בנשמה

From taffy chews that say special blessings to drink boxes at the grocery store that have written on them happy holiday (chag sameach), the preparation for Rosh Hashana is in full swing. It's hard to ignore the occasion, even hearing while in the bathroom a shofar blow (yes, very strange). We've been told the holidays create a sense of calm in Israel, but it seems no different. Rather, it's the wishes and positivism that really shine. The new year experienced in Israel really is THE new year. This Rosh Hashana is a little rough. Having received bad news from the family this past week, the distance from the United States feels even stronger. Debating when and how to go back to visit is an added cloud, so closely to the aliyah experience. We're not exactly ready to go back, out of fear that doing so, will bring to light all the things we are missing back from chutz la'aretz. Will make it that much harder to go back. Our discussions thereby aren...

Today, with my new colleagues, we spent a day in Jerusalem, dubbed "Yom Kef," literally meaning, day of fun. The trip started at Ir David , the City of David VIP tour. The last time I went to this archaeological site, my father was alive and we chose the water tunnel tour of the Gichon River . I remember it being cold and not having the best shoes. It was also dark in the tunnel, but amazing. This trip to the City of David was different. We learned that David's vision and dream was to see a unified city of Jerusalem, עיר שחוברה לה יחדיו. Seeing what they believe was a wall left from King David's palace, we later crossed a street and went underground to see a long pathway from the time of the second temple , that was used during the three high Jewish holidays to go to the Temple Mount and give sacrifices. It was amazing standing and walking this route, and without a doubt being so close to history.  And proud to be a part of our country. From th...

Today marks Israel's election for the 22nd knesset.  Unlike in Massachusetts or Maryland, where your vote likely doesn't count (the majority votes Democratic) in Israel, not only do you have the day off to vote, but what you select really feels that it matters. The kids woke up excited this morning. They didn't fully understand to start what voting meant, but it was great to wake up late. Walking together as a family, we met others along the way performing their civic duty. Our teudat zehuts in hand, the process was very manual and rather surprising for a modern, innovative country. The box, filled with envelopes to put in your card, was placed on two classic Israeli plastic chairs. The booth was a tri-fold poster board. Behind it, a container with slots with lots of cards to chose from. It was unclear if you put more than one inside or just one. We picked one. Later to find out that yes, this is in fact correct. The  envelope is also unique, with a signatu...

In a country where everyone is Jewish, or predominantly so, Shabbat has a different rythm, as does shul. With so many options, it does take time to find what works for you and as a family. We had decided on Beit Shemesh not just for olim support for our children (which has been amazing - - Orot Banim and Orot Banot has its own liaison that provides ulpan support from within and the city also offers this within Ramat Beit Shemesh but we've opted out of this for a variety of reasons). We've been able to find Wacky Mac (9 shekel a box), Smuckers grape jelly, Duncan Hines (it'll cost 25 shekel a box versus 98 cents in Walmart). Overall, if you miss certain food items in the United States, you can find it here, which is phenomenal. We also chose Beit Shemesh since we recognized a Rabbi that podcasts, with a great deal of followers within the city. Many couples make aliyah, to his credit. In the end the set up of the shul wasn't optimal for us as a family. We left o...

Back to bus stories and contemplation. In the USA we had two cars. I'm beginning to realize what a luxury this is, as even 12 minutes on public transit to work produces stories and sights that make you wonder. On one particular day a young mother opened up to me that her son molested her daughter. She didn't report it, rather sent him to boarding school. This is the kind of story that you only read about it books or hear second hand. Needless to say, as nice as she was, I did not exchange numbers with her. There was another day a child threw up all over the bus. The mother ignored it. The time a teenager tried to hide her dog and the driver refused to continue. Or the other morning, the bus was so packed, people started to yell at the driver to skip stops (what is legal or not, I'm uncertain of). To my eyes, it was a beautiful thing. A real view of Kibutz Galuyot and just how packed this bus was (I stood way in the front, so being claustrophobic stayed more or ...

Husband here. Going to admit that things are a little bit fuzzy at this point. But the truth of the matter is that this is crunch time. Now is the time to buy your appliances (if you have a place to live), set up your phone (Annatel is a good choice if you plan on needing to keep in touch with the US/Canada), and get all of your documents in order. Buy a portfolio with lots of pockets so you can be super organized. This will save you time when you get off the airplane and get to the absorption office. If you're selling you home, and staying in it until the very end, I highly suggest renting furniture (if your budget allows) so that you have couches and beds to live on while your stuff is on the ship crossing the ocean (again, try not to think about it). Having/creating normalcy is what will make for a smooth transition. If making aliyah in the summer, try and find camps for your kids (if you have) so that they will have friends when they start school in the fall. Make sure you ...

The much awaited school year has begun. Summer buses ran late, children served as crossing gaurds with parent volunteers supervising. Children with new backpacks running around the streets. It's a unique, happy scene. And then there was our stomach and eyes. While in the states $22,500/child in tuition (pre financial aid) gives somewhat of a structure and sense of calm, in Israel, you get what you pay for - - but it's beautiful and somehow the system works. Both children returned from their days excited. One affirming that he will go back the next day and the other stating that it was awesome and that she just need to learn more Hebrew. One thing for sure, children acclimate and find new friends faster than adults. Those at camp found one another back at school and brought smiles to their faces. Today's success was the best anniversary gift ever, followed by laffa schwarma, dry apricots for the hubby and myself a pending gift currently being shipped by eBay from Tel Av...