Finally New Windows

Forty-five years ago, as the school year began with the grand-opening of of the Ohel Shiloh Elementary School, we moved to Shiloh. Our first home was a prefabricated cement structure in a new rather isolated neighborhood, on a mountain overlooking ancient Shiloh and a lower hill where the more veteran Shiloh residents were just about to build their first permanent homes.

We first lived in the center/western side of the neighborhood, but when the time came to choose where/what would be our permanent home, I fell in love with an empty lot on the eastern side. I dreamt of living in a custom-designed well insulated home with passive solar heating. Seeing the earliest rays of the sun would heat our home for the day. We needed large windows, and to keep the temperature comfortable we had to get double frames, wooden on the inside and aluminum on the outside. We'd have the best of available in Israel in the early-mid 1980s. Our contractor and architect did their best to accommodate. In those days there weren't double/dual panes, at least not here.

In the summer, we'd open the windows to let in the cooler air. The really hot summer sun came later in the day reaching the sides of the house with smaller windows... and also the roof. The biggest and only real problem with those windows was that the two window contractors were fully in touch. The shapes matched will enough to open, but the two frames weren't hermetically sealed, so all sorts of strange things happened in the space between them. And "good news/bad news" properly cleaning the glass was impossible. I took it as a "gift," since that meant that one chore could be ignored.

But after forty 40 years opening and closing got harder, and the screens had aged worse than me. A few years earlier we had replaced the deteriorating wooden door to our merpeset/terrace with a high quality one from HiTech Windows, and that simple door got me thinking. It added to the level of insulation... maybe the time had come... to also change the three livingroom windows. 

I bit the bullet early summer and entered their enormous factory in Shaar Binyamin to discuss it with Chaim Briskin, the owner. He sent one of the workers to my house to measure the window --to the millimeter-- and explain what window design they'd recommend. I agreed and ordered. They promised that they'd install the new ones efficiently, not leaving us with empty frames overnight. 

Late last week the news windows and the skilled crew arrived, davka, earlier than I had expected. They quickly took out the three, no six, window frames to be exact, cleaned up the mess and asked me if I wanted the new frames further in or out. I requested as far out as possible to give me a nice deep windowsill. 

They worked quickly and pleasantly. Just after noontime the job was done. I love the new windows, inside and out. Yes, it's all so bright, with clean glass and "invisible" screens. The wire is so fine that you have to look closely to see it. 

The reflection is slightly unclear because of the double glazing. Yes, instead of two totally separate frames, now the glass is double with a bit of air in-between.

To be very honest, for the longest time I wondered if we should invest in something for the house, since we're not young and have a very limited monthly "income." On one hand, I still hope that when the house has to be sold, these gorgeous windows will add to the value of the house, but I've been told that nowadays when people buy homes, they replace EVERYTHING no matter how new and useful it is.

You're probably curious about if I think I made a mistake. I didn't. I'm not looking forward to adding window-washing to my chore list, but I'm glad I finally got these new wonderful windows.

Haikus About Life, Weather and Politics

As many of you know well, I write a #morningcoffeehaiku on facebook most mornings. I find this literary structure of only three lines and seventeen 17 syllables, 5, 7, 5 perfect for expressing pretty much anything. My early haikus were more about coffee, the weather and life, but as life here in Israel has gotten bogged down in a dangerous war, my haikus also reflect that.

Have you ever haikued? Oops! Can haiku be used as a verb? What do you think?

Which among these is your favorite? Why?

elections approach

haven't a clue which party

is best for my vote...

see winter coming

seasons change so rapidly

even in one day

still feel yesterday's
ASCENT to Har HaBayit
profound holiness

new week, seasons change

humidity increasing

accept and thank Gd...

