Election politics are filling the airways and newscasts,
but the Hanukkah lights
are up along major roads in Jerusalem, Israel,
I think many prefer those lights to new election.
attractive tourist destination
Thankful for the Rain
Yesterday the sun was shining,
and even though the sky was not blue,
these gates were very blue.
Yemin Moshe was picture perfect,
only the streets were empty,
and much too quiet without the usual tourists.
I was looking at the new signs for Hamshushalayim,
an annual Jerusalem tourist weekend discount offer,
and I wondered how it would do with so many people staying away,
and just then a group of tourists walked by.
Things have been slower this week,
but work has gone on.
The Isrotel luxury hotel construction is finally above ground.
In the US as people prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday,
in Israel, thankfully it has started to rain,
and rain.
We are thankful for rain for it is an answer to our prayers,
but one which involves flooded streets
and accidents galore.
However,
rain or shine,
sleet or snow,
or terror threat,
the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy High School from Rockville, Maryland,
is in Israel again for their Israel mission.
Every four years the entire high school gets a trip to Israel
over the Thanksgiving holiday week.
It can be a life changing experience to see
the real Jerusalem, Israel, streets, even in the wet and rain.
And
a group of 1000 pilgrims is on their way from Lagos, Nigeria,
so things go on.
I just hope I do not rust.
Shabat Shalom: Bitter and Sweet
Recently on Fridays,
there has been a simple Shabat Shalom poster,
but this was not a simple week,
this was a difficult week.
The walls in Har Nof were plastered with mourning posters.
On Thursday the streets were mostly empty and quiet,
the air was so clean, but it felt heavy.
Cars filled the street in front of the synagogue,
where five men were murdered.
The shiva houses were overflowing, with standing room only.
Those paying sympathy could only walk by the mourners,
and some who knew the families said a word or two.
Many who came did not know either victim or their family personally.
I could not look at the couch filled with young boys
who had just lost their father in such a horrific way.
Instead of revenge one widow told me,
“we cannot change the Arabs,
but we have to change ourselves.”
They want unity of the Jewish people
and an end of sinat chinum.
Then,
as we drove home past Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,
we saw a large group of young people who were enjoying a sports day.
The weather was perfect for a family outing.
A balloon hovered above the Begin Center,
where Yehudah Glick was recently shot,
as segway riders went by on their tour,
and the next tour was getting ready in First Station.
A new sign announced an organic food market to open in the tourist location,
but First Station was deserted at lunch time,
a sad sign of the events of this week.
But,
at the same time on Haas Promenade in Armon Hanaziv
tens of thousands of Ethiopians gathered for
their Sigd Holiday celebration.
Old
and young
and many more each year wearing IDF uniforms.
They enjoyed the weather and the day on the Tayelet.
A beautiful day
for many family reunions,
food and photos.
Thousands celebrated just being in Jerusalem, Israel.
To end this crazy week,
we were at a simhat bat brunch today,
to celebrate birth of a new baby girl.
Besorot tovot were everyone’s parting words.
שבת שלום
Shabbat shalom.