tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28732859226202006492024-03-13T19:22:16.195+02:00Ki Yachol Nuchal! ***עָלֹה נַעֲלֶה וְיָרַשְׁנוּ אֹתָהּ--כִּי-יָכוֹל נוּכַל, לָהּ***rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.comBlogger376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-82688363301845945432023-10-08T15:20:00.001+03:002023-10-08T15:40:16.678+03:00The Nes of the Nachash<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSdUHqSAJLGVM5tTrCcz6z9N4S1G_odBbuJa-pOheDYtZwyBcRwqCzjivG07na1gdAtEF67zv5hAcw5LsBpG5XjQGUGJLb04oQkLGu86gYDZuN4f5OXYC1BzDN2Oc4FkkqtF-5Pje0-Ap/s1600-h/Tel+Aviv+with+Josh+003.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img border="0" height="240" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5212022573686264066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSdUHqSAJLGVM5tTrCcz6z9N4S1G_odBbuJa-pOheDYtZwyBcRwqCzjivG07na1gdAtEF67zv5hAcw5LsBpG5XjQGUGJLb04oQkLGu86gYDZuN4f5OXYC1BzDN2Oc4FkkqtF-5Pje0-Ap/w320-h240/Tel+Aviv+with+Josh+003.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px;" width="320" /></a> Yom chamishi, 9 Sivan 5768/12 June 2008, Thursday.<br /><br />My son did not die last night. Baruch Hashem!<br /><br />Soldier Boy was sleeping in the field with his unit. He got up from his bedroll to help with about a half-hour of guard duty, and then went back to his tent, exhausted, as usual. He flopped down, and was sleeping again, probably before his head had quite hit his rolled-up jacket/pillow.<br /><br />The next morning, while shaking out his jacket, he discovered that he had been sharing space with a poisonous viper. Fortunately, the snake was happy to finally escape from under the pillow, and my son was too busy yelling and jumping around, for their face-to-face to be fatal. (At least for the human. From all good field operations blossom into public view at least half a dozen latent snake killers. My son's erstwhile bed-mate is now a belt or a hat-band.)<br /><br />Soldier Boy called to share the miracle. We discussed some tzedaka he had recently given to a poor old Yerushalmi. "Ema, I dreamed about Rabbi Akiva's daughter last night. Weird, huh?" I remembered the story with him. On the day before her wedding, Rabbi Akiva's daughter had fed a poor man for whom everyone else had been too busy. That night, she stuck her hairpin into the wall above her bed. In the morning, it was discovered that her hairpin had skewered a poisonous snake. Rabbi Akiva knew that it was her act of kindness the day before that had saved her life.<br /><br />We reminded our son to bentch Gomel, to publicly thank Hashem for saving his life; and we gave our yishuv rav extra tzedaka.<br /><br />Later in the day, we got another call. "After we checked the inside of my jacket, we made another discovery," said Soldier Boy. "Either I was sleeping with a stapler -- or <span style="font-style: italic;">that snake was trying to bite through the fabric all night</span>."<br /><br />Hodu Lashem, ki Tov, ki LeOlam Chasdo!rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-76143799055119119432022-02-06T19:56:00.000+02:002022-02-06T19:56:21.908+02:00Garbage Vegetable Broth<p>6 Adar 5782.</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.masterclass.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;"><i>MasterClass</i></span></a> has been such a fun and relatively affordable
way to fill the seemingly endless time at home created by our nearly two-year
(so far) “adventure” of COVID-19. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">I started taking the classes to learn
from writing greats such as Dan Brown, David Baldacci, Margaret Atwood, Neil
Gaiman, Joyce Carol Oates, and Amy Tan. A surprise benefit was taking classes
from many other experts in their fields, including chefs Roy Choi, Yotam
Ottolenghi, and Gordon Ramsay. Each chef taught me remarkable things about
making my kitchen a more effective launchpad for excellence. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ramsay grew up poor. So a <i>leitmotif </i>in
his classes is not. wasting. anything. Ever. When I think of everything I have
thrown away that was viable food...! Well, spilled milk, and all that. Now, I
am enlightened, and we are saving oodles of money, and “making our carbon
footprint smaller,” whatever the heck that means. (I’m joking, I’m joking.
Please don’t send me articles on what “carbon footprint” means. Thank you.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">This recipe was born of frustration and
the slowly dawning realization that I did not need to remain a victim of said
frustration. I often use <i>Imagine Vegetable Broth</i> for recipes.
It doesn’t have sugar, as do so many other prepared broths. But it costs
between 30 and 50 shekels for 32 ounces (946 ml), depending on where you can
find it, and <i>you can’t always find it. </i>So, after I whined for
a while... I decided to do what I always do when I can’t find a product easily:
I make it from scratch. With that in mind, I will share with you my recipe
for <i>Garbage Vegetable Broth, </i>without sugar or ridiculous
amounts of sodium, and as organic and as low-carb as you want it to be. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPAKkBMK2r5zdNlHvU1zCrfmrlsYJknr5ZtirFxTWpW-QSWNXOXHEipjeBcelWSAcHKfz2y6HaD8_JPbQsrT6FqcNfIIPfMrZFKnGONIwqqNQrqPpzQXh7znYlOnjOkNvDIiO53McOl76JmlgVC5ANqsxQazhVWUqZhmV2zpFQGoVGPiGF7myr8baD=s1511" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1490" data-original-width="1511" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPAKkBMK2r5zdNlHvU1zCrfmrlsYJknr5ZtirFxTWpW-QSWNXOXHEipjeBcelWSAcHKfz2y6HaD8_JPbQsrT6FqcNfIIPfMrZFKnGONIwqqNQrqPpzQXh7znYlOnjOkNvDIiO53McOl76JmlgVC5ANqsxQazhVWUqZhmV2zpFQGoVGPiGF7myr8baD=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">Save up those carrot peels, sweet
potato peels, onion skins, celery leaves, kale and parsley and dill stems. If
you really don’t want to use the broccoli stalks and cauliflower leaves for
your kugel or roasted veg recipe, don’t throw them in the shemitah bin (this
year, or the compost or trash in non-shemitah years). Save them in bags in the
fridge or freezer until it’s time to make broth (meaning you have enough
detritus with which to brew it).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">I like to add other vegetables. Today I
added scallions, garlic, celery root, and turnip. Cover your collection of
garbage with water and bring to a boil. Add salt and any other spices and any
herbs that you like. I added pepper, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Then I let
it simmer for a few hours, adding water to keep the pot full.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhexrvyZFq75FuAjkpPaQqPfnDuEBS855Te8fR0B4-6kM3Xom7JjwMhy7s0dwOBQNuKdD95L16ssjqyLaNag5Iu-zBNUB4j7SO9qOqt1VslhouWlYNwsxbYv6PE1ONWWi2F9E9BWBEXCkrjpG1kz7b58LZcKJV4yM_SUJoKI0yl_Yc0H5gizzM5mUo9=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhexrvyZFq75FuAjkpPaQqPfnDuEBS855Te8fR0B4-6kM3Xom7JjwMhy7s0dwOBQNuKdD95L16ssjqyLaNag5Iu-zBNUB4j7SO9qOqt1VslhouWlYNwsxbYv6PE1ONWWi2F9E9BWBEXCkrjpG1kz7b58LZcKJV4yM_SUJoKI0yl_Yc0H5gizzM5mUo9=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">When the vegetables have given their
all, I strain the liquid from the vegetables which <i>now</i> can be
thrown in any of the various waste receptacles previously mentioned.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizPt46vSkeenKBbE3lbpYugQcAyuDqwg3Tf4MUvDE3AD1Dl4Uk2EcLoSKq5yOJeMcdLL9pu-RTZlX4scrFxBvqKPPOb4inADoSv0EgxVhikuMauN5g1Sp8jtbgY39yJx2rULJjSfOVzRhQY0jDhbfpdWjXUL_liaWJCS3IAXFxi0eFDJmTtFKqVFNj=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1863" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizPt46vSkeenKBbE3lbpYugQcAyuDqwg3Tf4MUvDE3AD1Dl4Uk2EcLoSKq5yOJeMcdLL9pu-RTZlX4scrFxBvqKPPOb4inADoSv0EgxVhikuMauN5g1Sp8jtbgY39yJx2rULJjSfOVzRhQY0jDhbfpdWjXUL_liaWJCS3IAXFxi0eFDJmTtFKqVFNj=s320" width="291" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">The resulting broth is delicious, costs
nearly nothing (when you realize I was going to toss everything but the additional
vegetables) and makes me feel very good about myself. Bonus: the Dearly Beloved
says it tastes better than store-bought products.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re living in Israel, here’s
another tip: I just started doing business with <a href="https://farmtofamily.co.il/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">Farm to Family</span></a>, “Where Quality and Service Meet.” I am very
impressed with their service (online, phone and delivery), with their
commitment to shemitah and to supporting local farmers, and with their produce
(and other products). They have an easy-to-use English site for those of us
still struggling with our Hebrew.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;">Save money! Ensmallen your smudgy
little carbon footprints! And feel really good about making your own vegetable
broth, and telling the kids it’s made of garbage. <span style="font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji", sans-serif;">😂</span> Kids <i>like</i> eating garbage.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-54765447600938782162022-01-10T14:38:00.007+02:002022-01-11T08:17:26.540+02:00Your New Favorite Sushi Place in Jerusalem<p><span style="font-size: medium;">8 Shevat 5782.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Word of mouth is a very
powerful sales tool, as are quality and service. Thanks to all three, <a href="https://sushimamilla.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sushi Mamilla</span></a> is our new favorite sushi
place.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;">The adventure started when
our friend and fellow foodie, Arnie Draiman, raved about a new place we hadn’t
heard of in downtown Jerusalem. Since it was in our usual hang-out area, we
knew we needed to give it a try before our latest self-imposed lockdown. (Fie
on thee, COVID! Give us back our normal routines!)</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3aBbFIljPyjiYBsUXqbLXbXYxFdOf66Sa3brTrdsvdcMV8l9Wn2sZ59vrE7BX4kQslv289qDRVVj_cE_oCzmg0sHWO-F8FxRqNW5eDgXula2GNvGNru_lTGd64wwTBjANVpw4Z-dUy8wJYQBiBlAykghKf6VhFV144yfiA8mEoO9XE6kAKwZyqr_Z=s1600" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1477" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3aBbFIljPyjiYBsUXqbLXbXYxFdOf66Sa3brTrdsvdcMV8l9Wn2sZ59vrE7BX4kQslv289qDRVVj_cE_oCzmg0sHWO-F8FxRqNW5eDgXula2GNvGNru_lTGd64wwTBjANVpw4Z-dUy8wJYQBiBlAykghKf6VhFV144yfiA8mEoO9XE6kAKwZyqr_Z=w590-h640" width="590" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Shlomzion HaMalka 4</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The restaurant was easy to
find, located just across the street from Misrad HaPnim on Shlomzion
HaMalka. There were several couples and small groups already dining outside;
and we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by a waitress and by the owner, Naftali.
