The Fantastic Az Nashir Haggadah-- Read All About It

I blogged about the Az Nashir Haggadah on Shiloh Musings. Maybe I should have blogged about it here. Click on the link. Many of my friends and teachers in Matan contributed to it. 

Now's the time to order so you have it early enough for next year. I suggest using the articles to prepare for the holiday, either reading on your own or with a group of friends. It's a joint project of lots of brilliant women, Matan and Shvilli.

Listen to Rachel Sharansky Danziger talk about the Haggadah.

Let's Hear Something Good, Life Under COVID Corona

Watching a class on Zoom

Last night I participated in a wonderful Zoom Family Reunion with lots of cousins from my mother's side. My branch of the clan is the only one in Israel, besides one cousin's granddaughter presently on a year's program. The rest are now spread all over the United States. Not all even live as Jews anymore, but we're all family. This was the second time we've done one of these Zoom Reunions, and considering logistics, finances etc., there's no way so many cousins could ever get together f2f, face-to-face. Zooming is easier.

That's why I decided to write about the "blessings," good things that we are now able to enjoy because of COVID corona. And of course all of these can be continued once it's safer to socialize and travel. I have no doubt that all of us can think of at least one thing that has gotten better. You're all invited to add your 2¢ two cents or more in the comments.

• ZOOM- I had never heard of Zoom before the first COVID Corona lockdown, and now I Zoom daily. All sorts of classes, meetings and reunions are done via Zoom. 
• video calls- Video calls have replaced f2f face to face socializing, too. You can't get as many people/participants on most of the apps, whether telephone, facetime or WhatsApp, but they generally don't need an additional application and can be done on most smartphones.
• no traveling- Now that we're not traveling, my study group and I meet daily, instead of weekly. During this past year, we've learned more than five times the amount of material we could have learned if we had still been learning barely once a week in Jerusalem.
• seeing the world on a screen- There are many people taking virtual tours, instead of packing up, spending a lot of money on flights, hotels etc. Even when they send in a "tip/payment" to the guide, it's a tiny fraction of what real travel costs, and a lot less exhausting.
• attending classes or events that once would have been too far to get to- As this year's Matan program began via Zoom, one woman in the audience happily announced that she had always wanted to attend lectures by the teacher, but distance had made it impossible. Now she's overjoyed to be able to attend without the need to travel.
  
• masks and general health- Many people, including yours truly, have noticed that we've gotten through the winter without the usual colds and flu. Masks and social  distancing have kept us healthy. Not only do they protect against COVID corona, but hospitals and medical authorities are reporting much fewer flu and other winter illnesses. Asians, who've been wearing masks routinely for years, have been proven right. Here in Israel, at least, the price of masks has dropped considerably. 
• less money saved on weddings and entertaining- The cost of weddings and other "event" entertaining had gotten outrageously high. Keeping up with the Cohen's pushed people into spending more than they had. Now that it's forbidden to attend large events, downsizing is the rule. The new added expense is "live streaming," so your guest can attend without paying for their food.

What would you add to my list?

Keeping Busy Without Leaving Home Much, Corona COVID-19 Lock-down

Real life in the Corona COVID-19 Lock-down or just trying to stay healthy and sane. 

I have been enjoying classes via zoom and learning with my study group on Skype. I multi-task by crocheting while at the screen as you can see.

I've even discovered that with the equipment I have, I'm best off using both my computer and phone simultaneously. Microphone and audio are via my phone. But since the phone only shows a maximum of four other participants, I simultaneously zoom on my computer. Before you ask why I don't just use the computer, I must make it clear that my computer doesn't have a camera and mic. Yes, I understand that they sell attachments that would add those capabilities. I'll have to get one if I decide to zoom the Yom Iyyun Tanach (Bible) Study Day at Herzog this summer. Zoom really eats up the phone's battery power.

You can see how I use both phone and computer participating in Matan classes. Their special summer program is scheduled to suit both the "Israel clock" and North America. But I've signed up for Yael Leibowitz's  "Confronting the Other." 

