years, I am still not habituated to life in Israel. Maybe it is because life is
never hum drum, boring or predictable here. Maybe it is because Israelis treat
each other like family (for good and for bad.) And, maybe, it is because Israelis’ beautiful,
giving souls reach out in the oddest places.
We call these instances Israel
Moments. Here are a few recent moments which show that in Israel, you
just never know….
least we thought we were.) The chuppah was called for 7pm and the wedding was
near Ashkelon, over an hour’s drive away. As we put the keys in the ignition, the
engine upped and died. We tried again. Nothing.
building and offered to help jump start the car. Yet when the car yawned and
sputtered its death rattle, we threw up our hands.
Our friendly neighbor said, “No worries. I just have to pick upmy kids and will be back at 7 with the car. After then, my car is yours.”
and gratitude. And then we looked at our watches and realized that we could not
miss the chuppah. We thanked him with great appreciation. He gave us his phone number
just in case we needed the car and he left. Only in Israel!
for the wedding or were going with others in full cars. On the third call, my friend
Robin picked up and said she was planning on getting a ride in a car that was
full but would happily change her plans and take us in her car. We all made it
to the chuppah on time – thanks to Robin.
a barefoot walk along the shore. After tuning into rhythmic surf lapping the sand, I always feel as if I have recalibrated my soul.
are the bronzed and muscled kings of the beach in Israel; and they rule from
their tower like monarchs on a throne.
was One above him. Shrouded in a white tallit with tefillin on his arm and
forehead, he had just finished his morning prayers. He stood still, staring
contemplatively out to sea. And I stood watching him, thinking ‘Only in Israel.’
time and needs to shake things up a bit, he packs a sleeping bag, a
flashlight and heads to a hiking trail. One time, en route to a hike, he and a friend
found a ride with two brothers. They were dressed in black pants and white
shirts and lived in the Hareidi town of Beitar Illit. Shaya started talking to
them, sharing some Torah ideas.
 |
| Beitar Illit |
He had never been to Beitar Illit and wanted
to see the town. The brothers were very nice and trustworthy so he spontaneously
asked them if he could visit their home. They said “One minute. We’ll call our
mom.” Not only were he and his friends welcomed into their home like family,
their mother offered them dinner and had prepared the guest room for them to
stay over. Only in Israel!
you think that nothing else in life can surprise you, here’s a story.)
olim arrive like newborns. I have been waiting 13 years to greet friends and
family as they make Aliyah and am becoming a bit despondent waiting. But next
week, a special arrival will be at Ben Gurion Airport holding his brand-new citizenship
card – my dad!
other than living in London, England for 24 years, he has made Toronto his home
base. In less than one week, he will move to Israel and become Israeli.
His furniture and mementoes are tightly packed into a container
and are on a ship en route to a new home in a new country. He is
leaving the people, the places, the familiar roads and language that he has
known for over 50 years. He is shuffling the deck, moving to a place where
he will be filled with adventures and awe.
their newbie dad when he arrives. Dad, I wish you an abundance of inspiring Israel
Moments as you come home to a special nation that is already your family.
Once you are an oleh in this unbelievable land, you’ll be cherishing Israel Moments and soon be recounting your own tales!
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