomorrow, a planned meeting with the President (will it actually happen???), the huge rocket barrage near our house last night, and all the other happenings focused on this part of the world, this will also be a time of fasting and prayer for me.
Israel Dreams 