"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, they are the only ones who ever have." Margaret Mead
This quote spoke to me. This is why I do Coaching. This is why I love Coaching women.
This is why EFT is so powerful. One to one. Each one taking that next step, whatever it is...
This is why Aliyah is important. This is why unity is important.
What do you think?
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Another writer to enjoy!
Here's a wonderful read! I am always touched by the messages in his writing and look forward to the hearty laughter I enjoy from his humor.
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208246584405&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1208246584405&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Pesach Cleaning-Final stages!
"Cleaning the cabinets causes trouble and friction,
But if it wasn't for Pesach, we'd all be Egyptian"
Yet another reality check!
From an email from a friend
But if it wasn't for Pesach, we'd all be Egyptian"
Yet another reality check!
From an email from a friend
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
A nice find from Arutz 7
There are stones, and then there are stones.
There are hearts, and then there are hearts.
There are hearts that are stones,and then there are stones that are really hearts.
Anyone who has gone to Yerushalayim a few times will understand...
From Michael Berg, translated into English and posted as a comment
on a blog from Arutz 7.
Please write and share your thoughts on this one!
It made me smile.
There are hearts, and then there are hearts.
There are hearts that are stones,and then there are stones that are really hearts.
Anyone who has gone to Yerushalayim a few times will understand...
From Michael Berg, translated into English and posted as a comment
on a blog from Arutz 7.
Please write and share your thoughts on this one!
It made me smile.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Perspective
One thing being here in Israel provides is a keen sense of perspective.
There is nothing definite. All plans are subject to change, cancellation, etc. due to the security situation, or lack thereof.
Itineraries for tour groups read that all plans are subject to changes according to the situation of the day.
What this teaches is flexibility and prioritizing.
Traffic jams can be caused by suspicious objects which need to be checked out by police robot and then many times exploded at the scene. This can take hours.
At the same time, these things are understood and accepted as part of daily happenings.
The effect which this has had upon me is to create in me a very simple checklist of what is important to me. It goes something like this:
1) Everyone in my immediate and extended family is/are safe
2) Everyone healthy(general/overall)
3) Everything else is icing on the cake(there is nothing that can't be worked on with a little time and effort if the above two are fine)
So, for challenges in life which used to intimidate me or scare me as far as relationships and/or personal growth, it's generally all "small" stuff as the saying goes.
I have also developed a keen sense of gratitude for the "small" stuff, because #1 and #2 are
a blessing and not to be taken for granted.
Please write and share your stories of "learned flexibility and priorities" be they funny, sad, frustrating or otherwise.
There is nothing definite. All plans are subject to change, cancellation, etc. due to the security situation, or lack thereof.
Itineraries for tour groups read that all plans are subject to changes according to the situation of the day.
What this teaches is flexibility and prioritizing.
Traffic jams can be caused by suspicious objects which need to be checked out by police robot and then many times exploded at the scene. This can take hours.
At the same time, these things are understood and accepted as part of daily happenings.
The effect which this has had upon me is to create in me a very simple checklist of what is important to me. It goes something like this:
1) Everyone in my immediate and extended family is/are safe
2) Everyone healthy(general/overall)
3) Everything else is icing on the cake(there is nothing that can't be worked on with a little time and effort if the above two are fine)
So, for challenges in life which used to intimidate me or scare me as far as relationships and/or personal growth, it's generally all "small" stuff as the saying goes.
I have also developed a keen sense of gratitude for the "small" stuff, because #1 and #2 are
a blessing and not to be taken for granted.
Please write and share your stories of "learned flexibility and priorities" be they funny, sad, frustrating or otherwise.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Purim is a festive time here in Israel. Similarly to in the States, where holiday items are displayed and offered for sale a month before the holiday, here, the mood is ushered in weeks prior to the event.
So many stores have had all types of costumes, large and small, in every imaginable theme, available for some time now. The mood is heightened by the added music typical of the "season" piped out onto the streets around Jerusalem.
Today, though, began one of my favorite sites and the experience of one of my annual pleasures in living here. Today, many schools held what is commonly known as "shuk Purim".
