PRAYERS:Sticky Taped

This is going to be a permanent feature here on the blog; I want it on top so it is seen first. A place to write for prayers for those in need. Please scroll down to see the latest normal entry.

For the people of Hati, and for the people in the US who have been hit by these horrible storms lately. It is a little bit frightening to have all these storms.

For Rivka bat Sarah who is in intensive care after giving birth to her son. Please pray for her health and that she can make a full recovery and be a mother to her child.

Your prayers for a full recovery for Chana Tova Chaiya Bat Pesiah; a mother of a small child who was wounded in bombing of S'barrro's Resturant. Though she survived the attack she was left comatose. She is not on life support. May G-d please grant this lovely woman a full recovery so she may be a mother to her little child.

Please may G-d see fit to bring Tabby to USA to get much needed life saving treatment.
Your prayers for this young man who has suffered terribly trying to defend and protect the innocent of the world.

Please pray for the safe return of Tamika Antonette Houston, a 24 year old woman missing since late March, early June.

For Nance, who is longing for a child. For Joel, who is having heart problems. For Y, the autistic child I use to care for, she has suffered a broken leg.

Keep Jim in mind; he could use a new job. So could my dh; he is a computer programmer; is someone here in Israel needs a cobol programer (AS/400, synon) or anywhere who wants doesn't mind a telecommuter, lmk. Seriously, eating has become a habit, I don't think I can give it up.

Please e-mail me or put in the comments for anyone or any group that should be iincluded in prayers. Thank you.

No I Don't Know What Happened to My Banner

It just disappeared. I hope that it means the person fixing up my blog is fixing up my blog. If it isn't better by tomorrow than someone HELP!!!

In the meantime:

The Artist threw up in school. Her friend told her to go home but she didn't want to leave and waited till the day ended. Then on the way home she just ran out of energy and is waiting the kind administrations of her brother, the Wit to come help her home. Brother not mother or father because we are also under the weather.

Oh what a day this is turning out to be!

Mazel Tov

To the members of the Israeli Paraympics team for their great wins in the games. A total of 13 medals were won, 5 bronze, 4 silver, and 4 gold. Many members of the team sustained their injuries while defending Israel and her citizens. But whenever and however they recieved their injuries, they have honored this country with their spirit, their persistence and their will to do more and move beyond their "limitations."

Congratulations to them all.

And it is Always Fun at Our House

I'm downstairs in front of my adored one (the computer) when I hear a sharp cry from upstairs; the Monkey has awoken. I go up, thinking she has to go to the bathroom, but that isn't it---her tummy hurts. But the Monkey often complains about her tummy. Still the sharp cry was unusual. But in a few minutes she falls back asleep so I dismiss it; a dream maybe. A few moments later she wakes again, this time the dh goes to her, and again she settles down, and I head off for the bathroom. I'm just about to re-emerge when there is a knock and a little voice goes

"Ima, I have to throw...."

She sure did. All over the floor in front of hte bathroom. All I could do was sit there and pat the child and try not to get in the way of the spray.

Got her cleaned up, dh got the floor, the lucky guy, got her all cozy in my bed: but it was a restless night. She went back and forth between my bed and my dh's bed and threw up once more before drifting off into a sound sleep.

And all I can think of is "how long will it last" and "who's next?"

More Praise For The Artist

The Artist had a test today; in one of her Jewish studies class; it was on the recent and up-coming holidays. There were ten questions, three of which she was to try and answer in Hebrew (the rest she could answer in English). She only got this paper on Thursday and that is when she learned of the test, and as I said, Shabbat/Yom Kippur she fasted. Still, despite all that, she got 100% on the test and answered two in Hebrew.

I'm so very proud. I know, I brag about my kids too much; even they say so. But they make me so happy. And it's my blog!

She also got an A+ on her spelling test. (English)

Delta Flyer Miles Anyone?

via civilization calls

Chief Wiggles is asking your help to help a little girl, nicknamed Tabby, who is suffering from a disorder called hemangioma; they have doctors who are willing to operate her, but they have to bring her to South Carolina.

