Last night we attended Alex and Liat's wedding. Mazal Tov!
The standard question at a wedding is: "Which side are you on?" Well, at this wedding we were on the orange side. Yes, many of us had something orange, whether the bracelets, a hat, shawl, nails etc. One friend proudly told us that her mother tied an orange ribbon to the walker, showing that one's never too old to be orange. One big orange family.
This is a case that underlines, confirms the accuracy of the morning blessing said by women thanking G-d for creating us how He wishes. It certainly is much easier for us females to show our orange side. Our clothes have so many more possibilities. Not too many men would wear double-breasted suits with orange buttons, or orange flowered slacks, or orange fingernails. On occasion I've seen orange kippot.
Just the right spot of orange means that we're members of the same club and the right side of the spectrum.
Friday, September 09, 2005
Good News, Bad News
To me it's a "good news, bad news" situation.
We're included in Carnival of Comedy. Yes, that's the good news.
The "bad news" is that we're in the lowest category, sort of being polite to include us. Though there have been lots of hits and visitors from there, so I guess not everyone has the same taste, or trusts the "host."
I'll read through the others when I have time.
It's Friday, and I must get ready for Shabbat.
We're included in Carnival of Comedy. Yes, that's the good news.
The "bad news" is that we're in the lowest category, sort of being polite to include us. Though there have been lots of hits and visitors from there, so I guess not everyone has the same taste, or trusts the "host."
I'll read through the others when I have time.
It's Friday, and I must get ready for Shabbat.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
clear head, take a break
Let's just clear our heads from politics, Disengagement, floods, tragedies...
This week, along with going back to work after almost three full months of vacation, we have two weddings to go to. The first was on Sunday, and the second, tonight. They are very different couples and families, etc. That's part of the fun. You know, I hate getting bored.
Over the years I've given different things for gifts:
fancy
practical
checks
If I give a gift, I try to make it something that if they have it in duplicate or more, it's fine, or it can be exchanged. A couple of neighborhood kids asked for ironing boards. I hope that they like to iron, because I don't. I'd hate to think that they're thinking bad things about me as they iron.
For awhile I gave gorgeous ceramic bowls etc, until my husband insisted that it was an oxymoron. He hates ceramics.
Not long ago I was giving very good cooking pots, nice than one would get for oneself.
A few years ago we gave gift certificates. That way they had to buy something, but I didn't have to risk picking it out.
Recently, we've been giving checks, since the logistics of shopping have been too complicated.
Any suggestions?
This week, along with going back to work after almost three full months of vacation, we have two weddings to go to. The first was on Sunday, and the second, tonight. They are very different couples and families, etc. That's part of the fun. You know, I hate getting bored.
Over the years I've given different things for gifts:
fancy
practical
checks
If I give a gift, I try to make it something that if they have it in duplicate or more, it's fine, or it can be exchanged. A couple of neighborhood kids asked for ironing boards. I hope that they like to iron, because I don't. I'd hate to think that they're thinking bad things about me as they iron.
For awhile I gave gorgeous ceramic bowls etc, until my husband insisted that it was an oxymoron. He hates ceramics.
Not long ago I was giving very good cooking pots, nice than one would get for oneself.
A few years ago we gave gift certificates. That way they had to buy something, but I didn't have to risk picking it out.
Recently, we've been giving checks, since the logistics of shopping have been too complicated.
Any suggestions?
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
earth shaking
This morning I paid a "shiva call;" that's "nichum aveilim" in Hebrew. That means "comforting a mourner," a person who is in the seven days of mourning, known as "shiva," from the number "sheva," seven.
She described her father's death as both expected and unexpected and shook her up.
The religious laws of "shiva" are very suited to the needs of the mourner. It begins with the ripping of ones shirt, from the neck to the heart. And then for a week, just taking a break on Shabbat, one removes him/herself from the mundane world. The mourner should be served and cared for. The visitors, comforters, shouldn't initiate conversation. The mourner is encouraged to talk about the dead person, even remembering the funny things. The mourner should talk and talk and show pictures and whatever else to explain to the visitors who and what the dead person was.
The recent shiva calls I made were to friends sitting alone, while other family members were in different places around the world. We, the visitors also weren't acquainted with the dead person, which encouraged the mourner to express more and more.
