My dearest children, grandchildren, beloved family, trusted neighbor, wonderful friends and anyone interested to read.

Hello, Allooo, Shalom, and Happy New Year.

I got up early and decided to write my last Blog for 2015. 

Don't know from where to begin, life in Israel can not be imagine. The last few days

are a mix of reality show, soap opera, thriller movie, and a far out ferry tale. In

the last two days, Israel stood on it's heels. Among all the news, I am unable to write in one "short" letter, is the conviction of the past Prim Minister of Israel, Ehud Olmart. A story of, bribery, money laundry, deceiving, that was going on for years. All connected to a monstrosity complex building on top of a Jerusalem hill, name Holyland. ( my opinion: not Holy at all, just ugly, built against environmental and architectural suggestions.)

For the first time, in Israel, a prim minister will be serving jail time.

But, what is most special to this country, are the group of five Upper Court judges, who deliver the verdict. The "Av Bet Din", the presiding Judge, name Salim Ghubran, is an Arab Israeli judge. Now, this you will not hear in Europe, or America, were critiques of the state of Israel, are rampaging. Talks of Apartheid and the need for BDS are ringing from their Parliament houses. 

Where is the Apartheid ??  

I will not tire you with the sex scandals going on, or the trails and tribulation of Sarah Netanyahu, wife of Benjamin. (Bibi.) Those stories, juicy as they are, are the daily injection of laughter for me. 

I visited my beloved Karmel Market (Shook HaKarmel), the other day. Literally, it was difficult to navigate in the narrow street. I was able to detect tourist, locals, and most impressive, two groups of young people visiting Israel for the first time 

with "Taglit" (discovery). I had the opportunity to speak with a young girl from NYC,

first time traveler, with a group of 136 youngsters from all over north America. The group, accompanied by five security people, young guys, past combat soldiers from the Israeli Army. This is life now, I feel most comfortable, when I see soldiers with guns on the bus, on the train, on the street and in the market.

My "Magi-Mix", (food processor) story. 

I love to prepare my own Humus-Tahini. Without a food processor it is practically impossible to achieve the smooth texture. Was suggested by all the "Mavins" in Israel to get a Mini Magi-Mix. looking in my neighborhood, I could not find one. So, one goes to the big mall in Tel-Aviv at the Dizengoff Center.  Bingo!  In the beautiful housewares store I found my mini processor. 275 Shekel (= $72) and it could be mine. The only thing that held me from buying was the large, On/Off  Red button on the top of the machine. Did not match my Blue decor in my kitchen. You would think I am going to wear it....  I decided to further look, after all, I don't need to wear it for the next Bar-Mitzva I am invited.

Yesterday, I was visiting the south part of Alenby street in Tel-Aviv, my past life neighborhood. Looking in windows just for fun, I notice a small store packed to the

tilt with boxes of all sizes containing electric appliances. I ask the shopkeeper for my "Mini", and in a second the box was in front of me. Magic of Magic, my Megi-Mix was in front of me. Same thing as the one from yesterday, identical twin,  with a Silver Button. The price: 100 Shekels (= $26)......I think I will wear it to my next Bar-Mitzvah invitation........

Only in Israel. 

Again, I wish you all, a happy and a healthy new year. Don't drink and drive. 

To my dearest family, loyal neighbor, wonderful friends,  Shalom, Hello, Hi, and AAALLLOOO !

Long time has past since last I wrote. Must admit, the Muse did not shine her face upon me. 

I am in Israel, and of course,enjoy every minute. I arrived in the middle of November, and within a few days went to stay at the Dead Sea. I can not consider my stay at the wonderful hotel as a pleasure trip, I was there for Medicinal purpose. I needed the Sun, to heal my Psoriasis. Out of the 8 days, only 5 were suitable for sun exposure. One day was a rain day - very unusual in the area, and the other days, the sky was covered by heavy clouds. Because the Dead Sea is located, 400 meter ( 1400Ft) below sea level, the sun rays that reaches the area are pure UV rays, which are the healing rays for Psoriasis. For 5 sunny days, I exposed my self for about 5 hours, daily. Was told the best time to be there are the month of May, September, October. 

Happy to tell you, I am not fully cured, but what a noted improvement. To my dismay, the Dead Sea water are not recommanded for people with tendency for high Blood Pressure. Dipping in the very salty water it is like being "pickled" in salt. 

I took a day off today. Stayed home, did my laundry, took advantage of the mild sunny weather, and hang the laundry on the lines. What a fresh smell to my clothes. Tomorrow, towels.......

I return to my place of volunteering. "ALEH".  Genuinely  welcomed. The staff was happy to see me as I was happy to see them. Met new staff, especially other volunteers. 

I was impressed by a young lady, in her midst of a Master Program in Brain research  Science, at Bar-ILan University. She devotes her daily visit to one child born with a brain malady. ( I am not sure if it is CP.) Not verbally communicating and unable to use her limbs. Because, not being there since last February, I was amazed at the progress the child did. Able to stand and walk a few steps with help. She holds wedges of apple and able to eat and swallow. Look like normal to us, but it is big steps for Z. ( I am unable to identify her by name.)

Last week, the Thursday visit, the plan was a cooking show, for me to conduct. However, unexpected, the main teacher had a PTA meeting and was unable to come. But, the other teachers, care givers, volunteers, we all improvised a show. Out side the rain was fearless, thunders and lightnings. A video was placed on the large screen about rain. Any one, who did have an umbrella, opened it danced to the music. ( I should taken a picture.)

I love this place.

Politics in Israel, the usual. We might have a general Union strike, tomorrow. 

The Knife Intifadda, the cars slamming into bus station, continue. What a sturdy, nation we are having here. I am sure, here in Israel, we are aware and more knowledgeable About the atrocities the extremist Islam are committing.  Please, take into account over 1 BILLION Muslims, the so call "minority" radicals are MILLIONS folds. The majority is irrelevant in view of the ISIS, DA'ASH, ISEL, minority causing havoc in the world.

To all my friends, celebrating the Christmas Holiday, I wish you Holiday Greetings from Israel. And to all, Happy New Year.

I miss you all, Much love, Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, Me, eem. Esther.