Friday, Shabbat soon

looking forward... special peace

gift from Gd for sure

Chodesh Elul Tov

hard to believe soon New Year

yes, Rosh Hashana

looking forward, yes,

adventure planned with a friend

Gd willing success

I'm counting blessings

good health, family, neighbors

yes, grateful to Gd

golden dawn hiding

autumn's sneaking up on us

days shrink and darken

thankful bright sunrise

energizes me for sure

reminds me of Gd

Good News re My CellPhone- It Pays to Check With a Real Expert

 

A few years ago, my cellphone suddenly stopped responding, so I went to a phone I thought would be reliable. The guy did a quick check and said that it needed an expensive repair. I figured that it was a "lemon" and not worth the investment, so I bought a new one from him. 

Not long afterwards, I found myself in a different phone place with a friend. The non-functioning phone was still in my bag, so I showed it to the guy at the desk as I told him the story. He quickly clicked something and it came back to life. He wouldn't even take payment, claiming that he hadn't done anything. As I write this I realize that there were some very obvious differences between the two businesses. The first was just a small store, and the second had a huge lab with more staff through a door. 

Recently the newer phone, still in use, started showing not only quicker battery "emptying," but super slow charging. I wondered if it needed a new battery, or would it pay to get a new phone.... 

Cautious, after wasting a lot of money, I decided to only consult with a store with a proven good reputation and a lab. The one who brought the other phone back to life can only be reached by car, which we don't have, but there's a small chain which I've dealt with before. I saw it grow from a table to at least two stores in nearby shopping centers. 

I had a ride to the smaller branch, which was manned by a young guy the generation of my grandchildren. He took the phone out of the case and took it to the lab in the back. When he returned a couple of minutes later, he said that it charges beautifully, and all I need is a good charger. I asked for the best he has, and it only cost NS99. 

When I got home, I plugged it in connecting my phone, and for the very first time ever the screen said:

"SUPER FAST CHARGING"

That's sure better than:

"charging too slowly which may damage the phone" 

I definitely learned my lesson and must get another for my travel bag. 

Rosh Chodesh Elul-- Rosh Hashanah's Only a Month Later

Summer is almost over... it'll soon be Rosh Chodesh Elul, and then a month later, Rosh Hashanah. Tishrei is the only "new moon" which isn't celebrated in it's own right, because it's the beginning, "head" of the Jewish Year. There is no Rosh Chodesh Tishrei. Rosh Chodesh Elul will be the very last Rosh Chodesh in 5786. That's a good reason to join us at Tel Shiloh for Rosh Chodesh Prayers. 

Tel Shiloh is an Ancient Jewish Holy Site. It was in Shiloh where the Tabernacle rested for close to four hundred 400 years as a center for prayers to Gd. The Biblical Chana prayed for a son in Shiloh, promising Gd that if He have her a son, she would give the son back to Gd to serve the Jewish People. Her son Shmuel was later born, and when he was old enough, she brought him to Shiloh to study with Eli the High Priest. Later Shmuel led the Jewish People and anointed our first two kings, Saul and David.

Since Rosh Chodesh is traditionally a "women's holiday," and Shiloh is known for women's prayer I began inviting women to pray there together on Rosh Chodesh decades ago.

Ancient Tel Shiloh is a well developed archeological site with a large variety of activities and exhibits for all ages. For more information +972 2-578-9111 and visit@telshilo.org.il. Ancient Shiloh can also be reached by public transportation.

HA Report #8 Really Enjoying My Rechargeable Hearing Aids

 

Last week, just two weeks after getting my second pair of hearing aids, though they're my first pair of rechargeables, I returned to HaOzen for an "update." Israeli healthcare is extraordinary. 

Israel began as a "quasi-socialist" country. Healthcare is a government department, though there is a choice of "sick funds." The basic prices and services are the same, but there are difference in the "trimmings." Think of the variety of T-shirts, dresses or jeans you can buy, even in the same store.

Those who feel that their hearing isn't what it should be and feel the need for hearing aids are required to go to an ENT-Ear, Nose & Throat doctor to check if it isn't something medical that a doctor can't fix. If the doctor diagnoses the need for HA's he/she writes a referral, and the patient gets a high-tech hearing test. With that, the person chooses from a wide variety of places which have arrangements with their sick fund. The price and choice of hearing aids depends on the severity of one's hearing loss. We're given generally over a month to decide whether or not the hearing aids are both useful and comfortable. If there's a problem with them, they can be returned within that time period. No charge to the patient. That's why I went for that "chat." Some customers/patients need technical advice, and others find them so terribly uncomfortable that they're returned well before the deadline. I visited a lot more with my first pair, needing different size domes to fit better in my ears. 

