Jerusalem, Israel, Rain or Shine is Home

The year 2018 got off to a wet start.

Prayers for rain in Jerusalem, Israel,

were answered.

Rain poured down, the streets flooded,

and the cold and wet winter arrived.

Wet sidewalks outside Ramada Hotel as man walks away without coat.

It was a good to be in and not outside.

Oh and the fog!

Fog covering Jerusalem buildings.

When fog sets in it can be so thick

Sunset, lights go on and fog clears Jerusalem Israel rainy day

you cannot see large buildings nearby.

I know we need rain desperately,

but I prefer to be out when the sun is shining.

Mincha minyin in Mamilla Mall street

I like to see those impromptu prayer services,

anytime of the afternoon, anywhere,

in parks and here in Mamilla Mall.

People walking in Jerusalem Israel Mamilla Mall past Arab women sitting in cafe

I like to watch people walking in Mamilla Mall,

Jerusalem Israel two nuns walking along street near Kikar Safra

or on any Jerusalem, Israel street.

One can see a bit of every fashion,

Man smoking on Ben Yehuda wearing red Santa helper hat

though I am not sure what fashion statement

this man sitting and smoking on Ben Yehuda

was making by wearing a red Santa helper hat.

Street graffiti in Jerusalem Israel near city center

I like to find new street graffiti.

Jerusalem WeWork building construction

And I like to see work progressing

on the future home of Jerusalem WeWork.

Entrance to major Jerusalem construction at city entrance

We will have to wait to see how much we like

the massive construction project near the entrance to Jerusalem.

You can see here how far it is going down

before the buildings start to go up and up.

This week across the highway, the Ramada Hotel hosted the

WZO’s International Conference for Rabbis and Communal leaders.

There were dozens of speakers

and representatives from 40 countries.

With unrest all around the Middle East

Rabbis and community leaders at Ramada Hotel for WZO conference in Jerusalem Israel

it is easy to overlook the wonder that

this conference was held in Hebrew.

So many are learning Torah in Hebrew in Israel today.

The population is approaching 9 million.

Walk on along Jerusalem streets you will hear

English, French, Russian and Spanish along with Hebrew.

With corruption and strikes and strife,

incredible things have developed in 70 years.

With all those negative headlines around the world,

Israel is growing.

This past week I saw this traditional blessing for a home,

Traditional blessing for new home in Hebrew and English

“May this home be a place of happiness and health,

of contentment, generosity, and hope. A home of 

creativity and kindness. May those who visit and

those who live here know only blessing and peace.”

It was hanging near the front door on a new home

for female lone soldiers in Jerusalem.

7,000 young people, from around the world,

are in Israel, serving in the defense forces,

30% of them young women.

Female lone soldiers in special residence in Jerusalem group hug "Mom" counselor in charge

After the opening day dedication program,

six of the young soldiers surrounded

and hugged their “Mom.”

Rachel, the counselor is on duty 24/7 to help and advise

these young women without parents around to support them.

Head of the Lone Soldier Center in memory of Michael Levin,

Josh Flaster looks on with pride.

Sign of Home, love, memories, friends and laughter

Jerusalem, Israel, rain or shine is home.

7 thoughts on “Jerusalem, Israel, Rain or Shine is Home

  • January 3, 2018 at 8:00 pm
    Permalink

    I love your photo homages to Ir HaKodesh. If only the new buildings would be affordable housing for our chayalim. Why only for outside investors???? We owe our very lives to them, the chayalim – they are all our children. Mamen just cares if we pay our bills and more stuff.

    Reply
    • January 4, 2018 at 5:41 am
      Permalink

      Thank you
      Not just for young chayalim, affordable housing would be nice for others as well.

      Reply
  • January 3, 2018 at 8:04 pm
    Permalink

    Sorry, I meant to spell Mammon – “Mammon” is an Aramaic word that essentially means “riches.” At its heart there’s an attitude that says: Man doesn’t need God—we’re self-sufficient. This is what the spirit of mammon tries to tell us: You don’t need God. Trust in riches!” Thus, these ultra deluxe living quarters not geared to our real “saviors” – chaylim

    Reply
    • January 4, 2018 at 5:42 am
      Permalink

      In the new areas housing will be included, but luxury housing, in an attempt to attract Tel Aviv workers to live in Jerusalem, and take fast train to work.

      Reply
  • January 4, 2018 at 4:32 am
    Permalink

    Thank you so very much for all your weekly RJS emails.
    Shabbat Shalom

    Reply
    • January 4, 2018 at 5:43 am
      Permalink

      Thank you, so glad you appreciate emails.

      Reply
  • Pingback: Regen oder Sonnenschein – Jerusalem in Israel ist Zuhause | abseits vom mainstream - heplev

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