News

Decisions, decisions. The need to choose from a broad array of incredible options was the feeling that accompanied me all day last Thursday, when I was privileged to attend the World Orthodox Israel Congress of Mizrachi held in The Heichal Shlomo Synagogue in Yerushalayim in honor of Israel’s 75^th year of Independence. Representatives from six continents, 50 countries, 250 cities, and 1,000 organizations were present at the Congress, which was publicized as an event at which one could network, learn, and be inspired. And so, it was.

With our aufruf, wedding, and sheva brachos behind us, things are slowly beginning to settle down and return to normal. Like I said, slowly.

As a native of Kew Gardens Hills who got married and lived in Flatbush for several years before making aliyah, I’ve always lived in strong and vibrant Jewish communities. There were many schools of varied hashkafos from which to choose. Numerous minyanim were within a short walking distance and, of course, there was no shortage of kosher food and restaurants.

Sometimes it takes the worst to bring out the best. We see this cycle repeatedly when tragedy strikes, and the human spirit responds triumphantly in an uplifting and inspiring way. Examples of this here in Israel are far too many to count.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Pitter patter. Pitter patter.  Swoosh.  Swoooosh!  Gush!  What kind of article is this? you must be wondering.  After a three-week break from writing my column due to my son’s wedding, Baruch Hashem, you must be asking yourselves if I forgot how to write.  You’re probably thinking that in the extremely somewhat stressful period leading up to the wedding, I must have completely lost my mind touch.  You are wondering if, in a moment of desperation due to my inability to come up with original material, I decided to plagiarize a book by Dr. Seuss.  But, no, I did not forget how to write.  And, no, I did not plagiarize a book by Dr. Seuss, or anyone else for that matter.  I’m just sharing with you the unwelcome sounds that have been reverberating through my home of late. 

The news here in Israel can sometimes be difficult to hear. Whether it’s the security situation, the political discourse, or terrible accidents, there’s, unfortunately, no shortage of disturbing bulletins. With all that, there is always some positive news, as well, which reminds me how lucky I am to live here.