Blog/August 2012/Aug 3rd

Aug 3rd (See this week's devar torah)

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Hi, again!

We were incredibly busy this week! Right after shabbat the fast of tishʿa beʼav began. So we started the week with a slow fast. Because of the nature of the day, we also didn't go to work -- giving us a four-day workweek this time around. You would think that would make the week go faster, but it seemed to be much slower than usual.

Monday Esther and I took a four-hour "first aid" course, so we are now "officially" able to keep people from becoming "all dead". It was an interesting course, during which we learned (among other things) that the world-wide likelihood of surviving a collapse (e.g. no pulse, no breathing) is about 6%. That is, six out of a hundred people world-wide will be resuscitated successfully. The likelihood in Israel of surviving the same is over 11%, tied with Holland. So if you have to pick a place to plotz, Israel is a good choice. The reason seems to be that there are so many people trained in first-aid here, that one's chance of getting that initial care is higher here.

Tuesday we went to the Israel Wine Festival with friends from the neighborhood. Had a great time, picked up some very nice wines. It's hard to go wrong when you have good wine, nice weather and pleasant company. Or is it?

The event was held in the Israel Museum as it has been for several years. A fine venue, which was only ruined by the sudden appearance of Shimon Peres, Israel's president, as well as Nir Barkat, Jerusalem's mayor. Mr. Peres turned 89 years old this week, or as they say in Argentina, hierba mala nunca muere (bad weeds never die).

Wednesday we had our weekly "Hebrew gathering", where we sit around and talk in Hebrew with people whose Hebrew is in need of improvement. Sadly, we only had one taker (talker?) this week; hopefully our regulars will return to the fold next week. We also had Sarah's old (not working) air-conditioner replaced, so hopefully we'll also save on our electric bill now.

Thursday Esther and I went to take care of business in the local mall, only to find that we couldn't do what we went for since the businesses we needed weren't open when we were there. Grrr. Then we settled in for a relaxing evening, without Sarah -- who had gone to see the spectacle of the Jerusalem Pride Parade. Not, as you might think, pride in Jerusalem, but pride in ... what, exactly? Not really sure.

Friday one of my cousins introduced me to a whole new group of cousins (on my Mom's side of the family), so I'm making contact with them and widening the family-tree project.

Finally, Daniela worked hard on assembling her furniture, and now she and Jeremy have a livable space to ... well, live in. We also are trying to get our hands on the official pictures from the wedding, we'll let you know when we've got some.

This week also marked our fifth aliyaversary, or anniversary of our making aliyah. This shabbat is the anniversary on the Hebrew calendar (15 Av), we're looking forward to appropriate celebration. We can celebrate being in our Land, with lower unemployment and a stronger economy than most other places (including the USA); with better healthcare and longer lifespans than most other places (including the USA); the only place in the world whose actual capital city is not recognized as such by the "international community". I thank God every day for making it possible for me to be here, and I likewise pray He help the rest of our people to come home (very) soon!

This week one of Sarah's friends is staying with us, and our good friends and aliyah partners the Casdens are coming for shabbat lunch. The menu includes: gazpacho, green beans and mushrooms, stuffed vegetables, chicken wings, ṭeḥina, grilled chicken, roasted eggplant, Moroccan carrots, beet salad, bean salad, spicy kohlrabi, asparagus, roasted potatoes, and fruit crumble

Until next week,
shabbat shalom!

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