Can anyone reading this blog donate their Delta travel miles? I promise you, if I had miles to give I would, but I don't, I can only ask. Please go to this post to find information on how to donate your miles.

There is a Jewish saying, "he who saves a life, saves a world." Who knows what wonderful gifts this child can bring to the world if we can only bring her to America for corrective surgery?

Change a child's life, change the world.

Saving Fertility

On Thursday of last week, September 23, a woman who had her ovaries removed and then transplanted back into her body following cancer treatment, successfully gave birth to a baby girl. She conceived the child naturally.

This is quite a development and offers great hope to women who are going through medical treatment that could affect the ovaries and render them infertile.

May Tamara ring her family lots of nachas (pleasure), and may she live till 120 years, all in good health of body, mind, heart and soul.

Via ThymeWise.(one of the great blogs found via What She Said)

I love science!

The Wisdom of Torah

I am an Orthodox Jew, and I have been an Orthodox Jew since I was in my teens; slowly through those years taking on new more of the Mitzvot (commandments) that I felt G-d had laid out for me.

I am not always a happy mitzvah doer; like following traffic laws even when the streets are empty, and no police or radar or cameras are around, I sometimes felt---Really, why must I? Okay, I knew G-d was always watching, but it is sometimes hard to keep that sensation in mind.

No, I would sit there on Shabbat and think; this really is the day to DO my needlework; nothing else is calling my attention away. Why shouldn't I do so? Or have a hot bath...wow; calming and restful. Or Kashrut; come on! You know how difficult it can be finding kosher food in the middle of nowhere? How is that for a vacation, to go take half your fridge with you and have to cook along the way? Tahart Hamishpacha? Laws of family purity; so if I get the hots for my dh smack in the middle of the tumah (ritually unfit, not unclean) days, when sex is forbidden, and I just have to hold off? Now how is that helpful to love and marriage?

But slowly through the years I have come to learn the wisdom of the Torah and have decided, well G-d really did know what He was doing when he made the laws.

Take Shabbat and forgoing favorite activities; were I to do my needlework I know the day would come when someone needed a button sewed on, a skirt hemmed mended; all the things I never have time for during the week would become "Saturday jobs" because Saturday is the day off... and slowly I would find my Shabbat spent on tasks not Torah.

Lovemaking whenever I want? Desire builds; I wait, and it becomes a date. I time we have worked for and planned for, quietly. A bit of spice.

The laws of mourning, which have not yet fallen upon me, and G-d willing never will (the Moshiach should come before they are necessary), became sensible and wise after watching a friend of mine go through the week of Shiva for his mother, who died almost a year ago, suddenly and tragically. His sister, who is not religious, at first felt the restrictions foolish...but through the week she found and I saw how helpful the laws were in helping a person get past their grief and onto the road of acceptance. It doesn't make the pain diminish, but the laws for the incumbent upon the mourners (7 close relatives---mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, husband, wife) the not bathing, not changing one's clothes, sitting on low chairs or stools, not going out, covering the mirror, gives everyone in the house a chance to come to terms with what has happened, even if they are not the mourners to come to terms with what has occurred.

The older I get the more I see the wisdom and kindness in the laws that G-d gave us, and how they help us go through the days, respect the earth and the world given to us, and respect each other.

I may have started my journey into Orthdox Judaism because I felt that it was the right path, even if I didn't like it, but as I progress I am coming to learn that not only do I love the laws, but they love me; that they are G-d's way of wrapping His arms about me and supporting me through life.

I'm providing a link to Simon's excellent piece on Yom Kippur because it, and the comments that followed are what inspired this post.

Where are all the Female Bloggers?

That was the question on at least some bloggers minds several months back; and the answer is partially here. And it is a good list so far. I'll will spend sometime looking up new blogs and rolling those that interest me.
But the list is only, and deliberately partial, because as the webmistress here, they are currently only dealing with the left side. Currently; future plans might include other sides. And my question is why start with such a limitation?

I can understand wanting to list only political bloggers, as the crux of the question was about political bloggers. But women are not a uniform group, and if the goal is to hear all women's voices, we need to hear them all.

