Shalom and Hello to my dearest children, grandchildren, family, friends, neighbors, and all who wish to read.

I am fine, looking forward to return, hoping the snow will melt. Finef, my cat, took sick, I thank  my dear neighbor, Gerry, assisted by my daughter in law, Barbara, my son Adam, and grandson Abba-Natan, (all are dear and beloved), the cat is getting to his own self again. Thank You, cat lovers.

 

Here in Israel we experienced a phenomenon in the last two days.  An horrendous dust storm based from the Sahara hit Israel as well as countries in north Africa, middle east, and even the south of Europe. The air in the southern part of Israel was a visible yellow- orange in color. The visibility was reduced to no more then 10 feet. All form of communication in Israel requested its citizens to stay home, with closed windows. This dust is harmful to human and animals, however, it is an important ecological event.

The dust particles nourishing the African land, and by way all other areas affected. The dust accumulates on land on the leaves of trees, and plants. Once the rain comes it washes the dust that soaks into the land and acts as the best nature fertilizer.

Yes, about 36 hours after the dust storm hit us, the rain came and washed the air.

A couple of days ago, I had another opportunity, to visit my childhood neighborhood.

The reason was the visit of Asher & Sharon Levitsky in Israel. ( Friends from my synagogue in NYC). I was born and raised in the south part of Tel-Aviv, a neighborhood bordering the Arab city of Jaffa, today under one municipality of the greater Tel-Aviv.

As I walked through the path of my past, we visited the Suzzan-Dallal center for art, dance and theater, which used to be my elementary school campus. We visited the Neve-Zedek

neighborhood, the first Jewish quarter in the Arab city, Jaffa.  Neve-Zedek going through renovation, were we discovered an advertisement by a realtor for a home on sale 40,000,000 Shekel. (= about $ 12,000,000). I remember the neighborhood filled with small hut for homes....We continued walking in now and then the main street name Shabazi. 

At that point of my story, I will go back to tell about my mother, Pearl, who for years visited an old cobbler on Shabazi street. The story I heard from her, was about me who at the age of three or four,  still did not talk. (hard to believe). She put me in the stroller, and walked to Shabazi street to visit the old cobbler. I understood he blessed me, (and my mother) and promise soon I will be talking.  Happily, Pearl, my mother, left  walking back home, crossing what was then a main artery, the Tel-Aviv / Jaffa road.

Thinking more then 70 years ago, the main transportation on this road were horses, and horses and buggies. As my mother crossed the road, a horse carrying a buggy was galloping in full swing toward my mother and me in the stroller. Like a miracle, the horse stopped in front of the stroller, raised his front legs and neigh.  I looked at the horse pointed my finger and said : HORSE....   

Through the years, my mother visited the cobbler, never talking much about it. At one point when I asked her why she has to go to a cobbler, while my father was a shoe maker, she told me he is her adviser,consultant, psychologist, sounding board, teacher.

My mother did not have girlfriends as we know them today, she shied away from gossips, and small talks, today I understand her need to pour her heart.

The old cobbler was a Cohen. A decedent of Aaron the Cohen, the tribe of priesthood.  (Moses brother) The Cohanim, together with the tribe of the Levis served in the holy temple.  Traditionally, first born sons who is from a family of "plain" Israelite, is to be dedicated to the priesthood. Today, when we don't have a Temple, an Israelite family will redeem their firs born from any Cohen. 

When my son Avishay was born, at the age of 30 days, my mother chose the Cobbler to be the redeemer Cohen (priest)  The very joyous ceremony called : Pidyon HaBen. (redemption of the son). I remember, seeing the cobbler for the first time that Saturday evening, being carried the two flight of stairs, like a baby, on my brother In law's arm.  This was last time I heard about the old man.

Going back to the visit on Shabazi street, in a dingy shop-window, I see  a framed photo of an old bearded man with a fine and gentle face, and smiling eyes. On the bottom photo inscribed, "The Cobbler" and the full name of : Rebbi Moshe-Yaakov

son of Yosef the Cohen Rabikov, may he rest in peace. 

