200605
Shabbat
Shalom dear friends
What a
disturbing world we live in. Closure, lockdown, isolation, whatever one calls
it, ultimately it has dire effects on one's sanity. We were warned by many
specialists that ultimately emotions would overflow into violence. The reason
can be outrage at the cruelty of one human to another but the isolation results
in terrifying violence. The rise in domestic violence is disturbing but
inevitable but to suddenly see a human being with a policeman's knee sucking the life blood from him tipped the balance
from social disgust to mob rule.
To protest,
to demonstrate our horror at an inhuman killing by one who should have
protected us is honorable and principled, but to riot and ransack denies the
rights of all others and should not be countenanced. As I have said many times,
my hero is/was and always will be Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King who would have
shrunk back in horror at what is happening. Interestingly enough, not only have
they found that outside provocateurs incited the mobs but that at least one
third of the actual demonstrators were white. Responsibility to heal falls on
each and every one of us.
This article
from Chabad says it all
Israel
received praise from just about every Western country for our handling of the
Covid-19 crisis, the closing of the skies and the repatriation of both Israelis
to home and foreign nationals to their own countries and so much more. Of
course, no politician missed a chance of making hay out of the situation and
the government ignored just about every piece of advice from their medical
advisors, but that's the same almost everywhere. We received praise until the
inevitable return to school. The numbers are rising exponentially among teachers
and students alike, despite distancing and Alcogel. It is inevitable. As one
friend, an advisor to the British Government, "We will all get it, it's a
matter of time" All that I can pray for is that by the time "we all get it" there
will be a response whatever form it takes.
Annexation,
appropriation, expropriation, land grabbing in fact just about every derogatory
term has been used in response to the Prime Minister's speech(es) about
annexing land. Everyone knows that the Jordan Valley is a status quo situation
in which the local Jordanian citizens wish to become Israeli citizens, also
large towns and cities on the West Bank, so why bring it up now? The only answer I can
think of is that chest beating, Tarzan like attitudes win elections and
popularity among the right and detract from the trial of the PM. Of course, it
does absolutely nothing for Israel's image. I am all for stating our position
proudly and firmly but why incite public opinion when we are the butt of so
many barbs anyway!
Talking
of the PM's trial…….. Susan Hattis Rolef writes
Listening to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliver his scandalous speech just before the opening
of his trial on Sunday last week, inside the Jerusalem District Court building
– surrounded by obedient Likud Ministers, all wearing protective masks that presented
them as faceless – I got the feeling that our prime minister somehow views
himself in the role of Joseph K, in Franz Kafka’s memorable novel The Trial.
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/the-kafkaesque-trial-of-benjamin-netanyahu-opinion-629865
Few
know that the government in Israel borrowed (appropriated) billions of shekels
from the Bituach Leumi – Israeli Social Security using a loophole in an
agreement signed between the two in the 1980's. In Israel, Social Security
covers pensions, disability, maternity leave and a myriad of other benefits.
This last few months have stretched the resources of Bituach Leumi to the very
limit and financial pundits announced that Bituach Leumi pensions may cease within
20 years. https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-defrauding-the-public-of-national-insurance-funds-official-says/
Now
that you are thoroughly depressed, it's time to talk about the good things!
Did you
know that as a result of reports from Impact-se the Norwegian Parliament instructions calling the PA curriculum
"devastating to the peace process", cited IMPACT-se “credible” report.
The Government made the decision
to withhold funding for PA education until they change their curriculum. It
simply proves that acting in a measured, legal and erudite manner can change
the world – bit by bit.