Today, as I was talking with my friend, suddenly her husband asked:
"Did you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"The house shook, and the table shook. Maybe there was an earthquake."
We didn't feel anything; neither her on her low stool, nor me on the soft couch.
"It was probably an explosion from the building," she said.
And I said: "Maybe it was a heavy truck; they sometimes make the street shake."
Later I went home and turned on the computer and read the news. There had been an earthquake, centered in Jordan, felt as far as Tel Aviv, and Eli is right in the middle.
She described her father's death as both expected and unexpected and shook her up.
The religious laws of "shiva" are very suited to the needs of the mourner. It begins with the ripping of ones shirt, from the neck to the heart. And then for a week, just taking a break on Shabbat, one removes him/herself from the mundane world. The mourner should be served and cared for. The visitors, comforters, shouldn't initiate conversation. The mourner is encouraged to talk about the dead person, even remembering the funny things. The mourner should talk and talk and show pictures and whatever else to explain to the visitors who and what the dead person was.
The recent shiva calls I made were to friends sitting alone, while other family members were in different places around the world. We, the visitors also weren't acquainted with the dead person, which encouraged the mourner to express more and more.
Today, as I was talking with my friend, suddenly her husband asked:
"Did you feel it?"
"Feel what?"
"The house shook, and the table shook. Maybe there was an earthquake."
We didn't feel anything; neither her on her low stool, nor me on the soft couch.
"It was probably an explosion from the building," she said.
And I said: "Maybe it was a heavy truck; they sometimes make the street shake."
Later I went home and turned on the computer and read the news. There had been an earthquake, centered in Jordan, felt as far as Tel Aviv, and Eli is right in the middle.
The Greatest Carnival So Far!
The host of Education Carnival #31 must be some "gevaltic" teacher. I've never seen a more exciting carnival presentation! A real inspiration!
Surprisingly Simple Banana Cake
Don't believe the cookbooks; it's really easy to bake cakes, even a banana cake. First use my easiest cake recipe as a base. The only crucial difference is the liquid. Instead of water, or juice, you use mashed ripe bananas, up to the volume of liquid in the recipe. Less is also ok, and then add water or juice until you get almost the same consistency as a regular cake. It should be a little thicker.
Remember that cinnamon makes it taste richer.
Nuts, raisins and diced fruit are optional.
Bake slowly, slightly lower heat, to make sure it's well cooked on the inside.
Enjoy!
Remember that cinnamon makes it taste richer.
Nuts, raisins and diced fruit are optional.
Bake slowly, slightly lower heat, to make sure it's well cooked on the inside.
Enjoy!
I agree!
Rishon-Rishon takes the words right out of my mouth, or should I say "the taps off my keyboard?"
I also feel safer here in Israel, and yes here in Shiloh, than I feel any place else, including the states and my parents suburban Great Neck, Long Island neighborhood.
There's never any guarantee that any location will promise you safety. A few years ago a Jewish family decided to avoid the dangers of a visit to Israel, so they vacationed at the Grand Canyon and were killed in a freak helicopter crash. Recently an Israeli woman, who was afraid to go home because of terrorism was murdered in the London terror attack.
When people ask my mother how she and my father are willing to visit us in Israel, she reminds them that you can die in bed or in the bathtub, statistically more than anyplace else. My mother never gave up Broadway shows, even when New York mugging was at its peak. Though she insisted it wasn't safe for me to walk back from the station at night during my recent visit. I walk all over Shiloh at night without any problems.
There's never a way to guarantee safety, so don't use "danger" or terrorism as an excuse not to visit.
I also feel safer here in Israel, and yes here in Shiloh, than I feel any place else, including the states and my parents suburban Great Neck, Long Island neighborhood.
There's never any guarantee that any location will promise you safety. A few years ago a Jewish family decided to avoid the dangers of a visit to Israel, so they vacationed at the Grand Canyon and were killed in a freak helicopter crash. Recently an Israeli woman, who was afraid to go home because of terrorism was murdered in the London terror attack.
When people ask my mother how she and my father are willing to visit us in Israel, she reminds them that you can die in bed or in the bathtub, statistically more than anyplace else. My mother never gave up Broadway shows, even when New York mugging was at its peak. Though she insisted it wasn't safe for me to walk back from the station at night during my recent visit. I walk all over Shiloh at night without any problems.
