Welcome to Jerusalem: Adventures of a Newcomer
By Cyrelle Simon
Come along with Cyrelle Simon as she leaves her productive life, her many friends, and her comfortable suburban home in small town, U.S.A. to move to the Orthodox Bayit VeGan section of Jerusalem. Join her as she describes the pre-Sabbath hustle of the neighborhood residents; the beggars who have staked out their territory and return each week; and the flower vendors who sprout up on each corner every Friday morning.
Share with the author her wonder at seeing a prominent sign in the early spring hanging from a fruit tree with the blessing to be uttered upon viewing that tree. Experience current events such as the freeing of captured soldier Gilad Shalit after five years in captivity. The author writes, “My great-niece joined the throngs of young people who are celebrating the memorable occasion.”
Travel to Hebron to see where our forefather Abraham negotiated the sale of his wife Sarah’s grave. Delight in the fresh healing air in the area of the Dead Sea. Learn about the “archeologist’s Disney Land” in Ein Gedi and explore the world-renowned underwater aquarium where the viewer descends to the fish’s milieu.
No book about Jerusalem would be complete without a charming description of the Old City and its unique character. Learn about the significance of the differences and symbolism in chassidic garb. Gain insight into the details of life in the various yeshivot.
The reader accompanies the author as she treads the streets of Jerusalem with their evocative names of scholars such as Rambam (Maimonides); or the founder of modern Zionism, Theodore Herzl; or Eliezer Ben Yehudah (pedestrian mall) the man who developed spoken Hebrew.
Feel the spirit, power, and excitement as Simon relates her experiences with amazing insight. Treasure the nuances and fascinating variations of Jewish life. Travel the length and breadth of Israel and return home to the author’s beloved Jerusalem.
Cyrelle Simon lived for over 45 years in West Lafayette, Indiana, where she and her late husband, Purdue biology professor Edward H. Simon, held many volunteer leadership positions in the Jewish community. She also taught Hebrew classes and gave piano lessons while contributing a regular column, “Lafayette Chit Chat” to the Indiana edition of the Jewish Post & Opinion. Through the years her husband wrote numerous Haggadah reviews and articles of general interest for the Post & Opinion.
The Simons’ two sons are Orthodox rabbis and their two daughters are married to Orthodox rabbis.
After making aliyah seven years ago, in an effort to maintain contact with her friends in the Sons of Abraham shul in Indiana and to share her enthusiasm about her new life in Jerusalem, Simon began writing a monthly “Letter from Jerusalem.” This material was collected and edited to form this first book, which includes an elaborate Yiddish/Hebrew/English glossary. It can be ordered from Amazon.com or in Israel by contacting [email protected].