Showing posts with label Jerusalem Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem Day. Show all posts
Sunday, May 06, 2018
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
East of Shiloh
I was going to call this post "Great Tremps Home," but then I changed my mind. Yesterday I did make totally fantastic time tremping, aka hitchhiking home from Kochav Hashachar which is southeast of Shiloh.
Today it seems so unbelievable that for years I had never been on the road between Shvut Rachel and the Alon Road, which is a very picturesque way of traveling through the Jordan Valley and to Beit She'an and further north and lots of communities to the south. It's also an alternative road towards Jerusalem.
From my house I can see Shvut Rachel to the east, and to the east of that, both north and south, there are more Jewish communities. It's government land that had never been developed, so it's available for new Jewish towns. The new Amona is slated to be in that general area, too. At present there are about 150 families in the various Jewish communities. They are considered part of the Shiloh Bloc of yishuvim, aka Gush Shiloh. Because the road, though paved, is barely one lane, there's no public transportation. The only buses that go there are the school buses to and from Shiloh.
Yesterday when I finished teaching in Yeshiva Tichonit Ahavat Chaim at 1:15, I rushed out to tremp, hitchhike home and quickly got a ride to the junction of Hakida and Achiya. I waited there just long enough to photograph in all directions with both my phone and camera.
And then I got a ride to the Shiloh-Shvut Rachel Junction, and immediately after getting out of the car another took me to my neighborhood. The whole trip from Teachers Room to right near my house took barely half an hour. So I certainly have no complaints. Some days and directions are easier and quicker than others. It's all in the Hand of Gd. And this is Gd's Land for sure. When you celebrate Jerusalem Day, include the celebration of the liberation of Judea and Samaria, too.
Today it seems so unbelievable that for years I had never been on the road between Shvut Rachel and the Alon Road, which is a very picturesque way of traveling through the Jordan Valley and to Beit She'an and further north and lots of communities to the south. It's also an alternative road towards Jerusalem.
From my house I can see Shvut Rachel to the east, and to the east of that, both north and south, there are more Jewish communities. It's government land that had never been developed, so it's available for new Jewish towns. The new Amona is slated to be in that general area, too. At present there are about 150 families in the various Jewish communities. They are considered part of the Shiloh Bloc of yishuvim, aka Gush Shiloh. Because the road, though paved, is barely one lane, there's no public transportation. The only buses that go there are the school buses to and from Shiloh.
Yesterday when I finished teaching in Yeshiva Tichonit Ahavat Chaim at 1:15, I rushed out to tremp, hitchhike home and quickly got a ride to the junction of Hakida and Achiya. I waited there just long enough to photograph in all directions with both my phone and camera.
And then I got a ride to the Shiloh-Shvut Rachel Junction, and immediately after getting out of the car another took me to my neighborhood. The whole trip from Teachers Room to right near my house took barely half an hour. So I certainly have no complaints. Some days and directions are easier and quicker than others. It's all in the Hand of Gd. And this is Gd's Land for sure. When you celebrate Jerusalem Day, include the celebration of the liberation of Judea and Samaria, too.
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Jewish Israeli Holiday Special!
This is a book I won't give away!
I generally give away the books I get to review once I'm finished reading and reviewing them, but my new, beautiful Koren Mahzor for Yom Ha'atzmaut & Yom Yerushalyim is staying with me!
In Shiloh we doven the complete Holiday service including the Hallel with a blessing, according the psak, rabbinic decision of the Shiloh Chief Rabbi Elchanan Bin-Nun, whose brother Rav Yoel also has an essay included in the Machzor.
Besides the prayers for Israeli Independence Day and Jerusalem Day, there is also a section for Memorial Day. Yes, this is the complete package and perfect gift for yourself and others.
Even if you don't need this very first bilingual Mahzor for Yom Ha'atzmaut & Yom Yerushalyim for the English when you are praying you will enjoy the essay section. It is a very valuable addition to one's home library. And certainly congregations of English speakers, here in Israel or abroad, that hold Prayers on Israeli Memorial Day, Independence Day and Jerusalem Day should have this Machzor available.