I don't know how you would plug me in terms of left right or whatever; Alas has me to the right on his blogroll. Someone else might throw me into left field. Am I pro-choice or anti-choice? Depends on where you sit. Am I a feminist? What do you mean by a feminist?

I believe that at birth each person in the world is unique, and has a unique set of abilities and potential that can't be, in any way shape or form, determined by their sex, aside from reproductive possibilities. Does that make me a feminist? Does the fact that I feel that there are certain religious tasks that belong to a man alone mean I'm not? Who is the judge?

In any case, I hope the owners of the web-site change their mind and start adding other sides immediately. I think it would prove interesting to see an issue debated from several, all female points of view. But in the meantime, if you've been wondering where all the women voices are, go look there, and you'll find some interesting liberal ones....I am headed there now for a few.

Proud Mommy Moment

I just wanted to brag to the world that my 10.5 year old, the Artist, fasted the whole fast. No food or water till after the Shofer was blown. She decided to do this on her own! Had to say that first.

As is customary, directly after Yom Kippur fast ends, after one has eaten and rested a bit, families begin working on their Succot. All over the Yishuv are the sounds of hammering and tinkering and building of these small booths which we will eat in and the men in most cases will sleep in for 7 days, starting Wednesday night. In some cases the whole family sleeps outside; our Succot isn't big enough for that though. It is really one of my favorite seasons of the year and one of my favorite holidays.

Maybe it is partly do to the feeling of being cleansed by Yom Kippur and the sense of relief that whatever has been decided has been decided. Maybe it is the sense of community; we are no longer inside, but outside; we can clearly see and hear each other going in and out and at meals. Last year we had a Succot hop; going to each Succah in turn and eating a bit of food in each place. We will do the same again this year. Maybe it is the season; it is cooler outside, but not so cold as to be uncomfortable. It is in some ways perfect weather. Maybe it is the idea of living outside for a few days; camping in style. Whatever it is I always feel awakened and refreshed during this time, and life seems like one big smile.

Hope those who are celebrating enjoy the season!

G'mar Tov

My prayers for the day; may everyone who is fasting have a safe and easy fast. May we all be written in the book of good health and fortune. May Hashem keep us all safe and may this be the year of redemption. And a special prayer for the soldiers who are risking their lives to keep us safe. I can't think of a more difficult day to have to don a uniform.

Rishon Rishon has given a wonderful explanation of Yom Kippur; not only am I loathe to try and do what is already done so well, but he does all that fancy Hebrew words and such as well! I can't top him!

Take care everyone...be well, and safe and healthy.

The Pied Piper

Almost everytime I take the dog for a walk I achieve my dream; a large following. Or rather I should say my dog Caesar gets my dream; Children from the surrounding houses forget their play and come down to watch and be with me as I walk the dog. There are other dogs on the Yishuv, I assure you! But here they come, sometimes as many as 10, usually about three or four devoted followers.

Most of the time they stay behind him or far ahead, repeating, even though the don't know English, the phrase they have often heard me say "Comeon!" clapping their hands at him and fleeing when he obeys.

The braver ones approach from behind, and quickly run an hand down Caesar's flank; should he turn, they scatter. Some think the safest body part to grab is his tail---luckily for them Caesar is one of those dogs who is not disturbed by much of anything. I stop them of course, for Caesar's sake as well as their own; most other dogs aren't likely to be as tolerant. One I see a child approach from head on I know they have their own dog.

What is of gratest interest to them is; poop and pee. One would think "caci and peepee " are fairly regular experience with most human kind, but these kids are utterly fascinated everytime he does his stuff and there is running commentary on what he is doing at the moment; I feel like I'm at a sports event! "Look at that stream of yellow ladies and gentlemen. have you ever seen a dog pee so long? or "And will he poop, he's croching, he's extending his cheeks...YEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSS ladies and gentlemen, he is evacuating his bowels!"

Then I have to stoop down and clean up his little gifts. Maybe I should hold it up and shout VICTORY!!!!

(sigh) Playing sidekick to a dog.

So who stole your fantasy?