My heart did not pound as fast and hard as when I saw the picture. When I asked the store owner to buy it, he told me he gives the photo for free, but he is out of them.

I guess he saw my face, when he disappeared into a dark storage place, and within five minute he came out triumphant, saying : I found one. 

Only in Israel.

I love you and miss you all. And again I thank all who are caring for Finef my cat, especially my best neighbor Gerry.

Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, Me, Esther, eem

To my dearest children, grandchildren, family, friends, neighbors, and just passing by, shalom & hello. 

Hard to believe, in two weeks I will be returning to NYC after a three month stay in Israel.  As usual, politics is BIG in this small country. Again an election is coming up, with all the bickering, name calling, mud throwing, and empty "bottles" rolling. I am saddened for the money waste, when there are people who are unable to  "finish" the month on their meager salary, while twenty six parties are fighting for a seat in the coveted Knesset. 

And one more paragraph, about a personal opinion, regarding Netanyahu's upcoming speech to the American Senate & Congress.  I am sure, you are familiar with the turmoil the invitation to speak did, all same here. Pro and against, lies & fiction, true and dishonesty. As a citizen of both great places, and one who share her life almost equally between, I say : Go BIBI Go !

The small Israel is fighting for her life, for her existence.  And there , within a distance of about

900 miles between Jerusalem and Teheran , shorter then the distance between NYC and Milwaukee, a nuclear bomb will be developed.  So what ? you will say, the what is the threat that comes from Iran, the promise to  destroy Israel. The Iranian are saying this for some times,

loud and clear, and  the world is keeping a deaf ear.  I think, Netanyahu must convey this message to the American people before it is too late and a deal is signed. 

Last week I was privileged to attend an event by a non for profit organization name OMETZ.

In Hebrew translation, Courage.  The Hebrew letters of the name reads as: "Citizens for Proper

Administration, Social, and Judicial Justice. I am a proud member of this organization and my friend Arieh Avneri is its chairman.     Ometz decorated Doctors, Institutions, Programs and plain Citizens, in the fields of Medicine and Science. Ten recipients in total received the decoration. 

An organization close to my heart, the Hospice of the Galilee was one of the recipients. A couple in retirement, immigrants from Argentina, gave me a sense of joy and exhilaration. Every Friday, the couple visits adult / nursing home, dressed in clown outfits, were they sing and dance and just bring smile and happiness . 

A Doctor, who is one of the world specialist in the field of Oncology, left a promising position 

about 30 years ago in Haifa, to open the first Oncology unit in Be'er Sheva, Negev region, Soroka Hospital. From zero he built one of the best equipped, center for research  teaching, treating, healing,   and the cor for Cancer care in the entire south part of Israel. 

There were  others to receive a decoration, but the one that held my breath was Professor  

( not an American title. Given to PhD, MD, in Europe and Israel. Kind of a post doctorate). Riyad Agbariya.  A Bedouin from the Negev, who was a simple brick layer, completed his high school education, studied Pharmacology at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, completed his master program and PhD, and return to his Bedouin outpost .   From non existent  professionals in the field of Medicine, Pharmacology, and science in the Bedouin society, Professor Agbariya was instrumental in developing the project called : "Desert Medicine Buds". Today,  more the 100 graduate, in the field of medicine, including six Female MD, serve the area. About 400 Arab student from the Bedouin community attending higher learning institutes to become professionals in the field of Medicine and pharmacology. Most, attending the Negev University, or as it is called The University of Be'er Sheva, Soroka.  

The event took place in Museum "Eretz-Israel", to a full capacity 800 seat auditorium. 

It was a evening of knowing, there is  beauty in Israel. 

Only in Israel.

I send my love, see you soon.

Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, me, Esther

Shalom from Sunny Ramat Gan

To my dearest family, children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. Shalom, Peace, and security.

What a week ? hard to describe in writing, looks like the western, civilized, world stood on its toes. 

The four Jewish victims, killed on Friday, in a kosher Deli in Paris were buried today, in Jerusalem.

