Shalom All!
What can I say? Things have more or less settled into a routine. However, about a week or so ago I definitely had a unique experience while helping Israel keep on top of their security. Earlier in the Ulpan some of the students were selected to participate in security check exercises at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Yours truly volunteered to participate! I got to meet some of the security administrators and go into those restricted areas you don't usually get to enter. On top of that I got to intentionally lie to the security at the airport! Don't worry, family. All was under survellience and I was perfectly safe, and just so you know Israel's security is really good!
We did two trips - one to Tel Aviv & Jaffo and the other to Jerusalem. In Tel Aviv/Jaffo we went to the home of the first mayor of Tel Aviv which is where the leaders declared the state of Israel in May of 1948. We went through the old city of Jaffo and saw the port. Jaffo was the main port/entrance into the land of Israel for ages - thus it was the port from where Jonah tried to flee and probably where King Solomon had the wood from Lebanon sent in order to make overland transportation shorter - the wood of course being for the construction of the first Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
In Jerusalem we visited the Yad Vashem Museum which a Holocaust Museum and research center. By the way it is also where President Bush will be visiting on his 3 day stay here. It is an overwhelming musuem and definitely worth more than one visit. Anything I say will be an understatement but it was terrible to see the capacity to which man can degrade to.
I must say it's been interesting being in Jerusalem during Bush's visit. We're pretty certain that we heard/saw the heliocopters carrying him and/or his personnel en route to Jerusalem as Tzuba is on the way. Also, several streets were closed in Jerusalem but as I travelled there I didn't notice anything different except that there was much more security personnel all around. Thanks for y'alls savlanut (patience) and I'll try to get something else on. I'm enjoying my time here and thank you all for your support and encouragement and prayers. I am still amazed that I am here!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Food for Thought
I've just finished reading a book, The Heart of a People, that addresses the dialogue between the Christian and Jewish faiths. It's an excellent book that I highly recommend. As I cannot feasibly give it to all of you I will instead direct you to the website www.shorashim.com and encourage you to check it out.
One of the points discussed is the importance of true listening occuring between the two faiths without preconceived ideas and agendas from either side. In that understanding, I wanted to share a brief excerpt taken from the end of the book: "A classical rabbinic tale describes how an individual approaches one less fortunate and declares, 'I’m here to help you out and show you my love for you.' The recipient of this seemingly impressive display of love smiles sadly and responds, 'Thank you very much but how can you love me if you don’t know what hurts me.'”
May we all learn to listen. Shavua Tov!
One of the points discussed is the importance of true listening occuring between the two faiths without preconceived ideas and agendas from either side. In that understanding, I wanted to share a brief excerpt taken from the end of the book: "A classical rabbinic tale describes how an individual approaches one less fortunate and declares, 'I’m here to help you out and show you my love for you.' The recipient of this seemingly impressive display of love smiles sadly and responds, 'Thank you very much but how can you love me if you don’t know what hurts me.'”
May we all learn to listen. Shavua Tov!
Psalm 27
There’s a teaching that for each year of life entered into in an individual’s life the corresponding chapter in the book of Psalms may be read. As I am 26, that means that I am currently in my 27th year of life (Baruch HaShem!) and thus my chapter for this year is Psalm 27, which an excerpt reads:
By David. HaShem is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? HaShem is my life’s strength, whom shall I dread? …. One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary. Indeed, He will hide my in His Shelter on the day of evil; He will conceal me in the concealment of His Tent; He will lift me upon a rock. …. HaShem, hear my voice when I call, be gracious toward me and answer me. In your behalf, my heart has said, “Seek My Presence.” Your Presence, HaShem, do I seek. Conceal not Your Presence from me, repel not Your servant in anger. You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation. …. Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem.
Not to read too much of my emotions into it but I find it interesting that this is the particular Psalm for the year of my life considering where I’m at both physically (land of Israel) and spiritually. “One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary.” I remember on my 25th birthday I tried to soul search and find what I should ask of HaShem. What welled up within my soul was to come to Israel; the Land of His Torah, the Land of His people and the place where He chose for His Name to dwell. While I didn’t always seem to have a clear understanding of ‘how’ and the everyday grind of life requiring my immediate attention, it didn’t always seem like I was seeking that goal; but there was a quiet, but persistent progress that I’m not sure even I noticed, at times. Plus the closer I came to achieving the financial goal necessary for the reality the more I had to seek Him in order to asses my true intent (as well as check my sanity!). Bless Him, He allowed everything to come together and sent wonderful friends and family to encourage me over the 2 and a half years of persevering in this desire and now have the privilege of living practically in Jerusalem!