Both took the time to be interested in us as human beings before they seated us
and left us to peruse the menu.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a brief aside, I will
say that we discovered another new sushi place not long ago that was just
opening. While there appeared to be food available, it was nearly impossible
for us to get attention, and that was without a crowd. When we finally did,
there was no menu in English and no one seemed to have the time for my slow
efforts in Hebrew. I don’t need to have establishments cater to me in English.
This is Israel, after all, and it’s my responsibility to learn the language.
But I do like to be acknowledged. So, that sushi place is history, as far as
we’re concerned. Back to the present...</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After pleasant banter with
the masked waitress, whose name was Halla, we placed our order. While waiting,
I checked out the facilities. The single bathroom is clean and well-appointed,
though small (befitting the small restaurant).</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSAhwcKjezTAydypLfTTwib3TDNT6u0jxz4I2DnX6eoMrmWURLTuHjic7MqLu0PCALL_EiKW0ha_TJ2-k3EzHRcAxhPwx5Mt3-mCozQZ57MdQU6UUAkG1MGN7ZWeU3z4DwdGWFIH6i7SjSqPsq8mQaEzttGNsCr8y_ckiObXgmn150jdgDnuFrQTud=s1600" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1600" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSAhwcKjezTAydypLfTTwib3TDNT6u0jxz4I2DnX6eoMrmWURLTuHjic7MqLu0PCALL_EiKW0ha_TJ2-k3EzHRcAxhPwx5Mt3-mCozQZ57MdQU6UUAkG1MGN7ZWeU3z4DwdGWFIH6i7SjSqPsq8mQaEzttGNsCr8y_ckiObXgmn150jdgDnuFrQTud=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Halla brought us a
very-mildly pickled appetizer of cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, and red peppers
with a hint of sesame seeds. Even Coach, famous for avoiding pickles, enjoyed
the dish, much to my surprise.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">In a reasonable amount of
time, our beautifully-plated order appeared. I chose the <i>Salmon Poke
Bowl</i> with perfectly sliced and very fresh salmon and avocado, with toothpick-slim
sticks of cucumber and carrots as well as sweet potatoes and other perfectly
prepared vegetables. The dish was topped with a wonderfully colorful crispy
mixture so that I enjoyed a flavor experience from sweet to earthy with plenty
of interesting textures. The dish was served on a bed of white rice. Though I
am not interested in rice these days, the few bites I indulged in were quite
tasty, and just the right consistency.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpnC8XPar-T0GpOS5i1w3oyXsKjcac95q8dZqz6vWgf5BmO_PtTL-spYcaSO-BjuKdRLVhKDgGhhatg_wb8yKKWruavgdqTiNzuDIZejSQlJMgSr-BtlWYPDjEb0G-L4nqTsFuAB1OjlofSwQt_yna_696YF3GB_8dpQujdfgE2kM_vrobeJKagj2I=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpnC8XPar-T0GpOS5i1w3oyXsKjcac95q8dZqz6vWgf5BmO_PtTL-spYcaSO-BjuKdRLVhKDgGhhatg_wb8yKKWruavgdqTiNzuDIZejSQlJMgSr-BtlWYPDjEb0G-L4nqTsFuAB1OjlofSwQt_yna_696YF3GB_8dpQujdfgE2kM_vrobeJKagj2I=w400-h324" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Coach was in an adventurous
mood, and chose the <i>American Pessi Roll</i> with baked salmon,
peanut butter, carrots, and sweet potato served with a very interesting, tangy
sauce. He was delighted with the combination.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Near the end of our meal,
the owner, Naftali, joined us to ask how we were enjoying the food. (We had
seen him stop by all the tables outside as well.) We talked about the Old
Country, as he came from Long Island two years ago, and we asked a few
questions about the restaurant and the menu. It delighted me that many of his
dishes are named for his children and children-in-law as well as for
grandchildren. Nothing like a love of family to impress the two of us!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLoHludqmeAcnZKm62GUTXsc-npK0NOVdnxokbyGcx3a6B78otVP7own7crzrGY2DHHSGSPU32UybCa3Swdhm0UxvcbetsdE7PV-9SBjgebL8i89PjLBr4VWNHH2wK2vhipAojwfWmFTsL7TKbWCHwkGxi-SZ8lnSOsIPHPYhz7rGiW3OYtSIIHzWQ=s1600" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLoHludqmeAcnZKm62GUTXsc-npK0NOVdnxokbyGcx3a6B78otVP7own7crzrGY2DHHSGSPU32UybCa3Swdhm0UxvcbetsdE7PV-9SBjgebL8i89PjLBr4VWNHH2wK2vhipAojwfWmFTsL7TKbWCHwkGxi-SZ8lnSOsIPHPYhz7rGiW3OYtSIIHzWQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Not quite ready to end the
adventure, we decided to try one of Naftali’s recommendations: the <i>Falafel
Sushi</i>. This dish really brought home the restaurant’s tagline: “Where the
Middle East meets the Far East.” There was no loss of taste or texture in the
falafel ball cradled within the rice and tempura outer coating. We were glad we
tried the “dessert.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Sushi Mamilla has kosher
certification from the Rabanut Yerushalayim, <i>mehadrin min hamehadrin</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">All of our encounters with
the staff were pleasant and fun, and as we were leaving, we had one more
surprise. Our “masked bandit,” Halla, photo-bombed us at the door as Coach was
posing with the menu. I really love this place, and I am sure you will, too. We plan to make it a
regular stop on our please-God increasing visits to the Holy City.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo5XWltLBzrd7ws9HLP_K7_YNC89XYyX8tV-pl989fBOJ5ua3dw6W-AM_HHToMFH5a8EvKCDEdTKobva2-4C20wCqs5uPvYsjBFd8VL7fgEkxr16YezmSKFKjQ2reudzzWM4evRkj-78kd4Vvwd1bI7pv_Nz1gejHgui_3Na1Ws_MUWmyWJo7mo7-6=s855" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="578" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo5XWltLBzrd7ws9HLP_K7_YNC89XYyX8tV-pl989fBOJ5ua3dw6W-AM_HHToMFH5a8EvKCDEdTKobva2-4C20wCqs5uPvYsjBFd8VL7fgEkxr16YezmSKFKjQ2reudzzWM4evRkj-78kd4Vvwd1bI7pv_Nz1gejHgui_3Na1Ws_MUWmyWJo7mo7-6=w270-h400" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">This gal more than earned her tip!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></p><span style="color: black; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"><span style="vertical-align: inherit;"></span></span></span><p></p>rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-4460324515313209662021-07-15T12:25:00.006+03:002021-07-22T10:09:34.144+03:00Too Bad You Can't Speak Hebrew<span style="font-size: medium;">6 Av 5781
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp9Ztk2PZxwanF635k6QdY5SkI95jdAx8jOPlVNKqHrDJ2-7vyTBmAa7GRlCN-mX8WIhf3b-OAjsq36pH3iLc5Cmke9Dg9gJ0zq13QBAOYfe7CId4Uw-YWen6SP43NKyvShAyZGk2lfI/s1599/Hebrew+Learning+Materials.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="1599" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAp9Ztk2PZxwanF635k6QdY5SkI95jdAx8jOPlVNKqHrDJ2-7vyTBmAa7GRlCN-mX8WIhf3b-OAjsq36pH3iLc5Cmke9Dg9gJ0zq13QBAOYfe7CId4Uw-YWen6SP43NKyvShAyZGk2lfI/w400-h364/Hebrew+Learning+Materials.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> In a small grocery store in Modi'in, I met a wizened little Israeli as I was
purchasing blueberries and a telescoping back scratcher. She was buying
cigarettes, pitot and a small bottle of Arak. I marveled that there are indeed
miracles visible to us, if only we choose to see, and wondered if my diet would
get me to her age. She, however, was fascinated by the back scratcher, and
wanted it explained to her. Fortunately, the young clerk explained in rapid
Hebrew as I looked on, nodding and smiling and demonstrating like Carol Merrill
on <i>The Price is Right</i>.</span></div></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>Later, I met the same elderly lady at the crosswalk. "Third time, ice cream!" I quipped.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>She smiled at me. "You are not Israeli?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"Now I am," I replied proudly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"Where do you live?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"In Neve Daniel, in Gush Etzion. About half an hour south of Jerusalem." She didn't recognize the area, but she placed it in proximity to Jerusalem.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"Where did you come from?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"The United States."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"You don't speak Hebrew? How long have you been in Israel?"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> Aware of my deficiencies, I responded, </span>"I'm embarrassed to say, almost fourteen years."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"So <i>long!</i> You should speak Hebrew!"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><span> "I</span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> know, I know. I'm trying to learn. Ah! Here's our light. Have an
amazing day!"</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span> </span>As we crossed the street, she gave me many, many blessings, as is the custom of Mizrahi Jews. She ended with, "Stay healthy, </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">Mahmee</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">."</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>"Amen! You, too, and all of us!"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> <span> W</span></span>hy am I writing about this rather mundane conversation?
<i><b>Because the entire thing, every word, was in Hebrew.</b></i> It may not have been perfect Hebrew, but there was not one word of English.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span> </span>I laughed to myself for some time as I walked to my children's apartment to babysit their youngest daughter so they could get at least a little work done in peace. We all are
guilty of being stuck in our preconceptions sometimes, to the extent that we cannot even hear what language the other person is speaking. The best we can do is the best we can do... and love each other around our miscommunications, and laugh.
