When you talk about the rhythm of life in a particular place, you talk about its pace, its vibrations and its people’s tendencies. The rhythms in Israel are different than North America, and those of Jerusalem are different than other places in Israel. Jerusalem is a large mélange, highly spiritual, more traditional than Tel Aviv or Haifa, but still very cosmopolitan, due to the presence of excellent universities and colleges and some high tech industries. That there is a large concentration of religious people who are involved in many of the cosmopolitan pursuits makes things more interesting. An unlike other enclaves that have these large religious populations, such as Bnei Brak or even Raanana, the fact that this is a large city with such tremendous history gives Jerusalem a rhythm of its own. Take Fridays, for example. The work week here is Sunday to Friday, officially, but in many sectors, including the Universities, Friday is a pseudo day off. The city transforms into get ready for Shabbat mode. Traffic is less in the early hours of the day, when most commuters are usually out. Stores are in full sales mode, cafes are busy, as people take time to do errands, chat or scurry around. Meat restaurants are either closed or many become takeout emporiums, setting up buffets for people who wish to save on cooking (but not on money!). The market, Mahane Yehuda, is at its busiest, crowded, noisy and lots of fun (if you have good elbows). Then magically, about 1½ hours before sundown, things quiet down. Traffic is minimal, stores closed, people busy in homes. Then suddenly, a siren sounds from the center of the city. Shabbat. The city rests, so different from the remainder of the week, with its buses and trucks, noise and crowds. People walk, talk, sing…and breath. The ultimate in freedom.
Our week was a busy one, but aren’t they all? (Yours too, I imagine). Shabbat last week was in Modiin, where Elan’s in-laws, Karen and Robert Goldberger, made a Simchat Bat (celebration for the birth of a girl) on Shabbat afternoon. Of course, we were celebrating Shoshana, who co-operated and only slept through part of her party. Many of their very close friends came and we had what could be best described as a “cake marathon”! People came all afternoon and were greeted to trifles, babkas, layer cakes, fruit, you name it! Everyone felt welcome, and besides the cake there was ample amber liquid refreshment that warmed the camaraderie (hamayveen yaveen). We hung out in Modiin until late Saturday, playing with Shoshana and enjoying the family. This week we also got to experience a little culture, treating ourselves to a movie at the Jerusalem Theatre, and last night going to a book launch, the debut publication of Rabbi Ian Pear, Rabbi of the Shir Chadash Congregation (no, not Shira Chadasha for those who know the difference). The book, called The Accidental Zionist, is a compilation of stories and discussions about his life as a traditional but not very well educated Jew to one who became a Rabbi and made Aliyah. The underlying concept is how the modern generation can find meaning in Israel, beyond simply the religious connection. We’ll let you know how the book is when we finish it!
Of course Tuesday evening is family evening, with babysitting in the afternoon, dinner and Bruce and Elan learning g’marra. Elan is become quite an incredible teacher. He has an excellent, logical approach, he tries to keep me on my toes, and he works things through patiently and clearly. However, what really freaked me out was when he started to explain a section by writing out the different possibilities upside down across the table so I could see them. That was eerie…you can ask my patients, I have been doing that for years when I explain medications and other things about allergy. Very cool indeed-genetics at work.
Our week was a busy one, but aren’t they all? (Yours too, I imagine). Shabbat last week was in Modiin, where Elan’s in-laws, Karen and Robert Goldberger, made a Simchat Bat (celebration for the birth of a girl) on Shabbat afternoon. Of course, we were celebrating Shoshana, who co-operated and only slept through part of her party. Many of their very close friends came and we had what could be best described as a “cake marathon”! People came all afternoon and were greeted to trifles, babkas, layer cakes, fruit, you name it! Everyone felt welcome, and besides the cake there was ample amber liquid refreshment that warmed the camaraderie (hamayveen yaveen). We hung out in Modiin until late Saturday, playing with Shoshana and enjoying the family. This week we also got to experience a little culture, treating ourselves to a movie at the Jerusalem Theatre, and last night going to a book launch, the debut publication of Rabbi Ian Pear, Rabbi of the Shir Chadash Congregation (no, not Shira Chadasha for those who know the difference). The book, called The Accidental Zionist, is a compilation of stories and discussions about his life as a traditional but not very well educated Jew to one who became a Rabbi and made Aliyah. The underlying concept is how the modern generation can find meaning in Israel, beyond simply the religious connection. We’ll let you know how the book is when we finish it!
Of course Tuesday evening is family evening, with babysitting in the afternoon, dinner and Bruce and Elan learning g’marra. Elan is become quite an incredible teacher. He has an excellent, logical approach, he tries to keep me on my toes, and he works things through patiently and clearly. However, what really freaked me out was when he started to explain a section by writing out the different possibilities upside down across the table so I could see them. That was eerie…you can ask my patients, I have been doing that for years when I explain medications and other things about allergy. Very cool indeed-genetics at work.
And the piece de resistance: Shoshana rolled over this week!
So to end I thought I’d share a funny incident. As you know, there are no shortage of places to daven (pray) here; at last count we have been to at least 9 different synagogues or shteilbles on Shabbat in Jerusalem alone never walking more than 15 minutes (except for to the Yeshiva). That does not count the places in Modiin, Givat Shmuel, Raanana, etc. So, I decided to find yet another place to pray, and to do so I would follow the first person I saw who looked like they were walking to shul. I left the apartment at about 7:50, saw someone carrying a talit, and followed his brisk pace for about 6 blocks. Then, he turned into his apartment! I had followed someone coming home from an early minyan. So much for great plans.
We were saddened this week by the news of the passing of Ann Brandt, mother of our friend Elaine Hoffman, and Sam Garellek, father of our friend Shimon. Especially from afar, we wish we could be there to help comfort you.
We also are happy to hear about the engagement of Danielle Elbogen to David Kogut. Save a Lechaim for us!
So to end I thought I’d share a funny incident. As you know, there are no shortage of places to daven (pray) here; at last count we have been to at least 9 different synagogues or shteilbles on Shabbat in Jerusalem alone never walking more than 15 minutes (except for to the Yeshiva). That does not count the places in Modiin, Givat Shmuel, Raanana, etc. So, I decided to find yet another place to pray, and to do so I would follow the first person I saw who looked like they were walking to shul. I left the apartment at about 7:50, saw someone carrying a talit, and followed his brisk pace for about 6 blocks. Then, he turned into his apartment! I had followed someone coming home from an early minyan. So much for great plans.
We were saddened this week by the news of the passing of Ann Brandt, mother of our friend Elaine Hoffman, and Sam Garellek, father of our friend Shimon. Especially from afar, we wish we could be there to help comfort you.
We also are happy to hear about the engagement of Danielle Elbogen to David Kogut. Save a Lechaim for us!
Happy Birthday to Ken!
And may the Als win the Grey Cup!
Shabbat Shalom,
Barbara and Bruce
And may the Als win the Grey Cup!
Shabbat Shalom,
Barbara and Bruce
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