it’s a hebrew idiom – i don’t know it in another language, but it is characteristic of many experiences in this country.  For example, I have done everything I can do to prepare for a war – hysterically filling my cupboards with food, airing out the shelter, finishing as much of my work as I could possibly do, even asking forgiveness of as many people as I can think I may have sinned against.  and nothing is moving. 

but I’d rather that nothing moves. 

We have all kinds of plans for the next month, all kinds of things to do – parties, interviews, books launches, and we’re pretending that it’s fine – but the rockets are almost certain to come down on us in quantity and quality and we still haven’t overcome the destruction of a few months back. 

so forgive me if i’m a little jumpy.