</span></div>rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-32042686211587918862020-09-02T14:17:00.003+03:002020-09-03T08:45:10.245+03:00Where Everybody Knows Your Name: Prohibition Pickle<p> <span face=""><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;">23 Elul 5780.</span></span></p><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{93}" paraid="350255064" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I usually have cantaloupe or Greek yogurt with toasted almonds and goji berries and chia seeds for breakfast. But today I had a very unusual breakfast: I dined on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prohibitionpickle/" style="font-family: garamond, garamond_embeddedfont, garamond_msfontservice, serif; font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; font-weight: 700;" target="_blank">Prohibition Pickle</a> <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;">pickles.</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{93}" paraid="350255064" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{93}" paraid="350255064" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBski-tQW7ibEtsMnL5nSFEmlK5BBebZV_9jV9yP1YegpxfBmdLfqUX0kcuudT2bnAIZhcuE0DpKnElE71_JFvcBYx2jnJjvhY-AXaaP1TklRhkwG9s424_ZoRBg-dbSijsDqR1BMg6rE/s1599/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.46.01+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1599" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBski-tQW7ibEtsMnL5nSFEmlK5BBebZV_9jV9yP1YegpxfBmdLfqUX0kcuudT2bnAIZhcuE0DpKnElE71_JFvcBYx2jnJjvhY-AXaaP1TklRhkwG9s424_ZoRBg-dbSijsDqR1BMg6rE/w410-h267/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.46.01+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="410" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span face=""><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;">I am easily tempted to try new flavors and to support local vendors. For this home business, I have a particular fondness. I have known Chaim Davids since he was a wee lad. His father, Rabbi Moshe Davids, taught each of my sons his bar mitzvah parasha. And his mother Shula was a local mikveh lady and a wonderful friend.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{dcec0072-bf35-456a-8579-7e1f4a01b302}{250}" paraid="1471306472" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{dcec0072-bf35-456a-8579-7e1f4a01b302}{250}" paraid="1471306472" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Many years ago, Chaim showed up at my door a few hours before he was to be a Shabbat guest... and proceeded to wow me with his kitchen expertise. He was humble about it. He played the role of respectful <i>sous chef</i>, and I gushed that he was one of the five people on the planet I can stand to work with in my kitchen. It wasn’t until later that I learned he had attended the <i>Baltimore International College School of Culinary Arts and Hotel/Restaurant </i></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="auto" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span face=""><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;"><i>Management </i></span></span></span><span face=""><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;">and had subsequently worked for California restaurants and wineries, as well as working as a <i>mashgiach</i> for the OU and the Vaad Hakashrut of NorCal.</span></span><span color="" face="" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{dcec0072-bf35-456a-8579-7e1f4a01b302}{250}" paraid="1471306472" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span color="" face="" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{dcec0072-bf35-456a-8579-7e1f4a01b302}{250}" paraid="1471306472" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RgGpo_I4gSwm-drUbtdhMAdrCv54NPv4IUblibPE5bZ-cIws8UOzwNqHkI4qsoqCFDfRwriV_TmFn-7QD8AW36ohGwtbOgKxLDa_Xz-YlV6a2mj68o3KkqS3aL793lTRukiS7q-t5dg/s1088/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+17.35.08.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1088" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RgGpo_I4gSwm-drUbtdhMAdrCv54NPv4IUblibPE5bZ-cIws8UOzwNqHkI4qsoqCFDfRwriV_TmFn-7QD8AW36ohGwtbOgKxLDa_Xz-YlV6a2mj68o3KkqS3aL793lTRukiS7q-t5dg/w410-h410/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+17.35.08.jpeg" width="410" /></a></p><p></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{c10018d9-4bcf-4e60-933e-e59a1605b1ce}{5}" paraid="1570002520" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{c10018d9-4bcf-4e60-933e-e59a1605b1ce}{5}" paraid="1570002520" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">I have followed Chaim’s endeavors over the years since his </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">aliyah</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">. Besides marrying the lovely Batya and helping to bring into the world three adorable daughters, Chaim has created and locally-distributed ginger beer and beef jerky, and has helped to launch several popular food establishments such as <b>Beer Bazaar</b> in Mahane Yehuda, as well as maintaining a thriving personal chef business.</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{c10018d9-4bcf-4e60-933e-e59a1605b1ce}{15}" paraid="572635499" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> His most recent venture is pickling. What follows is my initial impression of some of these delicacies.</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{c10018d9-4bcf-4e60-933e-e59a1605b1ce}{15}" paraid="572635499" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{c10018d9-4bcf-4e60-933e-e59a1605b1ce}{15}" paraid="572635499" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5muAPuV4xxh7nRj_vqHNFb1-Pl0GZVzCuN775X0c5uMsDkj8baWl6xdjL_TZiIZG-i2AMhs0uhR2yF_FGoDB10TMmOfAsLfICsUkNU1cLl9Sld3VglFLQtCwAEt33CloyIBapWztLXVY/s1599/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.46.01.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="1599" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5muAPuV4xxh7nRj_vqHNFb1-Pl0GZVzCuN775X0c5uMsDkj8baWl6xdjL_TZiIZG-i2AMhs0uhR2yF_FGoDB10TMmOfAsLfICsUkNU1cLl9Sld3VglFLQtCwAEt33CloyIBapWztLXVY/w512-h372/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.46.01.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span><p></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{136}" paraid="1064623562" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Full Sour</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none;">–</span> These were nice and crispy, which is my first requirement for a pickle, but a bit too high-salt for my tastes, if eaten straight out of the jar (my usual preference); but chopped up and added to salad or inserted in a burger, they should be lovely. I'm hoping as the company grows, a lower-salt option will be available, because the other seasonings are quite enjoyable.</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{144}" paraid="1848201491" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Not Quite Kraut</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> This one ended up surprisingly being my favorite, as I usually am not a sauerkraut fan. But the big chunks of cabbage and carrot were very tasty. Again, the brine itself is well-seasoned.</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{160}" paraid="1628715580" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Bread and Butter</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> These days, we are avoiding sugar; but we</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">re not making a religion of it. To his credit, Chef Chaim Davids does call this one </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">junk food,</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">”</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> which is very fair. Who doesn't want to </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">cheat</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">”</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> a little now and then on the strict diet? These B&B pickles were not overly sweet; I loved that they were made of zucchini (that retained just the right amount of crispness); and the seasonings were tasty and intriguing.</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{184}" paraid="6434928" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> All the pickles were beautiful and fragrant. The </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">simply-designed</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> labels are a pleasure.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{192}" paraid="268774274" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I discussed my few problems with Chaim, and received very satisfactory answers: </span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{80098079-9aa0-43a2-9ef3-2ec69a952505}{206}" paraid="939648038" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">RE: Chaim, I would love an ingredient list and a little more information about the process. How much sugar am I eating? Is it refined sugar, or some </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">“</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">healthier</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">”</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> version? Is this more a brine (salt) recipe or vinegar recipe? What about the process are you especially proud of? (For example, are we talking probiotic here? If so, that should be trumpeted, as it</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="none" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">’</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">s all the rage these days.)</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{7808e38b-8b51-4f24-9a79-0ef94c0dc618}{129}" paraid="306500924" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">CD: I need to find an affordable way to convey the product’s qualities, as labels are very expensive, and production is too small to justify bulk purchase. An ingredient list in my catalog is next <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> thanks for the tip!</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> By the way, the only sugar is in the bread and butter pickles. And yes, most of the products are probiotic. And <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> wink-wink <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> one of the secret ingredients in the <i>Mixed Dancing Spice Mix</i> is nutritional yeast. I like to think that the products are a reflection of my personality, because I want them to be bold and punchy, but also wholesome and nutritious.</span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{7808e38b-8b51-4f24-9a79-0ef94c0dc618}{162}" paraid="1143248947" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">RE: What about the saltiness?</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{fc002d7e-fc9e-4531-9506-9b4d6f30c8cd}{226}" paraid="1535128929" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">CD: The main thing in fermenting is to win the war between good bacteria and bad bacteria. The high salt level comes with reason: being </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">lacto</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">-fermented, the brine needs to be between 3.5-4% salinity at least or I risk losing it to mold and Kahm yeast. I use no firming agents or preservatives in the full sours and cabbage, hence the full salt flavor. As you said, incorporated into meals is a great application.</span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> If people want to learn more about fermenting, I<span style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-style: italic;">’</span>m offering a pickling workshop series soon. You can follow us on our Facebook page for details.</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{fc002d7e-fc9e-4531-9506-9b4d6f30c8cd}{226}" paraid="1535128929" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{47cbb3ac-8c4e-4d43-8e63-476db50370fe}{17}" paraid="1163290888" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> <i>And then came lunch time...