As much as I miss why weekly "vacation in Jerusalem," I do enjoy the convenience of studying from home. I've also been having great fun watching shows, musicals, movies, tv shows etc from my phone and computer all for free. I even march around the house watching on my phone instead of walking outdoors.

BBC Proms' Oklahoma was superb! 

How are you coping with today's restrictions? Or are you ignoring them?

Just stay healthy and happy. I'm doing my best Gd willing.

Zoom, Skype and Coping in the Corona Lock-down

Have you Zoomed yet? A couple of weeks ago, I hadn't a clue as to what Zoom is, but now I'm a fan. Last week, just as the corona virus lock-down restrictions began to creep its way into our lives, my book club friends and I realized we couldn't have our traditional pot luck dinner meeting. We had this nasty feeling that things were going to get worse before they got better. Also with Passover rapidly approaching, we just couldn't put off our meeting. Someone suggested Zoom, so we all signed up and had a wonderful discussion about Little Women. It was rather ironic meeting in such a magical high tech way, when the book was written by hand.

My "Chevruta," Bible study group also didn't want to stop meeting. We usually meet very early Wednesday mornings in Matan before classes begin. At first we tried Whatsapp conference call, but that's for a maximum of four, and we're mostly five. Then we started learning via Skype daily, and we love it. When this corona virus lock-down ends, we're going to miss our daily get-togethers.

Yael Ziegler teaching via Zoom and FB

Once Matan realized that this lock-down was not just a few days, they got into gear. Matan now simultaneously uses Zoom and Facebook live to allow students all over the world to study together. Yesterday we had our regular classes, but watched/listened in our homes. It was amazing how quickly we managed to adjust to the app.

Both Yael Ziegler and Yael Leibowitz gave superb classes. On Zoom we can also see and hear our friends, which was very comforting in these difficult times. Nobody knows when life will return to normal.

Today was Rosh Chodesh Nissan, the first of the Jewish Month of Nissan, and I "attended" two Women's Rosh Chodesh Prayer groups. First I said Hallel together with many of my usual group. For years we've been meeting at Shiloh Hakeduma, Tel Shiloh, where the Biblical Tabernacle had rested for close to four hundred years, Since we're now restricted to only walking near our homes, we couldn't go to Tel Shiloh, so we Zoomed. The time lag made the singing a bit less musical, but it really was great to be together praying. By the time we ended there were participants from Shiloh, Eli, Kedumim and Beit El.

Saying Hallel together from Shiloh, Eli, Kedumim and Beit El via Zoom

Matan Rosh Chodesh Prayers
Zooming from Raanana

Then I checked out the Hallel at Matan Raanana. It was also via Zoom, but done outdoors, by someone's house. Women from all over had joined in to pray together. Now with technology, to be "together" one can be miles and miles apart.

Our lives are changing so quickly. All this modern technology is certainly helping us get through Corona.

Matan will be having its traditional Pre-Passover learning on Monday March 30, 2020, but bigger and better than ever. That's because it'll all be Zoomed. The English program will consist of seven, yes, 7 lectures instead of the usual three. Top teachers from the various branches will teaching from 9am-4pm.

You can view the classes through:
Zoom: Meeting ID: 257 547 385 https://zoom.us/j/257547385
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MatanFaceYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcddaJS8bnNI3olXbCxNrRA

Yael Liebowitz on Facebook Live

Taught a Totally Original Torah Class

Last week I blogged on Shiloh Musings asking for some "research help" for a Shabbat Torah Class I had committed to give at our Shiur Nashim, Women's Class.

This class I go to every Shabbat I'm home is the most veteran, longest lasting in Shiloh. It began over thirty-eight 38 years ago. We've had the same regulars now for quite awhile and can't manage to attract more women. Most who teach are men, even two generations of the same families, who are much more scholarly than we are. On occasion some of us even try our hand at it. A few months ago, we decided to give the neighbor who recruits speakers a monthly break. A few of us volunteered to give (or bring someone) the shiur, class so she won't have to make the calls. I had plenty of warning that my turn was coming up.

