Masks



"You sound like someone who is realizing she's always loved a guy and just didn't know it."

 Purim is officially approaching. It's a time where we don't necessarily have to get real, rather pretend we are something we are not. As we went to the mall the other day, a cashier at a store chain named Fox wore a Minnie mouse headband. Another store carried hundreds of costumes for sale when we realized this isn't Halloween. Our daughter came back from school today with a wand and a headband of sorts as well. A huge smile on her face, there is a love for Israel that is so innocent and exciting.

Now, in regards to the quote. There are many who feel it is important to paint the aliyah story as rosy for fellow Americans. In fact, writing or sharing otherwise is like airing out dirty laundry. That said, not being truthful or putting on a mask, in the end, isn't helpful to anyone. Making aliyah has to be from within your soul and when that alone is there, the little things won't get in the way.

Here's what I've learned best in 7 months:

To just ignore. My mother's wise choice of 3 words really come to play in this teenie little country.

Yes, we choose to ignore in many instances such as when:

1) People on the block use my garbage can without asking.
2) The neighbor parks on the sidewalk instead of his garage or street. On an ongoing basis.
3) The BMW that used up two spots instead of one at the mall.
4) The crossing guard who tried to argue with me even though I said ok, twice.
5) How when everyone honks. Always. Even when there is no need to.
6) That people think it's a good idea to use firecrackers when there are rockets flying around.
7) Unsolicited advice. Lots.
8) The woman who "saved" her spot in the grocery but disappeared for 10 minutes only to return and shove her stuff right in front of yours. And the next person behind you, does the same -- leaving the cashier to agree that it was super rude, but clearly the woman had a problem.

With the excitement of Purim in the air, we all set aside our judgment of one another for the month, or perhaps if lucky, even just for that day. Our differences don't matter and we pick another identity.

As the new month begins, and we parade as Queen Esther and other characters, consider ve na-hafoch hu -- how to reflect changes within yourself and owning up to your dream -- even if it means revealing the good or the nasty.

Honesty goes a long way, even in the eye of the beholder.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Carmei Gat

Image
Drive 30 minutes south of Beit Shemesh, pass the hills of the Rama (short for Ramat Beit Shemesh), and you will find flat meadows that appear endless. Kind of like a scene of the Little House on the Prairie. The terraine is so green, while listening to Shabbat music on the radio you can't help but think "wow, זוהי ארץ נהדרת" (this is an amazing land). We spent shabbat in Carmei Gat, a newly developed town under the municipality of Kiryat Gat (kind of like what Washington DC is to Silver Spring - - especially when Woodside started and there wasn't a dedicated building). The government is investing efforts in this new community as the next hub of the South, that it will be approximately the size of Moddiin.  To give directions, this literally is yashar yashar yashar ve smola.  A mix of Anglo families and Israelis, there is a very nice balance of culture, out of town vibe where people ask where you are from, streets that make sense, quiet a
Read more

Unemployment in Israel

Finally thought we had things together. Bought an apartment, employed in Israel, kids in school. What could possibly rock the boat? Well, these days loyalty and job retention isn't easy - - perhaps even a generational shift that's gotten out of hand. But that's a conversation for another time.  Today we will discuss the unemployment process in Israel and the very fascinating experience that it is.  First, your employer by law must call you in for a shimua. You have every right to hire a lawyer and ask for a document of all the claims. Just understand that a lawyer isn't a magic wand that'll keep you the job. In most cases there's some type of management problem or toxic work environment - - or maybe you simply were not the right fit. Know that you will receive and invoice. The shimua in Israel is supposed to be a fair hearing where the employee can listen to feedback from their employer and then go about to improve themselves. Unfortunately this isn't always
Read more

Employed

Image
In total, 28 places interviewed at till finding the place that Goldy Locks would say is "just right." There are a variety of work spaces in Israel. Some shared rooms with 4 people packed into it. Others completely remote and from home, but no benefits. The list was pretty specific.  1) Keren Hishtalmut 2) Pension 3) Increased vacation days 4) Sick days paid from the first day 5) Private office (a plus) 6) 10 bis 7) Laptop and cell phone 8) Flexible hours 9) Not 8.5 hour workdays 10) One or more days a week from home 11) Respectful salary 12) Amazing people and honorable place  Luckily, and a blessing, all the above was checked off.
Read more