</i></span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{f5432333-a244-4d42-8413-f436c6dceb0a}{31}" paraid="1634693741" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-align: left; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Aryeh and his adorable son Coby came by and barbecued for us. (Well, Aryeh manned the grill. I followed Coby around as he taste-tested rocks, twigs, leaves and other assorted backyard goodies, insisting that none of them get an actual roll-around in the mouth. Even very cool boy-grandmas must set </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">some</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> limits.) I asked Aryeh’s honest opinion of </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">the various pickles and condiments... and received my answers in wide-eyed yummy sounds. Verdict: these pickles are GREAT at enhancing burgers!</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{f5432333-a244-4d42-8413-f436c6dceb0a}{31}" paraid="1634693741" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{f5432333-a244-4d42-8413-f436c6dceb0a}{31}" paraid="1634693741" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOPp2Ce_x9cEXqtoM74Ur9ZgeVtZyYYr21dHLu305RZSyoU1HxFqfeTljxUvq-5FCSY83JshrnZvjLmoeImcjQ7WRferWJFOA0y8x9gGOgAGdU84swrhiupM2W1P1BL3JgRmNG2K2gko/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.43.38+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOPp2Ce_x9cEXqtoM74Ur9ZgeVtZyYYr21dHLu305RZSyoU1HxFqfeTljxUvq-5FCSY83JshrnZvjLmoeImcjQ7WRferWJFOA0y8x9gGOgAGdU84swrhiupM2W1P1BL3JgRmNG2K2gko/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.43.38+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a></div><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{f5432333-a244-4d42-8413-f436c6dceb0a}{31}" paraid="1634693741" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><br /></span></p></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> As I am not interested in eating burger buns, I had my burgers on a bed of crispy </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Romaine, and</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> tried each of <b>Prohibition Pickle</b>’s spreads and sauces. </span></p><p></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{e6b2788a-e0a3-43da-a2ab-e62fc8947b54}{33}" paraid="292858782" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; 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padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotbSdULG-YyqdBr1b6pm8iuerDYaTrw0ogSOiyLtWuypbGUL-LodbouJ_A_JRn22liC8f1-nLJPopJsCCTw0egqQgLIf7ailR2LNLsqpo6eK5gGZEIpJIMLuZ3TrN-sl55TkLsCggcBs/s1413/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.49.21.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1413" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotbSdULG-YyqdBr1b6pm8iuerDYaTrw0ogSOiyLtWuypbGUL-LodbouJ_A_JRn22liC8f1-nLJPopJsCCTw0egqQgLIf7ailR2LNLsqpo6eK5gGZEIpJIMLuZ3TrN-sl55TkLsCggcBs/w512-h260/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.49.21.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{e6b2788a-e0a3-43da-a2ab-e62fc8947b54}{33}" paraid="292858782" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><span> </span>The </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Dude Shemesh</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> jalapeño-garlic sauce (besides being delightfully named, for Israelis) is gentler, but quite tasty. The </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0iVVRGLTgiPz4KPHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iNXB4IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjRweCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDUgNCIgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIj4KICAgIDwhLS0gR2VuZXJhdG9yOiBTa2V0Y2ggNTYuMiAoODE2NzIpIC0gaHR0cHM6Ly9za2V0Y2guY29tIC0tPgogICAgPHRpdGxlPnNwZWxsaW5nX3NxdWlnZ2xlPC90aXRsZT4KICAgIDxkZXNjPkNyZWF0ZWQgd2l0aCBTa2V0Y2guPC9kZXNjPgogICAgPGcgaWQ9IkZsYWdzIiBzdHJva2U9Im5vbmUiIHN0cm9rZS13aWR0aD0iMSIgZmlsbD0ibm9uZSIgZmlsbC1ydWxlPSJldmVub2RkIj4KICAgICAgICA8ZyB0cmFuc2Zvcm09InRyYW5zbGF0ZSgtMTAxMC4wMDAwMDAsIC0yOTYuMDAwMDAwKSIgaWQ9InNwZWxsaW5nX3NxdWlnZ2xlIj4KICAgICAgICAgICAgPGcgdHJhbnNmb3JtPSJ0cmFuc2xhdGUoMTAxMC4wMDAwMDAsIDI5Ni4wMDAwMDApIj4KICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0wLDMgQzEuMjUsMyAxLjI1LDEgMi41LDEgQzMuNzUsMSAzLjc1LDMgNSwzIiBpZD0iUGF0aCIgc3Ryb2tlPSIjRUIwMDAwIiBzdHJva2Utd2lkdGg9IjEiPjwvcGF0aD4KICAgICAgICAgICAgICAgIDxyZWN0IGlkPSJSZWN0YW5nbGUiIHg9IjAiIHk9IjAiIHdpZHRoPSI1IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQiPjwvcmVjdD4KICAgICAgICAgICAgPC9nPgogICAgICAgIDwvZz4KICAgIDwvZz4KPC9zdmc+"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">G’Henom</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> habanero sauce was hotter, and even more to my liking. I really enjoyed the </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Beet & Horseradish</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> “</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">gefilta</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> enhancer,” and plan to use it for our yearly Rosh Hashana nod to eating gefilte fish. It is much more flavorful and has a more interesting texture than other </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><i>chrain</i></span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> recipes we’ve tried. And now <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> drum roll, please <span face="" style="font-size: 18.6667px; font-variant-ligatures: none; text-indent: 48px;">–</span> Ladies and gentlemen, I have found my new favorite mustard. It doesn’t have a name yet, beyond “</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Awesome Mustard</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">,” but it is fragrant, flavorful, spicy, </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">nicely-textured</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">... in short, it is magnifique. (How about </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">Magnifique Mustard, Mon Ami</span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">? Don’t thank me. I’m a giver.)</span></p><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{e6b2788a-e0a3-43da-a2ab-e62fc8947b54}{33}" paraid="292858782" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" color="" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZARB4MhZ5IwGiF5ZumZgKAMXmelTAf3DFm5eZmkaQwqXhWV9KUO9Wkbgjxt19OpxJq5aaNJEBsx7NhpvrGnFpv07nWSfEJXp6sBOeXLvoxXZdU6RCo8Aoprr6K02pedvYFzawU37zuGg/s1599/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.43.38.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1599" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZARB4MhZ5IwGiF5ZumZgKAMXmelTAf3DFm5eZmkaQwqXhWV9KUO9Wkbgjxt19OpxJq5aaNJEBsx7NhpvrGnFpv07nWSfEJXp6sBOeXLvoxXZdU6RCo8Aoprr6K02pedvYFzawU37zuGg/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2020-09-01+at+16.43.38.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{4a819df5-3593-4596-9496-0bab1649c84a}{77}" paraid="1156782213" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> While there is no official kashrut certification </span><span class="NormalTextRun AdvancedProofingIssueV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">at this time</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">, Chaim asserts that all ingredients are kosher </span><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"><i>mehadrin</i></span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">. </span></span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">After the initial soft launch to determine which products offer the most mass appeal, he is planning to pursue certification. </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Until such time as he gets certification (an expensive proposition, as people in the food and beverage business know), all I can say is that I would eat in Chaim’s kitchen.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div><div class="OutlineElement Ltr BCX8 SCXW170507045" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; font-family: "segoe ui", "segoe ui web", arial, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; user-select: text;"><p class="Paragraph SCXW170507045 BCX8" lang="" paraeid="{864afd9f-237e-4956-b999-d5815ecfb785}{125}" paraid="202525605" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: transparent; color: windowtext; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-indent: 48px; user-select: text; vertical-align: baseline;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"> In short, the prices are no higher than you would expect for homemade craft products, the quality is exceptional, the flavors are, as they like to say in New </span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SpellingErrorV2 SCXW170507045 BCX8" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; background-color: inherit; background-image: url("data:image/svg+xml;base64,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"); background-position: 0% 100%; background-repeat: repeat-x; border-bottom: 1px solid transparent; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;">Yawk</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-contrast="auto" face="" lang="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-kerning: none; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-ligatures: none !important; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;" xml:lang="EN-US">, “to die for.” Check out <b>Prohibition Pickle</b> at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Prohibitionpickle/">https://www.facebook.com/Prohibitionpickle/</a></span><span class="EOP SCXW170507045 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559731":720,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}" face="" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23.7417px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text;"> </span></p></div>rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-84450721247561503642020-06-28T15:54:00.000+03:002020-06-28T15:54:47.602+03:00Where Everybody Knows Your Name: The M&M Gottlieb File<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">6 Tamuz 5780.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_fUvoobuVUYJ31V9JlHQ9X525EzkL2NF3WNY4-SRvMmaGtQ_eBUVL_X6b7TtR9C26KTms7xAbVMNI8E-WmAVkMdMVHJRob48E4PQz5WOBkGLf6R8beIZnK4PGenCuH8wGV9F8Nn4tm4/s960/Avi%2527s+Guitar+Table+made+by+Miriam+Gottlieb.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ_fUvoobuVUYJ31V9JlHQ9X525EzkL2NF3WNY4-SRvMmaGtQ_eBUVL_X6b7TtR9C26KTms7xAbVMNI8E-WmAVkMdMVHJRob48E4PQz5WOBkGLf6R8beIZnK4PGenCuH8wGV9F8Nn4tm4/s320/Avi%2527s+Guitar+Table+made+by+Miriam+Gottlieb.jpg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">It’s been a while since I wrote anything for the “Where
Everybody Knows Your Name” segment of my blog. COVID-19 has scared us out of
nearly all dining away from home, which means there was a little money in the
budget for a couple of adventures.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Also, in these economically-devastating times, if you’re
going to spend your money at all, why not spend it to try to support the local
small businesses of your choice? </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">The team of Miriam and Marc Gottlieb does such remarkably
fine work, we love to do business with them. Miriam crafts beautiful,
light-and-color </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">mosaic masterpieces. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBeY_fIyBwXLW9j9a2BQkXRtLcLfhb1pQZapo9gexc1BmjbK5KT-imT6dJISUPMi6tJKbfkxcDacAMHOgVWB7qh4AKczI7Qjs1JY1P6dRMbJe1dyDlZ4KF0xjQFd0DRV3UDcTUoKdbPs/s960/Ruti%2527s+House+Table+made+by+Miriam+Gottlieb.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 18.6667px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwBeY_fIyBwXLW9j9a2BQkXRtLcLfhb1pQZapo9gexc1BmjbK5KT-imT6dJISUPMi6tJKbfkxcDacAMHOgVWB7qh4AKczI7Qjs1JY1P6dRMbJe1dyDlZ4KF0xjQFd0DRV3UDcTUoKdbPs/s320/Ruti%2527s+House+Table+made+by+Miriam+Gottlieb.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We have needed small tables for food and
