Monday, March 18, 2024

That Oppenheimer Movie

Oppenheimer did really well in the recent Oscars aka Academy Awards, but IMHO they didn't deserve all those awards.


The other night I saw that Oppenheimer movie. Actually we didn't go to the cinema; we saw it in a neighbor's home where she has a nice big screen. 

I'm glad that I hadn't paid to see it. It was rather torturous to be perfectly honest. One neighbor walked out in the middle saying that he know the plot/history. I stayed hoping it would get better, even though trying to run a marathon would probably have been more pleasant.

Just because it won lots of prizes doesn't mean it's good. I'm a cynic, realist, pragmatist, and I don't follow the crowds. Some movies which had won barely any awards have have held up and today over half a century later, like Some Like It Hot, and are now treasured, praised and viewed more than ever. Compare it to Roman Holiday and The Sting, also great award winners. They're favorites with many, though over a half a century old. If I'm even in enforced bedrest, please keep me cheerful and fascinated by watching movies like those. I doubt if people will will willing to watch the three hours of Oppenheimer in sixty 60 years, or even in ten, unless they're already unconscious.

Good cinema, like good literature must show character development, challenges and changes. Granted Oppenheimer did face challenges, but Cillian Murphey's expression, tone and expression never changed. Maybe it's because his facial skin had been stretched too tightly...

I was surprised to discover that Emily Blunt was the actress who played Kitty Oppenheimer, because, at least to me, she was unrecognizable and looked miserable. Kitty was a very poorly written character, which makes little sense. Do you consider that good acting for an attractive actress who did such a great job as in The Devil Wears Prada?

The only aspect of the movie that impressed me was the visual at times, so I would have nominated them for the Academy Award for  "Special Affects." Not only didn't they win it, but they weren't even nominated for that category.

If you're thinking of seeing Oppenheimer, think again. It's not worth three hours of your life. For me the test of what's a great movie is answering "yes" to the question: 
"Would you like to see this movie another few times for enjoyment?"

Thursday, March 07, 2024

Hearing Aids Report #6 Two Years Later-- A Few Tips and HUMOR 😅😊

You may find it helpful to read my previous articles about life with hearing aids, updates #1,  #2#3#4, #5, plus mask-tying advice for avoiding COVID and loss of expensive hearing aids.

pre-bedtime routine
glasses and hearing aids
It's hard to believe that over two years have passed since I first got my hearing aids. My audiologist had sent me out that day with them in my ears claiming that there's no gradual getting used to them, but to be honest it did take me quite a few months. During those first few months I returned to the clinic for quick visits, help, different size domes etc. Also, I'd go days without wearing them and find them uncomfortable by the end of the day.

I can't say exactly when things changed and wearing them daily until bedtime became routine. Of course, I wasn't under a lot of pressure to rush it, because I do hear, though not perfectly. Generally I don't put them in until I'm leaving home, or if I need the Bluetooth in order to listen to things when I'm not alone.

One of the The best thing about wearing hearing aids is no longer interrupting people with "What?" or "I couldn't hear that."

A few weeks ago I made an appointment at the clinic where I had bought my hearing aids to see if there had been any changes in my hearing. The audiologist who helped me then had be promoted to head a different branch, so I had someone else. She tested my hearing and adjusted the hearing aids to their new requirements. No complaints.

Our healthcare provider gave lots of choice in places to get the hearing aids but first required an exam by an ENT and a proper hearing test. Every three and a half years we, here in Israel, can buy a subsidized pair.

*****

Following are a couple of funny things concerning my life with hearing aids. My hearing may be faulty, but not my sense of humor. What do you think?

Has this happened to anyone else?🙃 Tell me in the comments.

1-I sat down by the computer in the den after being in the kitchen and suddenly realized I didn't have my phone, though I could hear it through the Bluetooth. 

So I went back to the kitchen and looked all over. I couldn't find it. 

My husband decided to be helpful and "dialed" me, but of course that didn't help, since the ring is via Bluetooth. I heard the ring through my hearing aids.

So I took out my hearing aids and opened the battery case to turn off the Bluetooth. 

Suddenly sounds came out of a cabinet. Yes, I had placed my phone in a kitchen cabinet. I took it out,  turned my hearing aids back on and returned them to my ears.😉

2-One morning my phone refused to make any sounds. I tried everything, turned it off. Restart didn't help. I psyched myself up to prepare for a trip to someone for repairs. 