This is a day when all the kids are encouraged to come dressed in their Purim costume to school.
There are generally no classes held. Rather, the kids participate in mini carnivals at their school.
They can play games, earn points, buy tickets to "cash" in for small prizes.
The children look very forward to this occasion all throughout the winter.
The other joy that I reap is to see the kids walking home in their Purim costumes.
This includes children from religious just as well as kids from non religious homes.
This is a national holiday. It is a day of unity and celebration of our survival, as a nation and now, on our own land.
My 15 year old went as a hippy with a few of my headscarves wrapped strategically around her in all colors. My boys went as a rescue worker for Magen David Adom--the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross. And my littlest went as Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean.
I haven't yet decided if I will put on a special hat for the occasion.
I am though, partial to some of the very cute antennae which can be put on as a headband and stick up over the head--like rabbit ears or pink fuzzy balls, etc.
I did buy for a friend of mine though, a fake black hat with peyot attached(side locks)!
Will you dress up?
Purim Sameach!
Yehudit
So many stores have had all types of costumes, large and small, in every imaginable theme, available for some time now. The mood is heightened by the added music typical of the "season" piped out onto the streets around Jerusalem.
Today, though, began one of my favorite sites and the experience of one of my annual pleasures in living here. Today, many schools held what is commonly known as "shuk Purim".
This is a day when all the kids are encouraged to come dressed in their Purim costume to school.
There are generally no classes held. Rather, the kids participate in mini carnivals at their school.
They can play games, earn points, buy tickets to "cash" in for small prizes.
The children look very forward to this occasion all throughout the winter.
The other joy that I reap is to see the kids walking home in their Purim costumes.
This includes children from religious just as well as kids from non religious homes.
This is a national holiday. It is a day of unity and celebration of our survival, as a nation and now, on our own land.
My 15 year old went as a hippy with a few of my headscarves wrapped strategically around her in all colors. My boys went as a rescue worker for Magen David Adom--the Israeli equivalent of the Red Cross. And my littlest went as Captain Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean.
I haven't yet decided if I will put on a special hat for the occasion.
I am though, partial to some of the very cute antennae which can be put on as a headband and stick up over the head--like rabbit ears or pink fuzzy balls, etc.
I did buy for a friend of mine though, a fake black hat with peyot attached(side locks)!
Will you dress up?
Purim Sameach!
Yehudit
Thursday, March 6, 2008
One Big Family
Life in Israel, as a result of being such a small country, is often referred to as being part of one big extended family. That is, that just about anything which happens is felt by just about everyone. Yesterday while introducing my friend from the States to the Kotel for the first time, we go the news that an attack had occurred.
Naturally, concerned, we began to call family to find out who knew what.
Well, in the beginning the facts were a little unclear, but, it was clear that several boys had been murdered and that many had been wounded. It was clear that it was in a neighborhood where we know and interact with many people.
I felt it was important for me to post something about this as this is the an example of the heart of Israeli society and the Jewish heart. Just as being part of a large family we share in joyous moments, so too, we share in tragedies. While it is fun to share and explore the cultural differences between American and Israeli culture, the bottom line is, that when a Jew is killed, we have all lost a piece of ourselves. We may be separated by oceans, borders, cultures and time zones, but, we have all stood together at Sinai, and Auschwitz. These "incidences", in Buenos Aires, L.A., NYC, Sderot, Askelon, Tzfat, Ma'alot, Haifa or Jerusalem, it is about all of us.
This is a point which becomes crystal clear living here. No matter which country or tribe or minhag-Ashkenaz or Sephardi, we are all one. Please let's make every effort to strive to reach out to our fellow/sister Jew, on whatever level, in love and peace and brother/sisterhood and support one another to work together as one community/kehilla. As individuals let's make a concerted effort to do one extra miztva, a good deed, every day.
This is what we try to teach children when they are not getting along.
This is what G-d wants from us-unity, brotherhood and effort towards improving ourselves individually.
with best wishes and a heavy heart
Yehudit
Please write and share your experiences with these "incidences" so that we may all be joined together and grow from one another's strengths.