Thousand attended. Here, I must add a very personal foot note. I heard the  critics Benjamin Netanyahu faced for telling the French Jewry to return to Israel. (We, Jewish people, when coming to Israel, say : "we are returning"). I understand his call to return was an alarm note to the government of France. Frankly, I am proud of Bibi for saying what is on the mind of Million of Israelis. If one is not safe, life is threatened, and no security, then just LEAVE. There is a home 

for the wondering Jew in Israel. 

And another foot note.  French President, Holland, sent his partner, lady friend, Segolin Royal

to represent him in the funeral.   She spoke French, simultaneously translated.

No make up or any hair tricks, beautiful lady in a blue coat. I felt, she genuinely, heart felt, with the grieving families.  Kudos to the lady !

This appropriately brings me to another chapter in the life of my mother, Pearl. 

Her call to return to to the land of Israel- Palestine at the time, was experiencing antisemitism, and her "gut feeling"  that Poland is not safe and Europe started to burn as she 

told me. Many Jews, in that decade left for America or like my mother, to the land of Israel.

And as we know, the one who left behind, was left behind.  Out of a total 13 siblings, a brother

Chaim-Dovid who left for America, and a sister, my aunt Yehudit who went to Israel, survived.

I never had grandparents. As a child, I thought, grandparents are old people they die when one is born. 

In 1937 Pearl's eye operation was declared a success. She returned to the Slutzky's home after their return from vacationing in Alexandria, Egypt, and continued to care for Mrs Slutzky. 

In the evenings she was free at liberty to leave the house. She spent  many of those evenings at the Hershfinger's home. 

As a young child, I remember visiting the Hershfingers often. My memory of this home was the large entry room with the massive table in the middle and a row of chairs around. On the entire wall facing the entrance, was a built in breakfront and shelves on top. A large tea kettle my mother called a "TCHAINEEK" , (I think it was a Samovar) was permanently placed on the breakfront, were guest helped themselves to tea. On the shelves were at display silver articles, all for sale. Candelabras, Candalesticks, Wine goblets, Chanukah Menorahs, Fruit balls etc. 

At the time, when I visited the place, Mrs. Hershfinger, always held her grandchild, Meir Yedidya

on her lap. Zipora, the Hershfingers daughter, died about 3 weeks after giving birth and Meir was raised by his grandmother. My mother used to take Meir to the Rothschild boulevard for "fresh air",  placing him in the stroller with my brother. But her main duty was to take Meir to the children's clinic on HaShachar street. 

Going back to 1937, when my mother is a regular visitor at the Hershfingers. Pearl is small built,

dark curly hair, amber Yellow color eyes ( a very recessive gene), not a smiley type, strong willed, smart,  and must admit, opinionated. while the tea was served, and silver goods were sold a Shidduch (match making) for my mother was thought after. 

On HaKishon street lived a young man with his parents. His name was Noah Mardix. Good looking, making a living as an upholsterer.  However, Noah was born with Club Feet. He wore 

special shoes and had a noticeable limp.  The idea for the Shidduch was, Noah with the club feet and Pearl with the cross eyes, a perfect match.   Noah was invited and unbeknown to my mother about the arrangement, she, as usual, came for a regular visit.

Noah, very bashful, asked his brother in law, Yaakov to accompany him. Yaakov, a young widower left with a 2 year old child, he was raising. Very good looking, quiet, and gentle, agree to escort Noah.  They all sat around the table, mingling with other guest and silver buyers, drinking tea from the Tchainick, making small talks.  Late in the evening they left.

Once Noah & his escort Yaakov left, Mrs. Hershfinger asked my mother how did she like Noah.

Well, her answer put a silence in the Hershfingers home. Pearl said: Noah, I did not like, but his friend, (who at this time she did not knew Yaakov's name,or his familial connection to Yaakov),  I like very much.  Once the Hershfingers, recovered from their surprise, they told my mother that he is a widower with a child. This news did not faze Pearl, she just said, it is OK I like him. I think, about 3 month later, On the 16th day of the month of Sivan in the year 5698, correspond with June, 15, 1938

My mother Pearl and my father Yaakov Edelstein got married. In their wedding K'tubah (Jewish marriage contract) Pearl used the Hebrew translation to her name, P'nina. 