Due to the fact that I did not grow up in a religious home, going to a Jewish school and hearing all sorts of Torah stories from the youngest age, I generally read and learn with a fresh eye. That means I come up with some unique interpretations. Luckily I've found teachers in Matan and Shiloh who don't mind my rather unconventional ideas.

Sefaria

For this talk I had been inspired by the opening words of Parshat Shavua, Weekly Torah Portion Yitro, which was the week before. Since we're not restricted to the weekly parsha, that wasn't a problem.

I managed to get everyone talking and participating, which was quite an accomplishment. Sorry, but I'm not giving more details than you can get in the Shiloh Musings post. Maybe I should "market" myself?

I have another unique shiur cooking in my head...

New/Old Hobby or Baile Rochel Returns to Crocheting

"Baile Rochel" is my alter ego, or maybe she's the real me. Click "Baile Rochel" to read more of her writing.

Yesterday, when I was walking around the Talpiyot shopping aka industrial area, I found myself walking into a crafts store. I usually just walk around the Hadar Mall and then trek to Matan for a 12 noon class. But yesterday, I had been dropped off on a different street.

I love to window shop, always have, but suddenly I was attracted to yarn. It got a hold on me and pulled me in.

Before I realized what I was doing, I had picked out two packages of yarn and a crochet hook and announced to the salesman that I was going to crochet a scarf.

Of course, I've never crocheted a scarf before. I haven't a clue how to do it. The only thing I've ever crocheted has been hats and kippot (skullcaps.) There's a big difference between crocheting something round and crocheting something long which is supposed to have the same width all its length. Crocheting round things is very simple; it suits the technique.

Please don't tell me to follow a pattern, because I don't know how to do that either. I've always crocheted by "instinct" or common sense or just plain guesswork. And sometimes I've made a mess out of things.

There are two reasons I was pulled into this little/insane challenge. One is that I have a new jacket, the same dark blue as the yarn, and it needs a scarf. Two is I've been wanting to do something to help keep me awake and alert while at classes/lectures. Years ago, I did needlepoint pictures, but then I ran out of wall space. After that I kept myself happily busy crocheting hats. But after a few years I stopped wearing them. I prefer covering my hair with scarfs.

Of course, since I'm Baile Rochel, I didn't do any research, no google searches to try to find out any tricks to crocheting a scarf. I didn't ask anyone either. As the lecture began, I took the yarn and hook and tried to remember how to start. In all honesty, I was surprised at how long it took me to figure out what to do. And the start isn't exactly the same as for crocheting something round. But it's like what people say about riding a bike,You never really forget. Only crocheting is much safer. I wouldn't dare try to ride a bike after all these years/decades. If I goof up the crocheting, I can always undo the stitches or throw the mess out.

I crocheted a few rows and stayed awake during the lecture. That's good. There's no chance the scarf will be perfect, but I don't really care. As I tell my friends during my mosaics class, when they ask me what I'm making:

"It's the journey that's important."

What harm would it do to wear a crooked misshapen scarf, especially if the act of crocheting had helped me stay awake during expensive classes?

PS If you have some tips to help me crochet a scarf that doesn't look totally ridiculous, please write them in the comments, thanks.

Perfect "Breakfast for Two" in Bagel Cafe

Very early yesterday morning, one of my learning partners and I discovered that it would only be the two of us, instead of 3-6 (it varies from week to week) in Matan for our 7:45 breakfast plus chevruta Al Haperek Tanach Bible session. Whenever that happens, we end up just talking, so we decided to really "play hookey" and have breakfast "out."

I did a quick "google search" to find what would be open on nearby Emek Refaim, Jerusalem. Bagel Cafe, 54 Emek Refaim, fit our requirements. By 7:30am we were already seated and hungrily poring over the menu.

We decided on sharing a Breakfast for Two. The waiter took our order and accurately served us exactly what we had asked for, even though he didn't write it down. Salads and omelets were prepared separately, according to our individual requests.