Naturally, concerned, we began to call family to find out who knew what.
Well, in the beginning the facts were a little unclear, but, it was clear that several boys had been murdered and that many had been wounded. It was clear that it was in a neighborhood where we know and interact with many people.
I felt it was important for me to post something about this as this is the an example of the heart of Israeli society and the Jewish heart. Just as being part of a large family we share in joyous moments, so too, we share in tragedies. While it is fun to share and explore the cultural differences between American and Israeli culture, the bottom line is, that when a Jew is killed, we have all lost a piece of ourselves. We may be separated by oceans, borders, cultures and time zones, but, we have all stood together at Sinai, and Auschwitz. These "incidences", in Buenos Aires, L.A., NYC, Sderot, Askelon, Tzfat, Ma'alot, Haifa or Jerusalem, it is about all of us.
This is a point which becomes crystal clear living here. No matter which country or tribe or minhag-Ashkenaz or Sephardi, we are all one. Please let's make every effort to strive to reach out to our fellow/sister Jew, on whatever level, in love and peace and brother/sisterhood and support one another to work together as one community/kehilla. As individuals let's make a concerted effort to do one extra miztva, a good deed, every day.
This is what we try to teach children when they are not getting along.
This is what G-d wants from us-unity, brotherhood and effort towards improving ourselves individually.
with best wishes and a heavy heart
Yehudit
Please write and share your experiences with these "incidences" so that we may all be joined together and grow from one another's strengths.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
The excitement of a first visit!
One of the fun and wonderful things I enjoy so much about living here is the satisfying feeling of being able to play tour guide and take people to various sites, for their first time.
The simple joy for me is to be able to watch them experience the sometimes overwhelming emotions which accompany many people's first visit to specific historical and/or holy sites here.
I have a friend who is in her early 50's and has just arrived to visit Israel for the first time.
We will meet Thursday afternoon and I hope to take her to the Kotel/Western wall.
Especially this Thursday afternoon, there is a prayer rally scheduled to take place there to encourage national Jewish unity in the form of prayer in support of the communities of Sderot, Ashkelon and the rest of the country which is in a precarious situation.
This, in my opinion is the quintessential example of a moment of Jewish pride--to be able to not only witness this type of gathering, but to be able to take part in it.
Interestingly, this friend and I are actively working to promote our coaching group for women based on exactly this concept---Jewish unity.
Another fun fact here, is that she and I have never met. We "met" on the Internet via a Jewish site. we realized how much we have in common and how similar our individual goals are.
And we decided to put our idea into action. Now, I have the pleasure of meeting her in person and the zechut/merit to introduce her to the Kotel. I may have mentioned before that I don't believe in coincidences. So, for me the fact that this prayer meeting to promote Jewish unity is being held at the exact day and time that she and I are to meet--well, it is just another affirmation of how involved G-d is in everything we do.
With gratitude for all of these opportunities,
Yehudit
Please write and share your experiences with visiting Israel and/or acting as tour guide.
Let's build on our eagerness to connect with the land!
The simple joy for me is to be able to watch them experience the sometimes overwhelming emotions which accompany many people's first visit to specific historical and/or holy sites here.
I have a friend who is in her early 50's and has just arrived to visit Israel for the first time.
We will meet Thursday afternoon and I hope to take her to the Kotel/Western wall.
Especially this Thursday afternoon, there is a prayer rally scheduled to take place there to encourage national Jewish unity in the form of prayer in support of the communities of Sderot, Ashkelon and the rest of the country which is in a precarious situation.
This, in my opinion is the quintessential example of a moment of Jewish pride--to be able to not only witness this type of gathering, but to be able to take part in it.
Interestingly, this friend and I are actively working to promote our coaching group for women based on exactly this concept---Jewish unity.
Another fun fact here, is that she and I have never met. We "met" on the Internet via a Jewish site. we realized how much we have in common and how similar our individual goals are.