There's never a way to guarantee safety, so don't use "danger" or terrorism as an excuse not to visit.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Baile Rochel #8 Technology
Baile Rochel's Back #8
September 6, 2005
The 2nd of Ellul
Technology
We have a scanner. Actually we've had it for a couple of weeks, ever since I schlepped it back after visiting my daughter in Tel Aviv. It was hers, but she had never used it. It came with the package when she bought my sister-in-law's computer when they decided to go back to the states. So it's not like it's new, which is actually good. That's because our computer is old. It's so old that we can't even do the "blog from Word" that blogger offers. A new scanner would probably have necessitated expensive upgrades, and we all know what that means.
I hired someone to set it up. Yes, he plugged and attached and detached and downloaded everything that had to be plugged and attached and detached and downloaded. Just saying it reminds me of the money well-spent. He even had to track down all sorts of wires and other parafanalia. Honestly, that's why I go to work. Some women have manicures, I hire a computer expert. Priorities. Yes, I have a husband, but he also prefers to go to work and leave the technical stuff to someone else.
My kids aren't like that. They know how to fix, change, attach etc. My youngest, ok, he's grown, post teen, made the digital camera bark like a dog. It gets rather embarrassing when photographing at important events. I click, the camera goes "woof," and everyone looks around. It's one of the reasons I still use my film camera. I'm a real whiz at changing film while the camera's hanging from my neck, a film in each hand and my pocketbook on my shoulder. I did it plenty on that Nefesh B'Nefesh flight. See. Believe me, after nursing my five kids and the required multi-tasking that requires, the film-changing's a breeze.
But there's another problem, the camera is dying. These ridiculous modern ones are all electric, not like my old reliable "Brownie." Sometimes the click doesn't catch, or whatever the technical thing is called, and I have to keep clicking and clicking, and don't forget that I have this serious hobby as a photo-journalist. Just last night I was at a neighbor's 90th birthday party, and the camera started getting shy. I was afraid that he'd be 92 before the camera flashed.
Besides, "personalizing" the digital camera, my son made the new cordless phone shriek in such a way, you'd think a siren was going off outside. The first time I heard it I missed the phone call. I opened the door and ran out in order to hear the announcement.
Recently my husband and I realized that it wasn't our advancing age and diminishing hearing that was making it harder to hear the phone. Somehow the ring had gotten lower. Rather peculiar considering that our sons are in the states, and I don't think that even they can made that sort of change from overseas by remote control.
As my summer vacation from teaching was ending, I found myself in need of a challenge. I put on my reading glasses and picked up the phone. I tried to read the codes and instructions on the buttons and tiny screen. There must be a way to make it loud enough to hear. How difficult can it be? I'm not that stupid. It can't be harder that running the washing machine.
Honestly, I can't say that it just took a second. It took longer, a good few minutes, but I wasn't going to let that phone defeat me. I was at war, and I won! I increased the ring volume. I was on a roll; victory is so sweet. So, I just kept going and looked for the ring menu, the choices, to get that crazy siren to stop. And not to leave you in suspense, I found it. After listening to all the choices, a few times, I chose some sophisticated chimes. They sort of sound like the chimes that announce school announcements in the movie "Grease."
Of course, I didn't want to brag, so I forgot to mention it to my husband, so of course he missed a call. He heard the chimes but never thought it was the phone. Actually, I didn't brag at all; this is the first time. So when my married daughter and her family came, her husband was shocked to hear the change in ring and volume.
Knowing full well that the boys are away, he asked: "Who changed it?"
"I," I answered proudly. He looked at me in disbelief.
"What's the big deal? From whom do you think the boys inherited their talents?"
But don't worry, I'll still keep supporting my local computer expert.
September 6, 2005
The 2nd of Ellul
Technology
We have a scanner. Actually we've had it for a couple of weeks, ever since I schlepped it back after visiting my daughter in Tel Aviv. It was hers, but she had never used it. It came with the package when she bought my sister-in-law's computer when they decided to go back to the states. So it's not like it's new, which is actually good. That's because our computer is old. It's so old that we can't even do the "blog from Word" that blogger offers. A new scanner would probably have necessitated expensive upgrades, and we all know what that means.