The day after their wedding, they both picked up my sister Sarah, who was 4 years old, from the kindergarten and brought her home with them.

More to come.

Only in Israel.

Love, Miss you all.  Your Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, Me Esther.

Shalom from Ramat Gan on a stormy day

To my dearest children, grandchildren, mishpacha, friends, neighbors,and all who are interested

reading.   Just a reminder, all my Mishpacha letters since 2009 were compiled into a Blog by

my dear grandson Jacob.  (Jacob is Avishay & Barbara Mazor son).

The blog name is :   http://shalomfromramatgan.blogspot.co.il 

It is a real storm in Israel. Snow on the mountains, Golan, Galilee, Judea, fearful winds, and rain in the seashore all the way down south to the Negev. I do not hear much complains, as Israelis  

are so very used to do, water from heaven is a blessing to this land. 

This is a wonderful day to continue to write my mother, Pearl, history. In hind side, I think I was interested to hear her life story, told to me in small portion through my life. I have regrets, I did 

not ask the questions I am asking now when she is no longer here. Today, I feel she never cease to amaze me, small woman of about 5 feet tall (or shorter), smart and diligent.   

Pearl arrived in Israel in the year 1936. I do not know where she spent her first days or weeks in the land, having a Sefer Thorah as her treasured possession. 

In the new fledgling city of Tel-Aviv, number 61 Hertzel street lived the Hershfinger family, in a comfortable very large apartment with many rooms, on the 2nd floor.  

They arrived in Israel in the 1920th. Mr. Hershfinger, a silversmith, a silver refurbisher, and trader, had a fine business where most of the selling and buying and other interesting dealing,  was done from home during the evening time, while the factory operated in another place during the day. 

The Hershfingers home was open to all new arrivals to the land of Israel. I assume this was possible my mother's first stop.  As my mother told me, when the house was full, Chayale, the youngest daughter, slept in the bathtub, padded with a blanket, and pillows, she said her evening prays in the tub..... 

The Slutzky family arrived in The land of Israel in 1917. A very wealthy family, from St. Petersburg. With the start of the Russian revolution, the entire Slutzky family, filled every pillow case, duvet, and bedsheets with all the gold and silver they had in their possession, and left  their home in the middle of the night.  As my mother told me , the Ruble lost his value, the Bolsheviks started a pogrom, confiscating all the riches and the finest of the city. 

Safely, the Slutzkys arrived in Israel, and built a home on the corner of Rothschild Bulvard and

Nachalat-Binyamin street. 

In 1936 my mother started to work at the Slutzky's home as a personal live in aide/maid to Mrs.Slutzky, who by then was old and afflicted with severe Arthritis which limited her movement. 

Mr Slutzky was generous, paying my mother monthly, however, holding the money in his own saving account.

When a year of service ended, the family, were planing their yearly retreat in Alexandria, Egypt.

Of course, the expectation was for my mother to join them. But Pearl had a different plan.

As I mentioned before, Pearl had a severe Strabismus (crossed eyes),  with Astigmatism, and her only wish was to find a Husband, and have a family. She was not young in the standard of the time, and being crossed eyes was not helpful in finding a man.  As she requested her yearly  earnings from Mr. Slutzky, he was surprise to hear her plan to operate her eyes.  Understanding her  reason for the

operation, he offered her a deal he had in mind for saving her money. His plan was to secure her future, as a single woman, was to buy a  large parcel of land in the center of the city. The deal was almost done, the real estate was chosen, but,  

Pearl insisted, and received the 32 English lira.  Within a few days, she traveled to Jerusalem

to the Clinic of the world renowned Dr. Ticho.  The doctor was known for his treatment of Trachoma, a disease of the eye, that afflicted many people in the beginning of the century. 

Her story about her operation was repeated throughout my life at home.  The five days post operation, lying in bed with sand bags holding her head, I remember by heart.  After the operation, she removed her eye glasses, using them for reading, only, though she needed them

for daily use. 

