בנשמה

The cake and smiles makes it look easy. In truth, minus a (very) bumpy start professionally and personally with the passing of my mom, Israel has been good to us. We recognize that it isn't easy and we've had frustrations. But will share highlights and insights.  על הדבש ועל העוקץ על המר והמתוק על ביתינו התינוקת שמור א'לי הטוב  1) We bought a car, with no horror stories. And the price kept going down. If you can, use your Olim benefits. They are there for a reason, and have you ever heard of another country that does this?  2) Both kids acclimated fantastically at school and made an amazing group of friends. Instead of shipping out for Ulpan, one school brought a teacher in and the other had bnot sheirut. We also hired a private teacher to help brush up dikduk. But these teachers, young guys, have served as positive role models.  3) We were pre approved for a mortgage. This takes time. Not going to lie. And is an art with FBAR filings, taxes, proof of ass...

Today we had a Yom Kef in Yaffo (aka the kids did not to to school).  Walking through the old city, we happened to spot this on the walkway. It otherwise would have been very easy to miss. Next Thursday we will celebrate our 1 year aliyahversary. Feeling so blessed and hope more to follow.  When there's a will (or desire), there's a way.  אם תרצו אין זו אגדה Herzel was right. A special thanks to Adina Lebor for organizing a kid friendly tour. 

Drive thirty minutes from Beit Shemesh, and instead of making a left to rt 6 towards Meitar, we made our way to Even Shmuel.  As we passed through several industrial plants and other business buildings, after making a right turn, I remarked "wow, look at those houses." Sure enough, it was Even Shmuel.  Visiting a cousin of mine who has lived in Israel for 8 years and after some time in Modiin settled in the yishuv, we found her house in the new Harchava area. We decided to have a pizza dinner social distance style. With the open air, yards and size of the homes, this was not challenging. It was really nice to see family.  We learned about the active bnei akiva in town and that there's a makolet and one pizza store. For larger items, Kiryat Gat services those who need to get to Tel Aviv, healthcare and other shopping needs.  Even Shmuel is a religious yishuv where you need to be interviewed and accepted to live there. Houses range from 2.7+ and most in the...