“Conceal not Your Presence from me…You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation” When I first came to Israel, I truly felt as if HaShem’s presence was hidden from me. It was very much a time of loneliness and uncertainty as I waded through the swirling confusion mentally, emotionally and spiritually of a new culture, environment, spiritual understanding, and life changes. Yet, I reminded myself of how HaShem had been my helper and salvation in times past.
Thus, “Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem”. In the midst of His concealment I was encouraged through the Torah that on the Mount HaShem will be seen and I made the decision to hold onto that. My first visit to the Kotel was confirmation of that hope and I was strengthened. Since then I’ve been blessed to meet the Richman’s and the Kempinski brothers who have also been instrumental in my encouragement and will to press on. The sages say that everyone can find themselves in the Psalms. I’m not sure if this is exactly what is meant, but perhaps it’s a start.
By David. HaShem is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? HaShem is my life’s strength, whom shall I dread? …. One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary. Indeed, He will hide my in His Shelter on the day of evil; He will conceal me in the concealment of His Tent; He will lift me upon a rock. …. HaShem, hear my voice when I call, be gracious toward me and answer me. In your behalf, my heart has said, “Seek My Presence.” Your Presence, HaShem, do I seek. Conceal not Your Presence from me, repel not Your servant in anger. You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation. …. Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem.
Not to read too much of my emotions into it but I find it interesting that this is the particular Psalm for the year of my life considering where I’m at both physically (land of Israel) and spiritually. “One thing I asked of HaShem, that shall I seek: would that I dwell in the House of HaShem all the days of my life, to behold the sweetness of HaShem and to contemplate in His Sanctuary.” I remember on my 25th birthday I tried to soul search and find what I should ask of HaShem. What welled up within my soul was to come to Israel; the Land of His Torah, the Land of His people and the place where He chose for His Name to dwell. While I didn’t always seem to have a clear understanding of ‘how’ and the everyday grind of life requiring my immediate attention, it didn’t always seem like I was seeking that goal; but there was a quiet, but persistent progress that I’m not sure even I noticed, at times. Plus the closer I came to achieving the financial goal necessary for the reality the more I had to seek Him in order to asses my true intent (as well as check my sanity!). Bless Him, He allowed everything to come together and sent wonderful friends and family to encourage me over the 2 and a half years of persevering in this desire and now have the privilege of living practically in Jerusalem!
“Conceal not Your Presence from me…You have been my Helper, abandon me not, forsake me not, O G-d of my salvation” When I first came to Israel, I truly felt as if HaShem’s presence was hidden from me. It was very much a time of loneliness and uncertainty as I waded through the swirling confusion mentally, emotionally and spiritually of a new culture, environment, spiritual understanding, and life changes. Yet, I reminded myself of how HaShem had been my helper and salvation in times past.
Thus, “Had I not trusted that I would see the goodness of HaShem in the land of life! Hope to HaShem; strengthen yourself and He will give you courage, and hope to HaShem”. In the midst of His concealment I was encouraged through the Torah that on the Mount HaShem will be seen and I made the decision to hold onto that. My first visit to the Kotel was confirmation of that hope and I was strengthened. Since then I’ve been blessed to meet the Richman’s and the Kempinski brothers who have also been instrumental in my encouragement and will to press on. The sages say that everyone can find themselves in the Psalms. I’m not sure if this is exactly what is meant, but perhaps it’s a start.
Chanukah
Tonight is the 8th night of the celebration of Chanukah. Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the unveiling of the new temporary home of the Temple Institute’s Temple Menorah. The menorah was created approx. 8 years ago according to the strict regulations given forth in the Torah and other Jewish sources; thus, the menorah is kosher for service in the future 3rd Temple. The location is just off the staircase that leads from the Western Wall to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. (Visit http://www.templeinstitute.org/ for more information regarding it and other vessels for Temple worship.)