beverage, because replacing computers due to spillage is far outside our family
budget. And Miriam communicates zealously to be sure that the finished product
suits your individual tastes. The Dearly Beloved chose a guitar motif. He was
happily surprised at how perfect and full of joyful color was the resulting
work. I chose a colorful naïve-art house that looks like a place from which music
and poetry might spring. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Miriam
is available at her Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mosaicsbymiriam/?__xts__[0]=31.[697946195%2C%22intro_card%22%2C%7B%7D]" target="_blank">Mosaics by Miriam</a> not only to create
something you will love, but to teach classes in the art of making your own
beautiful mosaics.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">With so much time at home, learning a new art, especially along with family members, can add a lot of joy to the coming summer days.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Since the lads were all converging on us with their
families for a pre-Shabbat birthday barbecue bash for two of the little girls,
and it would be the first time we were seeing all of them together since
Chanukah, we decided to give Marc the </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">“</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">gift</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 18.6667px;">”</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> of allowing him to provide our
Shabbat feast. And an elegant feast it was!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyMMpdI2bskjrk0pVNqNhrOLhSSPSFLwFL7ilrcP-neejE8zVrf7wDlVOTI2aocfRju6jVel_Ii6INu7EkY6fkwindsdJ6-XUG5o1Ig7DVMsCfmZQSmxuAC_Q6Bc1xQhCIZsO2Xpttew/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.15+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyMMpdI2bskjrk0pVNqNhrOLhSSPSFLwFL7ilrcP-neejE8zVrf7wDlVOTI2aocfRju6jVel_Ii6INu7EkY6fkwindsdJ6-XUG5o1Ig7DVMsCfmZQSmxuAC_Q6Bc1xQhCIZsO2Xpttew/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.15+%25281%2529.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We had the <i>Boeuf Bourguignon</i> and the <i>Magret d’Oie
Fumée</i> (my personal favorite). The Dearly Beloved really loved the beef,
remarking several times that the dish was tender and flavorful</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, and
that the mushrooms were absolutely delicious. </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I felt like
royalty dining on the simultaneously rich and delicate goose breast, a treat I taste
maybe twice every half-century. <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I
always worry that breast meat will end up being dry; but this need not have
concerned me. This dish was </span><i style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">sublime</i><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">I’m not eating white potatoes these days, but the Dearly
Beloved remarked, “Ah. This is exactly the way I like my potatoes!”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXieE-pPeq4Ywnn2beUcr8PaGI_GbPC6BqHzJ9xztMMDZs6sYIERl5OY02HiVNkdV4twcT60mh1uiz9IbfsMI89TVoSJyBJdW1JYnzpODWYSWK0bRenoJ8GdOMmpy77ieKzv2Q8JkvZeQ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.16.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXieE-pPeq4Ywnn2beUcr8PaGI_GbPC6BqHzJ9xztMMDZs6sYIERl5OY02HiVNkdV4twcT60mh1uiz9IbfsMI89TVoSJyBJdW1JYnzpODWYSWK0bRenoJ8GdOMmpy77ieKzv2Q8JkvZeQ/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.16.jpeg" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXieE-pPeq4Ywnn2beUcr8PaGI_GbPC6BqHzJ9xztMMDZs6sYIERl5OY02HiVNkdV4twcT60mh1uiz9IbfsMI89TVoSJyBJdW1JYnzpODWYSWK0bRenoJ8GdOMmpy77ieKzv2Q8JkvZeQ/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.16.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsVO4LZl4KG_0Ov37L2ivw5lAkVf9CzH0kKW42XfQHD5Yvz3xGB1Ryv4invh3G0xCzUo1YqSWD8OsR545h-HtU5cVph3yBGoF43eL79x93NrVn3ofLvXsrwB9osM4pciToHpFQxVu0vI/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.15+%25282%2529.jpeg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsVO4LZl4KG_0Ov37L2ivw5lAkVf9CzH0kKW42XfQHD5Yvz3xGB1Ryv4invh3G0xCzUo1YqSWD8OsR545h-HtU5cVph3yBGoF43eL79x93NrVn3ofLvXsrwB9osM4pciToHpFQxVu0vI/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.15+%25282%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Speaking of royalty – the </span><i style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Duet de Tartinades</i><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> is a
dance on your taste-buds you must try at least once before you drop off the
twig. Short of John Keats level poetry, I’m not sure I can give over to you how
lovely this little duet was. “I feel like I could get used to being a rich
person with a personal chef,” I remarked to the Dearly Beloved. </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">You never tasted chicken liver as refined as the</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span><i style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Pâté de foie de poulet</i><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">, graced with a not-overwhelming enhancement of wine. </span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">The <i>Rillettes d’oie</i> is pe</span><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">rhaps the fanciest spread I have ever tasted, consisting of an awe-inspiring blend of bits of goose leg in oil and seasonings. It is so rich that I will be having a smidgen of it with my lunch for at least a week, reaching around to see where I left my queen<span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">’</span>s crown every few moments.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">We chose the </span><i style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">Salade Grillée</i><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> to accompany the mains.
While among the dishes, this is the one I could have made myself, it was
prepared perfectly, with finely grilled vegetables on a variety of fresh lettuces. We’re not usually dressing fans, but this one was perfectly balanced, worth throwing care to the winds and risking the extra
calories.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSNOcwv0SrzdVfMU3g4ljDtqbXBjvsyqdfZGdXiMoI1AYgOkB_XS29Vsx84p-Ho40GG1UmO3lPNXXgzh6fDA_w6MGa42vTt9sKQn9cVu1ov9eIalaa_3SKBIPgtc_Zxb6SYqSqr84Tew/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.15.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSNOcwv0SrzdVfMU3g4ljDtqbXBjvsyqdfZGdXiMoI1AYgOkB_XS29Vsx84p-Ho40GG1UmO3lPNXXgzh6fDA_w6MGa42vTt9sKQn9cVu1ov9eIalaa_3SKBIPgtc_Zxb6SYqSqr84Tew/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.15.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">There was no room for dessert, so we saved the very rich
and tasty <i>Tarte au Chocolat</i> for <i>Seudat Shlishit</i>. The low-sugar recipe kept the chocolate cream from
being cloyingly sweet. Rather, it was very satisfying to whatever sweet-tooth
we still possess after years of dialing back our sugar addiction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Marc is a culinary artist. Just as any musician or writer
or painter crafts their work, Marc delights in making of food a thing of beauty
and a joy forever. And when it’s in celebration of his birthday and of that of
his favorite chef, Anthony Bourdain (may he rest in peace), he spares no
artistic effort.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">All I can say is that Tony would be proud.<o:p></o:p></span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc1e1cbrngJ3ws_VORY7cpFkDAZsiFNlFUOP0FDRyiAxQoBSUGO1UQ1X3XSan3RVfQ5iXO6JIBVYuBF7YEZuWIdYwAtgbQPUNkV2ffjpq0yIfuyJ8Gp_KVI0d60BjEqCNme_FZymLWMA/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.16+%25281%2529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOc1e1cbrngJ3ws_VORY7cpFkDAZsiFNlFUOP0FDRyiAxQoBSUGO1UQ1X3XSan3RVfQ5iXO6JIBVYuBF7YEZuWIdYwAtgbQPUNkV2ffjpq0yIfuyJ8Gp_KVI0d60BjEqCNme_FZymLWMA/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2020-06-28+at+13.22.16+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a><div><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">To get your (delicious) meat-fix in before the Nine Days,
check out </span><a href="https://cooking.marcgottlieb.com/swichboard-orders/" style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Marc’s weekly S’wichboard menu</a><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> for sumptuous and generous sandwiches.
Not only is the meat (and vegetarian fare) varied and delicious, but the prices are
extremely reasonable, and he delivers to Jerusalem and Gush Etzion. There’s
even the added attraction of a “buy 9, the 10</span><sup style="font-family: garamond, serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"> is free” membership
card. </span><i style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;">B’teyavon!</i></div><div><i style="font-family: garamond, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></i></div><div><i>Photos either my own or used with permission.</i></div>rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-65021584622436010092019-12-03T08:37:00.001+02:002019-12-03T10:53:28.599+02:00The Nuance in the Question5 Kislev 5780.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhXpcbvroqFAx0gdnfMq_vbvJb2MVnxTcHrutkptmfrPNnPV0wFJJ6c-mIryho2aPqi5UCo6G1tlHTT5eyp_oE4zP5fWfli2j37_0kdlJdAbMlGBIhWYaX4c4SFq5l7QpuBdiG8YAN-g/s1600/Elana+Dressler%2527s+View+of+the+Israeli+Flad+for+Yom+Haatzmaut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="800" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhXpcbvroqFAx0gdnfMq_vbvJb2MVnxTcHrutkptmfrPNnPV0wFJJ6c-mIryho2aPqi5UCo6G1tlHTT5eyp_oE4zP5fWfli2j37_0kdlJdAbMlGBIhWYaX4c4SFq5l7QpuBdiG8YAN-g/s320/Elana+Dressler%2527s+View+of+the+Israeli+Flad+for+Yom+Haatzmaut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A really great marriage has moments over the decades of falling in love again.<br />
<br />
There are certain things about Israel that make me fall in love with her over and over again, even after 12 years.<br />
<br />
I needed to travel via three buses covering many kilometers and a couple of hours to make a shiva visit yesterday. My friend was here from America saying her last goodbyes to her dear mother. Without a large community of friends and family around, all of us former Baltimoreans feared she might be alone. So we did our best to take shifts.<br />
<br />
During my travel time there and back, I met several interesting women. My new tutor, Leah, will be so proud of me: most of my conversations were necessarily in Hebrew. I heard stories of Jewish refugees from Arab and African countries. A beautiful but deeply-scarred woman gave me a first-hand account of crossing the Sudan for ultimate rescue via Operation Moses in 1984. I heard another story about a family's struggle to get from Tripoli to Tunisia -- being in a concentration camp there, fed bread with cockroaches in it, and the rescue that came just as this Libyan camp was preparing to follow the crematorium practice of Germany. Another elderly lady gave me spontaneous <i>brachot</i> (blessings) for the health that she herself clearly felt was slipping away. Our five minutes together were made entirely of the acknowledgement that health is everything, and mutual blessings for each other and for all our families, and of course, lots of "Amen." A young Sephardi woman spent several seconds giving me brachot and calling me "neshama," then gave up her seat to an elderly passenger. The older woman declined. "<i>Shvi, Mahmee, shvi!</i>" (Sit, dearie, sit!) The young woman wasn't having any of that, so they both stood for a while before the older lady finally gave in.<br />
<br />
Once we got past the "where are you from?" part of the discussions, every one of them asked me: <i>"Mi yesh lach po?" </i>(Literally, "Who have you here?")<br />
