I’ve been living in the same place for well over forty years.  Most of the pictures on the wall are the same.  And most of my neighbors have been around as well.  But in the past two years, many of my friends and their kids have moved.  Families have moved out of the city to get away from the concentration of people and give their kids some space, and other people have moved into the city to alleviate loneliness.  Not that it works – sometimes you feel worse with all those people around you who are too busy with themselves to pay attention to you.  

Actually, my friends are moving because they need less room… or more room.  

But if I had my choice in all times and places – I would have liked my neighbors from when I moved to Israel.  From all places, all tastes, all ages, but with warmth and respect for everyone.  I know people now who turn their faces away when we pass, even though we live in the same building.  For no reason.  Back then, we were so dependent on one another we all had each others’ keys, and we could rely on each other for any favor needed.  And we never thought about moving.  We thought about adjusting.

In any case