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October 26, 2025

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culture, Entertainment, Israel, Hizbulla war, hostages, israel, Israel Gaza war, israel lifestyle, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Music, Uncategorized, War stories

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The Music That Carried Us. 26 October, 2025

This is a longer, but hopefully, vey enjoyable post that you can do at your leisure. Over the past two years I’ve been adding to my playlist of songs that were written and became popular since 7 October, 2025. There are many different genres and I have included as many translations as possible.

For us, 7 October, which should have been the most joyous religious and family holiday turned into a surreal nightmare. We were all shocked to the core, frightened at the possibilities of what would come next as our men and women were called up to defend our country. Would there be more attacks from other borders? We kept hearing of the atrocities and the body count kept climbing. 253 people had been brutally taken hostage into Gaza, the oldest was 86 years old and the youngest only 7 months. We were like zombies those first few weeks, but those that stayed behind sprang into action, gathering supplies, cooking meals and doing everything we knew how to help the troops.

The Jewish people throughout history have been a musical people. Our prayers all have chants and melodies that reflect the places we’ve wandered. We sang at the crossing of the Red Sea (Miriam, who led us in praise and worship was over 90 years old at the time!!!). Young David calmed the frayed nerves of King Saul with the music of the harp. The Levites sang at the Temple. And David the King, composed and sang many of the Tehillim, the Psalms.

Music has sustained us through all of our troubles. Through our joys as well. The melodies carry us through tears and laughter, through death and life. We sing at funerals. We sing at weddings. And we sing and dance before battle.

The songs that have come out of the massacre and subsequent war are songs of hope and longing for better days. Many are patriotic, rallying the troops and lifting the country. Some are therapeutic. They comfort those who mourn and those with survivor’s guilt and PTSD. There are songs of anger and defiance and always songs that call upon G-d. For help, for strength, for protection.

The entire country, just weeks before the war started, split into fighting factions calling for a civil war, was now completely united. One soul, one spirit, one body. We were all brothers, all family. And the song “Acheinu” came to the forefront. Everyone was singing it.

As for our brothers and sisters, the whole house of Israel, who are given over to trouble or captivity, whether they abide on the sea or on dry land: May the All-present have mercy upon them, and bring them forth from trouble to relief,from darkness to light, and from subjugation to redemption, now, speedily and at a near time. Now let us say, Amen.

https://youtu.be/q5DmDnTSMKI?si=rxdH76Z5tn-WqUY7

Hanan Ben Ari’s song from 2020, Shevori Lev….”My Heart is Broken” became a national hymn. We heard it on the radio, on loudspeakers in the malls, and on social media.

Who knows every pain? Who repairs every broken heart? Creates light and darkness? Makes peace and war? Who sits in judgement? Covers in mercy? Pardons and forgives? Sees no knows all? And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end…. Who was, is no will be. Who takes and gives. Renewed life. Opens arms. Grows wings. And who will heal my heart? For whom am I longing….like the sea that has no shore. Just tell me who will embrace me and ensure that I will not give up in the end-

https://youtu.be/z27MZP_4P_U?si=6Hw1hHD2rTpz9dD1

My favorite Israeli artist, Idan Raichel, composed the most gorgeous (they are all gorgeous) and poignant (they are all heart-wrenching) song and melody that became a sudden hit. All of Israel’s artists seemed to be expressing the heart and soul of the nation in their compositions. This one is Tachzor, “Return” sung by Roni Dalumi. It was released just 3 weeks after the attacks.

Return. Return today. I wish you would just come (show up) without any advance notice. Return.

A simple song. A haunting melody. The anguish and longing of a people.

https://youtu.be/sTXAA96W1Ww?si=gAL8cKWB4xo7eaSL

There were songs that were prayers for our military. The prayer John and I pray daily over those defending our country wherever they may be…from distress, sickness, friendly fire, booby traps, kidnapping attempt. Please G-d, keep them safe. Go before them and lead them to victory.

The first video is the traditional version is usually by the IDF choir and cantor. This clip s by the Maccabeats, a male a capella group. I chose this version because it includes the English translation.