And we decided to put our idea into action. Now, I have the pleasure of meeting her in person and the zechut/merit to introduce her to the Kotel. I may have mentioned before that I don't believe in coincidences. So, for me the fact that this prayer meeting to promote Jewish unity is being held at the exact day and time that she and I are to meet--well, it is just another affirmation of how involved G-d is in everything we do.
With gratitude for all of these opportunities,
Yehudit
Please write and share your experiences with visiting Israel and/or acting as tour guide.
Let's build on our eagerness to connect with the land!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Transcendence
A friend of mine recently asked me to list three things which have helped me cope with my frustrations with the cultural differences I experience as an expat(expatriate).
The one I mentioned which she loved(she's also an expat--she lives in Argentina), was attending weddings.
Weddings are special in general. It is a reminder of what's important and to appreciate the good in our relationships(at least for me). But, here in Israel a wedding takes on a whole new dimension. What prompted me to write and share this, is that I felt that her description--transcendent, of my example--weddings and how they help me cope... that word just simply summed up my reasoning behind my example! She hit the bulls eye!
Life here in Israel is complex to say the least. On a regular day, with no exceptional circumstances, there are cultural differences to deal with. Some things I have found that I have acclimated to, and others to which I may never become accustomed.
A wedding though, by it's joyous nature, provides a perfect island of opportunity for escaping the differences. In joining together, as parents, friends, community members to simply enjoy the start of a new, young family with all the promise and potential for dreams yet not attained, we are united in transcending the complexities and challenges which tend to separate.
There is dancing, singing, pictures and the joy of an atmosphere beyond borders and politics.
Additionally, and certainly, the holiness of the air allows us to at least feel as though we are able to transcend time itself.
Please write and share your stories or other things which have helped you to connect to your Jewishness.
The one I mentioned which she loved(she's also an expat--she lives in Argentina), was attending weddings.
Weddings are special in general. It is a reminder of what's important and to appreciate the good in our relationships(at least for me). But, here in Israel a wedding takes on a whole new dimension. What prompted me to write and share this, is that I felt that her description--transcendent, of my example--weddings and how they help me cope... that word just simply summed up my reasoning behind my example! She hit the bulls eye!
Life here in Israel is complex to say the least. On a regular day, with no exceptional circumstances, there are cultural differences to deal with. Some things I have found that I have acclimated to, and others to which I may never become accustomed.
A wedding though, by it's joyous nature, provides a perfect island of opportunity for escaping the differences. In joining together, as parents, friends, community members to simply enjoy the start of a new, young family with all the promise and potential for dreams yet not attained, we are united in transcending the complexities and challenges which tend to separate.
There is dancing, singing, pictures and the joy of an atmosphere beyond borders and politics.
Additionally, and certainly, the holiness of the air allows us to at least feel as though we are able to transcend time itself.
Please write and share your stories or other things which have helped you to connect to your Jewishness.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Sundays
As I write it is Saturday night. When we lived in the States, Sunday was a day off. I used to dream about being in Israel where Sunday is like Monday in the States. It is the start of the workweek. Here in Israel, it is a work and school day, there is mail and it feels like a Monday.
The only way that I still know it is Sunday is when communicating with anyone for anything in the States.
When my older girls, now 18 and 15 were then, little and Sunday meant a day of trying to keep them busy and many times bored fighting, I used to dream of being here and having them in school during the day(and hubbie at work!). Well, there is an old expression--be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!
The truth is, I like that mail is available on Sunday. Many times I like that just after a nice Shabbat, there is work and school the next day. But once in a while, I dare to dream that for no other reason than it is Sunday, to have a free day to just go out for the day with my family.
Now, because we don't have those regular free days, once a week, we appreciate that space of time and we do tend to use it.
When we were first living here, I used to get mixed up all the time between Sunday and Mondays and Mondays and Tuesdays. I made appointments for Sunday and marked them as Monday and when we would get notes from the schools that things were on the second day of the week(the names of the days of the week here are Sunday--"day one", Monday "day two") and I would inevitably mark my calendar for Tues. (day 3).