Since I wasn't having any problem with the new hearing aids I didn't bring my charger or any other equipment. The hearing ids were in my ears. The audiologist asked how I was doing, and I made it clear that I'm enjoying them. It took awhile to get used to the fact that I didn't have to worry about packing spare batteries whenever leaving the house for more than half an hour. And I'm glad that I no longer have to remember to put in fresh batteries before Shabbat. 

I have the charger and timer at the end of the kitchen counter, and every night before going to sleep I put the hearing aids in the charger. The timer has it go on while I'm asleep, so when I'm up the hearing aids are fully charged. This also works on Shabbat. And if I'm going swimming during the day, I leave my hearing aids in the charger, just because it's a safe place.

I also told her that when I had left the clinic two weeks earlier I could hear the wind blowing loudly in my ears. To quiet things down I began playing with the controls to quiet it down.

Since then, the wind hasn't been heard. Over forty years ago, a neighbor taught me how to use a computer by saying one word, "Play." That was a time when most people had never even seen a computer, and I had needed to learn quickly for work. I follow his instructions with all new technology, yes, including my hearing aids. With Bluetooth I can control my hearing aids on my phone.

Don't fear hearing aids. They're very helpful. Research has shown that delaying the use of hearing aids lowers one's attention span. Not hearing well causes a form of ADD and worse.

Enjoy in good health.

HA Report #7 New Hearing Aids... Second Pair

Just a quick post about my second pair of hearing aids. You can read the saga about my first, click here. 

First to summarize my experience with pair #1... I chose battery powered hearing aids, rather than rechargeable, because the audiologist said that batteries last more hours than recharging. Since I'm a Jewish Shabbat observer, this was a very crucial issue. Shabbat is 25 hours long, Rosh Hashannah 49 hours, and during very rare years in Israel when they are three days 73 hours. Four and a half years ago, I didn't hear anything about an approved, by Torah observant rabbis, method to charge hearing aids on Shabbat. Since then, however, I began hearing that Tzohar had announced an approved method. 

Thankfully it didn't take me long to get used to my hearing aids, especially taking advantage of Bluetooth control. The hardest and most expensive thing was purchasing batteries. Miraculously, in the early months I received a number for free from a variety of sources. I consider them gifts from Gd. Also I was relieved to have found no real technical problems, other than finding certain sounds painfully loud. I did my best to manually adjust them, but I was told that there wasn't much else to do. My insurance guarantee had expired (without their warning me to come for a final free adjustment,) and I wasn't going to spend half the price of a new hearing aid, a quarter of the price of a new pair, for an audiologist to try better. 

As a result, I began investigating replacing the originals only at a new place, since I refused to return to where I had gotten the first pair. I also knew that I had to speak to someone I trusted for technological religious decisions to ask about charging them on Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. Thankfully, since there was no real rush, I wouldn't have to compromise on any issue. In the meantime, all sorts of friends and neighbors continued to contact me for advice before getting their first pair. 

I didn't start the process required here in Israel for getting hearing aids until I had answers to those two crucial questions. Siyata d'Shmaya, Hand of Gd for sure helped me, since both questions were answered around the same time. When at a class, a friend saw me adjusting the volume on my hearing aids via my phone's Bluetooth and asked if I had the same options she has. Hers were newer and better, so I asked where she got them and which Sick Fund she's a member of. Since we're in the same one, I got the rest of the information. 

Around the same time, I had a ride with a neighbor who was wearing hearing aids, so I asked him about the rabbinic decision permitting charging them on Shabbat, and he said that he has a Shabbat clock connected to the charger set up every night to go on and recharge the hearing aids as he sleeps. It's off when he puts them in and off again when he takes them out. 