The next (video clip) version which starts off with footage of the Six Day War, then the traditional prayer as interpreted by Subliminal went viral. The first is a prayer. The second a rally cry of war and defiance for the strength of G-d to be with the troops in victory and in battle.

https://youtu.be/fvOYgHCihIU?si=D8nRRtSE6rZatkfU

https://youtu.be/efHekdRUOJs?si=-gFrO-i9kPJx8sU4

The men were being called up. All divisions. It was, at first thought, that less than 50% of reservists would answer the call. Instead it was over 100%. People of all ages were volunteering and those that had moved to other countries were flying back home to join. Lone soldiers, kids who leave their homes and families in other countries flew to Israel to enlist. It was incredible.

Here are three of the most popular tunes. There are many more. The first extols the virtues and strength of the Golani Brigade, true infantrymen and women. True fighters. The first lines of defense. “Golani Shell,” “My Golani Unit” is sung by Raviv Coner

https://youtu.be/LRN6QrVuR3E?si=diYqLpOq5UdHOP-d

Israeli national treasure, composer and singer, Yehuda Gaon is still going strong at age 85. I listened to his songs as a teenager. He’s amazing. I’ve seen him perform live several times. This time he filmed himself with the young men and women of the different branches of the IDF. They sing an old song of his: “LoT’nats’chu Oti” – “You Will Not Defeat Me” It is a song of unity, patriotism and strength. And now it has new verses and a new look. It was recorded a mere month after 7 October.

https://youtu.be/7yMw3vG4_kU?si=1UJOLK3mMfmzwveB

We have a saying here in Israel, that during wartime, the kindergarten teacher has a secret identity -she’s really a paramedic. And the lawyer at his desk is a rooftop sniper. My dentist, well, he drives a tank. And the construction worker – he saps (undetonates) bombs. The university student now carries a gun again and my aunt is a radio control tower engineer. Together they are superheroes. The song is done by Hatikvah 6, a very popular group.

(If you have ever watched Fauda, you will see in this video, the Israeli actor, singer and pop superstar, Idan Amedeo. He served in Gaza on the front lines, was injured severely at the beginning of the war, recovered and went back to his unit. Then he was crirtoically injured when an IED exploded. Burned almost beyond recognition, they didn’t know if he’d make it. He had shrapnel throughout his body. After months of rehab, determination,faith and hard work, the entire state of Israel celebrated when he left the hospital, walking on his own).

https://youtu.be/CUaDobraZ1k?si=LXMcgUp7FRJuB2ed

Another by Hatikvah 6 is a rally cry for the IDF….a family of fighters. Again, this one is a roll call for all the different units of the army. “Proudly protecting the Land and its people without fear…and a little crazy, a little fun. Whether with a cannon or a stretcher on my shoulder. We are here for one another. Don’t mess with us. We are the IDF family.” Each unit has its own cheer and this song celebrates that. It is the “Hymn to the Army”

https://youtu.be/V5SpIgH7VHI?si=3uF-0otHhUuBclun

My absolute favorite raw, angry, “Go get ‘em” anthem is “Harbu Darbu.” It was a number one radio hit for a couple months. The Hebrew stand kind of translates into “Swords and Strikes.” Basically

A “don’t mess with us. This time you chose the wrong fight. We are coming after you. And we are never backing down” anthem. It’s really angry, but so were we. In this rap-style song by the duo, Nes and Stilla, every army unit is called up roll call style.

Who are you rats crawling out of the effing tunnels and you people shouting at us ‘Free Palestine? who do you think you are, you children of Amalek? We brought the whole army out to meet you: all in uniforms, men, women, young and old. This time there will be no stopping us….. roll call”

https://youtu.be/1rk3n9V-aQs?si=sWNCFfRtiGXzfZwO

We were angry, but we were also hurting and missing our loved ones. Several songs came out in the memory of a particular person who was killed. And there was survivors’ guilt. This song affirms that it is ok not to be ok. It is ok to be alone. It is ok to want to be with people. It is ok to cry, but it is ok to laugh with friends. It is ok to not want to get up in the morning. It is fine to talks a walk in the forest. It is ok to move on, and it is ok not to. It is ok to not be ok….” The song was done by survivors of the Nova Music Festival and the attacks on the kibbutzim.

https://youtu.be/WlBWOrLqErI?si=fNcpmdbPp1298W6o

We wear a wounded people, and yet this upbeat sounding song tells of the waitinumg. Waiting for the soldiers to come home on leave…please G-d. For the hostages to walk through the door. Come home!! Every Thursday and Friday I had to hold back tears watching video clips of soldiers returning home after weeks of battle…to the arms of their little children. The screams of the wives and the tears of the parents.

https://youtu.be/2p3rtnQ_7y4?si=HLtek-vJuzU741Bx

The following by Ishay Ribo became a number one hit. A song of faith. And of return…of a different kind. A return to G-d. And the country answered with a resounding call to faith that has lasted even until today.

https://youtu.be/Y30pfWIQfoo?si=6jxYL8dVenM3ylU_

And another by Ishay Ribo, “HaLev Sheli“.