Twice, I remember, traveling with my mother to Jerusalem, in 1944 and in 1946, for a post check up with Dr. Ticho, in the clinic, located behind the central bus station of then, on Yaffo street. 

Also, as a young child, I remember the frequents visits to the Slutzky's home. By then, Mrs. Slutzky was completely bed ridden. What amazes me, today, was my mother communicating with Mrs. Slutzky in Russian. Pearl, being an orphan, was not privileged with elementary education. She knew to read from the prayer book, from the Bible and especially from her favorite the book of Psalm. She spoke a "broken" Hebrew, some Polish, she spoke Yiddish

and I guess some Russian. 

My story of my mother, Pearl Pravda, will continue. 

The rain is knocking on the windows. 

I miss you, love to you all.

Only in Israel.

Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, Me, Esther.    

To my dearest family, friends, neighbors, and all others interesting in reading, Shalom, Allo, and Hello. 

A cold wave is approaching Israel, with rain and a possibility of snow on the mountains. I chose to stay home this Shabbat, nursing a slight cold. 

I have a daily routine, visiting my neighbor, across the hall, Bertha. She is at least ten years my senior, busy sewing as she did all her life from the time she was six years old.  Born in Iraq, 

Bertha never learn to read or write. Does her measurements according to the size of the tiles in her kitchen. (each tile 20x20 cm, five tiles = 1 meter).  She told me once: My eyes are a centimeter, and my hands are a Kilogram. Meaning, I can measure with my eyes and with my hands. 

Bertha, and her, just married, husband, arrived in Israel in 1952 with the large 200,000 other Jews from Iraq known as the famous  Babylonian Immigration. It is an historical immigration. Thirty generation (over 2000 years) of Jewish presence in Iraq ended within a few weeks, in 1952. 

So, visiting Bertha daily, at time just to say hello, she always asks me "Where are you ?"  and in Arabic I answer : "Honnie", meaning "here". Through the time I live here, I do have a very slight understanding of the Arabic language she speaks with her friends & family who frequent her place. 

Refusing to wear a hearing aide, and busy at her singer machine, she never hears the guests

coming to visit her, until the tapping of her shoulder. (Bertha's home is never locked between 9:00 am and 8:00 pm.)   Yesterday, she forgot to unlock her door, and when her friend Camilla

came for her daily visit, she could not come in, in spite, ringing and knocking.  Today, when I visited Bertha, she announced in her broken Hebrew :  "My Ears are Dead"......

Thursday, is the day I volunteer at  "ALEH". A home for special, very special children. 

There are four such places in Israel. My volunteering home is in the heart of a very religious neighborhood in the total orthodox city of B'nei Baraq. There is a home in Jerusalem, in Gedera, and an entire village in the south, near the town of Netivot in the Negev. 

On Thursday, dressed up appropriately, long sleeve top, long skirt, (no pens) I arrive at about 2:00 pm. For the first two hours, I help the head nurse in arranging the medication in the cabinets, then I go to what is called "Tinokiya", (the babies). Sadly, some of the "babies" are 12 years old. Majority are fed via tube, unable to swallow, all are unable to walk, talk, or using their limbs.  My baby is Johnie, a beautiful 7 years old, who by now recognizes me, when I arrive, with a big smile. I was told to  keep  talking to him, pronouncing the word A-B-B-A, (meaning father).

I am happy to tell he says ABBA, and now also IMA. (mother). 

Between 4:00pm & 6:00pm the place is busy with activities. regardless the children's condition, the teachers, the aides, the therapists, the nurse, all the staff are involved with the children's activities. Yesterday, activity director project was Pancake making. Like in a regular class, she told the children about pancake making, pronouncing the "A" in pancake like in fAther.  Because the Israel Academy for language just picked up a Hebrew name for pancake and cupcake,  "OOGONIT" we used the Hebrew word. ( Cake in Hebrew = ooga).  Every ingredient we used was shown to the children. The Eggs for the mixture was broken by a child with the assistance of a staff,  we mixed all walking between the children, repeating "now we are mixing". 