All the food was delicious and exactly the quantity we needed. Our only complaint was that the coffee tasted rather ordinary. I had asked for "American or filter" and thought it tasted more like my Elite Turkish when perked. As you may know, most mornings I have real American coffee, Kirkland brought by a good friend, made in a French Press. So when I order American, I have a certain taste in mind.

We polished off pretty much everything served to us and agreed that we'd return there for breakfast whenever we have a good excuse.

That very filling breakfast really did the trick and kept me satisfied for hours afterwards. Usually I need an early lunch at 11:30 before going into my 12 noon class with Yael Leibowitz at Matan. But besides eating a few cashews in the middle of the class, I needed no food until I got home a few hours later.

The Bagel Cafe seems to be very popular, and people were lined up for takeout, besides those of us sitting at tables. It probably is the best breakfast on Emek Refaim. Give it a try. Bagelcafe.co.il/mobile, 1-700-500-751.

Jerusalem Walk, Yesterday

Yesterday was Wednesday, and any Wednesday* you'll find me in Jerusalem studying in Matan. Click here for class schedule and more information.

For the past few years, my study partners/friends/chevruta and I meet early for breakfast chat and learning. Then most of us go on to class with Yael Ziegler. After that lecture, I have a break of over an hour and a half before Yael Leibowitz's class. During that time I usually, weather permitting, take a walk and buy something for lunch.

I used to bring lunch with me, but now since I sleep the night before in Jerusalem, that's more difficult. It's also such a pleasure walking around the neighborhood, the walking trail, by the old train tracks, or to Talpiyot, Emek Refaim, etc. And of course, I need and love a walk.

*except for school vacations

New Goat Yogurt, Report

Last week, after I paid a shiva call to the family of the amazing and irreplaceable Toby Willig, ZaTza"L, I walked by the Zamora Health Food store and decided to see if they had any plain goat yogurt.

The two brands I normally get aren't available right now, for a couple of months, since this is the season that the female goats are giving birth and feeding their babies. I had written about my using shamenet, sour cream as a substitute.

The Zamora Health Food store isn't one of my usual haunts, but I figured it would be a good idea to check it out. I'm glad I did. It's a small supermarket of every sort of organic food, even a section with frozen poultry. And, yes, I found some plain yogurt. I bought two liter bottles, two different brands. Gd willing, they should suffice for the next couple of weeks.

I must say that the גלילי Galili Goat Yogurt has a very different taste from the two brands I usually get. It's much sharper. The experts would probably say that it has more of a "goat" taste. Although I absolutely hated goat milk in my coffee, when I tried it, I like the tartness of the yogurt with sweet fruit.

I'm glad to have discovered Zamora, because there's a branch not far from Matan and my Jerusalem kids. When I finish the Galili yogurt, I'll open the other bottle/brand and let you know how that one is, Gd willing.

Wednesday Walking in Jerusalem

Most weeks I wake up in Jerusalem on Wednesdays. That's because I am part of a small Tanach, Bible, learning group that meets in Matan early on Wednesdays. I generally sleep Tuesday nights in Jerusalem, walking distance from Matan. It's a great way to start my day.

After our chevruta learning I go to a class, Isaiah: Prophet of Poetry, Passion and Principle taught by Dr.Yael Ziegler. After that I have a break of about 90 minutes until Biblical Politics: Challenging Assumptions About G-d, Leadership, and Land by Yael Leibowitz.

Weather permitting, I take a walk during the break

I try to keep busy.

On The Tracks, Jerusalem Wanderings

Jerusalem's most amazing park is the one still under progress, still being developed, built and landscaped. It's the one that follows the old train tracks.

Some sections are pretty narrow, having just two "tracks," One is for bicycle riders and the second for walkers, joggers and runners. And in other sections, there's lots of space adjoining with all sorts of playground equipment. Actually, the area across from Matan has parking and then lots of other things, including public toilets and a fenced area for dogs.

There's even a little "sit and read" library.

Yesterday I walked a bit further than before and discovered this painted area under a bridge. You never know what you'll find in Jerusalem. It's a great place for wandering.