My Heart 

My heart is split in

My heart is split in two

What the maidservant could not see by the water

Like a storm from the sea, it pounds

Like Miriam’s timbrel, it beats

And there is no cure in the world

My heart surrenders

https://youtu.be/6U_5KhaH6IM?si=yVGrwLmqvzk2yXi_

For two years, Israel’s entries into the Eurovision international song competition carried the nation and showed our hearts. They were ridiculed and rejected, scoring very low with the judges, but winning the votes of the people. This year, the competition hosts vowed to cancel if Israel was a participant, but after weeks of protests, we were allowed back into the show.

The first song, October Rain, was disqualified. It caused quite a stir as the lyrics were “too political”. They ere not. So the writers got together and worked out new lyrics and the song, still full of emotion, still waiting for the captives to return, with us on the other side in the middle of a hurricane…. Hence, “Hurricane”.

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4?si=5CeaJhC5OJguRz97

The next song, actually an homage to the Bibas family (the mom, Sheri, the dad and two babies…red headed Ariel and Kfir….stole our hearts. They loved to watch Batman cartoons together. Notice the costume worn by singer, Yuval Rafael….This is a song of hope, strength and optimism. “A New Day Will Rise.”

Note: There is a backstory behind the singer, Yuval Raphael. She attended the Nova Festival with friends. When they realized they were under a severe attack, many of the young people ran to the bomb shelters across the highway. Shelters that were meant for 20 people were packed with 60. Terrorists were shooting and throwing grenades into the concrete bunkers. Many were killed that way. Yuval was in the back of a shelter texting her dad the entire time. He told her to play dead. Her friends were killed next to her and on top of her and she lay wounded and bleeding until being rescued 16 hours later. Yuval would go on to star in and win the Israeli version of The Voice. She was chosen to represent Israel in Eurovision 2025.

https://youtu.be/_7zHp51j2WM?si=fGYrHl7esjinE59Z

I believe it was around the holiday of Purim last year (Queen Esther and Mordechai against Haman and the evil decree to genocide the Jews) that a young soldier in the IDF (he’d only been in service a couple weeks) shot Yahya Sinwar, military commander of Hamas. The evil Hamas was eliminated. And of course, within 24 hours, there was a song-

https://youtu.be/huQxm8YmUPM?si=H0i8I3294a-xshn8

Here are some many more songs. A simple young fellow wrote a simple song about G-do’s love for each and every one of us. The chorus goes- We are loved unconditionally by Him and only good and blessings are bestowed upon us. It will only. Get better and better. This song is played absolutely everywhere all the time. At weddings and funeral, pro Israel rallies and in the army. It is our theme. ״Tamid Ohev Oti” “He Always Loves Me (and blesses me)” Get ready to dance!

https://youtu.be/_7zHp51j2WM?si=eRaTrU9hTcWcBF3W

I know I am leaving out so many. I especially love seeing the Ruach ha Kodesh, the spirit of HaShem, rush mightily upon our soldiers. They sing of G-des protection and blessing. “No fear for He is with us. The people of Israel live. In the spirit of David against the enemies, the Philistines, we also have the victory. The Holy One, Blessed be He is King. there is no other. We pray for all our children. We protect our country. We pray for G-do’s blessings. We are not afraid. Who is meshuggeh/crazy (the rally. Cry of the Golani Brigade) We are crazy and We are not afraid. G-d is king now, then and forever and we give Him thanks and praise…..”

https://youtu.be/5eJqw0t3e9c?si=lOSKSAAjvc99a-CJ

And of course…no list would be complete without the song “ Am Yisrael Chai” – The People of Israel live!! By Eyal Golan

https://youtu.be/1HgKB4-kQdA?si=ORbI-xLQnN5tbGnOhttps://youtu.be/1HgKB4-kQdA?si=ORbI-xLQnN5tbGnO