A Jolt in the Morning

A big day was planned for the Artist today. She and her friends are going as a group to the Kotel, the Western Wall. Two buses full of children heading out in the wee hours of the morning (4 a.m.) to pray. Then they'll do a quick tour of the area and come home in about two hours.

About ten minutes to hour, a few minutes before we were to leave to the bus site we heard a loud explosion. The house rocked. The trisim, (glorified venitian blinds) rattled. I froze. It sounded so near. With a great deal of trepedetion I went to the door, sent the Artist upstairs and went outside.

Nothing. I could see nothing. Sound carries so far, and we are in the mountains; perhaps something on one of the other mountains? But I could see no smoke, no anything across from us.

We went to the bus stop, and I was still shaking, trying not to let on. Of course we were all talking about what occured, what it could be. Perhaps a sonic boom?

I came home after seeing my daughter off, turned on the news, looked on the internet. Nothing. What was it?

I went back to bed, fearing that I would hear the phone ring. But we have to live a normal life.

It wasn't till a few moments ago that I learned what happened.

I am quiet about the exact location of where I live for a reason. but I tell myself that sound carries for a reason also, across the mountains to where we live to remind us that we are all one family, to remind us, that when one of my fellow Jews is in danger, then I am also.

Yes, that was were the Bombing was

These were among the first words my husband said to me when coming home. "I got a tremp from French Hill, and yes that was were the bombing was"---eight hours earlier.

The two police who died gave their lives to protect those who waited for the buses and for a "tremp" a ride back to their homes. If that guard had not stopped her, hand not prevented her from being on that bus.....

Quiz Time

I'm in that kind of a mood; feeling stretched out and needing a break from reality.
So, do you think this is me?

What Is Your Animal Personality?
brought to you by Quizilla

Hostage Situation

One hostage is known to be dead, one is most likely dead, one probably will be dead. I can't think of it without being drawn into this sense of rage and hopelessness; I can't imagine how the familoes are feeling. I know I am only feeling one little bit of their pain.

But I want to know; by blogging on the deaths, am I part of the problem or part of the solution? If we just ignored the events...hard to do, I know, but if the world media would agree to underplay it, to simply state their names and focus on the people who died and not the "message" of these beasts, would these horrific, vile acts end?

My condolensces to the family of the man who died, Eugene Armstrong. My prayer go out to the family of Jack Hensley, please G-d may it be that they have lied. And to the family of Kenneth Bigley; I hope and pray for a miracle for your son and brother.

Bush and Israel

Not that I have the skills to do this well, but I'm debating with Soccor Dad on the issue of Bush and his stance on Israel. Here's his first post, and my two comments are below.. I didn't realize the first comment had gone in...and here's his second post on the subject.

I have a feeling most of you will agree with Soccer Dad on this issue; but I would like to hear what everyone has to say. (p.s. I have no idea what I did to cause four trackback pings...I thought I just pinged the two sites...But obviously I did something dumb).

Bunny Takes on The World

Meryl wants you to vote for the best bunny pic and....well, just go read her post and vote.
I should warn you it isn't exactly g-rated.

Sad Encounters

Pincushion writes about her encounters withh racism. Go read her excellent post on the subject.

It is hard enough to live in a land that one wasn't born too; but to have to endure cruelty as well! Since I came here I can well understand the frustrations of immigrants to the USA, who are trying to learn the language (or slang and expressions) perhaps doing it poorly, perhaps misunderstanding customs or habits. Yes, it must be learned but it takes time, and the older one is when one enters a new land the harder it can be.

Anyone who is fool enough to judge this very charming woman based on her skin color deserves the loss of the relationship. A kinder, more caring person is hard to find..

It is there problem really Pincushion; just go on being the wonderful person you are and don't worry about the fools.

My Friend Has Been Ill

Go say hi and cheer her up! She's one of the sweetest people I know! And her blog si fantastic.

Preaching to the Choir

Arutz 7 has presented a contrast between what the Palestinian Authority (ie Arafat) presents to the Western public, and what it presents to the Arab public via the PA television.

Bad Idea; A Really Bad Idea

Please tell me this couple graduated from nowhere.