Living in the Center of the World
Just a reminder -- Rosh Chodesh is this week!
I wish everyone out there - Happy 4th of July!
Next, I just want to say how thankful I am to be here in Jerusalem, Israel -- the most wonderful city in the world.
I have a few thoughts that I wanted to share while being here.
On the way to the Kotel this past Shabbos I heard five different languages, just on my walk down Yaffo Street: English, Hebrew, French, Spanish, Thai (I think). I heard Russian at a different time.
I am able to visit, daily, the holiest spot on Earth -- the place where the world began.
I am able to give Tzeduka (charity) every day. I believe it was Rabbi Akiva who said that the reason there are poor people in the world is that it enables the rest of us to give Tzeduka. What's even more is that when giving Tzeduka the person who is receiving it generally gives you a bracha (blessing) in return.
Poor people give each other Tzedukah.
Shabbos in Jerusalem doesn't start too early or end too late.
When you daven (pray) Shmona Esrai or you bench after eating...you are actually asking and thanking G-d for the Land in which you are located in. Not for a Land that is 6,000 miles away.
There are mezuzot on every door. Those without are the exceptions.
This still cracks me up and amazes me. When a bride (religious or not) comes to the Kotel (which is a semi-regular experience), on her approach to the Wall many women come up to her and ask her for brochos (blessings) -- and she doesn't blink an eye -- she gives those brochos. Everyone wishes her Mazal Tov, and even has short discussions with random women davening at the Wall. I saw a bride, came up to her, and asked her for a blessing for someone who needed to get better -- she asked their name and gave a brocho. Amazing. It's really so special, they take time out of their wedding day to come to the Kotel and in the meantime give brochos to perfect strangers. I am floored and humbled (yes) by this.
Something else very amazing. I met a lady who is single handedly taking care of Kever Rochel and keeping people's interest in this site. I saw her behind me in line at a restaurant, then I saw her on the street, then on Shabbos at the Kotel. I figured - this is rediculous, I went over and introduced myself, and I am so happy that I did. I will have to write more about her later. I'm going to Kever Rochel with her next week. I asked her to show me what she's been doing there, and she agreed. I'm excited. One person can make a difference.
For all the craziness here, it's an amazing place with amazing people. I love it.
Comments
Glad to hear about everything over in Israel.. It truly is a wonderful place and the people are indescribable (sp?). You don't quite understand how astounding it is until you go and experience it yourself. I mean it... GO! To all those who have never been... GO! You'll never regret it! I miss it already!
Shira, I love you and am so glad you're having an unbelievable time. I am jealous and happy at the same time. There's a woman here (in the States) who is also doing everything she can for Kever Rochel through the Rachel's Children Reclamation Foundation. I even got a pin from her that says, "A visit to Israel without going to Kever Rachel is like going home and not visiting your mother." I see her every year in DC on my ZOA trip (I'll have to tell you about that), and every year I buy something from her so that I give tzedakah. In case anyone is interested in giving to this fund, please call 718-648-2610.
I love you Shira - have a great time, stay safe, and we'll talk soon. Can't wait to see you! LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!
Posted by: Talya | July 5, 2005 1:00 AM
Shira-la,
wondering what is up since we last spoke on the phone last night.... News?
Posted by: Batya | July 5, 2005 1:47 PM