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May 12, 2025

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art, culture, Entertainment, Israel, hostages, israel, israel lifestyle, israel news, israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, MidEast, Music, Uncategorized, War stories

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A Star Rising. Day 584. 8 May, 2025

Starting off with accentuating the positive. I’ve lived in Israel for a decade now. Hard to believe how fast it’s gone by. There are LOTS of things we can criticize and find fault with, but today I’d like to start off by accentuating the positive. Things I’ve come to love or find really amusing.

I love flying on ElAl with a bunch of Israelis. Seriously. Besides good food (they feed you like a Jewish momma and you’ll never leave the flight hungry), at the end of the flight, just as the plane touches down, everyone breaks into thunderous applause. It’s a tradition and a way of saying thank you to the pilot and crew. Also a way of being thankful for a safe trip. It’s amazing!!!

Now, the pre-flight fun – or any time Israelis are asked to queue up. They have absolutely no concept of how to form a line. Our last flight we passed the counters and check ins for Singapore, Netherlands, American, Italy…. All super straight, super organized, well-formed lines. Israel?

Inability to form straight lines

And don’t get us started about the lines at the grocery store or the inability to have personal space when you use the Cespomat (ATM). It’s totally hysterical.

I love eating seasonally. In America, we always had everything produce wise all season long. I could find peaches in November and grapes in January. Brussels sprouts and gourds could be bought all year long. Oooo, I have a hankering for blueberries. No problem. Here, I’ve come to savor strawberry season from Chanukah to Passover. And then the stone fruits. After what seemed like forever, they finally come out early summer….peaches, nectarines, cherries. Then,they are gone until next summer. In the winter, I look forward to the delicious Jaffa oranges, and the CaraCara and blood oranges, which are available for about a month. Limes can be found late, late summer. So I buy 40 to freeze for use throughout the year. But in general, I’ve learned to miss the transience of some things, while I anticipate the coming of others.

I love that, for the most part, we are all one big family here. Sure, we disagree about everything, but when someone is in need, there is always a stranger or five who step in to help. Great examples of this happened just this week. For the first… on Sunday morning there was a red alert signal throughout central Israel. When the siren goes off, you pull over and take cover the best you can. A young father jumped out of the car, unstrapped his 5 week old baby and rushed to the side of the road seeking shelter beside a wall. A stranger crouched in front of him, wrapping his arms around both the father and child, shielding them with his own body from any falling shrapnel. We look out for each other.

Yesterday, a friend down in the center of Israel called. Her husband had just been called back to reserve duty in Gaza. He left Or behind with a three year old and a 4 month old. Tomer, the husband, is the kind of guy who fills his wife’s gas tank, brings her coffee every morning, takes care of much business so she can care for her children and run her own small business (Or has an Etsy shop). Or’s neighbor knew how overwhelmed she was with a teething baby and absent husband, so she made her a week’s worth of hot meals. Just because. We take care of each other.

I really find it amusing at how superstitious many Israelis are. G-d forbid you should say anything negative about yourself or your family – you wouldn’t want to tempt trouble. My husband often expresses in public how stupid he is (joking), and it flips these people out. You never say anything bad about yourself. And if there’s talk of impending danger be it health or wealth or other, then khas v’halillah, don’t tempt the evil eye, tfu, tfu, tfu. So I cracked up last week when John spit through his fingers and said tfu, tfu, tfu. He’s really becoming one of them.

I love how connected most Israelis are to nature. Planting trees, Going for hikes. Concerned about sustainability in a good way. How every Jewish neighborhood is mandated to have a park within walking distance.

And how family oriented people are. It is not at all uncommon for couples to marry early and have a large family of 4 or more children. There are little kids running everywhere. It’s really healthy to see. Or how the families come together every weekend for Friday night dinners. And just Fridays in general when the busyness of the week slows down. The DJs on the radio play much more relaxed and mellow music and the noise of the city dissolves away. To wake up every Saturday morning to birds chirping. No leaf blowers. No garbage trucks. No motorcycles or blaring music. Just quiet. I love it. “And what did you do all Shabbat?” “I just rested. Betten gahv.” I love this idiom!!!! It translates ‘stomach back,’ but just means to be a slug. Flip over from one side to the other. Just resting from stomach to back. I did nothing. Betten gahv.