I hired someone to set it up. Yes, he plugged and attached and detached and downloaded everything that had to be plugged and attached and detached and downloaded. Just saying it reminds me of the money well-spent. He even had to track down all sorts of wires and other parafanalia. Honestly, that's why I go to work. Some women have manicures, I hire a computer expert. Priorities. Yes, I have a husband, but he also prefers to go to work and leave the technical stuff to someone else.
My kids aren't like that. They know how to fix, change, attach etc. My youngest, ok, he's grown, post teen, made the digital camera bark like a dog. It gets rather embarrassing when photographing at important events. I click, the camera goes "woof," and everyone looks around. It's one of the reasons I still use my film camera. I'm a real whiz at changing film while the camera's hanging from my neck, a film in each hand and my pocketbook on my shoulder. I did it plenty on that Nefesh B'Nefesh flight. See. Believe me, after nursing my five kids and the required multi-tasking that requires, the film-changing's a breeze.
But there's another problem, the camera is dying. These ridiculous modern ones are all electric, not like my old reliable "Brownie." Sometimes the click doesn't catch, or whatever the technical thing is called, and I have to keep clicking and clicking, and don't forget that I have this serious hobby as a photo-journalist. Just last night I was at a neighbor's 90th birthday party, and the camera started getting shy. I was afraid that he'd be 92 before the camera flashed.
Besides, "personalizing" the digital camera, my son made the new cordless phone shriek in such a way, you'd think a siren was going off outside. The first time I heard it I missed the phone call. I opened the door and ran out in order to hear the announcement.
Recently my husband and I realized that it wasn't our advancing age and diminishing hearing that was making it harder to hear the phone. Somehow the ring had gotten lower. Rather peculiar considering that our sons are in the states, and I don't think that even they can made that sort of change from overseas by remote control.
As my summer vacation from teaching was ending, I found myself in need of a challenge. I put on my reading glasses and picked up the phone. I tried to read the codes and instructions on the buttons and tiny screen. There must be a way to make it loud enough to hear. How difficult can it be? I'm not that stupid. It can't be harder that running the washing machine.
Honestly, I can't say that it just took a second. It took longer, a good few minutes, but I wasn't going to let that phone defeat me. I was at war, and I won! I increased the ring volume. I was on a roll; victory is so sweet. So, I just kept going and looked for the ring menu, the choices, to get that crazy siren to stop. And not to leave you in suspense, I found it. After listening to all the choices, a few times, I chose some sophisticated chimes. They sort of sound like the chimes that announce school announcements in the movie "Grease."
Of course, I didn't want to brag, so I forgot to mention it to my husband, so of course he missed a call. He heard the chimes but never thought it was the phone. Actually, I didn't brag at all; this is the first time. So when my married daughter and her family came, her husband was shocked to hear the change in ring and volume.
Knowing full well that the boys are away, he asked: "Who changed it?"
"I," I answered proudly. He looked at me in disbelief.
"What's the big deal? From whom do you think the boys inherited their talents?"
But don't worry, I'll still keep supporting my local computer expert.
This morning at the pool
Conversation at the pool...
One neighbor said that she needed ideas, what should she bring a friend,
a Disengagement victim, Gush Katif refugee...
How could she possibly cheer her up?
cake, cookies, candy
soaps, creams, perfumes?
is there space for things that clutter
will she be annoyed if all the nosh makes her gain weight?
how about just take her out to a restaurant?
just get her out of refugee camp they call a "resort," last resort?
not pleasant
as we enjoy
one of our last swims of the season
being reminded
of others who are suffering
and the insecurity of our own homes
One neighbor said that she needed ideas, what should she bring a friend,
a Disengagement victim, Gush Katif refugee...
How could she possibly cheer her up?
cake, cookies, candy
soaps, creams, perfumes?
is there space for things that clutter
will she be annoyed if all the nosh makes her gain weight?
how about just take her out to a restaurant?
just get her out of refugee camp they call a "resort," last resort?
not pleasant
as we enjoy
one of our last swims of the season
being reminded
of others who are suffering
and the insecurity of our own homes
I'm a poet
Well, I'm sort of a poet. I write poetry, and now one of mine is included in the Carnival of Poets. Take a gander, there's a nice variety.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Big day!
Today was a special day. After much trepidation I re-entered the classroom for the first time after summer vacation.