I received it after Independence Day but look forward to praying from it on Jerusalem Day, G-d willing.
The Koren Yom Ha’Atzmaut Mahzor is the first-ever English-Hebrew prayer book for Israel’s national holidays. It includes complete services for Israel’s Independence Day and Jerusalem Day according to the practices established by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The mahzor features a moving introduction by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, translation by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, commentary by Rabbi Moshe Taragin and Rabbi Binyamin Lau, and a unique collection of essays by other leading scholars in the world of Religious Zionism. Optional prayers such as Hallel and Al-HaNissim are shaded and include extensive notes that explain the halakhic debates surrounding their recitation.Not only is this new Koren sensation complete and easy to read, but it's full of fascinating essays including one by my favorite Tanach (Bible) teacher, Dr. Yael Ziegler.
 |
| Hallel on Israeli Independence Day, Shiloh Mishkan (Tabernacle) Synagogue, 5775, 2015 |
Besides the prayers for Israeli Independence Day and Jerusalem Day, there is also a section for Memorial Day. Yes, this is the complete package and perfect gift for yourself and others.
Even if you don't need this very first bilingual Mahzor for Yom Ha'atzmaut & Yom Yerushalyim for the English when you are praying you will enjoy the essay section. It is a very valuable addition to one's home library. And certainly congregations of English speakers, here in Israel or abroad, that hold Prayers on Israeli Memorial Day, Independence Day and Jerusalem Day should have this Machzor available.
I received it after Independence Day but look forward to praying from it on Jerusalem Day, G-d willing.
| ISBN | 9789653016651 |
|---|---|
| Author | Jonathan Sacks |
| Pages | 281 |
| Size | Standard 5.3x8.5 |
| Language | Hebrew/English |
| Binding | Hardcover |
| Nusach | Ashkenaz |
Saturday, June 07, 2014
My Jerusalem Day Picture in the Jerusalem Post!
Another of my photos has made the Jerusalem Post Magazine.
Will this help me get a better paying job*? I doubt it, but it's nice to be published. I used to write letters to the editor, but I stopped around when I started blogging.
*It's no secret that I'm looking for a better paying job. The hunt is going no place fast. I've never received a single reply to any of the CV's I've sent out. And yes, people have helped me fix up my CV's. I have a few. Honestly I actually like my job. I think it's a good job for me at this time in life. The only thing I don't like is the salary. But I'm not quitting until or if I get a job that will be better.
Will this help me get a better paying job*? I doubt it, but it's nice to be published. I used to write letters to the editor, but I stopped around when I started blogging.
*It's no secret that I'm looking for a better paying job. The hunt is going no place fast. I've never received a single reply to any of the CV's I've sent out. And yes, people have helped me fix up my CV's. I have a few. Honestly I actually like my job. I think it's a good job for me at this time in life. The only thing I don't like is the salary. But I'm not quitting until or if I get a job that will be better.
Monday, June 02, 2014
52 Frames Joyfully Celebrates Rosh Chodesh at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh
This week's subject, theme, challenge was "Joy!" And davka, this week we danced after praying on Rosh Chodesh at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh.
So I didn't submit any of the flag photos from Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day I had been carefully cropping.
Now looking at these I really think they are better, but they aren't as unique.
Ladies, if you'd like a unique experience, which of course you can repeat monthly, come to Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh on Rosh Chodesh and pray with us.
Next month's Rosh Chodesh, Tammuz, will be Sunday June 29, 2014. Please save the date.
Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh Rosh Chodesh Tamuz
Sunday, June, 29, 2014
1st of Tamuz 5774, 8:30am
Tour of Tel Shiloh & Dvar Torah, Short Torah Lesson
Please come and invite family, friends and neighbors
תפילת נשיםראש חודש תמוז בתל שילה
יום א' 29-6 א' תמוז תשע"ד 8:30
יהיה דבר תורה קצר וסיור בתל
כדאי לבוא ולהזמין חברות, משפחה ושכנות
So I didn't submit any of the flag photos from Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day I had been carefully cropping.