Jerusalem Fun! Lots of Photos

I just spent a couple of days in Jerusalem. Here are some pictures, and explanations are in the captions.

Some buildings in the Center of Jerusalem have special lighting.

Some buildings in the Center of Jerusalem have special lighting.

Street decorations

I treated myself to a cup of coffee.

Following the path to Matan

Matan 

Jerusalem Old City Walls

Kotel, Western Wall

Kotel, Western Wall

It's nice to get away for a bit. At my age, I have to live the "bucket list" while I can.

Inspiring Morning Learning in Matan

Rachelle Fraenkel

Yael Liebowitz

Yesterday I joined the hundreds of women, and a few men, at a morning of Elul learning in Matan. There'll be more sessions next week in Hebrew and English, so if you're interested in attending, it's not too late.

You can pay for the day, the class or unlimited Hebrew and English lectures in the Elul program.

I attend classes in the Jerusalem branch, but Matan now exists in other cities, Beit Shemesh, Hashmonaim, Raanana and Rechovot.

Busy Thursday, Gd Willing JBBL will be IFL Champions

Let this yellow sky be the only disappointment today.

A sky this yellowish color in springtime Israel quite often heralds a sandstorm. And one thing I learned in our first year in Israel was not to hang out laundry during a sandstorm, because it will dry with sand thoroughly embedded in the fabric, yes, dirtier than before being laundered. So, I'll postpone doing the wash until tomorrow or next week. It's also not a good day to open up the windows and certainly not to wash them.

Yes, there are two very good reasons not to wash windows before the Passover Holiday, even though lots of people like a totally sparkling clean house.

1. The dirt on the windows is not the forbidden chametz.
2. There's an excellent chance of sandstorms during the Jewish Months of Nissan and Iyar. And sandstorms really dirty/soil windows. 

Yesterday I had a totally fantastic day in Jerusalem. My chevruta, learning friends, and I spent the morning in Matan attending the Pre-Passover Yom Iyyun. Dr. Yael Ziegler, Rabbanit Shani Taragin and Yael Leibowitz provided an inspiring learning experience for the hundreds of attendees who overpacked the Matan auditorium. After that we went out to lunch together, since we wouldn't be seeing each other for a few weeks.

Tonight I'm Gd willing attending the IFL IsraelBowl #10 Championships and hope and pray that the Jerusalem "Big Blue" Lions will be victorious!! I pray for a great game, no injuries, and that the championship will be ours. We have a wonderful team and a super-fantastic coach.

Today, until I start my trek/tremp to Petach Tikvah, I'll be busy preparing for Shabbat.

Yaala Big Blue!!!

Jerusalem Walk, Old Train Tracks

Yesterday was a very long and busy day for me. It started just after 4am, and I finally crawled into bed close to 1am. I got to Matan twice! 

For some strange reason, when I posted the pictures from my phone to Blogger their order was reversed. So my destination is above the path I took.

I took the 6am bus from my Shiloh neighborhood to Jerusalem, and there was no traffic at all. After taking the light-rail at Ammunition Hill to Safra Square, Jerusalem Municipality WC, it was only 7:15 which gave me a full hour to walk to Matan, which I did! It was one of those perfect for walking days, which are a special treat mid-winter. Also, I was trying out my third pedometer app. Now I'm using one that is simply called Pedometer. After a bit of tweaking and getting used to, like having to turn it off when in a slow-moving vehicle, it's doing its job better than the others I have tried. And yes, that is how much I walked yesterday!

When I got to the Emek Refaim-Pierre Koenig-Ben Zakkai junction, I realized that this was a perfect day to walk the "track park" to Matan. It's full of "fitness playgrounds" for people of all ages, toddlers to adults. But I didn't have time to stop.

And this photo, below, is what I used for yesterday's 365project!

Old Jerusalem Train Tracks
I took a walk there this morning.

If you don't have the opportunity to walk, cycle, run/jog or skate it, at least enjoy the pictures.

PS All of the photos of the walk were taken with my new smartphone, Samsung J7.