Only during summer vacation did a lot of things change in the school where I teach, Yeshivat Bnai Akiva Mateh Binyamin in Beit El. After spending hours with the other two teachers trying to find the perfect textbooks, suddenly it all changed. Our numbers had been dropping the past few years, and I was psyching myself up for reduced teaching hours. Then all of a sudden it was announced that another yeshiva high school was closing, and there were negotiations to accept a few dozen, maybe even more than fifty, in our school.
All of a sudden, my hours went back to last year's, and all of our careful planning had to be redone. We divide the kids into homogeneous groups according to levels. I'm an EFL teacher, trying to get Israeli boys to read, write and speak English.
So today we greeted the 9th and 10 grades with tests, and tomorrow the 11th grade will get a similar present. Thank G-d it went well, and the boys were pretty well-behaved, at least the 9th grade. I guess they're still scared. The 10th took a few minutes to calm down, and then they, too took their tests. The 11th grade tomorrow.
I was pleasantly surprised. I remembered last year's opening, when teachers rushed anxiously into the teachers room the minute there was a break, muttering about the impossible kids.
And now for the tough part. I have to learn all their names.
I got home pretty quickly, thank G-d. And then supper, and then walked with my friend, and then...
I went to a birthday party, my neighbor's 90th, ad me'ah v'esrim, he should live to a hundred and twenty. It was lovely, a typical Shiloh mix from all over the world. First of all, the guest of honor is from Russia, and his daughter lives in Shiloh, and her daughter and family, so it's a four generation one.
I was on the Absorption Committee when they showed interest in coming. I remember; we met them and were impressed. They weren't religious then, but we just felt that it would be a wonderful thing to give them a chance. As one person said: "If Shiloh is not for them, they'll leave, but at least we can help them adjust to Israel."
And the rest is history...
Only during summer vacation did a lot of things change in the school where I teach, Yeshivat Bnai Akiva Mateh Binyamin in Beit El. After spending hours with the other two teachers trying to find the perfect textbooks, suddenly it all changed. Our numbers had been dropping the past few years, and I was psyching myself up for reduced teaching hours. Then all of a sudden it was announced that another yeshiva high school was closing, and there were negotiations to accept a few dozen, maybe even more than fifty, in our school.
All of a sudden, my hours went back to last year's, and all of our careful planning had to be redone. We divide the kids into homogeneous groups according to levels. I'm an EFL teacher, trying to get Israeli boys to read, write and speak English.
So today we greeted the 9th and 10 grades with tests, and tomorrow the 11th grade will get a similar present. Thank G-d it went well, and the boys were pretty well-behaved, at least the 9th grade. I guess they're still scared. The 10th took a few minutes to calm down, and then they, too took their tests. The 11th grade tomorrow.
I was pleasantly surprised. I remembered last year's opening, when teachers rushed anxiously into the teachers room the minute there was a break, muttering about the impossible kids.
And now for the tough part. I have to learn all their names.
I got home pretty quickly, thank G-d. And then supper, and then walked with my friend, and then...
I went to a birthday party, my neighbor's 90th, ad me'ah v'esrim, he should live to a hundred and twenty. It was lovely, a typical Shiloh mix from all over the world. First of all, the guest of honor is from Russia, and his daughter lives in Shiloh, and her daughter and family, so it's a four generation one.
I was on the Absorption Committee when they showed interest in coming. I remember; we met them and were impressed. They weren't religious then, but we just felt that it would be a wonderful thing to give them a chance. As one person said: "If Shiloh is not for them, they'll leave, but at least we can help them adjust to Israel."
And the rest is history...
a wedding
Last night we were at a beautiful wedding of one of the local girls. I attended her parent's wedding. Her mother moved to Shiloh when we did. She came to teach in our school, which had just opened. She taught dd#2 for almost two years, until she could no longer travel from where they had moved after the wedding. Two children later, they came to Shiloh as a family.
The wedding was at Neot Kedumim, a "nature reserve" less than an hour from here. The bride, the view, gorgeous! The band, Eliezer Rosenfeld's, was filled with spirit and love.
A wonderful evening.
And now I have to prepare myself for the first day of school.
The wedding was at Neot Kedumim, a "nature reserve" less than an hour from here. The bride, the view, gorgeous! The band, Eliezer Rosenfeld's, was filled with spirit and love.