I decided to attend this unveiling. True to Israeli culture it didn’t start when stated and as I had arrived early I had time to go and pray at the Kotel (Western Wall). While there my thoughts turned to Chanukah and I was struck by the fact that I was in the country where the miracle that we were commemorating actually took place. And not only was I in the country but the city and I was actually standing a relatively short distance from the actual location of the sanctuary where the temple menorah stood and the miracle occurred. To add to that I had an actual visual of what the menorah looked like as I had just seen it the week before in the Cardo and we were about to rejoice in the progression of the new menorah to its destined location. Oh, that you could hold on to understandings and awe like that for a little longer.
I decided to attend this unveiling. True to Israeli culture it didn’t start when stated and as I had arrived early I had time to go and pray at the Kotel (Western Wall). While there my thoughts turned to Chanukah and I was struck by the fact that I was in the country where the miracle that we were commemorating actually took place. And not only was I in the country but the city and I was actually standing a relatively short distance from the actual location of the sanctuary where the temple menorah stood and the miracle occurred. To add to that I had an actual visual of what the menorah looked like as I had just seen it the week before in the Cardo and we were about to rejoice in the progression of the new menorah to its destined location. Oh, that you could hold on to understandings and awe like that for a little longer.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Mazel Tov!
As I mentioned earlier, apparently in Israel whenever one has good news to share, whether it directly affects the sharer or not, the listeners heartily rejoice in the good news with that person - so I want to share with all of you the good news of my brother's wedding that is going to take place in approx. 4 hours from the writing of this blog - I am so excited for him and his fiance. Proverbs says that he who finds a wife, finds good. So I rejoice with my beloved brother in his having found good and with my new sister-in-law in having been found. While distance separates me from physically being there my rejoicing is no less diminished in your shared good and desire for the richest of blessings on your new life together - let the adventure begin! Mazel Tov!!
About Kibbutz Tzuba
Kibbutz Tzuba was founded by young families just after the State of Israel was reestablished in 1948. One lady that I met recently is a child of one of the founders of the kibbutz. She has lived here most of her life and is now raising a son here. Dorit also has lived all but 4 years or so of her life on the kibbutz. Her parents arrived just after the kibbutz was started so aren’t considered founders but are definitely long-time members. The kibbutz has fruit orchards; vineyards; olive groves; a hotel; a glass factory that manufactures bulletproof glass (and I found out recently, they also produce dishware from the leftover glass products which are used in the hotel as well as sold to the public); dairy farm (this is located at another kibbutz as they share this endeavor with a few other kibbutzim); chicken barn; auto-mechanic shop; beauty shop; small clothing store; small grocery store; post office; pub; conference rooms; amusement park/game room for young children complete with a petting zoo; furniture store; gift shop; community dining hall; laundry room (where yours truly hangs out 3 days a week); and other ventures that I can’t think of at the moment. When Kibbutzim where first created it was with the idea of a socialist mentality - that everything would be shared on the kibbutz including cars, phones, etc. Nowadays, many are beginning to privatize which includes Kibbutz Tzuba so members are beginning to have to pay for certain services, albeit at a very minimal price.
To become a member of a kibbutz is a bit of a process. You must go through a medical examination of sorts to ensure your mental and physical health; have references; live on the kibbutz on a trial basis for two years in which you work at different jobs on the kibbutz in order for the members to get to know you and for you to familiarize yourself with the kibbutz and its members. After this trial period the kibbutz members will vote on your status to determine if you can become part. I guess if you don’t ‘pass’ you have to look elsewhere to live! I was informed that currently Tzuba is not accepting families due to lack of space. (I believe each kibbutz sets up its regulations independently so this information is specific to Tzuba.)
A kibbutz is its own small town community where everyone knows everyone else and everyone else's business! Being small town girl myself, I rather enjoy the camaraderie shared among the members. One of the reasons I like where I work in the folding department is that you get to see the people of the community come in and out and greet one another, ask about family, the latest news and share in each others' good. Talma, one of my co-workers, just celebrated the birth of a granddaughter and Mazel Tov's were heard all day! One other interesting and different factor, at least from what I've observed here, is how involved the father seems to be publicly with their children. Everywhere you see dads with kids on their shoulders, holding their hand, pushing the stroller, feeding the kids in the dining hall. I guess this is something notable to me coming from my work with children whose fathers were absent, imprisoned or just didn't want to be bothered. For me, it's a really powerful scene.