I love making an appointment at the clinic and being seen by a doctor in less than 15 minutes. No waiting in a treatment room for hours. The doctor is right there. You go into the room and sit down and your appointment starts. When I go to my regular doctor in California, I make my appointment months ahead of time, sit in the waiting room for a good hour, and then the treatment room for at least another hour. It’s maddening. It would never be stood for here.

Last week, we discovered a small family of mice who had taken up residence in our larder (downstairs pantry). John went to the hardware store to buy some mousetraps, only to find out that they don’t sell the kind that kill or harm the animals here in Israel. The country is so darned humane and has such a respect for life that the only traps available are catch and release cages. So….John set the bait in the cages and within four days had caught all the mice and released them into far away olive groves. So much for a country bent on ‘genocide-‘

When I lived in the United States I had never heard of Eurovision. It’s a very big deal in Europe and Eurasia. An international pop music contest that has taken place for almost 60 years, it has launched careers of Abba and Celine Dion. Israel has been a participant since its inception.

I got in on the craze for the first time last year with the song “Hurricane” (fantastic) sung by Eden Golan. It was a highly contested entry because the original song, “October Rain” was deemed too controversial. The organizers had complaints that the original song was too political, so it was slightly modified. Eden Golan participated in the contest under heavy protection. She had received numerous death threats and had to be escorted by bodyguards wherever she went. Her song was booed when done live, but the performance (song, voice, set, dancers) was so wonderful, she got fourth place (out of 36 entries). It was the number one song in Israel all last year.

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4?si=CpOmftp-aE2AKKO5

This year, the story gets even better. Yuval Raphael attended the Nova Music Festival with her friends that fated October morning in 2023. When the shelling started and the Hamas terrorists invaded the Israeli border communities, Yuval took shelter in one of the concrete bunkers on the side of the road. Normal capacity is about 20 people, but over 50 young concert goers crowded into the bomb shelter. Yuval was texting her parents through the whole ordeal.

The terrorists came around and started sending volleys of bullets from their machine guns right into the shelters, killing and wounding several kids. One Gazan threw a grenade into the shelter. It was tossed back by a young IDF soldier inside. Then another. He threw the grenade out. Seven times. Over and over. The brave soldier kept catching and throwing the grenade outside where it exploded. Then on the eight time, the grenade exploders inside the shelter killing scores. Yuval and her friend were at the back. Dead bodies piled on top of them.

Her father told her “Play dead. Don’t move. Don’t make a noise.” Hamas kept coming back, shooting into the shelter. It was a living nightmare that lasted for over 8 hours. Finally her father, defying all roadblocks and odds came to rescue her. She survived the Nova massacre, albeit wounded. Now she’s facing hate at Eurovision. Over 70 past Eurovision stars as well as present entries are calling for Miss Raphael to be banned because of her ethnicity/nationality. (Her family has Kurdish, Iraqi, Persian and French roots).

Yuval never sang professionally, but decided to enter into Israel’s version of The Voice, The Next Star, last January. It was part of her healing process. Her performance was so shattering, that she not only won that competition, but was immediately chosen to be Israel’s representative for Eurovision. “I’m coming to Eurovision to sing for all the angels who can’t be here. I survived, I have to make the most out of my life to honor them.” Have we talked of Israeli resilience before???? This is Yuval giving her story and her song on The Next Star. It’s a MUST WATCH AND SHARE! Get your tissues out. Seriously. You’ll cry- (close caption translations…)

https://youtu.be/OUeejYiU8LA?si=K8LJMyVN7NBSBZXj

Is she not poised, beautiful, amazing, brave?? You can see more, full interviews with her testimony on YouTube. Fluent in Hebrew, English and French (her family lived in Switzerland and now she returns to Switzerland for the competition). Such a talent! Such a person to represent our country. This is the music video that was made for her entry into Eurovision.

https://youtu.be/Q3BELu4z6-U?si=8ElYEXRj0S-H4xIw

The semifinal round is coming up this weekend. Yuval has already had to face threats and is heavily guarded. Wherever she is escorted in Switzerland, this 24 year old has had to face massive anti-Israel/pro-Gaza protests and demonstrations. With the backlash against Israel in the world, it’s pretty much a surety that she will not win. Still- we shall see how it shakes out.