So with those two important questions answered I began the process. In Israel one first needs to be examined by an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor to make sure there's nothing that a medical doctor can't fix to improve hearing. After that one must get a hearing test from a qualified audiologist, some of which work with hearing aid businesses. 

That's where I got
my new hearing aids

The ENT said I was healthy, and I ended up at the hearing aid provider my friend recommended. I was given a choice between a free (100% subsidized) model, which would be complicated to charge on Shabbat, and a more advanced model for a highly subsidized payment, which charged sans complications. Considering that we can only get the subsidy every few years, and I wanted the most advanced hearing aids, I was willing to pay. They cost less than NS2,000 for the pair, which is around $600. If my hearing had been worse, I'd get a better deal for even more advanced ones. That's how it works in Israel. 

On the way home, I changed buses in the Shaar Binyamin shopping area and had enough time to enter a hardware store to pick up a timer and extension chord outlets, which I needed for the place the charger would "live."

Considering that I was already experienced in controlling them via Bluetooth and I'm not tech phobic, I didn't need much instruction. I'm used to playing around with modern technology. "Play" was what a neighbor told me when teaching me how to use a computer for the first time...

I'm happy to say that I'm very pleased with my new hearing aids. I've adjusted to them, and even more important is that they have adjusted to my needs, thank Gd.

Rosh Chodesh Av... Commemorate at Tel Shiloh

Gd willing we'll have our monthly Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayers at Ancient Tel Shiloh... Join us if you can.

Tel Shiloh can be reached by public transportation besides by car. Take a look at the map, and you'll see that Shiloh is in the center of the country. 

There's lots to do in Tel Shiloh, not just pray. Remember that the Ancient Mishkan Tabernacle was here in Shiloh for almost four hundred years before King David made Jerusalem our Capitol and King Solomon built the First Holy Temple. For more information +972 2-578-9111 and visit@telshilo.org.il.

All's Well That Ends Well-- The Miraculous Trek Home From Jaffa Port

 

The trip home from Jaffa Port was complicated... read all about it...

 

Whenever I'm not sure of the route, I trust Google Maps, which is pretty reliable, especially nowadays when there are so many changes in bus routes and bus stops. Actually, I arrived at the Jaffa Port reasonably easily via Ariel, where I had taken one of the buses to Tel Aviv and had gotten off by some government offices. From there I had no problem finding the 44 to the port. The instructions for the walk to the port weren't all that clear, but by concentrating on how many meters were left, I could see if an about face was needed. Trust me; there were quite a few. But then I saw the massive building by the port and just had to find the entrance. 

Where was I going? To a beer festival, the Beer Market had returned to Jaffa Port. Last time I traveled with the rest of the beer tasters via Jerusalem, but since then I discovered that it's easier and faster to get to and from Shiloh via Ariel. 

I was the first of our group to arrive; most arrived soon afterwards. This post isn't about the festival and beers, though I hope to blog about some favorites at a later date. Wisely I packed a nice vegetable omelet for dinner-- to counteract the alcohol of the beer and give me healthy energy for the trip home. 

As usual I consulted Google Maps and then was happy to discover that my favorite Tel Aviv-Ariel the express bus was listed as the one I'd catch "somewhere," but before I left the port the instructions began changing rapidly with all sorts of cancellations. 

The Beer Maven invited me to join them in the taxi to the Tel Aviv Train Station, where they were catching the train to Jerusalem. I thought about it for a nanosecond but decided it would just increase my trip, and I may be stuck in Jerusalem. I needed a bus to Ariel where I could catch a bus to Shiloh. 

With Google Maps, and a number of helpful strangers, to guide me I finally found the 44 going back to Tel Aviv. I got off where Google Maps instructed but couldn't find an Ariel bus anyplace. I kept asking people, but they didn't see the 286 number anywhere either. Finally a nice young man took out his earphones and began searching via the app Moovit. Apparently some big event in Tel Aviv changed traffic and bus stops. 

