a balloontwister’s aliya saga

I have a small break in work so I thought I’d give a few thoughts about 9/11.

On Sunday Penina and I were stuck for a few minutes at a roadblock going from 375 on the back road into the tunnels past Gilo on the way to Jerusalem. She made a comment about it being so inconvenient. I didn’t say anything but this is the way of life post 9/11 in the US but it is an everyday occurance for people living in israel. It doesnt faxe us anymore seeing soldiers in JFK with the huge machine guns. In Israel there is almost no second thought to the anniversary of 9/11.

Even for the anglos.

When I mentioned to my friends on thew way to the airport that we were flying to the US ON 9/11. It didn’t register anything. Unfortunately, this threat is on us 24/7. Seeing security guards when you walk into the mall or a restaurant is normal. Maybe not normal, actually…rather, not unusual. Having to take your shoes off in the airport or not being able to bring toothpaste or deodorant in your carry on is just another small step in showing how we are living in this constant fear. Just think how much 9/11 has made our lives so inconvenient and has made the world a much different place for our children. If I’m going to live like this…. I’d rather bring up my kids in Israel. In Israel we know, for the most part, where the threat lies and how to deal with it. Most of the world is too busy cowtowing to Iran and the Muslim world and think Israel is the cause of the world’s ills.

The most vexing part is the policy of the current gov’t of israel. Are they defending Israel or are they bowing to international pressure. It seems that Olmert is trying to walk that fine line and I do not believe it can be done. Every military action is done halfway so nothing gets accomplished. Soldiers are still not home and the blockade was called off before the international force was put in place. Alot of head scratching going on.

I heard an interesting thought from a history shiur from Rabbi Spiro. The gist was when troubles are being applied by other nations on Israel throughout history. From the days of Joshua through the years of the shoftim. Its only a result of us not doing mitzvot and learning torah. While we have to deal with the external issues, we have to keep in mind that we should pay attention to our own maasim.

It was just in this weeks parsha. Problems are the result of our not keeping the torah. The land spits us out and we face curses when we are distant from H-shem. Lets hope that with a strong elul and teshuva we can see a safer eretz yisroel and world in the post 9/11 era.

J

Rodent on the Run….
Well, Penina’s fears HAVE come true.

The little hamster is MIA…

Here’s the story. Around 6 months ago, the Michal and Yoni after doing well in school wwere allowed to get a pet and hamsters is what they chose. Well, fast forward to the summer. The hamsters were at a neighbor the summer where they spent most of the time escaping and hiding due to a cage that was slightly damaged. Fast forward to this morning… one of them…is on the lam. I think this is like Europe post french revolution. Once europe tasted revolution…. they were all in a Frenzy. The hamsters got a taste of freedom this summer and when they haad a chance…. one of them bolted. The fat one got stuck.

Sunday Penina and I went to get the car looked at and we spent a few hours with Aliza. I was a bit upset when she did not pick up the tab for lunch. Israeli family and a seminary girl from NY… please… we all know who should be picking up the bill. We had lunch at Tal’s bagels and then headed to geula for some shopping. Its a different world. The german colony and geula. Both vibrant and happenning…. but very different. EIther way its exciting walking around and seeing the different types of people. Tourists. Sem Girls. Yeshiva boys. People yelling at each other. Cars honking. After we sent aliza back to school Penina and I went to buy a challa board.. I went to find some gum and had a conversation with the woman who was working the counter. She was in her 70’s I think and was talking about aliya..and the kids…etc… a few minutes later I saw my cousin Rivka Feit from Brooklyn was was in J’lem for a wedding. Just comes to show… its almost impossible to spend a day in J’lem and NOT see someone you know. We all posed for a picture and dodged a few rocks as it was a picture of men and women without a mechitza.

Shabbos I spent on my block. Davening 10 feet away. The furthest I walked was to Dovid’s house… 2 minutes away. Its not that big of a problem..as its still summer in Israel. Very hot and humid. Speaking about problem… more English people in our little neighborhood. Met 2 families just this shabb0s. SO now I have to learn hebrew AND english. I also finally met the decorator who is designing our new place. She actually listened to my input and ideas. I wonder if it was just because I am paying her or if she thought my ideas were actually good. I started noticing that. People that I am paying tend to listen to me more than regular people.

Wonder why that is.
J