You can follow (and vote for your favorite contestant) the Eurovision contest live. It’s being live-streamed across the internet. Most of the groups and performers are pretty sleezy to say the least. It’s known for its wackiness for the most part. I shall report back on how Yuval Raphael placed.

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February 7, 2025

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israel, israel lifestyle, israel news, israel. nature. spring. galilee., israeli hostages in Gaza, Israeli-Gaza War, MidEast, spirituality, Uncategorized, War stories

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Feel Good Friday 7 February,2025

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-d
February, 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.

https://youtu.be/rgSvk335zis?si=ogmmUMcIm-gJxijz

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.

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August 2, 2024

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Battening Down the Hatches; Sending Up the Prayers. War Stories. Day 301

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.

https://youtu.be/4i0AYZS6OEE?si=7NqtWV3t2w7OshVY

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)

https://youtu.be/npNAjsobcao?si=B3TNIVQ2a5kiMO5o. (Psalm 121)

https://youtu.be/SEVRSKH54fs?si=rYRdUFT3FmqgBAWo. (Gen 32:10,11)

https://youtu.be/XWyKCgZusJY?si=VP-N2Z3rqBSSQbJn. (Master of the Universe, Lord of All…my father’s favorite song)

https://youtu.be/YHFAkmfodDs?si=cb04O7sgWjUyc9IJ. )I give thanks – to G-d with my whole body and heart for his love, the day, my spirit, the food, clothes, family, Day of Rest…)

https://youtu.be/P3uvhlcfliE?si=rcSHuQJTVSMF-SQZ. (A variation of the Shemah prayer)

https://youtu.be/Iq2vAldw8os?si=lerhQdNKg9XzC2CE (spread your shelter of peace over us and protect us….we sing this at the Shabbat table)

I also love the song “Oceans” but I don’t know the girl that sings it-

https://youtu.be/IIibg6xuu9Y?si=4OQ1Jo2alqE2V2y7

Lastly:

https://youtu.be/7dxk9kUTApg?si=KX3avc4mFw2zoCqx Prayer for the Soldiers of the IDF. See below)

I will try to give updates in the near future. In the meantime, May it be a not terribly exciting weekend.

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May 9, 2024

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Taking the World by Storm

It’s just the usual yesterday plus a score of missiles from Lebanon

So for today’s post I could write about the constant intrusions and rockets from Hizbulla…. or the way the IDF set up over 450,000 tents and shelters with cots, cookstoves ( no, the innocent Gazans are not reporting to wood and trash fires to cook), water and medical attention. 8 hospitals have been fully staffed with doctors and medical personnel not associated with Hamas. They are for the Gazan civilians in need. There is also a special women’s center set up for maternity and OB/GYN needs. The staff is all women-

I could write about how Israel was not even included in the last round of hostages talks: the one where Hamas accepted a deal. Only they had changed it so radically and by then it was too late as every effort had been made to negotiate. Or how the IDF withdrew troops down to two battalions and put any attempts to enter Rafah on the Egyptian border and clear it of Hamas.

I was going to write about how the IDF did start to invade Rafah on Sunday night with surgical precision; how Hamas responded with rocket barrages into Israel; how in the morning, Hamas rockets landed on the Kerem Shalom Border Crossing. How 5 Israeli soldiers inspecting humanitarian aid shipments were killed, 4 injured, 3 trucks, and over a ton of food marked for entry into Gaza destroyed.

But no. Today I’m writing about a phenomenon that has swept all of Europe…and Israel. When I went to England, everyone was talking about (and my son-in-law’s sister’s husband was a respected commentator) who would win. Here, in Israel it’s reached a fever pitch. And no. It’s not Football/soccer.

It’s Eurovision!!!! Usually, we are not sucked in, but this year. Both my husband and I have been listening to all the entries and the pundits’ and social media influencers’ reviews of the 39 contestants. We listened to all of the first half of the entries Tuesday night. Tonight are the performances of the last 20.

I know Americans have The Voice and American Idol. But this is waaaay bigger. And this year there is major controversy. You see Israel (always a major contender and who has won four times, I believe), was not allowed to join at first because of the Israel-Gaza War. There were protests, petitions and threats to keep Israel out of the competition, but the Eurovision Committee decided at last to let Israel in.

