israeli politics

Most people know that in Israel Yom Kippur is a day for bicycles.  It’s the only day cars don’t run, the only day the streets are empty, so people who don’t go to services, who can’t connect to religion, ride around with the kids.  Or maybe they walk – walk to the beach, walk around the synagogue, walk to parks.

Some of our friends have wild dinners, but the friends we visit late in the evening pretty much fast, so we don’t get to celebrate.  But always there is a feeling of contemplation, reflection.  

in fact, before the days begins, tonight in a few minutes, I’m going to apologize to a friend or two.

september 15, 2021 – yom kippur for epicorus Read Post »

israeli politics

Soon it will be too cold for me to swim in the sea, but even watching people at the beach is a marvelous treat.  The music is hypnotizing – sometimes trance, sometimes Arabic, sometimes rock – always with a sense of another world.  The sea has kept us sane all summer, and I hope we can keep it up into the winter.   A beer, the faint smell of grass, fries, fish… what more could one wish for?

 

september 14, 2021 – beach, beach, beach Read Post »

israeli politics

“I have to pay ALL my debt now!” she announced. “I can’t move into Yom Kippur with a debt!”  The grocer, who was overwhelmed with customers stocking up for the fast, asked that she put off payment just for a few more days, but she insisted.  I too keep a running tab there and usually only pay at the end of the month, but also felt the urge to settle my accounts before the day of atonement. 

I’m actually recovering nicely from a sudden and violent UTI, but still don’t have the strength to handle all the articles I promised to hand in by this date.  I hope I’ll be able to atone…  

september 14, 2021 – at the grocers Read Post »

israeli politics

As I was coming back from the doctor’s last night, clutching all the prescriptions and tests, I suddenly felt a familiar stab in my lower abdomen.  More interested in the plans we had today for a day trip, I ignored it.  And in the morning, despite the warning signals, I stubbornly insisted on an outing, even if it had to be closer to home.  But the pain increased, and other symptoms developed, and we were forced to turn homeward.  All my doctors are on vacation, and I decided to work with massive amounts of water, cranberry juice, fosfomycin, and a heating pad.  But if the situation doesn’t continue to improve, I’ll be in the health clinic emergency tonight.  Feeling stupid that I waited and didn’t think of getting tested this morning until it was too late.  

september 13, 2021 – a kvetch Read Post »

israeli politics

The holidays here are always tentative – there is always the danger of terrorist attacks.  And today there were two attacks in Jerusalem.  Yes, we had opened the borders and yes when that happens there are always attacks.  But there are also over 30,000 Palestinians who work in Israel, there are people who get regular treatment in hospitals here, and  loads of people who come to the beach.

So today there were two attacks so far.  One of them was ‘ameliorated’ by 3 patrolwomen.  I am always overwhelmed by terrorists – the amount of confidence it takes to actually stab a stranger in the market, knowing he will be caught and probably killed.   Strange, but that’s the way my twisted mind works.  

september 13, 2021 – the season of attacks Read Post »

israeli politics

What with school starting, ongoing high holidays with all their preparations and communal gatherings, we’re not going to have an easier time of the corona in the near future.   Our visit to the doctor confirmed what we know – Ezi’s in trouble and must not be exposed.  Fortunately, we’ve been keeping safe all along.  And we’re not really going crazy yet.  

But I think we’ll pass on the high holidays again this year.

september 12, 2021 – vaccines, vaccines, vacc Read Post »

israeli politics

Have I mentioned that we were expecting the rockets that fell on Sderot tonight? Until the Qatar money gets settled and comes through to Gaza, they’re going not to leave us alone.  We could have done so much if that money went through us to reconstruct the country, but it’s going to go to build tunnels to attack us and to buy weapons.

And have I mentioned that we’re expecting rain?  It usually rains on Sukkot.  We’re early.

 

september 11, 2021 – rockets and Read Post »

israeli politics

Now that four of the six escaped prisoners have been caught, we realize that the brilliant prison escape was not smart, but lucky.  The four escapees were found homeless and hungry and planless.  But with weapons.  

I am relieved they were caught, upset that they managed to free themselves, and devastated that we could not have prevented the need to imprison anyone.


september 11, 2021 – not smart Read Post »