Now looking at these I really think they are better, but they aren't as unique.
Ladies, if you'd like a unique experience, which of course you can repeat monthly, come to Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh on Rosh Chodesh and pray with us.
Next month's Rosh Chodesh, Tammuz, will be Sunday June 29, 2014. Please save the date.Women's Prayers at Tel Shiloh Rosh Chodesh Tamuz
Sunday, June, 29, 2014
1st of Tamuz 5774, 8:30am
Tour of Tel Shiloh & Dvar Torah, Short Torah Lesson
Please come and invite family, friends and neighbors
תפילת נשיםראש חודש תמוז בתל שילה
יום א' 29-6 א' תמוז תשע"ד 8:30
יהיה דבר תורה קצר וסיור בתל
כדאי לבוא ולהזמין חברות, משפחה ושכנות
Mark your calendar, and join us. For more information, please contact me, thanks.
You're welcome to join our facebook page. Tel Shiloh is open to visitors daily. Guided tours can be arranged through the Shiloh HaKeduma, Ancient Shiloh office. Email visit
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Jerusalem Day Flags, Favorite Photos
Of all the gazillion photos I've ever taken some of my all-time favorites are photos of Israel flags. One of the photos was used by Sarah who used to have a blog and did my blog banners.
Here's the photo on its own. Of course it's untouched.
It was cropped for the banner and originally posted in Shiloh Musings in the article Now for the Third Time, which tells of the third annual march to Jerusalem in memory of Avihu Keinan of Shiloh who was killed by Arabs in a very poorly planned army operation.
I have another favorite flag photo from that march.
I really can't say that they are better than the photos from yesterday, Jerusalem Day, but for me the excitement of those marches can still be felt when I look at the pictures.
There's something very kinesthetic, alive you can see in flags as they wave, furl and unfurl uncontrollably in the breeze or from the movements of whomever is holding it. Here are a few photos I managed to shoot yesterday in Jerusalem on Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem Day 5774.
Here's the photo on its own. Of course it's untouched.
It was cropped for the banner and originally posted in Shiloh Musings in the article Now for the Third Time, which tells of the third annual march to Jerusalem in memory of Avihu Keinan of Shiloh who was killed by Arabs in a very poorly planned army operation.
I have another favorite flag photo from that march.
I really can't say that they are better than the photos from yesterday, Jerusalem Day, but for me the excitement of those marches can still be felt when I look at the pictures.
There's something very kinesthetic, alive you can see in flags as they wave, furl and unfurl uncontrollably in the breeze or from the movements of whomever is holding it. Here are a few photos I managed to shoot yesterday in Jerusalem on Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem Day 5774.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Jerusalem Day, Celebrating Ramat Eshkol
Ramat Eshkol was one of the very, very first new neighborhoods built after Israel's glorious and miraculous victory in the 1967 Six Days War. Unlike some of the other post-1967 Six Days War, it's a very natural continuation of pre-existing Jewish neighborhoods, which had been on the very dangerous border with Jordanian snipers, such as Sanhedria and Shmuel Hanavi.
It was public housing at its best for immigrants and young families. Not only were apartments of all sizes built, but it had land allocated for the wealthier where they could build private homes. There's a large shopping center which is still vibrant and popular.
Since the apartments were offered at minimum prices to the western immigrants who began making aliyah in the post-1967 Ramat Eshkol was also planned with parking lots among the buildings.
This was the first time that parking lots were made as part of neighborhoods. Before then and for another decade, private cars were still very rare in Israel. Even during and in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, private cars were drafted by the IDF for "reserve duty." The army didn't have the budget for ordinary vehicles. Also one of the perks of being an MK was a free pass on all public buses, which was taken advantage of by Knesset Members. Even up to the 1980's it wasn't a rare sight to see MKs on the bus going to work and doing ordinary chores, like shopping in the shuk.
Even today, forty-five 45 years after being built, it's shopping center is busy, popular and vibrant with a great variety of stores.