Before leaving, I took my hearing aids to insert in my ears and... discovered that I hadn't turned them off before going to sleep. There wasn't anything wrong with my telephone's sound. The sound had been going into the hearing aids which had been in their box. The only thing I hadn't tried was to turn off the Bluetooth. 😏

Monday, March 04, 2024

Women's Rosh Chodesh Adar 2 Prayers at Tel Shiloh

Ladies, join us at Tel Shiloh, Shiloh Hakeduma on the 1st of Adar Bet, Monday March 11 at 8:30am.



Besides our Women's Prayers, there are many other things to do at the beautiful well developed archeological site at Tel Shiloh. This is the actual, proven, location where the Biblical Chana prayed for a son and the Mishkan, Tabernacle stood welcoming Jews for prayers for close to four hundred 400 years. 

For more information 02-578-9111, visit@telshilo.org.il and a-shiloh.co.il








Tuesday, February 27, 2024

A Couple of Sips From a Recent Beer Tasting


A few weeks ago, I decided to buy myself a couple of bottles of Israeli craft beer, but it had to be really good beer. My favorite brewery is Shapiro, but if I'm buying it has to be one of my favorites of theirs, their IPA or Jack's Winter Ale. I walked down Rechov Agrippas, Jerusalem, which has some liquor stores with beer. The first one had some Shapiro, but not those particular ones, and the same at the second shop. But in the second the salesman asked me what I was looking for, so I told him. 

First he tried to interest me in Shapiro's newest beer, pineapple and mango flavored. Ever since I tasted the awful artificial fruit flavored beers at the 2019 Jerusalem Beer Festival, I suffer a sort of PTS when people mention fruit flavored beer. As an amateur beer taster, I can't refuse when offered some, which I told the salesman, but there's no way I'd buy a bottle of an unknown beer.

One thing thing I didn't tell him was that I was scheduled to attend a beer tasting the following evening and suspected that this new Shapiro beer would be on the tasting menu. I had guessed correctly! And I must say that Shapiro has done a fantastic job with natural fruit flavored beer. 

Farm to Bottle Pineapple Mango's a rich golden color with pleasant fruity aroma, hints of the mango and pineapple. Nothing artificial. We agreed that it's more a summer than a winter drink. I'd add it to the list of beers for those who don't like beer. Personally I'd prefer drinking it to white wines. So if you have a chance to buy some, go for it.

As you can see from the display of bottles behind us tasters, we sampled quite a few beers that evening. We ended with Barrel Aged Saison from Shevet, another good Israeli craft brewery. 

This aged saison beer was another hit. Lovely golden hue, rich aroma, fruity, honey, plus some spice. Due to the fact that it's bottled in a wine-sized bottle, it should be served socially, like wine. I'd also prefer this Shevet beer to white wine. 

Israeli wines and even a local whiskey win international awards, and I'm pretty sure that our craft beers will be bringing home trophies, too.


Monday, February 19, 2024

Endives, Recipes Raw and Cooked

I recently blogged that I had volunteered packing mushrooms and cauliflower for sale at Chavat Tekoa, the Tekoa Farm. As a thank you gift, we had been given a bag of endives. Now, to be completely honest, I hadn't a clue as to what endives are or how to serve/prepare them.

From the photo you can't see the size, so I must tell you they're relatively small, about the size of a skinny hand. While working with them, it occurred to me that they're similar to Chinese cabbage, which I haven't seen for decades. There's even a similar texture and taste.

Back to business...
I googled endives and found a variety of recipes, cooked and raw, plus some warnings. I even asked friends, who also warned... that they're bitter. Honestly, I didn't find them bitter at all. 

I used the recipes I saw as "inspiration." I almost never follow recipes exactly. 

Ingredients:
sliced onion
cut the endives lengthwise
apple sliced
olive oil and dehydrated dill

Bake 150c until it "looks cooked."
Our guests all enjoyed eating the endives, so I consider it a success. The reason for the apple was that I thought it would be nice contrast to the sharp/bitter endives.

You can use the same ingredients raw with less onion, or just add it to a salad. Actually, that's what I did. It was delicious.