A wonderful evening.
And now I have to prepare myself for the first day of school.
BOM, a Great Read
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Etti Meidad and Baby Released From Jail
HH, Hurray!
A great way to start the week and month, the very latest Havel Havelim! There's an unbeatable variety of posts, so for your reading pleasure...
Oy, Yes, Oy
Oh, yes, I'm groaning. Two major reasons.
First, the pool closes this week, my two-minutes-from-the-house local swimming pool. It's the end of the season.
And I go back to work. This year I'm not at all ready, even less than usual. I'm sure that my students feel the same. So, oy and double oy. If you're not familiar, "oy" is Yiddish for "groan."
Just to think that a few years ago I was unemployed and took on any job. Then a friend offered me a teaching job, trying to teach the kids who were failing. And not only did I accept, but I found myself very good at it.
I have to keep remembering that. Everyday, I must remind myself how lucky I am. Because I am lucky. Baruch Hashem.
And now, I had better get myself ready to enjoy one of the last pool days of the season. And it's also Rosh Chodesh Ellul, the beginning of the Jewish month of Ellul, the month of introspection and tshuva, repentance. So I'll start by asking forgiveness from any of you I may have harmed. I'm sorry.
Chodesh Tov
First, the pool closes this week, my two-minutes-from-the-house local swimming pool. It's the end of the season.
And I go back to work. This year I'm not at all ready, even less than usual. I'm sure that my students feel the same. So, oy and double oy. If you're not familiar, "oy" is Yiddish for "groan."
Just to think that a few years ago I was unemployed and took on any job. Then a friend offered me a teaching job, trying to teach the kids who were failing. And not only did I accept, but I found myself very good at it.
I have to keep remembering that. Everyday, I must remind myself how lucky I am. Because I am lucky. Baruch Hashem.
And now, I had better get myself ready to enjoy one of the last pool days of the season. And it's also Rosh Chodesh Ellul, the beginning of the Jewish month of Ellul, the month of introspection and tshuva, repentance. So I'll start by asking forgiveness from any of you I may have harmed. I'm sorry.
Chodesh Tov
Saturday, September 03, 2005
nest emptied
The house was full for Shabbat. I had to clean out the three "children's bedrooms" so there would be enough room. Actually only two were used at night, since 2 year old Hallelie was very excited to sleep in her aunt's room.
It was nice to have them home, and then, pfft.... packed and gone.
It was nice to have them home, and then, pfft.... packed and gone.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Flexibility- diet breakfasts and to swim or not today
Flexibility, I really try not to be too obsessive. I've taught myself to relax about being on time. As a kid, not only was I the first to arrive at birthday parties, but I was usually there before it was supposed to start. I'd be hysterical about missing a train, even though a few minutes later there'd be another one. Being late for anything could get me totally nuts. I live in a community with an entirely different concept of time, so I try to adjust for my sanity.
I like routine and function best on the same breakfast everyday. Over the years my breakfasts have changed. Generally from egg, no carbs to some sort of cereal. When I was young I ended breakfast with coffee, but now I drink lots of water, then lots of coffee and only later, after "emptying" do I have breakfast. For the past few years I've been having a vegetable omelet without any carbohydrates. It gave me just what I needed for a strenuous morning. I adopted that when I was still a vegetarian. Then a couple of years ago I found myself looking for chocolate, especially white chocolate or halva, and candy right after breakfast. To counteract that I changed my 25 year vegetarian diet to one of meat, fish, etc. I was hungry. I also reduced carbohydrates enormously, since I didn't need them to fill up.
Unfortunately, I still suffer the binges, which don't happen when I'm not home and eat cereal, bagel, bread whatever with breakfast. So I think it's time to change. Today I had a big bowl of diced fruit, unsweetened puffed wheat and plain yogurt, and I'm not hungry.
Even though it's one of the last days the pool is open, I decided not to go today. I really have too much to do. And yes, I shouldn't be on the computer, so see you later.