An electric pancake maker was used, and in no time the pancakes were piling up.  I am very proud to say, I was in charge of making the "dressings".  With no Maple syrup or honey, I made 3 flavors.  Try this : 1. Soft spreading Chocolate (about 3 Tbs) with Sour Cream. (about 3 Tbs). Mix well.  2. Soft fine like cottage Cheese, sour cream, 1 tsp Vanilla sugar, 2 tsp Vanilla instant powder pudding. Mix well.   3. Strawberry, very fine strained Jelly/Jam, and sour cream. Mix well.  (No recipe was used, just the look of the product, as Bertha probably would say: my tongue is the recipe...... 

The children are unable to eat the Oogonim, but we went to a few children who are not in danger of just tasting the dressing. 

As the staff was eating, music was playing, and the place was hopping. 

Only in Israel.

I miss you all. sending my LOVE.

Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, me, Esther, eem. 

Shalom, Alllloooo, Hello, to my dearest children, grandchildren, family, friends, neighbors, and all interested reading.

How are you ?  I am fine, here a pain there a twitch, but all and all I am OK. After a few eventful weeks, I did my 15 min. prescribed exercise today, and planning to walk the 2 Kilometers later in the day.  

I am asked about the latest politics and the up coming election, To this I will answer, the show is yet to begin. I am sure, in my future writings I will have a "bag full of goodies".

My grandson, Abba-Natan, went to Brooklyn, yesterday, for a short 2 month Vacation, with his family. 

About 2 weeks ago he was discharged with HONORS from his service in the Israeli Army. 

Abba-Natan, served in an elite fighting unit known as "Modiin-Sade" or Yisuf Kravi as it is called now. In a rough translation it is Field Intelligent.  Stationed on the Syrian boarder, he described his time as a good one, and especially praising the other comrades in his unit.

  Abba-Natan was a Lone-Soldier, which mean his family do not live in Israel. He enlisted on his own, and was adapted by members of Kibbutz Urim, located in the south next to the Gaza strip. 

I must clarify: "discharge with honors" (or served with honor): There are 2 type of service,

Honor or a dismissal.  But, as a grandmother, I am letting all know, that he and only he, served with honors........  As of now, upon his return, he plans to stay permanently in Israel. His goal was to pass the driving test and receive a NY driver license. Once he return, he will have 1-2 years to complete the Israeli driving test. 

My mother, Pearl, born in Poland in a small town name Wengrov.  Orphaned at a very young age, she was raised by several of her siblings, some more then 20 years her senior.  My mother was the 12th child out of 13. From the stories she told me, her favorite place to be was at her sister Freyda , who lived in the next large town name Sokolov. 

While spending some weekends in Sokolov, she joined a religious Zionist group, young women only, name "Bruria".  While on a visit, just before the holiday of Purim , a ruffle was drawn. The 1st prize was a permit certificate to immigrate to Palestine. Those certificate were issued by the British, as Palestine, at the time, was under the British mandate.   My mother won the certificate,

but the girls of "Bruria" protested, claiming Pearl is only a guest. The heads of the organization, knowing her situation, made a decision to bring the dilemma to chief rabbi of the city of Sokolov.

Another ruffle was declared, and Pearl, my mother, won the second time. 

(I never new my mothers age, for reasons I speculated and will write about it later).

With a certificate in her hand,  receiving some money from her older brother, Pertz,  she bought a ticket on a boat. Her family tried in vain to persuade her not to leave, a single woman, going to an unknown future in an uncultured place.  When asked, what she would like to take with her on her journey, she requested to have the "Sefer Torah", ( Scroll of the Torah- the five books of Moses)  that was in the family for years. Many of her siblings were secular, nor religious,  the family Sefer Torah did not play a part in their life.  Never admitted to that, because she loved her brothers Peretz & Herschel very much.  To her family, her trip became a comical story. Here she is, single, having a severe case of strabismus (crossed eyes), not young, in the culture of then, going to Palestine with only a Sefer Torah  warped in a bed sheet, hugging with both arms.  As my mother told me, for 8 days on the sea she held the treasure, arriving to the land of Israel, as she always call, in 1936. 