Sunday, February 18, 2024

The War Effort Volunteering in Agriculture

Yes, that's me. I asked one of 
my fellow volunteers to 
photograph me
I finally had an east logistics opportunity to volunteer for the war effort. Our regional council, like an American county, Mateh Binyamin arranged for senior citizens, new and veteran immigrants to Israel to volunteer in the "packing house" of Tekoa, best known for its top quality mushrooms. 

Actually Chavat Tekoa was established by my neighbors' sons, who still own it.

I packaged mushrooms, then cauliflower so that they could be sold. It was important for me to do a really good job. It looks like it'll be a weekly event, but I won't be able to go. Wednesday is the day I study in Matan. Last week was the semester break, so I was really lucky to have such an opportunity.






Thursday, February 01, 2024

Rosh Chodesh Adar I Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh

Ladies, join us rain or shine at Tel Shiloh to pray together on Rosh Chodesh Adar Alef. If you'd like to visit the Tel, Ancient Shiloh, Shiloh Hakeduma, after the prayers, there's plenty to do. 

For more information contact 02-578-9111 or visit@telshilo.org.il.

נשים מוזמנות להתפלל אתנו בראש חודש אדר א בשילה הקדומה לא חשוב מה המזג אוויר. אם אתן רוצות לבקר בתל שילה אחרי התפילה, יש הרבה  מה לעשות שם. 

visit@telshilo.org.il.לפרטים  02-578-9111  או


 

Monday, January 22, 2024

Shiloh is Quiet, But War Stress Still Strong

For over three months Israel has been fighting for its very survival against Hamas, such a cruel terrorist army/people that makes the Nazis look almost kind

We haven't heard any sirens. In Shiloh, we don't have to run into shelters; actually we don't have any. Newer homes were build with shelters, and some people who enlarged their older homes now have shelters, too. But in my neighborhood, there are few; certainly none that we can reach within a minute or so.

I stick to my routine of taking a nice morning walk, weather permitting, of course.


And I photograph what I see, afterwards making a collage on the phone's photo-editing app.


I try to keep myself sane. Staying home listening to the news isn't healthy. I'm trying to study even more Tanach/Bible than before. In addition I've been crocheting and going to a mosaics class.


Many neighbors of all ages are serving in the army and local security, family, too. Prayers for all. Just trying to stay sane and healthy. How are you coping?

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Beer Tasting- Israeli Craft Beer, Great Selection

A couple of weeks ago, Beer Maven Doug Greener invited me to a beer tasting. Joining us were two much younger tasters, so each bottle of beer had to be split between the four of us. And in case you're wondering, yes, the Beer בירה mosaics was made by yours truly.

All photos by me, Batya Medad
I'll start with Alexander's "DON'T" which we didn't drink at the tasting. I was given a bottle to taste at home. It's a nice tasting IPA. The name "DON'T" is in honor of the American president's statement, but I'm not going to start with politics... 

I must admit that my favorite beer is a good IPA. "DON'T" wasn't the best IPA I've sampled, but it still had a nice fruity plus hops flavor. I enjoyed it much more than the beers from the big commercial breweries that are sold in our local store.


IPA's must be very popular with Israel's craft beer brewers, because White Rabbit gave us two very refreshing ones. 

Feed Your Head is a light and fruity IPA. Day Dream is a New England IPA, less bitter but sweeter.

You can see the lovely golden color. Both are highly recommended.

We got a lager, named Bock from Alexander. It's a gorgeous dark orange color with a fruity aroma. As I sipped it, I realized that it doesn't taste like a beer and may be a good beer for those who don't like beer. After hearing my opinion on it, Doug called in someone who doesn't like beer. She took a couple of sips and agreed with me. 

Bock is like a tart fruit soda for adults, with the kick of some alcohol. If you like to taste the hops in your beer this isn't for you. 


Hatch brewed a beer it calls הגינה של רוחל'ה HaGinah Shel Ruchala, Ruchala's Garden which has a surprisingly natural mango aroma. Even the color is more like mango juice than beer. It tasted like a spiked sour citrus fruit juice. 

Previously I didn't like fruity beers, because they all seemed to taste artificial, like children's medicine. I'm still traumatized by the fruit flavored beers at the Jerusalem Beer Festival 2019. The more recent attempts to flavor beer with fruit is much more natural tasting. I'd prefer them to a sweet wine.

