September 29-October 3

What a magical week! We started last Erev Shabbat by greeting Chaya Kessler, who is studying in Bet Shemesh in her second year at a seminary called Machon Maayan. It sounds like a excellent program, a mixture of classes, Torah Study and community service. Chaya volunteers at a program run by NCSY for English speaking new Olim who are struggling with their Jewish Identity. Believe it, even in Israel, or maybe especially in Israel. A lot of these kids are American, British or South African teens, whisked away from their friends, their schools and their malls to a foreign place by idealistic, religious parents. It works for some, but it is very hard for others. Consider that a move within the same city is hard, try to Israel…It is challenging and Chaya is doing really good work.

Shabbat was great; Friday night at Elinor (Gehr) and Aryeh Kaufman’s, meeting a YU/Stern young married couple they are friends with (Both on the fencing team so they know Steven Lerner) and we did not get home till almost midnight. Shabbat morning included davening at 8:10 (finish by 10…I could get used to that) and then we had Elan and Nomi for lunch with Chaya. We had a great time, highlighted by spending the afternoon with Shoshana and taking her for a walk. (Sounds mundane but you should try it….). Everyone stayed at our apartment till after Havdalah. Barbara and I went out and ‘cruised’ Ben Yehuda ( well, we went to the art stores off Ben Yehuda) while a cold wind blew into Jerusalem. It ouf course did not last, today was over 26, but it was cooler all week.

Rosh Hashana was truly amazing. We davened both days at Yeshivat Hakotel; this was an experience. Firstly, the boys are really committed- davening started at 6: 20 and when I got in at 6:40 it was 90+% full (at least on the first day). The most impressive part is the singing. It is a major part of the davening, singing, clapping, dancing and no one seemed to tire, even though we went till 2 PM. I can see where some of Monty’s inspiration comes from (I am sure Shaalvim was no less raucous). The other great thing was being able to look out over the Kotel during the services. As you say “Jerusalem your city will be rebuilt speedily in our day” and can look out at the city, your emotions can really play havoc. We are the only people who are so inspired to pray for Jerusalem, no one else, and I hope that we are fortunate enough to see this city in our hands for many years to come. Both nights of Rosh Hashana were spent with family; Elan, Nomi and Shoshana on Monday night and Ariel, Chaya Kessler and three of her friends on Tuesday. Lots of food, discussions, singing, and especially the Yeshiva and Seminary kids enjoyed a good home cooked meal (so did Elan and Nomi but they themselves are great cooks!)

Since Rosh Hashana ended Wednesday night, we really only had Thursday which was a work day and today, which let us take a trip to Meah Shearim for some perusing and minor purchases…including another inexpensive cell phone, so we now have a second number (052-729-0856). Feel free to use it.

One last quick anecdote: To walk to Rehavia from our place (near the Kings Hotel), you have to walk past a ‘checkpoint’. In the middle of a residential area, there is the Prime Minister’s Residence. It is surrounded by Fences and cameras, and there are a few soldiers with rifles and booths, but people stroll through unimpeded, saying high and Shana Tova to the soldiers, with no real cares (you can even bring liquids in…!) Try to imagine that happening near the White House (if you can get near it!) Of course, 24 Sussex Drive is kind of bland and no one would do anything there anyway…

Have a great Shabbat, Shana Tova and Ktiva V’Chatima Tova!

Barbara and Bruce