After we walked close to a kilometer we returned to where I had gotten off the 44, and we crossed the street. The 286 wasn't listed, but there was a 285 to Ariel on a sign, but it wasn't on the board  of "live" buses. He insisted that his app said the bus was close. He spotted a bus passing us and managed to hail it for me; yes the 286. I thanked him and climbed in through the back door. Yes, the bus hadn't realized that I was waiting. That tzaddik-- righteous man really saved me. 

I used my efobus app to check if I had a chance to catch a Shiloh bus in Ariel, and thank Gd I did. It wouldn't be true to say that the trip was uneventful or quick, but I got off at the first stop in Ariel on time. 

Then I walked slowly through the Ariel Shopping Center on the road, hoping that a neighbor would notice me and take me home. Finally, at the bus stop I waited for the bus which would take me to my street, ok via the scenic route of Eli, but it was MY BUS. 

Since my phone's battery was too close to zero for anything not urgent, I didn't check how the rest of the crew was doing. Once home, I plugged in my phone and contacted them. The Pisgat Zeev Beer Tasters had "landed" in Jerusalem but still not near their neighborhood. 

I enjoyed the beer and the company... and thank Gd and wonderful strangers I made it home safe, sound and sober.

Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Join Us for Women's Prayers

This year's Rosh Chodesh Tammuz is two days, which happens some months. Jewish months can be either 29 or 30 days. When it's 30 days, the 30th of the previous month and the first of the new month are both called "Rosh Chodesh."

In Ancient Times there was no "set calendar." People didn't know in advance when it would be Rosh Chodesh, the Beginning "Head" of the New Month. There were observers waiting on high mountains to see the moon reaching the narrowest of crescents, and they would light fires, to be seen distances away. Fire after fire spread the word of the New Month.

In months like this upcoming Tammuz when there are two days of Rosh Chodesh, I ask the women in the group who come regularly which day suits them. I make a poll, and we all vote, including me. We're all very busy people, and I'm happy when the day suits most of the regulars, including yours truly. If you can, please join us at Ancient Tel Shiloh, where the Biblical Tabernacle stood, the place of Jewish Prayer for almost four hundred years. Its Kedusha Holiness can still be sensed.

Tel Shiloh, שילה הקדומה can be reached by public transportation. There are activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. For more information contact +972-2-5789111 or visit@telshilo.org.il

Shapiro's Double IPA

 

I found myself sharing this bottle of Shapiro's Double IPA with a fellow beer lover, who was visiting. Actually, soon after he walked in he opened the refrigerator, looked at the variety of beers and grabbed it. When he noticed my longing look, he said that it was to share, so I took out two glasses. He opened the bottle and poured it all out.

We admired the gorgeous rich gold color and nice foamy head. Then we both sniffed and were wowed by the luscious summer fruit aroma. Even though Shapiro is among the best Israeli craft beers, I was in suspense wondering if the taste would support or not, but I'm happy to say that the flavor was just as good. I'd even say that some people who don't like beer will like it.  It's alcohol is 8.2%

Please let me know what you think.

My Photography, Some Recent 52Frames Photos

I never studied photography, nor art, nor composition, though I've been drawn to it. In recent years I've been a member of 52frames, which began as a small group of people, photographers, amateur and professional or hopefuls on Facebook. The committee decides on a weekly "challenge" plus its "extra c," which isn't required. 

When I first heard about 52frames it was hard to be accepted. Our "portfolios" had to be approved, and there were limited chances during the year for newcomers. I was terrified that I'd be rejected; also most members photographed with impressive cameras, not phones. In the beginning I had used an inexpensive camera, because affordable phones had rather primitive cameras. As phone cameras got better and it became more difficult for me to carry a camera, I retired the camera and now only photograph with my phone.

In the early years, the weekly album was posted on Facebook, and now there's a site 52Frames. 

Since I being accepted in 52frames I never missed a week. You can see that in the photo below. 