And then we had what could be called a "dessert beer." Hatch brewed an amazing Chocolate-Maple beer. It's almost a liquor, and I insisted that it would be great with a strong vanilla or coconut ice cream. 

This beer may also appeal to those who insist that they don't like beer.




In all honesty, the selection was the best ever. I don't remember a tasting when I enjoyed all the beers. OK, some didn't quite taste like beer, but they are all very drinkable. None tasted "funny." Try to buy them. 

Israeli craft beers are getting better and better. That's for sure.

Monday, January 01, 2024

Patriotic Necklace "Our Hearts are With IDF Soldiers--Am Yisrael Chai"

About a week ago I heard a news report that the discount supermarket businessman, Rami Levi, was being attacked by the "Get the Hostages Out NOW" crowd, because he was selling diskettim, tags to be worn like a necklace, that say "Our Hearts are With IDF Soldiers--Am Yisrael Chai" for NS5-. The antigovernment "Get the Hostages Out NOW" are selling theirs for NS30. It's a fundraising gimmick for them, while Rami Levi insists that he's only covering expenses. Once I found out that a friend would be in a branch of Rami Levi, I gave her ns20 and asked her to buy me four!!


I'm mostly home in Shiloh with people who see the politics as I do. My friends, my neighbors mostly understand the connections between the various anti-Bibi, antigovernment, anti-judicial reform crowd and the "Get the Hostages Out NOW" leadership and backers.

Today, when in Jerusalem, I saw other friends who just don't get it. One put up a sign demanding that the government free the hostages NOW! I told her that it bothers me, since the demand goes against the needs of the country to defeat our cruel, perverse enemies. Then she shocked me even more by insisting that putting of the sign unites everyone. I was incredulous, reminding her that it separates us. 

"Follow the Money" I begged of her. I hope she thinks more about it.

After that upsetting conversation, I ran into someone who isn't a close friend. We began to talk. She loves my new necklace. We talked a little politics and discovered that we see today's issues about war, hostages etc. identically. Since I was still upset by my earlier discussions, I told her how better I now felt to know that she sees things as I do.

Yes, even jewelry can be political. Everything is political. Israel's at war.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Wedding Music for IDF Soldiers


Many soldiers were at the wedding, plus those who couldn't be there.
And many of us guests have soldiers on the front. 
Am Yisrael Chai!
עם ישראל חי



Saturday, December 16, 2023

Rosh Chodesh Shvat Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh


 


It's time to make plans to join us for Rosh Chodesh Shvat Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh

We had an amazing experience on Rosh Chodesh Tevet. As you should know, it's the middle of the winter, so rain is expected and needed. Rosh Chodesh morning it was raining and raining very heavily. I contacted people who work at Shiloh Hakeduma to ask if we could pray in a building if the rain continues when we're scheduled to pray. Thank Gd, I was told that we'd be able to use a building.

Gd had other plans. The rain lessened and then stopped just as the women arrived. In all honesty, considering the distance to our usual spot, where it's believed that the Mishkan, Tabernacle had stood, I thought that it would be a good idea to pray closer to the entrance, near the building. But the other women went off and didn't hear my shouts.

The sun was shining... That does happen on a rainy day.

We got to our usual place and began to sing/pray Hallel together, and by the time we finished the rain had resumed. We huddled under the protected areas together and finished Musaf, then listened to a Bat Mitzvah girl sing "Tefilat Chanah." By the time she finished, the rain had stopped, so we were able to walk back to the visitor center of Ancient Shiloh.

There are lots of activities at Shiloh Hakeduma, holograph, movie, museum, tours and more. Contact 02-578-9111 or via email: visit@telShiloh.org.il. It can also be accessed by public transportation.

Monday, November 27, 2023

Nice Healthy Lunch, Vegetables with Eggs

 


A half of a gorgeous orange squash had been staring at me for days from the top shelf of the refrigerator door. I felt inspiration. Did it really want to be the "nest" for an egg? 

I decided to give it a try. 

I cut up onion, squash and tomato and put it in a deep frying pan. Then on top I put two "rings" of the squash, added some oil, covered and cooked it until soft.

Finally, I put an egg in the hole, covered and cooked some more.

The rest is history.

Give it a try making it your own, different vegetables, some cheese on top.