One thing that has changed is the population. In the 1970's, there were mostly young families from all over the world, religious, secular and traditional. Today the veteran residents are much older, and there are many chareidim (known as ultra-Orthodox) who live there, because it is near older chareidi neighborhoods but much nicer.
Many people don't even realize that Ramat Eshkol is a post-Six Days War neighborhood, because it so successfully and seamlessly became part of Jewish Jerusalem. But you should remember that to the American Government, it is no different than Shiloh or Yitzhar.
It was public housing at its best for immigrants and young families. Not only were apartments of all sizes built, but it had land allocated for the wealthier where they could build private homes. There's a large shopping center which is still vibrant and popular.
 |
| nice landscaping to this day |
Since the apartments were offered at minimum prices to the western immigrants who began making aliyah in the post-1967 Ramat Eshkol was also planned with parking lots among the buildings.
This was the first time that parking lots were made as part of neighborhoods. Before then and for another decade, private cars were still very rare in Israel. Even during and in the aftermath of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, private cars were drafted by the IDF for "reserve duty." The army didn't have the budget for ordinary vehicles. Also one of the perks of being an MK was a free pass on all public buses, which was taken advantage of by Knesset Members. Even up to the 1980's it wasn't a rare sight to see MKs on the bus going to work and doing ordinary chores, like shopping in the shuk.
Even today, forty-five 45 years after being built, it's shopping center is busy, popular and vibrant with a great variety of stores.
One thing that has changed is the population. In the 1970's, there were mostly young families from all over the world, religious, secular and traditional. Today the veteran residents are much older, and there are many chareidim (known as ultra-Orthodox) who live there, because it is near older chareidi neighborhoods but much nicer.
Many people don't even realize that Ramat Eshkol is a post-Six Days War neighborhood, because it so successfully and seamlessly became part of Jewish Jerusalem. But you should remember that to the American Government, it is no different than Shiloh or Yitzhar.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
One of those great, "only in Israel" experiences
Yes, on today's rained out Jerusalem Day, I had one of those great "only in Israel" experiences on the way home while riding the bus.
It was pouring. None of us could remember such a rain storm so late in the spring. Yes, we discussed the weather, but we discussed it as the "hand of G-d" and wondered out loud what message G-d is giving us.
Does the rain have anything to do with next year being Shemitta? Or is it "just" because next year is also a leap year? In Judaism "leap years" add an extra month. Even if that's the case, and we said that maybe the extra month should have had been added this year, the rain would still be after Pesach, which is late for such a heavy rainfall.
Of course, everyone had an opinion, and we were captives in the bus. The streets were flooded, and there was so much hail in some places, it looked like snow. We had to talk to try to drown out the pounding on the roof of the bus. Yes, the hail wouldn't let up in Jerusalem.
Considering the attitudes of the politicians, maybe it is punishment.
It was pouring. None of us could remember such a rain storm so late in the spring. Yes, we discussed the weather, but we discussed it as the "hand of G-d" and wondered out loud what message G-d is giving us.
Does the rain have anything to do with next year being Shemitta? Or is it "just" because next year is also a leap year? In Judaism "leap years" add an extra month. Even if that's the case, and we said that maybe the extra month should have had been added this year, the rain would still be after Pesach, which is late for such a heavy rainfall.
Of course, everyone had an opinion, and we were captives in the bus. The streets were flooded, and there was so much hail in some places, it looked like snow. We had to talk to try to drown out the pounding on the roof of the bus. Yes, the hail wouldn't let up in Jerusalem.
Considering the attitudes of the politicians, maybe it is punishment.
I Must Admit...
Yes, honestly
I must admit that today's rain,
super-heavy downpour,
accompanied by thunder,
lightening and
hailstones the size of
large marbles is
definitely not
the norm on
Jerusalem Day,
the 28th of the
Jewish month of Iyyar.
I must admit that today's rain,
super-heavy downpour,
accompanied by thunder,
lightening and
hailstones the size of
large marbles is
definitely not
the norm on
Jerusalem Day,
the 28th of the
Jewish month of Iyyar.
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