My mother and the Torah,  survived the atrocities of 2nd world war, her family, left behind, ended in Treblinka. 

Foot note, The Sefer Torah, since was checked & renovated with loving care, twice, by my brother.  Now, temporarily,  station in a synagogue in Jerusalem, awaiting the ordination of my nephew, Daniel, to be placed in the synagogue he will serve. 

Last week end I was in Jerusalem. Staying with my brother & sister in law, to celebrate the birth

of their new grandson, son to Shira & Daniel. Arriving on time, grandnephew, has a new Hebrew word. While we used to  called a grand nephew in Hebrew, "the son of my nephew" the Academy for the Hebrew language decided on a new Hebrew word : "Nechdan".  My  new Nechdan's name is:

Shlomo - Yehuda ( Can be translated to : Solomon Judah).  Shlomo, was my Mother's father, a single child, who inherited  the Sefer Torah  from his parents. Yehuda, is the name appropriate

for the Chanuka Season, Yehuda was a Maccabi.

Hope to hear from you, I miss you all, though, happy to be here avoiding the cold winter of NYC.

Shalom, Peace, 

Only in Israel !   Love,  Ima, Savta, The Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, me, Esther, eem  

To my dearest Mishpacha, friends & neighbors, Shalom. 

Yes I am here again. The neighborhood welcome, as usual, is heartwarming for me. From the people in my local supermarket, to the Glaser with the two cats, Vered my Optometrist, the place I buy weekly flower, Raya from the beauty shop, the watch repairman, and yesterday, to top it all my Manicure place. There is lots of warm hospitality and friendship amongst the Israelis.  All this is my honest true, until I listen to the Radio. ( I do not have a TV here). Listening, it is like being in a 2nd Israel. Another place, I call it the people's zoo.   

As you all know, the coalition government were disperse as of yesterday, and new election were called for the 17th of Mach, 2015. (I will miss the voting.)  The Israeli of the home, street, work, 

is completely different from the one in the radio. Not taking any political view, I found the media very bias, using inappropriate language addressing issues, and political opinion, that is known   as "Daberet".  Not a real word you find in the Hebrew dictionary. Comes from the Hebrew word Dibur,  in translation Talk. I will translate the word as Talkitis. 

No doubt, there is a lot of anger on the Israeli street, were the government made many cuts of services, is now, going to spent about 2 Billion Shekels ( about $ 500 million) on election. 

There is something very difficult about us as a people, especially the one in power.

For me, to form an opinion, I read about 3 different newspapers, and listen to 3 radio stations.

The 3rd on is my classical music......when I say; enough is enough ! !

 However, the people of Israel never ceased to amaze me. On my morning short walk I do, I meet an senior citizen, as we are called here, pushing a stroller with a very cute baby. After a few mornings of passing each other, we started to greet each other with the traditional "Boker-Tov" (good morning). Within a few days we became friends, his name is Shlomo.

Shlomo Is a great grandfather to the little boy name Ori. While his granddaughter goes to work

in the morning, he picks up Ori and baby sit him until 1:00pm.  Shlomo told me, Ori gave him a new lease of life. He has to get up early, forgetting all his aches & pain, walks to his granddaughter home, to start his day with Ori. Feeding, changing diapers, walking in the fresh air, etc.  

Then I remember, my dear friend Ya'ara, who, on a permanent arrangement babysit a great grandchild 2 times a week while her granddaughter goes to school. 

I understand, it is not unusual in Israel, when often, grandmothers still work and the great grandmothers become the sitters. 

I wish to remind you all that my dear grandson Jacob set up my Blog and all my writings since 2009 can be found there.   

http://shalomfromramatgan.blogspot.com  or simple I think you may open just by clicking

shalomfromramatgan. 

 Only in Israel.

All my love, miss you all , Ima, Savta, the Shvig, Estherika, Ludmilla, me , Esther.