Tell be how yours came out, your variations etc.

Enjoy

Thursday, November 23, 2023

First Time Baking Simple Rye Bread

Yesterday I planned on buying plain whole wheat pittot to use for sandwiches when I travel very early in the morning to Jerusalem for classes in Matan. I've discovered that I function better (meaning stay more alert and awake) if I eat a "good breakfast" before classes. 

Although not my usual menu, I've discovered that a sandwich on whole grain bread seems to do the trick best. That's why I wanted to buy some sort of whole-wheat bread/pitta. They would take up less room in my fridge's limited freezer than rolls. I found a bag, but then for some inexplicable reason, I read the ingredients. Hmmm, there were all sorts of additives, and I lost my appetite for them. 

So the intrepid baker, yours truly, went to the flour section and searched for whole-wheat flour. I couldn't find any. All they had were the 70% and 80% whole-wheat, but there was 100% rye flour. So, I decided to give it a try. 

Just two problems. 

1-Although I've been baking challah for decades, I've never baked simple bread.

2- I've never used rye flour, which I understand reacts differently from wheat.

I began googling, and most recipes had too many ingredients and seemed too complicated. Then I found Easy recipe for 100% rye bread from Virtuous Bread. Nothing could be easier. It doesn't need a mixer, and it includes only four ingredients including a pinch of salt. Following is what I used.

300gram flour, 250gram water (from the faucet,) tablespoon of brown sugar, pinch plus of coarse salt, Tablespoon of dehydrated yeast.

The only equipment you need:

a large bowl, two big mixing spoons, measuring cups and a "loaf" pan for baking

Directions:

In the large bow mix yeast in the water. Leave it a few minutes, until the yeast liquifies.

Add the flour and salt to the water, mix. I had to add more water. You'll get a sticky gob, but don't worry. You don't have to knead the dough.  Keep mixing with the spoons.

When the mush is mixed, pour (using the two spoons) it into the loaf pan. Instead of greasing the pan I used baking paper. 

Then let it sit at least two hours, covered loosely by a plastic bag. Don't bake until it fills the pan and seems to have a least doubled.

Bake at 200C for about 40 minutes. I think that next time I'll lower it to about 170 once it looks crusty and then keep baking an baking.

When it's ready, have it cool on a rack. After I made my sandwiches I sliced the remaining. 

I made my 


Here's the rye bread, recipe note on top

This must be the world's easiest bread recipe. I mixed it with a spoon. I didn't have to knead it, just poured the gop into the pan and let it sit, covered, for a few hours. Then I baked it in a hot oven. 

avocado and tomato in between slices of the rye bread


Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Winning Slogan ביחד ננצח Together We Win

I must admit that when I first saw pictures like these, I thought they were fakes, had been photoshopped. But the eggs were in the tray of 30 I bought last week. Not all the eggs have the message ביחד ננצח Together We Win Yachad Ninatze'ach, just a few of them. Law requires that "expiration date" and size be stamped on the egg.


ביחד ננצח Together We Win

ביחד ננצח Together We Win

These paper towels also have the message, plus a flag. Patriotism, thank Gd, is very popular here. 

I dressed in blue and white today, also.


עם ישראל חי

AM YISRAEL CHAI

PEOPLE OF ISRAEL LIVES

Thursday, November 09, 2023

It's a Very Good Time to Pray Together, Rosh Chodesh Kislev

Rosh Chodesh Kislev is just a few days away.



Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan was a two day Rosh Chodesh, the first on the 30th of Tishrei and the second on the first of Marcheshvan, so because of the ongoing war, a defensive war against Gazan Hamas terror, we women prayed together at Tel Shiloh, Ancient Shiloh, Shiloh Hakeduma on both days. A record number of women came to pray together. 

This year's Rosh Chodesh Kislev 5784 is just one day, Tuesday November 14, 2023 at 8:30am. 

תפילת נשים בשילה הקדומה ראש חודש כסלו תשפ"ד יום ג' 14\11\2023

Full activities at Shiloh Hakeduma, Ancient Shiloh may not be on because of the war, but we can still pray togther. 

Shiloh is the Biblical location for Women's Prayers, which is why I started inviting women to join me on Rosh Chodesh many years ago.

Gd willing may we speedily celebrate a true victory over our vicious enemies!