Observations about life in Israel from a Canadian immigrant's perspective.
It is Elul, a month of introspection and change. We search inside and see where improvements can be made. So I decided to dig deep and change myself from the inside out. Literally. I went on a cleanse, in hopes that a shiny, updated inner me would develop into a more organized, energized, lucid,… Continue reading Burnt Quinoa and A Stamp
I want to deposit a cheque. Simple, no? I can usually do this at a “kaspomat’ machine outside the bank. It takes about 30 seconds. Today the machine decides it cannot read my cheque. Hmm. I feel privileged that the bank is actually open. Israeli banks keep such bizarre hours; they are never open to… Continue reading I Want to Deposit a Cheque
“It makes my prayers clearer.” These were the words of Thomas, the trekker who is still walking the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking from Mexico to Canada. (See entry "Where Prayer Is Clear.") These words describe his passion for walking long distances. Alone, his belongings are in one neat backpack: his kitchen, a light-weight pot atop… Continue reading Riding In The Moment
Having just written about Israelis on the trail, I feel I have to include this incredible tale of valor and kindness. On May 19, an Israeli was approaching the summit of Mount Everest. So close to scaling the world's tallest mountain, he was just 250 metres from the peak. He climbed along the icy ridge… Continue reading As If He Saved An Entire World
“Where are you from?” Relieved to take a break from hiking up switchbacks, I shifted the heavy pack on my back, then answered, “Israel.” Silence. I looked into his eyes and saw tears. He had been hiking the Sierra Nevada for six weeks. He started the Pacific Crest Trail in Mexico and would finish in… Continue reading Where Prayer Is Clear
A crowd gathers. Chatting, joking, milling, shifting on their feet. They are waiting for something. A crowd thickens. Little boys chase each other, spinning imaginary circles around their dads. Women hover on the hillside. They look down at the men, a sea of black and white with wide brimmed hats bobbing in the evening breeze.… Continue reading Flight
“Forget it.” Forget it. These words still sting. They are akin to saying ‘give up.’ Throw in the towel. Laisse pisser. Sayonara. One morning last week, I was on the phone with my son’s yeshiva. I was trying to sort out a simple tuition issue. But before I could even address my matter, I had… Continue reading Forget It!
“I found a carrot for my snowman’s nose." Talya plodded though the snow, crouching down to perfect her masterpiece. I leaned forward, curious. How could she produce a carrot on this frozen mountaintop? Was it some kid’s leftovers from last summer’s picnic? I examine it closely and see she has found an orange water bottle… Continue reading Snow, sandals and sandwich bags
Baruch Dayan Emet. Just yesterday, we lost my Auntie Diane. She died of cancer and at 76, she was a young and vibrant woman. She was a dear mother, a loving sister, and a wonderful aunt. Just yesterday, we stood in silence as the siren wailed in memory of our fallen soldiers and victims of… Continue reading Baruch Dayan Emet
10 am. Thursday, April 19, 2012. A siren wails. We stop and stand in silence. Children close their math books, their small chairs scraping the floor as they stand. Doctors put down their stethoscopes and pause. Cab drivers stop on the highways. Busses screech to a halt, passengers put down their Sudoku, fold their newspapers,… Continue reading A Moment of Silence
Life in Israel 