To become a member of a kibbutz is a bit of a process. You must go through a medical examination of sorts to ensure your mental and physical health; have references; live on the kibbutz on a trial basis for two years in which you work at different jobs on the kibbutz in order for the members to get to know you and for you to familiarize yourself with the kibbutz and its members. After this trial period the kibbutz members will vote on your status to determine if you can become part. I guess if you don’t ‘pass’ you have to look elsewhere to live! I was informed that currently Tzuba is not accepting families due to lack of space. (I believe each kibbutz sets up its regulations independently so this information is specific to Tzuba.)
A kibbutz is its own small town community where everyone knows everyone else and everyone else's business! Being small town girl myself, I rather enjoy the camaraderie shared among the members. One of the reasons I like where I work in the folding department is that you get to see the people of the community come in and out and greet one another, ask about family, the latest news and share in each others' good. Talma, one of my co-workers, just celebrated the birth of a granddaughter and Mazel Tov's were heard all day! One other interesting and different factor, at least from what I've observed here, is how involved the father seems to be publicly with their children. Everywhere you see dads with kids on their shoulders, holding their hand, pushing the stroller, feeding the kids in the dining hall. I guess this is something notable to me coming from my work with children whose fathers were absent, imprisoned or just didn't want to be bothered. For me, it's a really powerful scene.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Meeting the Locals
I haven't written in a while as I don't know what to type – we’ve settled into a routine more or less and I don't have many news breaking stories to share. I think part of my delay is that I try to write well which takes longer so I'm just going to wing it and post so y'all will at least have more frequent updates! Aunt Becky - please excuse any grammatical errors!
2 weeks ago Shabbat was very nice as I was introduced to a family on the kibbutz who “adopted” me – the woman is from England and is both an English teacher and also writes textbooks. Her husband is from Finland (or Norway?) and they have 4 children, 3 are grown and the youngest is almost 13. The host mother wanted an English speaker in order to converse easily. While it’s nice for sake of relating it defeats the purpose of my coming to Israel for immersion into the language. However, little by little… I also spent this past Shabbat with them as well and met their oldest daughter and we had dinner together in the Heder-Ohel (dining room).
One highlight of my time here was that a woman whom I work with, Dorit, invited me to her parents' home for Shabbat dinner. I actually work with both her and her mother, Dalia. Dorit is 40 and lives in her own apartment but family time is priority so for Shabbat meals she spends time with them. Except for approx. 4 years, Dorit has lived her entire life here at Kibbutz Tzuba. Many kibbutz families once on a kibbutz tend to stay as do their children, grandchildren...you get the idea. However there are new individuals and families that move onto the kibbutz as well.
I hope to post an informational update about more kibbutz facts which will have to wait now as I have a Hebrew scrabble game to attend! Be well!
2 weeks ago Shabbat was very nice as I was introduced to a family on the kibbutz who “adopted” me – the woman is from England and is both an English teacher and also writes textbooks. Her husband is from Finland (or Norway?) and they have 4 children, 3 are grown and the youngest is almost 13. The host mother wanted an English speaker in order to converse easily. While it’s nice for sake of relating it defeats the purpose of my coming to Israel for immersion into the language. However, little by little… I also spent this past Shabbat with them as well and met their oldest daughter and we had dinner together in the Heder-Ohel (dining room).
One highlight of my time here was that a woman whom I work with, Dorit, invited me to her parents' home for Shabbat dinner. I actually work with both her and her mother, Dalia. Dorit is 40 and lives in her own apartment but family time is priority so for Shabbat meals she spends time with them. Except for approx. 4 years, Dorit has lived her entire life here at Kibbutz Tzuba. Many kibbutz families once on a kibbutz tend to stay as do their children, grandchildren...you get the idea. However there are new individuals and families that move onto the kibbutz as well.
I hope to post an informational update about more kibbutz facts which will have to wait now as I have a Hebrew scrabble game to attend! Be well!
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