Here are some relatively recent photos, and click here for a larger collection: 

Pool Season Open

 

"Modern" Jerusalem Can "Play" With Water

The Old Shaare Tzedek Where I Became A Mother

Caught By The Slow Shutter

Jerusalem of Gold Lyrics

Walking in Jerusalem

Purim- Beer, Wine & Whiskey

Now and Then X2
Self-Portrait

What do you think? Maybe you'd like to join up.

Memories... I've Always Loved to Dance

The last time I performed in the Israeli Folk Dance Festival was in 1970. This was the late Fred Berk's dream festival as finally the dancers danced onto the performance area of Felt Forum, which usually featured sports games, not dancers. Each dancing group was given a spot to dance to then sit down, until it was time to perform. Then we got up and danced to the center, danced our dance and then danced back to the waiting spot. After all of the groups performed we all got up and danced "Kumah Eicha" in separate circles and then exited. That was my last dance at the festival, since a few months later I got married; two months after that we boarded Greek Lines Anna Marie... Yes, that's how we came to Israel as olim chadashim, new immigrants.

^

In 1970, for the second year in a row I led the NCSY National Conference of Synagogue Youth Dance Group. We had the bride and the long skirts. Yes, we stand out in the movie. I also danced in the 1967 festival, when our group was led by the amazing Leah Weiner, Z"L. 

I was privileged to attend Fred Berk's 1967-8 Leadership and Choreography course offered to potential dance leaders from the different youth movements. I learned a lot from him that year. And I have no doubt that is the reason my 1969 NCSY Dance Group was accepted to perform in the Israeli Folk Dance Festival, even though he wasn't crazy about my choreography. One of the festival's staff members met with us and choreographed the actual dance we performed. I had to coach and dance it. Luckily my dancers had a better memory than I did, so Fred and the choreographer were pleased and allowed us to participate. 

I also danced with the NCSY delegation as we marched in the Salute to Israel Parade. The organizers used a picture of me and my friend dancing in the 1968 Parade as part of the advertisement for the 1969 Parade. Today we both live in Israel and not all that far from each other.

Can you guess which is me?

Memories...

In The Meantime... Wartime Haikus #6

I still write a haiku almost every morning, except Shabbat and Jewish Holidays. This has been going on for years. It's truly amazing how much can be communicated in just seventeen 17 syllables, 5, 7, 5. Have you tried writing them? You can think of me as "addicted." #morningcoffeehaiku 

Here are some; enjoy. I'm interested in your reactions and opinions, thanks.

Jewish Birthday YES!

thanking Gd for everyday

enjoy to the hilt🎂

Israel's enemies

don't care about history

facts get in their way

strange unsettling time

How will history report?

depends who's writing...

war will resume soon

much worse than ever for sure

deals don't make real peace

finally summer?

forecast for hot days...

dreaming of the pool....

shining sun comforts

Gd's light brings many blessings

thank Him every day...

optimistic sky

message from Gd that He's here

never give up hope

praying for good week

life's very complicated

sun's shining, good sign

despite war, life's great

sounds really impossible

Israel's miracle

barely slept last night

I guess my body didn't need sleep

things just can't control

looking for sunshine

in very difficult times

we must do Gd's will...

uncertainty reigns

true peace definitely far

VICTORY's needed

ceasefire's not true peace

every second's more danger

our enemies laugh

our Independence

must be more than just a word

don't fear to WIN war

remembering friends

more killed by our enemies

true... we're still not safe

busy yesterday

funeral for friend's mother

many said goodbye

being busy's great

I'm thankful to fill my days

friends, travel, study

Rosh Chodesh Sivan-- Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh

 

Ladies, please join on on Rosh Chodesh Sivan at Ancient Tel Shiloh for Women's Prayers in the same holy spot where the Biblical Chana had prayed. Rosh Chodesh is traditionally a Women's Holiday making it a very suitable time for women to gather together to pray. 

If you can't make it on Rosh Chodesh, Shiloh Hakeduma is open to visitors six days a week with all sorts of activities for all ages, men, women and children, too. It's easy to get to by bus or private transportation. 

For more information about visiting Ancient Shiloh 02-578-9111 and visit@telshilo.org.il.