I like routine and function best on the same breakfast everyday. Over the years my breakfasts have changed. Generally from egg, no carbs to some sort of cereal. When I was young I ended breakfast with coffee, but now I drink lots of water, then lots of coffee and only later, after "emptying" do I have breakfast. For the past few years I've been having a vegetable omelet without any carbohydrates. It gave me just what I needed for a strenuous morning. I adopted that when I was still a vegetarian. Then a couple of years ago I found myself looking for chocolate, especially white chocolate or halva, and candy right after breakfast. To counteract that I changed my 25 year vegetarian diet to one of meat, fish, etc. I was hungry. I also reduced carbohydrates enormously, since I didn't need them to fill up.
Unfortunately, I still suffer the binges, which don't happen when I'm not home and eat cereal, bagel, bread whatever with breakfast. So I think it's time to change. Today I had a big bowl of diced fruit, unsweetened puffed wheat and plain yogurt, and I'm not hungry.
Even though it's one of the last days the pool is open, I decided not to go today. I really have too much to do. And yes, I shouldn't be on the computer, so see you later.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
reburial
What's an eternal resting place?
how long is eternal?
and how can the souls rest
when politicians
play with their bones
as if the childhood game of jax
in Israel, played with apricot pits
when money was scarce
but people were strong
and independent
and proud and
patriotic
and now
were all the bones counted?
including the smallest toes?
were any left behind......?
how long is eternal?
and how can the souls rest
when politicians
play with their bones
as if the childhood game of jax
in Israel, played with apricot pits
when money was scarce
but people were strong
and independent
and proud and
patriotic
and now
were all the bones counted?
including the smallest toes?
were any left behind......?
Learning from the Experienced, oops, Elderly
One of the principles,or main objectives, of the Dovrat Plan to "restructure" Israeli education, is that old teachers are inferior to new young ones, and there must be a major staff replacement. They even plan on reducing the salaries of the teachers with seniority and giving the money to young academics straight out of university as "incentive." (Yes, the unions are working hard to make sure that salaries aren't reduced.)
One of the stranger things behind the rationale is that on one hand they complain that Israel's academic standing, in the international ranking of students is going down, meaning that previously Israeli students did much better, and their solution is to train new teachers very differently from how the old, veteran, successful ones were taught.
Until a very short time ago, an Israeli teacher's license wasn't attached to a university degree. And these were the teachers who had the legendary good results. Now university degrees are part of the minimal requirements, and academic success is dropping.
In the drive to bring "young blood" into education over the past decade, in many cases, school principles have been making conditions less comfortable for the older teacher, with the aim of having a "fresh, new staff that can be molded." Experience is considered a disadvantage.
This morning I found a wonderful article about "age verses beauty" by Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld. It's from his series about Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers. He explains the different types of intelligence found in the older verses the younger person.
I'm very lucky to be teaching in a school in which the staff is of all generations. I have no doubt that the students benefit from this mix and our experience. I know that we contribute our knowledge based on all that we have done and learned over the years.
Nowadays most teaching is from "workbooks," and there is actually less creativity in developing the lessons. More veteran teachers, from the pre-workbook times, are actually more flexible and more creative. One can't teach creativity in the university lecture hall.
Age and experience give a perspective that no degree requirements can. It's time to appreciate and value age before beauty.
One of the stranger things behind the rationale is that on one hand they complain that Israel's academic standing, in the international ranking of students is going down, meaning that previously Israeli students did much better, and their solution is to train new teachers very differently from how the old, veteran, successful ones were taught.
Until a very short time ago, an Israeli teacher's license wasn't attached to a university degree. And these were the teachers who had the legendary good results. Now university degrees are part of the minimal requirements, and academic success is dropping.
In the drive to bring "young blood" into education over the past decade, in many cases, school principles have been making conditions less comfortable for the older teacher, with the aim of having a "fresh, new staff that can be molded." Experience is considered a disadvantage.
This morning I found a wonderful article about "age verses beauty" by Rabbi Dovid Rosenfeld. It's from his series about Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers. He explains the different types of intelligence found in the older verses the younger person.
I'm very lucky to be teaching in a school in which the staff is of all generations. I have no doubt that the students benefit from this mix and our experience. I know that we contribute our knowledge based on all that we have done and learned over the years.
Nowadays most teaching is from "workbooks," and there is actually less creativity in developing the lessons. More veteran teachers, from the pre-workbook times, are actually more flexible and more creative. One can't teach creativity in the university lecture hall.
Age and experience give a perspective that no degree requirements can. It's time to appreciate and value age before beauty.
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