The song to be entered was reviewed by the committee and rejected as being too political and too controversial in the midst of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It was titled October Rain. The song was reworked and resubmitted under the name Hurricane, with female vocalist Eden Golan singing. 20 year old Eden has recently immigrated to Israel from Russia, where she had won several vocal competitions. This is her big international debut.

I really was marginally interested until I heard the commentators from other countries’ reactions. Everyone was blown away and moved to absolute tears. Two anti-Israel people completely changed their bias and said they now understand where Israelis are coming from because of 7 October.

“We can bring everything we’re feeling and everything the country is going through in these three minutes,” stated Golan. It is a powerful song of loss and redemption, of strength in tough times. Compared with all the other entries, Eden Golan’s range, her emotion, her dramatic pauses put her in a league way above everyone else. Listen:

https://youtu.be/lJYn09tuPw4?si=pp6vaaUUWpS-NIYU

I’m so deeply moved by this song. We will definitely be watching tonight, hoping the politics are placed aside and that Israel comes across strongly enough to make it to the finals Saturday night. There are a couple countries that give stiff competition, but we shall see how the live performances go. Of course, we will be rooting for Eden Golan!

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August 29, 2022

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Israel’s Got Talent

When we moved from the greater Los Angeles area to Israel, we really felt we’d be giving up a lot. We were pretty spoiled, because LA/Hollywood is supported by “The [Entertainment] Industry” and so many of our friends and neighbors were connected in some way… stunt men, costume designers, editors, composers, musicians. We had so many musical genres represented from pop to hip hop and rap to Broadway, jazz and the best in classical with the Los Angeles Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Master Chorale and smaller opera companies, choruses, and conservatories. We were never at a loss for entertainment from rock concerts to childrens’ choirs and loved our summers at the Hollywood Bowl and season tickets to the opera.

I really didn’t know what to expect culturally when we first moved, but I was told that each large city had its own first-rate music conservatory. This was important, as our son was a trumpet player, and I wanted to afford him the opportunity to continue his lessons and have performance venues as well. In addition, throughout the year different cities and kibbutzim host all types of concerts and festivals featuring both local Israeli talent as well as talent brought in from abroad.

Music speaks to the soul and as such, is so important across cultures. We’ve had the chance to experience firsthand the local flavor of the Arabic music and have visited some of their music schools. We’ve enjoyed Yemenite bazooki concerts and French café style entertainment. The Ethiopians have brought with them their own heritage in liturgy and contemporary music and the immigrants from the former Soviet bloc countries are known for their early training in the classical arts. We’ve found Arab Christian bagpipe bands in Nazareth, a hold-over from when Scottish missionaries came to the Holy Land in the 1800s. And we even have a good friend who is the promoter of heavy metal concerts coming to Israel.

Each year, our local music conservatory hosts a fundraising concert with all the proceeds going back into community programs. At first, we were reticent to go, but now look forward to this event as the range of musical talent is representative of the diverse fabric of our society. There is a beautiful women’s chorus made up of religious Jewish, Arab Christian and Druze and secular young ledies. They sing liturgical, folk and classical chorale pieces.

There are several sopranos, who sing the standard art song repertoire in Italian, French, German and even Arabic:

https://videopress.com/v/Qhi49erC?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Our mid-sized city has so much talent, including a young woman cellist who has won several international competitions and will go on to study music after her army service; Russian siblings, ages 11 and 13, pianists who both perform solo and duets; a flutist from Canada and a Ukrainian balalaika player who has been performing professionally since he was six and now serves in the IDF, but made the time to play at this concert.

Karmi’el is one of several cities that prides itself on its Children’s Village. There are 200 children from grades 1-12 who live on the spacious and well-manicured campus. Some are orphans, but many come from broken, abusive or disfunctional families. Separated into 16 “mishpachtim” or family groups, they live in large, specially designed homes with sponsor parents and their families. All the kids attend the public schools, but return to the village for afternoon activities, clubs, music and dance lessons, therapy and sports. In this well-rounded program, the older children help with volunteer service projects within the city. Their success rate in academic excellence, reintegration into society, military service, sports and entertainment is unparalleled. One of the young men recently won Israel’s version of The Voice, Junior. Each year, they put on an amazing show for the community at our local theatre arts complex.