<br />
First, some background. In America in the Olden Days -- young people: "the Olden Days" refers to all time before humans were plugged into their individual cell phone worlds, sort of a pre-Matrix existence -- you could have some fascinating conversations with complete strangers on buses, trains and airplanes. Travelers might share their itineraries, and locals would politely ask things like, "So, what brings you to town?" Or perhaps, more abruptly, "Why are you here?" (They meant it in the nicest possible way, bless their hearts.)<br />
<br />
In Israel, the fellow travelers (who dispense brachot like Tic Tac mints) most often ask, "<b>Who</b> is here that brings you all this way?"<br />
<br />
I love people and I have loved traveling in different countries, immersing in other cultural styles of communication.<br />
<br />
But my favorite, the love of my life, is this Israeli family-centric culture. Even after 12 years of living here, I never tire of the "who" of Israel that supersedes the "what."<br />
<br />
<b>Who</b> brings <i>you</i> here, neshama? I give you brachot for health and long life and much joy from your families, those you've built or those you've adopted.<br />
<br />
<i>Photo credit: Elana Dressler</i><br />
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<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-3768317692161341312019-08-27T18:50:00.002+03:002019-08-28T07:30:10.998+03:00Mixology for the Heart and Soul26 Av 5779.<br />
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Jonathan Friedlander is a genius. And he knows how to help others bring their particular genius to the surface, and set it to music.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love the vacuum cleaner microphone.</i></td></tr>
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The Eastman clan has enjoyed playing music together for as long as the lads could hold instruments (or even faux instruments).<br />
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We've jammed together for weddings (sometimes to the chagrin of the in-laws, as they had to become accustomed to the "Irish set," which has no Jewish lyrics. At all. But it has a lot of loud, joyful music "fer dancin'," as Aryeh likes to say.<br />
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Over the years, as the boys have grown and begun lives away from the family mansion flat, opportunities to play together naturally have diminished. Fortunately, our young men have married understanding ladies; so usually once a month, Aryeh and David drive to Neve Daniel to practice with the old parents.<br />
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This year, I asked for the guys to help me with a <i>tikkun</i>. My dear mother had a wonderful nightclub singing voice when she was young; and even as she aged, her lullabies added sweetness to our world. But I never recorded her. I miss her, and I miss her voice.<br />
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About six months ago, the guys agreed to submit to a professional recording session. The trouble was finding an affordable and agreeable studio. After all, we were not going after a gold album. We just wanted to have fun together, and to trap that fun for our grandchildren.<br />
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Our success started with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Drumbite33/" target="_blank">Drumbite</a>, my personal favorite music store in all the world. This is because unlike at other music stores that focus on guitars and pianos, owner Assaf Kraus is a drummer -- so drums are not an afterthought. He has knowledge to share, along with drums and cymbals and percussion toys of all kinds. He also is wise enough to treat other instruments with reverence as well. You can find gorgeous guitars, wind and brass instruments and keyboards at good prices at Drumbite. The service is exceptional and friendly, and their English and Hebrew are superb.<br />
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Assaf works closely at his establishment with a couple of sound engineers, each of whom has studio space and access to the instruments in Assaf's store. With Assaf's guidance, we made the acquaintance of our newest best friend, Jonathan Friedlander of <a href="http://mixedbyjon.com/">Mixedbyjon.com</a>. Jonathan is American by birth, so English is no problem. Neither is understanding American music of all kinds, as well as what his clients want. It didn't hurt our session any that Jonathan is also one of a family of brothers. He understood completely the raucous banter and humor between our sons, laughed at the right places, and even joined in. He even gave us our impromptu name, after several jokes including the word "intonation." He said we should call ourselves "Eastonation." Jonathan is nothing if not full service.<br />
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Throughout the day, Jonathan did his mixing and mastering magic to make sure that levels were compatible and that what we presented sounded if not Grammy Award worthy, it was at least pretty darn good. The end result was as professional as it could be (given the silly characters he had to deal with). The Dearly Beloved and I are proud and happy. Mission accomplished!<br />
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On one end of the spectrum, Jonathan has earned at least one gold record for his recording and mastering craftsmanship for a famous hip-hop artist. And on the other end, he made the Eastmans shine, and kept the entire 32-song, eight-hour enterprise within budget. We had such a good time, the boys said that this was our new "white water rafting" family adventure, which I think means we'll be doing this again. And again.<br />
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Both Drumbite and Jonathan can be found at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x150329b72720ca41:0x8f03dc65b948cc7e?utm_source=mstt_1" target="_blank">HaHavatselet St 6, Jerusalem</a>. We heartily recommend both Assaf's store and Jonathan's expertise. If you play music, why not get a beautiful recording of it?<br />
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Do it for your kids and grandkids.rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-36189162605160596392019-07-08T17:07:00.001+03:002019-07-09T07:40:40.543+03:00A Month of Vacation in a Week5 Tamuz 5779.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0UDWMjBBF69hR8uFPW6zkbH2yB8uFYmMzXqb6cj0HGwCNoMeOYdN6FLPXwiXiwY0lmRdvD7TjHBonReGKTnx2GJm_m_KN2Az3mOsKWlD5DNjJQobi6sviztJJlV0qQzF75K41dbUFhQ/s1600/Jerusalem+Light+Show.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0UDWMjBBF69hR8uFPW6zkbH2yB8uFYmMzXqb6cj0HGwCNoMeOYdN6FLPXwiXiwY0lmRdvD7TjHBonReGKTnx2GJm_m_KN2Az3mOsKWlD5DNjJQobi6sviztJJlV0qQzF75K41dbUFhQ/s320/Jerusalem+Light+Show.jpeg" width="229" /></a><br />
Last week was one for the books -- a whole summer vacation in just a few days, Israeli-style.<br />
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<i>Yom rishon</i> (Sunday) was lit and colored by the Jerusalem Light Festival.<br />
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After an enjoyable meal with friends at a restaurant in Mahane Yehuda called <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293983-d8440025-Reviews-Ishtabach-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html" target="_blank">Ishtabach</a> serving fascinating Syrian meat dishes inside delicious pastry, we walked through the holy City to join the "blue route" of the tour. (There are also a green and red route, which may be interesting if we ever attend more than one evening.)<br />
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Each year, this well-attended event seems to get better and more creative. This year there were people dressed in mosaics of mirrors, fairy princesses and unicorns laced with lights raised above the crowd on stilts, explosions of light in the sky above, groups of young musicians playing jazz that would make their grandparents proud, and the trademark stories projected on Old City stones.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO83ls_RXhP5-dDH95wSHH-0c63fkx580vIFRNOQMy9YZCwLlH_fFxqk16TznUT7aQh6ichkkg8jZzKdgocERtQwLMK6IO9mtrAI5eOmDbWGLbJ9ILG0rQus50iDJF-CNq_4ebgn0oi2A/s1600/You+say+APC%252C+We+say+Warrior+Taxi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="799" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO83ls_RXhP5-dDH95wSHH-0c63fkx580vIFRNOQMy9YZCwLlH_fFxqk16TznUT7aQh6ichkkg8jZzKdgocERtQwLMK6IO9mtrAI5eOmDbWGLbJ9ILG0rQus50iDJF-CNq_4ebgn0oi2A/s320/You+say+APC%252C+We+say+Warrior+Taxi.jpeg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You say APC, we say Warrior Taxi.</i></td></tr>
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On <i>yom sheni</i> (Monday), the Dearly Beloved and I enjoyed the IDF Tour at First Station in Jerusalem. We didn't expect much. A few tanks, maybe; a little history about the military's contributions to building and protecting <i>Medinat Yisrael</i>.<br />
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We were quite surprised by the hour-long interactive program aimed, we were sure, at persuading young people that their future required military service might be more fun than burdensome. There were stations with computer consoles beckoning young competitors to polish off enemy ships, opportunities to virtually see and feel flight and parachuting and undersea combat. The room was filled with budding heroes proving to their parents that time on video games such as Armored Brigade and Warhammer is not entirely wasted.<br />
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I was surprised by how deeply moved I was by the short film about the IDF's role in the creation of the State, as well as its many necessary wars and operations to defend our home. Even though I know the history, the video was well-made, eliciting all my emotional support for the job our boys and girls must continue to do.<br />
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After the show, we had an excellent meal at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g293983-d7292130-Reviews-Lehem_Basar_Meat_and_Eat-Jerusalem_Jerusalem_District.html" target="_blank">Lehem Basar</a> (aka Meet and Eat, illustrating once again that literal translations often miss the mark). We have found that the secret to dining out on our budget is to always choose the business lunch special, and sometimes to take advantage of the only-in-Israel option to split a meal. (I say "only" without knowing if this is allowed in other countries. My experience is that in the US and Germany, we were not allowed this privilege.)<br />
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Over <i>yom shlishi</i> and <i>yom revi'i</i> (Tuesday and Wednesday), I had the last-minute pleasure of going to the Galil with gal-pals and staying at a cabin in Yavniel.<br />
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What a beautiful and inspiring adventure! We hiked along Nahal Amud -- something my body reminded me for a full five days after the one-day outing it hadn't done in decades! -- and enjoyed the cabin, pool and lovely catered breakfast like wealthy college girls. Every few years, a girl's gotta experience a little luxury...<br />
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Enough already, right? Not a bit of it.<br />
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We met our dear <i>mehutanim</i> on <i>yom chamishi</i> (Thursday) for lunch at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g5492137-d11435229-Reviews-Pat_Bamelach-Efrat_West_Bank.html" target="_blank">Pat Bamelach</a> Bakery and Restaurant in Efrat to catch up on our summer travels and adventures, and to share stories about and photos of our kids and grandkids. The food was excellent, the company, as always, divine.<br />
