Life Under Lockdown – Again
In true “Big Brother” fashion, the Shin Bet finds contact points between Covid-19 patients and others using cell phone tracking systems generally employed for counterterrorism operations.
My Visit To The Dentist
After days with no return call, I was desperate. My Israeli friends advised me to show up at the dental clinic as an “emergency case” and insist on being seen.
Israelis’ Amazing Spirit
I know I will probably be processing this experience for a while to come, but one lesson that is already apparent to me is that Israelis are amazingly tough and resilient people.
Speech Therapy And Scary Masked Men
From our first appointment, which was with a social worker, I realized that we were going to be facing a challenging experience.
Thanksgiving In Israel
Growing up, I read Israeli papers to keep up on the matzav (situation) in Israel. These days, I find myself starting each day reading through the New York papers to keep up to date on what the matzav is there.
Our First ‘Yom Kef’
As I watched my family devouring their ice cream cones on the walk back to the car, one thing was clear. My family was really enjoying their time in Israel.
Taking Out The Trash
Before calling the municipality to arrange a special pickup of furniture or large appliances, residents often post pictures of these items on Facebook or WhatsApp groups with the simple message of "limisira b'ahava" (for donation with love).
Beyond Our One Kilometer – At Long Last
As my kids and I have taken daily walks for a month now, it is not an exaggeration to say that we literally know every crack in the sidewalk within our allowed kilometer.
Our Second Pesach In Israel
One year later, we are free from lockdown, but still unable to celebrate a seder with family, as it is currently nearly impossible to travel between Israel and North America.
Olim Cholim
Unfamiliar with other parents in my daughter’s gan, we also didn’t have anyone to commiserate with during the long sleepless nights of my daughter’s illness.
Celebrating Shushan Purim On Masada
While the chag was still nice, it just wasn’t the Adar excitement we had expected. Reflecting on this over Shabbat, my husband and I decided we still had time to make this holiday special.
New Questions
Perhaps the hardest questions have related to the political issues here in Israel.
Shopping In Israel
At a loss, I thrust my American credit card into her gloved hands and explained that we were new olim and did not understand. Could she please just charge us for the shoes?
Moving Logistics In Israel
As we’ve learned time and time again through this aliyah process, ultimately everything is in Hashem’s hands.
Doughnuts Galore
Every gift came with a personalized note, letting the recipient know that her Secret Maccabee was thinking of her.
Buying A Car In Israel
While olim are offered a steep discount on taxes associated with purchasing a new car, it comes with many complicated strings attached.
First Grade!
As I approached the school along with tens of other children and parents, the excitement was palpable. The principal stood at the gate of the school, greeting each child with an elbow bump and a smile.
Electronics In Israel
In New York, you can walk into a showroom and examine a range of models; here, most stores carry a few show pieces and otherwise direct you to look through their catalogue to see if you like anything.
We Had 90 Seconds To Reach Our Safe Room
While we were cleared to leave the mamad 10 minutes after the siren ended, we continued to sit there long after, trying to process what had just occurred.
Yet Another Lockdown
Despite the chaos, it's clear that the government is committed to trying to keep us safe while allowing life to continue as much as possible.
Opening A Bank Account
I wish I could say it has been smooth sailing since then, but the banking system here is more complicated than I can do justice to here.
Job Hunting In Israel
Interviews in Israel are run more casually, and an interviewer may ask some pretty personal questions.
Sukkot – Sun Or Snow?
With Sukkot evenings as delightful as this, I no longer understand the age-old dvar Torah about why Sukkot is celebrated in the autumn instead of the spring.
In Search Of A Teudat Zehut
In an apparent effort to ensure both employee and public safety, only a limited number of people were being allowed into the building at a time.
Hebrew Lingo
Think that despite it all, things are going fine? Perhaps you “chai b’seret,” live in a movie – i.e. not in reality. (Someone who is a drama queen is referred to oddly as “l’echol sratim,” someone who “eats movies.”)
Yet Another Holiday Under Lockdown
Missing out on the candy bags? KDT had us covered. The shul set up a “pekalach swap” whereby every KDT family was tasked with delivering a candy bag to another family in the shul.
Celebrating Rain?
Not a day goes by here in Israel that we don't think about water.
Finding A Home In The Homeland
He advised us, though, that we didn’t need to be a “fryer” (a naive oleh) and accept the terms since everything in Israel is subject to negotiation.
It’s My Flag Now
I was so much indebted to these heroes; what more could I do to keep their memories alive?
Holding History In His Hand
Throughout the city there are various historical and archeological sites connected to the Maccabee time period, and my husband and son were lucky enough to participate in a shul trip for the local kids to one of these sites.