Written December 24, 2009
To my dearest family, friends
& neighbor, hello & Shalom from Israel. I did not write for
quite some time,this is good news. My days just fly away "Doing
Nothing". Not really. I am very busy. However, today is laundry day,
while the machine is washing I will be writing. Talking about laundry, I
am doing it the old fashion way. from the washing machine, I hang it on
the clothes line. It is a sunny day, 20 degrees C. (= 67-68 F),saving
on electricity, saving the environment.
Tonight, I will meet with my
sister (Sarah), she invited me to see an original Israeli play. Last
Monday, I went with my friends, the Bar-Lev to another original Israeli
play. (excellent) & on Sunday, again, with the Bar-Lev to hear the
Israeli Philharmonic in Heichal-Hatarbut ( Culture Hall) in Tel-Aviv. By the time I will arrive, back, in America, I will be saturated with culture.......
Talking about the Bar-Lev's.
Miriam is my friend from the age of 12. She married Gideon, her high
school boy friend after he had completed his 3 years service, in the
Elite "NA"CHAL MUTZNACH" (the youth pioneer parachutist) of
the Israeli Army. A note to mention, he fought in the Sinai
campaign.(1956). Miriam as well as Gideon are Agronomists graduate from
the Hebrew U. Later in life, Gideon did his masters in Agriculture
economics in Israel & Miriam, in Boston. Miriam, just recently
retired, as it is the law in Israel.She worked for the dept. of
Agriculture in Israel, a specialist in the "Nuts of the earth". In plain
English = PEANUTS. Traveled around the world from south America to Tim
Bak Too.(for real). Gideon ,too, worked for the dept. of Agriculture,
spent about 6 month in Persia, Iran today. ! !. He still works, part
time on a special contract,as a consultant, in the Ashkelon
region. Now, this was only side notes. They have 6
children, with education ranging from PhD. to just high-school
graduate, 5 are married 1 is divorced. The children are married into
Ashkenazi & Sefardi spouses. Some are religious, observant, some are
Chilonim (secular). Politically, the children's views are a full
spectrum. From the right of right to the left of left. They have 21
grandchildren of whom 3 are married & 9 great grand children. Blue
eyes, green eyes, brown eyes, blond & dark hair, fair & olive complexion.
Miriam & Gideon live in Moshav (a farming community) Bet-Gamliel.
They do have a Plantation of Avocado & Pecans. Their home is large
& comfortable. So, during the holiday of Chanukka they invited the
entire family to celebrate together the
3rd candle. All came. (aside from 2 grandchildren with good excuses...1
is in the USA serving a Jewish community in Portland Oregon, and
another is in the army,) And here I am. included as a family
member, walking in the large living Rm. with care, not to step on a
child or a toy.....
Miriam prepared a fruit punch (the Israelis pronounce like POONCH),
spiked with some Liqueur.... well, well, we, 2, had a good time. Of
course there was food to "Serve an army".
Miriam & Gideon,born in Israel, both 72 years very young. Going
to the theater, concerts, traveling in Israel, (& mostly) Europe
& just young at heart excepting life as is. They are wonderful
friends,with a large circle of friends, always call, to include me in
their busy calendar. An Israeli story. I love them.
hope all is well with all of
you. Happy holiday season, Merry Xmas to you my friend & neighbor
who celebrate. I miss you. Love from the beautiful land of CRAZY
POLITICS out & in daily pressure, life and death decision, and one
Gilad Shalit who is in captivity X the past (over) 1200 days. Israel
Is now in a serious dealing for his release with the price of freeing
over 1400 Arab murderers, with what we call "Blood on their hands".
Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, that me, Esther.