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We capped the evening and the week with a trip to Tekoa for the annual Beer Festival. Being aware of the need to conserve funds, the Dearly Beloved and I were satisfied to "spend" only the complimentary first beer chits that came with the exorbitant entrance fee (and we split the free beer our hostess/driver chose not to drink). It was a fun evening with music surprisingly not-ear-splitting, due to the layout, and a very Woodstock feel, with huge mats spread on the ground for sitting, and booths pitching homemade crafts and food.<br />
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There were families everywhere, many young people and older folk communing together -- exactly what we've come to love about the atmosphere of Tekoa. A special bonus was meeting friends who have been only <i>virtual</i> for a few years. Though I love the access to the world the internet provides, it is always special to meet "old friends" for the first time in real life. As entertaining as the festival was, the best part of the adventure was visiting our hosts in their home, shmoozing over their kitchen counter. A reminder that one needn't go far from home to participate in what matters most.<br />
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We had a quiet at-home <i>yom shishi</i> (Friday) and Shabbat to recuperate from our adventures, even though our "at-home" on Shabbat included an excellent English-language <i>shiur</i> across the street and an open-house visit to share the joy of friends in their new home. May they enjoy their time in this new apartment in good health, surrounded by people who love them, for as long as it suits them!<br />
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Of course, we spent our entire monthly allowance (and then some!) for entertainment in one week. Let's call it this year's summer vacation. Time to settle down, and get some work done, and shepherd the <i>shkalim</i>.<br />
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Besides -- I enjoyed the Yavniel adventure so much that the Dearly Beloved was prompted to say, "Feel like going to the cabin for your birthday?"<br />
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Well -- <i>YESH</i>.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Glossary:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Medinat Yisrael - the State of Israel / Lehem Basar - literally "bread meat" / Nahal - stream / mehutanim - the other set of parents of our married children / shiur - Torah lecture or class / shkalim - shekels / YESH - Israeli slang for the American slang expression, "heck, YEAH!"</span></i><br />
<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-13235313200183706382019-03-20T16:16:00.001+02:002019-03-20T17:38:27.903+02:00Where You Can Let Your Hair Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_APmjxO3prm0_xGYv-D3-B7uYnKn8ryen1uKOvm7s9N2OP2c0tudzvjxaDJ3s1_nYAqKgsPPMxAf-_LG1WKTHd2FguX28wRk9pZ3Htr1_f1W-jFFZEoIlvIhB_emzGCCo9ZPoFhPuldA/s1600/Steel+Magnolias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_APmjxO3prm0_xGYv-D3-B7uYnKn8ryen1uKOvm7s9N2OP2c0tudzvjxaDJ3s1_nYAqKgsPPMxAf-_LG1WKTHd2FguX28wRk9pZ3Htr1_f1W-jFFZEoIlvIhB_emzGCCo9ZPoFhPuldA/s320/Steel+Magnolias.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
Last night, I went on a "Women's Night Only" date with a gal pal. We were promised cocktails, wisdom about creative hair-styling, and a play billed as "the funniest play ever to make you cry."<br />
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I fell in love with <i>Steel Magnolias</i> thirty years ago, when Robert Harling's movie inspired by his beloved sister came out with a cast including Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts. The movie was funny, witty, a little bit raunchy, and sad enough to make an armadillo cry crocodile tears. Having lost my dear Mama to diabetes back in 2002, I have always felt a keen affection for the tenderness of this play and its handling of this disease, and how it affects all of those around the sweet, suffering soul.<br />
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When I heard auditions were coming up for a local production of this marvelous story, I was tempted, for the first time in my adult life, to give it a try. Happily for me (and for the audience), being a Mrs. Coach of American football kept me too busy to even think about all the back-breaking rehearsals necessary for a play. (Indeed, during intermission, I heard more than one audience member wondering how the performers could remember so many lines!) So I looked forward to attending the production from a first-row center seat instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZVfJ5Cx39RkUplMZx4PhmT-9kl5wCYlqQrbWKUovHHqWCWP5Z41WaneHqkY0u_KSJr9ThTkfXvkAstrmKUoSPDvzl692i9aoiXMh-YKJbo0SjoAyGJeKAiJkVYQab8QpLWaXNFRRFkY/s1600/Norm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZVfJ5Cx39RkUplMZx4PhmT-9kl5wCYlqQrbWKUovHHqWCWP5Z41WaneHqkY0u_KSJr9ThTkfXvkAstrmKUoSPDvzl692i9aoiXMh-YKJbo0SjoAyGJeKAiJkVYQab8QpLWaXNFRRFkY/s320/Norm.jpg" width="320" /></a>A couple of asides, before I speak about last night's performance. Remember the TV show <i>Cheers</i>? Remember what made it such a hit? It wasn't just that it was funny and witty and sometimes sad. It was that we all wanted to find a pub just like that, "where everybody knows your name." Where when you walk in, just a regular "Norm," everyone greets you, and is happy you showed up. I think that is part of the allure of <i>Steel Magnolias</i>: during much of the movie (and through this entire production of the play), the action takes place in a local hair salon, where everyone knows everyone, and is invested in each other's lives. Where all the ladies can "let their hair down," and be absolutely real with one another.<br />
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One thing that matters a lot to me in any story is that I <i>like</i> the characters. Not all of them -- bad guys are bad guys -- but at least some of the characters must be likable, and all of them must be believable. I can't watch or read a story unless the characters matter to me.<br />
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I purposely avoided watching the movie again before seeing the AACI J-Town Playhouse Theater Project version of <i>Steel Magnolias</i>. Just to give the local talent a fair chance.<br />
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These ladies came through, with flying (pink! Did I say pink??? Yes, PINK!!!) colors. I liked them. I believed them. They made me cry, and laugh, and guffaw... and cry. I wanted to hang out in Truvy's beauty parlor, and swap stories and barbs with these lovable and sometimes contrary women.<br />
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Thank you to Sorah Grotsky, Abigail Ellis, Tova Rubenstein, Talya Bem, Miriam Metzinger, and Andrea Katz, for a lovable, endearing onstage presence. Thank you to Shiri Berzack & Co. for everything backstage that made this sweet and sad and funny little story work.<br />
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There are still tickets available for remaining performances, but they're going fast. And lest you think this is "chick flick" material, let me tell you that Mr. Harling's witty, daring, funny, and touching material will appeal to women <i>and</i> to men.<br />
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May Robert Harling find comfort in having touched so many hearts in his effort to honor his dear sister Susan.<br />
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One way to get ticket information for remaining performances (March 23, 27 and 28)! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/207038796918030/" target="_blank">Click here! </a>https://www.facebook.com/events/207038796918030/<br />
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<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-44278198576536143242019-02-13T14:04:00.000+02:002019-02-14T02:39:41.541+02:00Israel: Where We All Have Something to Give6 Adar I 5779.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINFUYewUWfLCu4hl1rFeqJhUYylP-gLsGxwJlal-md-xsfX0F3YHUK3txaX3oWsI_qUKBm3njVXlqWZFkeQlOPTHdc6pm6lugVHqu0z3xadaGjFQEd5wh6sCaKfK2c_MY_iOsLiZCZG8/s1600/teacher-tutor-language-board-letters-little-girl-pigtails-free-stock-photos-images-hd-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINFUYewUWfLCu4hl1rFeqJhUYylP-gLsGxwJlal-md-xsfX0F3YHUK3txaX3oWsI_qUKBm3njVXlqWZFkeQlOPTHdc6pm6lugVHqu0z3xadaGjFQEd5wh6sCaKfK2c_MY_iOsLiZCZG8/s320/teacher-tutor-language-board-letters-little-girl-pigtails-free-stock-photos-images-hd-wallpaper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There I was, enjoying my very rich and busy retirement –
publishing books, babysitting delightful grandchildren, playing “Mrs. Coach” to
an adult American football team, participating in classes in Torah, Hebrew, painting, yoga
and music – when Andy Armon’s letter appeared in the Neve Daniel chat
list. She was seeking volunteers for a new program to help young ladies at the
Orot Etzion Girls’ School to improve their English conversation skills.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am very shy where public speaking is concerned. I have
never been trained as a teacher. I am only a “boy mom,” meaning I’m learning
about dealing with the personalities of girls fairly late in life, through my
granddaughters. And I’m happily busy, meaning I’m not looking for more to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
But I like Andy, and I respect her efforts at helping the
community. And a little <i>tzedakah b’guf</i> seemed like a good idea – and it
happened that Thursday mornings were free. I couldn’t talk myself out of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I am so glad I couldn’t. I’m having the time of my life!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The program doesn’t require the structure that scares people
away from “teaching.” It’s more like mentoring. I volunteer for two sessions: I
work with one 5<sup>th</sup> grade girl who has very good English that just
needs a bit of polishing; and I have a group of six 6<sup>th</sup> grade girls
who have very little English but lots of enthusiasm. My job is to get them to
speak English with increasing confidence. No one is expecting me to make them
fluent. I just have to help them to get rid of the fear of looking foolish, and
to simply be willing to try.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much like what I went through in <i>ulpan</i>. In fact, my Hebrew
ulpan experience helps me to understand and to help these girls. I know exactly
what they are feeling. They listen to my poor Hebrew as I try to explain
difficult concepts; and they are receptive to my lesson that just as they don’t
laugh at me, I won’t laugh at them. Week by week, they are gaining courage, and
even some proficiency. (They are very proud of knowing when to add “s” to the
end of a verb, and when not to, something that often stumps even adults.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have fun together playing word games, singing songs,
playing “grocery store,” reading easy stories. For this exercise, I am
permitted by the program either to use the book provided, or to come up with my
own plan. I’m rather proud of this: I have taken an easy Hebrew children’s book
and translated it to English for them. First, we read the Hebrew version. It is
full of moral lessons, and the girls happily debate where they stand on the
issues. Then, we painstakingly make our way through the English version. As I
remind them that they already understand the story, they gain faith in
themselves, and struggle on. Last week, I said that I look forward to when we
can debate this story in English. Unexpectedly, my initially most reticent
student led a discussion in very simple English, wherein each girl stated her
case! I am so proud of my girls!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After our classes (which are currently 30 minutes and 50
minutes in length), we volunteers meet, each week, to share concerns and ideas.