Last
night, along with 99 other participants I tuned in to a Zoom lecture by Dr. Cai
Parry Jones about the Welsh Jewish community. Although Dr. Parry Jones is not
Jewish he became fascinated by the Welsh/Jewish life and the contribution of
the Jewish community in Wales to the country as a whole. The lecture was excellent
but I must admit that I was thrilled to see so many old friends and family on
the screen! The initiators gave us half an hour at the very beginning to say
hello to each other and the wonderful Welsh accents from around the world took
my back to my childhood! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jews-Wales-History-Cai-Parry-Jones/dp/1786830841
These
last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me. Since my son
Daniel's sudden death I have been searching for a way to honour him, something
that all of us, Daniel's family and amazing friends, above all his wife and
children, can be proud of. It has taken time, tears and many memories, (and
helpful editing by Rachel) to decide how best to salute Daniel's exceptional
life and work. Daniel exuded love to his patients, especially patients with
special needs. The obvious choice was one of my favourite places in Jerusalem,
the Shalva Center. The Shalva Center is a place of refuge, learning and love
for people with disabilities and their families. A place of joy, laughter and
bright colours which fulfils the needs of every member of the family.
Please, if you feel
able, go into the link, click on "donate" and together we will build
a Music Therapy Classroom in Daniel's name. "Dr. Dan's Room", where,
with the help of a specialist therapist, the children will learn to express
themselves through the joy of music.
Gosh, that was hard to
write.
This week's Torah
reading, Naso, tells us that the Children of Israel finally listen to Moses and
as a reward get their Holy Altar. Each one of the 12 Tribes brings a gift of
thanksgiving. The assignment of the positions of the Levites (teachers) who
will carry the Holy Ark and Cohanim (priests) who will bless the people, is
also decided through the word of God. A fascinating hierarchy which is honoured
until today, but in our prayer service rather than in society.
This Shabbat will be different
to most since Zvi has gone off to Nes Ziona to "babysit" 3 of Leor
and Shiri's four girls. Amit, Gili and Ori are convinced that they will babysit
Saba rather than the other way around and hardworking Leor and Shiri get a
relaxed Shabbat away from home! Since I am "susceptible" I am at
home, well not really at home because I will be with Rachel, Igal and the
children for Friday night dinner and then tomorrow going to see my friend
Frida. Zvi just left armed with 2 types of soups, extra masks, Alcogel, Dettol
wipes and strict instructions on distancing because all three girls are back at
school. Amit (13) will be cooking, an art she has really taken to, Gili will
make dessert and Ori will set the Shabbat table. All three girls will light the
candles and Saba will, of course, make Kiddush. My Friday night meal will take
more time as Rachel's family does the entire Shabbat service – which I love!
One thing for sure – I won't have to worry about cooking, Rachel will have a
heaving table as she does every week. I'm so proud of my daughter, she has
survived (barely) lockdown with 3 teenagers who are getting more and more antsy
being home, squashed in a small apartment!
Zvi and I are trying
to stick to our regimen of walking. I cannot possibly keep up with him, since
he has 7 league boots, but I'm finding walking buddies so that I can complete
my 2 km a day exercise. It's fun discovering new places, not just in our
neighborhood but all around Jerusalem. Rediscovering how beautiful this city is
in the hidden lanes and walkways, Jerusalem takes my breath away by her sheer
physical beauty, it's no wonder that so many have painted her and written poems
to extol her virtues through the ages. Today I will get to see her from two
aspects – the view from our veranda and the view from Samuel's Tomb. From
Samuel's Tomb one sees the undulating hills covered in white buildings which
glisten in the sun, the ever increasing number of tall buildings standing like
flowers in the soil joining the August Victoria, the Scottish Church, St John's
Church, the YMCA, the Calatrava Bridge with less grace but equal beauty –
framed with the pine trees that line the roadside.
And so to music.
This is
special on every level! Two real "menschen" – good men, Yitzchak Perlman and Cantor Yitzchak Meir
Helfgott performing Yismachu – Rejoice! We all need it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxyWkx6CfSI
The
late Arik Einstein could always make me cry with his words and smile at the
beaquty of his music. Ouf Gozal – Fly my Fledgling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ez1e2VPsRFw
Finally
"Shevet Achim ve Achiot" Tribe of Brothers and Sisters with a whole
tribe of Israeli singers. "Our ancestors are the roots and we are the
flowers" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLx6qOdA4OE
With
love from Jerusalem
Sheila
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