Eventually, you start to double check and usually, although, not entirely, you get used to it.
Sunday does FEEL like Monday to me now. The weeks seem to actually go faster too.
But, then, the truth is, THAT is probably nothing to do with Sundays, except for how many of them have passed since we came.....
The only way that I still know it is Sunday is when communicating with anyone for anything in the States.
When my older girls, now 18 and 15 were then, little and Sunday meant a day of trying to keep them busy and many times bored fighting, I used to dream of being here and having them in school during the day(and hubbie at work!). Well, there is an old expression--be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!
The truth is, I like that mail is available on Sunday. Many times I like that just after a nice Shabbat, there is work and school the next day. But once in a while, I dare to dream that for no other reason than it is Sunday, to have a free day to just go out for the day with my family.
Now, because we don't have those regular free days, once a week, we appreciate that space of time and we do tend to use it.
When we were first living here, I used to get mixed up all the time between Sunday and Mondays and Mondays and Tuesdays. I made appointments for Sunday and marked them as Monday and when we would get notes from the schools that things were on the second day of the week(the names of the days of the week here are Sunday--"day one", Monday "day two") and I would inevitably mark my calendar for Tues. (day 3).
Eventually, you start to double check and usually, although, not entirely, you get used to it.
Sunday does FEEL like Monday to me now. The weeks seem to actually go faster too.
But, then, the truth is, THAT is probably nothing to do with Sundays, except for how many of them have passed since we came.....
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
No time like the present!
Well, this needs to start somewhere, so here I am!
Something very common for folks to do upon moving to Israel, or coming for an extended stay experience is to take "ulpan"---Hebrew language courses offered by the State, as well as by private groups.
I took the first level course, "Aleph", for the first letter in the Hebrew alpha bet, 7 years ago when we first arrived. Then, I was expecting my youngest child and was feeling too ill to continue.
Then of course, with a new baby at home, and my other four, I just couldn't return to the class.
So, now, seven years hence, I have come back to the classroom to brush up my skills.
What I want to share with you now is the incredible feeling that I get to experience when I sit in class.
This is a class of people ranging in age from 17- mid sixties. Some are from France, some are from South America, and a few of us are from the States. The beauty of it is, that we are all there for the same reasons. We all chose to make Aliyah and we are all choosing to give our best try to speaking and understanding Hebrew.
I can say in all honesty that it is no easy task for me to be grappling with this challenge.
But, it is a labor of love. Not to mention that the learning is exhilarating--the grammar, and all of the nuances which I live with every day, and for years did not completely understand!
So, please know, that if I CAN DO it, ANYONE can!
Please write and share your experiences with learning or trying to learn Hebrew, etc.
What other ways can this example serve to encourage you to move forward on something in your life about which you have been procrastinating? Please write and share and encourage others!
More later....
Something very common for folks to do upon moving to Israel, or coming for an extended stay experience is to take "ulpan"---Hebrew language courses offered by the State, as well as by private groups.
I took the first level course, "Aleph", for the first letter in the Hebrew alpha bet, 7 years ago when we first arrived. Then, I was expecting my youngest child and was feeling too ill to continue.
Then of course, with a new baby at home, and my other four, I just couldn't return to the class.
So, now, seven years hence, I have come back to the classroom to brush up my skills.
What I want to share with you now is the incredible feeling that I get to experience when I sit in class.
This is a class of people ranging in age from 17- mid sixties. Some are from France, some are from South America, and a few of us are from the States. The beauty of it is, that we are all there for the same reasons. We all chose to make Aliyah and we are all choosing to give our best try to speaking and understanding Hebrew.
I can say in all honesty that it is no easy task for me to be grappling with this challenge.
But, it is a labor of love. Not to mention that the learning is exhilarating--the grammar, and all of the nuances which I live with every day, and for years did not completely understand!
So, please know, that if I CAN DO it, ANYONE can!
Please write and share your experiences with learning or trying to learn Hebrew, etc.
What other ways can this example serve to encourage you to move forward on something in your life about which you have been procrastinating? Please write and share and encourage others!
More later....
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