בנשמה

Yesterday we drove to downtown Boston where a shaliach (messenger) from the Jewish Agency in NYC came to Boston's CJP building. We had wondered for some time what this meeting would entail and heard from others who had to schelp to NYC that the Agency isn't always very helpful. Waiting for our turn to be called, I was particularly intrigued looking at the donor wall of the newly remodeled CJP Kraft building and looking more closely, realizing it was to mirror an effect/resemblance of the Western Wall. The receptionist answered every call with "Shalom."  In between nose sniffles and 38 weeks pregnant, I don't have any further insight about this. Going up the elevators, to the meeting room, we were introduced by what I'd call "an American tzuzik." The agent, more or less our age, was very proud of his Bronx roots and when we asked why he works for the Agency, he stated he's Zionistic. I believe I wrote a post earlier about the struggle Americans ...

Not everything goes exactly as planned. While we were hoping to sign on the July 1st townhouse on Gad street, we found out that the owner identified another tenant (regardless of the current mess -- interesting). And while we considered shifting our dates around to move to the August 1st rental, we were side tracked by the following requierments: 1. Signing a two year lease (which ultimately didn't seem like a total deal breaker for us). 2. Agreeing to a contract stating 4,800 shekel/mo in rent with 1,000 extra under the table to avoid tax (** evasion alert **). 3. A three-month bank security deposit in advance which would be returned upon arrival. Very sketchy and disappointing. Hopefully this will be the only challenge, and with more time to go, something else will pan out.

We are in a stage now where more snow has fallen in New England. Things tend to stop and get slower and everyone awaits the change of the season. It's hard to say no to children who want to bundle up in their snow suits and play outside, regardless of the temperature. As I watched the kids sled down the slide of our very own swing set, giggle and push their limits, I silently hoped that it be the type of memory that stays with them well into their adult years...and that new memories will be created. We've been in a state of calm, mostly. A realtor in Beit Shemesh identified a townhouse that would be available for rent in July. Peering at pictures of a similar rental in August, I was really taken by the differences of style. The townhouse row has secluded garden areas with space for a sukkah. I could almost picture our two red lounge chairs and grill. Access to fresh air and a window from where to watch the kids I contemplate and realize is a necessity, not a luxury. We'...

Last night, as the temps went from 20 to 0 degrees, we had a déjà vu moment. Meeting with our  realtor from now almost five years ago, Dianne Needle of the Needle Group , we reminisced over the buying process that brought us to Sharon. This time around, we shared updates we had made to the house, stories of how we were welcomed to such a nice community and our intentions for moving. I can't speak highly enough of Dianne. She knows Sharon, Massachusetts so well and devotes so much time to her clients. She's creative in her marketing approach as well, and brings new light for what's to be loved about Sharon. Through her postings I have learned of new places and businesses I was unaware of and friendly faces in the neighborhood . I couldn't help but to feel a little sad signing the agreement papers, narrowing down ways to stage the house, an open house and getting that much closer to the reality of our move. Dianne was completely understanding and speaking with her wa...

"We're really happy for you...but this is also such a loss." This phrase, which is so very touching, strikes me with bewilderment at the same time. Loss. Perhaps we are still in somewhat denial with 7 or 6 months left to go. I have been focusing my time much more on 30 weeks of pregnancy and the disconnect between my body and brain that we will have an infant (G-d willing) soon. In fact, this consumes my thoughts about 90% of the time. As I called the Jewish Agency to set up an interview, the music while on hold was a constant repeat of אין לי ארץ אחרת . A familiar tune, it is also one that was played during the pull out from Gaza, the Hitnatkut. I remember sitting in my aunt's apartment in Haifa, watching the images on TV and absolutely torn between the fundamental core values settling the land of Eretz Yisrael and the pursuit of peace. I find myself thinking about loss and what this truly means. While we've contributed to the community and communitie...

The other day, I met our cleaning lady for the first time. During our brief chit chat, I learned that she and her husband moved from Brazil...17 years ago. Asking them both if they are at nostalgic or miss home, both shook their heads no and that the United States is wonderful. I continued to ask them about the process to become American citizens, in which the husband shared it has been 8 years and for each person, the cost is approximately $5,000 plus legal expenses (approximately $15,000+ for his household). He then double checked that I am not a lawyer, their secret safe with me. Two things struck me today on the way to work, in the rainy, melting snowy weather and endless traffic. 1) The privilege being American and 2) The blessing that as Jews, we have a homeland This reminded me of the whirlwind two of my three sisters had when my father passed away so suddenly. Their Israeli passports were expired. The family literally did not know what to expect or how they'd ...