Just before the first wave of lockdowns due to the pandemic, John and I went to a hands-on drumming workshop in Nazareth. It was tremendous fun learning about the darbouka, made of wood or aluminum and covered with leather from donkey, goat, camel or skin, each having a different sound. Demonstrations even included a fish-skin covered tambourine, a bandir, based on the ancient models. The last clip in this series was an ancient Aramaic song from the book of the prophet Jonah: the prayer he made from the belly of the fish. The melody itself is centuries old.

During the summer, neighboring Tsfat hosts a three day Klezmer music festival. At Kfar Blum, a kibbutz in the Upper Galilee, there is a weeklong classical music festival. The kibbutz operates a first class hotel and the venues, for both indoor and outdoor concerts are said to be quite pleasant. The festival features vocal and instrumental music with world class guest artists from throughout the world. Jerusalem hosts an international oud festival (an ancient stringed instrument), and the Red Sea resort city of Eilat is famous for its international jazz festival.

In years past, in the Galilee, there was the twice annual Jacob’s Ladder Festival with the best in bluegrass, Celtic, and blues. Most festivals here are very family friendly with activities and workshops for even the youngest. In the early summer, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee at Ein GeV kibbutz, there is an choral music festival of mostly Hebrew and European choirs. It also includes a competition.

Speaking of competitions, Israel has been placing first in the Eurovision Competition, a huge international “Who’s Got Talent?” show broadcast throughout Europe. Israel hosted last year in Tel Aviv. The Abu Ghosh Music Festival (just south of Jerusalem) is home to a classical vocal competition in the Spring. Vocalists come from all over the globe. Performances are held in ancient churches and cultural arts centers in the area. Master classes are open to the public.

We had tickets to the Liturgical Festival, but because it was during the pandemic, the events were all livestreamed.

There’s something here for everyone. If you’re into indie, the InDNegev Festival each October is the place to be. The event has grown each year since 2007, and now includes art exhibitions, poetry readings, movies, and huge parties lasting all night. As with several of these types of festivals, camping is strongly encouraged. Every winter, there is also a Grateful Dead festival with live music cover bands as well as dance tents and hippie art shows. If raves are your thing, then there’s the Minus 424 (meters below sea level) Dead Sea Rave. Electronica, lots of DJs and laser light shows have festival goers dancing from sunset to sunrise with the red desert mountains as part of the surreal backdrop. And not to be outdone by America’s Burning Man Festival, there is the infamous Midburn Festival in the Negev Desert each October. A combination Woodstock, Coachella and Burning Man, the participants themselves are the ones who create the performances. They set up an entire weeklong installation in the desert. It has become so popular, that you need to know someone who is part of the event in order to get a ticket.

Israel is truly a crossroad of the world. Because of its proximity to Africa, and due to the influence of our Ethiopian, Eritrean, Nigerian and Ugandan immigrants and visa holders, there are several AfroBeat, AfroJazz, heritage and Reggae concerts throughout the year. Every city has multiple entertainment venues, and most events are free to the public, like the Nuite Francaise which even included a wine and cheese bar and ballroom dancers!


And of course, we have our own mega stars singing pop, hip hop, and indie folk. All during the summer, our Israeli entertainment icons perform concerts in amphitheaters all over the country, many are free, sponsored by the municipality.

(Warning: the next two video clips include bright, flashing lights-)

The very popular Hatikvah 6
Static & BenEl, a high energy boy band, is extremely popular here

Saving our favorite Israeli performer for last: John & I first heard the music of Idan Raichel in Los Angeles in 2010. We saw him at different locations in California and we haven’t missed one of his concerts here (which always sell out in hours). Idan first started performing (accordion) at age 12. He’d play for the dancers at the Karmi’el Dance Festival every year. Last year he, most deservedly, received an honorary PhD in philosophy from BarIlan University and has been named Israel’s Poet Laureate. His music is not only beautiful, but the words! About the beauty of life, of love and friendship, of peace and unity. Many international recording stars have teamed up with Raichel to form the world-beat Idan Raichel Project. It truly is peace through music. So I leave you with this- Enjoy!

Solo performance at the Elmaa Arts Center, Zichron Yaakov