I have gained so much wisdom from these fellow volunteers. Very often, next
week’s plan starts with something learned during this meeting. Best of all, the
girls, the English program teachers, and especially Andy and Yael Ben-Pazi, the
principal, are so supportive of our efforts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love this program. It is very rewarding to give back to a
community that patiently helps me with my Hebrew. It feels good to be respected
for something that is part of the definition of who I am: an
English-language-proficient Anglo with a lot to give the next generation in
Israel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Glossary - tzedakah b'guf: charity through deeds rather than money; ulpan: intensive Hebrew language class</i></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-63884261035866450312018-07-22T13:58:00.001+03:002018-07-22T18:45:42.370+03:00From the Fruits of Our Deeds<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xZxSUeE-kWirAdvixgWMjS2BM3D5xLlYJgNWTM1TmfFsqPxJQaCDvnHEz6R2LdTQtEyUFh3KUeDdJ2Pl6PHxmgh3X2kexs46FoOt10L8CdOgHUKufw-xHSuF9gCEEv30C0fwiIT-pXw/s1600/Jerusalem+Rising+from+the+Flames.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="776" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xZxSUeE-kWirAdvixgWMjS2BM3D5xLlYJgNWTM1TmfFsqPxJQaCDvnHEz6R2LdTQtEyUFh3KUeDdJ2Pl6PHxmgh3X2kexs46FoOt10L8CdOgHUKufw-xHSuF9gCEEv30C0fwiIT-pXw/s320/Jerusalem+Rising+from+the+Flames.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Night:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Flames. We are marched from our homes, still in our Shabbat clothing. Stupefied, not yet aware that this is real, we gather in the shul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We pray<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">How does the city sit solitary, that was full of people! How she is become like a widow!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Kinot. Tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Crying, not greeting one another, we slink to our homes to not eat, not drink, not be entertained, not laugh, not make love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Morning:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We mourn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Not just destruction of a building, but of an ideal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We have built our own jail with angry hands, raised as fists against one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Because we still speak ill of one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Because we still cheat one another<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We look for hurt caused against us by a brother or a sister to justify our rage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We cause each other to fear saying anything, lest it be judged negatively<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We burn our shuls down with chatter between the pages, during the prayers, over the words<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">And we justify and rationalize everything:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“I don’t want to speak lashon hora, but…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">“Sheltering money is an investment. It’s not actually theft. It’s my money, after all!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Once sensitive to the plight of the downtrodden, we hurry past the beggar without as much as a smile of apology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We destroy our own Holy Temple again. And again. And again. Year after year. Word after word. Deed after deed undone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><i>Chatzot</i>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We are wrung out, sad beyond words, beyond tears. Our contumely, our culpability in the destruction of others and of ourselves, disgusts us at last. We are ready for the chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Afternoon:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">So tired. Hungry. Thirsty. Contrite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Finally, we feel what we have lost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">A sliver of silvery light seeps sweetly into our souls…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We begin to yearn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">And the yearning repairs us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Repairs the rent fabric of the universe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Slowly, slowly, we remember<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Ancient history, when 600,000 people packed into a holy space<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Worshipping together<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Dancing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Singing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Not one complaining –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Not one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">That there is not enough space for ME, for MY worship, for MY experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">It was all about each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Night:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">May it once again, today and forever, be about each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Together, we will rebuild, with these freshly-washed hands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">RE – 10 Av 5778.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></div>
rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-56079098917677386452018-04-30T17:51:00.000+03:002018-04-30T17:51:54.730+03:00A Fly and a Cockroach Shake Hands<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I love
the way my friend Rachael Welt sees the world, and the way she tells stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We learn
together once a week, and our conversations always weave our Torah learning
through the text of our life stories. Today’s stories illustrate one of my
favorite principles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">"This is what the
Holy One said to Israel: My children, what do I seek from you? I seek no more
than that you love one another and honor one another; and that you have awe and
reverence for one another." -- Tanna d'Bei Eliyahu Rabba, 26:6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rachael
recounts a recent trip to the Mahane Yehuda <i>shuk</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I have
never seen at one time so many people using walkers, walking on crutches,
walking with canes,” she said. “And the <i>shuk</i> was packed with people. And of
course, walking behind all these people with walkers and so on made it very
slow going. Still, <b>not one person</b> started screaming ‘Why are you moving so
slowly? Why did you come to the <i>shuk</i>? Don’t you know you could fall down? Why
don’t you move out of the way?’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“This is
the <i><b>shuk</b></i> I’m talking about, where people regularly yell and scream at each
other – and not one person rushed these people. Not even the <i>shuk</i> workers with
the heavy pallets they carry everywhere. Those guys never have any patience!
But that day, they did. Everyone waited patiently for the old and infirm to
make their way through the <i>shuk</i>. It was amazing!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rachael’s
face glows when she tells stories about the good in her fellow humans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She tells
another “only in Israel” story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I was
in Jerusalem, getting the car repaired. I was feeling a little faint, because I
hadn’t eaten enough before leaving the house; so I decided to go to a nearby
supermarket. As I started in the door, the guard, a man in his sixties, put up
a hand and stopped me. ‘We don’t open until ten,’ he said to me. I checked my
watch and saw there would be a bit of a wait. And then I saw the line of people
with shopping carts. I’m thinking, I don’t need a big shopping cart. I only
need a few items.” Nonetheless, she joined the line, prepared to wait with
everyone else until the guard allowed entry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“People
started to say to the guard, ‘Nu? It’s ten minutes to ten. Let us in already!
It’s five minutes till. C’mon, let us in! See my watch? Let us in!’ But the
guard had his orders, and he was used to this. He held his ground. ‘Ten
o’clock,’ he insisted calmly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“This
one guy ahead of me, but still pretty far back in the line, decided he’d had
enough. He pulled out of the line, pushed to the front, and tried to get by the
guard. The guard stopped him, and the guy started yelling at him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The
guard, still calm, said to the guy, ‘You know what? You’re a <i>zvoov</i>,’ a
fly. And the guy yells at him, really angry now, ‘And you’re a <i>juke</i>!’ a
cockroach.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As
Rachael tells the story, I am laughing a little, because I am convinced that
these conversations, with this much invective, could never happen in America.
People might yell at each other, but it is never this colorful. The two men
went at this for several seconds, the guard speaking calmly, the enraged
customer getting so upset, and louder and louder, to the point that Rachael was
praying he didn’t have a knife. She could just see herself being witness to a
terrible incident.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The man
kept yelling, and saying he was going to complain about the guard, and not only
complain about him, he was going to write a letter, and he went on and on,
getting more and more excited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"The
guard told him, without raising his voice, to step back. The man stepped back
only a step or two. ‘Only this far,’ he said. ‘No further. I’m staying right
here.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Suddenly,
the guard walked over to the man, and stuck out his hand, and the other fellow
took it. ‘Please forgive me, my friend. It will all be okay. I ask
forgiveness.’ And the other guy calmed down. A moment later, at ten o’clock on
the dot, the guard allowed the stream of people with their carts into the
store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“But
that’s not the end of the story,” says Rachael, with her patented Rachael
smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Later,
as I was going through the aisles, the guy came up to me. ‘You see?’ he said,
‘He apologized to me. He admitted he was wrong, and I was right.’ I said to
him, ‘I think you were both a little bit wrong, and a little bit right.’ (After
all, calling someone a fly was not a nice thing to do, and certainly calling
someone a cockroach and threatening him is wrong.) ‘The main thing is, you made
peace.’ I don’t think he really understood me, because he really thought he was
right and the guard was wrong. But I saw that the guard kept calm, offered his
hand, and the man took it! And the guard asked for forgiveness. What an amazing
People!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
believe that Hashem teaches us to see Him as a Parent so that we can know how
to behave toward each other. As a mother, nothing makes me more distressed –
dare I say enraged? – than when my kids are unkind to each other. Conversely,
nothing causes me to feel more overjoyed and elated than when they get along
and speak well of each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Rachael
and I learned a lot today. But I am convinced that the holiest moments of our
learning were when Rachael spoke aloud words of validation about the behavior
of God’s children toward one another. If our learning together doesn’t bring
<i>Mashiach</i> closer by itself, surely the stories of Jews rising above their
pettiness to respect one another inches the <i>Geula</i> just a bit closer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">15 Iyar 2018.</span></div>
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rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-3846402305210372012017-10-10T10:28:00.000+03:002019-10-10T20:24:27.117+03:00Ten Years!20 Tishrei 5778.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oLLuMCuhET3k2idGtlO6DKh9cBNmMqh4BfCpWcPhTWaPzgGYmc2QDkZCct_8Le3JKsOCkahDPgCeYbG91UWkKlenJjjPOCcyCGa0E9jYZoX-0t_WIefPxnVwipl095JQUZJoCAVQFP0/s1600/Cabernet+Franc+2007a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="682" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oLLuMCuhET3k2idGtlO6DKh9cBNmMqh4BfCpWcPhTWaPzgGYmc2QDkZCct_8Le3JKsOCkahDPgCeYbG91UWkKlenJjjPOCcyCGa0E9jYZoX-0t_WIefPxnVwipl095JQUZJoCAVQFP0/s320/Cabernet+Franc+2007a.jpeg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A celebratory gift of 2007 wine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It’s that time again: our “aliyahversary” is today on the solar (Gregorian) calendar. After a decade, I can tell you that we are happier than ever, missing nothing of America except the people we love.<br />
<br />
We came to Israel with very American teenangels; and now we have men who are husbands, fathers, part of the national brocade called the work force, and the equally important tapestry of the IDF reserves. We don't see them as much as we'd like <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">–</span> think "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwjNBjqR-c" target="_blank">Cat's in the Cradle</a>" <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">–</span> but when we do get together, we admire the lives they are building, and the women with whom they have chosen to build.<br />
<br />
Ten years in Israel. Two <i>shemita</i> cycles. The first one was filled with our errors of confusion, after which I studied with a friend Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Rimon's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shemita-Rabbi-Yosef-Tzvi-Rimon/dp/1592642578" target="_blank">Shemita: From the Sources to Practical Halacha</a>, which measurably enhanced my understanding of this special every-seven-year commitment to the Land.<br />
<br />
We arrived with a rusty set of skills... and discovered new talents that blossomed into ways to make a little money and to enjoy our new lives. I remember saying to my beloved Rebbetzin Bracha Goldberger that all we had left to do in Baltimore was to grow old and die. But in Israel, even walking to the store, even doing laundry, would be holy and meaningful.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPxaacdvfjLGBaS3m_ntTve8xD4munHovwh8v67rdU5J7233cTVWRrxoHsug-c14BXNFtuG4vLEW5NwhafWRSxI5OBfXTyeOFsf4QTxEFa0wBqKZlvlOU1R57B06fbs61uFaT-JxWpBs/s1600/Best+Coach+Photo+Ever+courtesy+of+Walla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="635" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPxaacdvfjLGBaS3m_ntTve8xD4munHovwh8v67rdU5J7233cTVWRrxoHsug-c14BXNFtuG4vLEW5NwhafWRSxI5OBfXTyeOFsf4QTxEFa0wBqKZlvlOU1R57B06fbs61uFaT-JxWpBs/s320/Best+Coach+Photo+Ever+courtesy+of+Walla.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite "Coach" photo, courtesy of Walla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Little did I know how much we might have to contribute to this wild, wild east. My husband is known to players and fans around the country as "Coach Eastman." I have blogged and written for various English-language sites, and with God's help, my first book will come out this month. Israeli young people and small children learn what we have to offer of music and art, English language, and snippets of grandparent philosophy. In Israel, we have become most fully ourselves.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m0kTdNijI4QhYSxh88PXp3Ual3UsVGcpqYZomtGkN93ox9zbW0iWUrRVTPCGZ48FcnRYWuWu24VDe5dE6NyiF-o79OhcXpwEpL1vGKEbCPSeebsvU5hmldb_n5PGumRXSK2Ev0_FCa8/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-09+at+20.41.14+%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="659" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2m0kTdNijI4QhYSxh88PXp3Ual3UsVGcpqYZomtGkN93ox9zbW0iWUrRVTPCGZ48FcnRYWuWu24VDe5dE6NyiF-o79OhcXpwEpL1vGKEbCPSeebsvU5hmldb_n5PGumRXSK2Ev0_FCa8/s320/WhatsApp+Image+2017-10-09+at+20.41.14+%25281%2529.jpeg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the grands prepares to coach the old folks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We came with limited Hebrew... and now have somewhat less-limited Hebrew. But the boys are fluent, so we're not complaining. We try to sort out our bills or long letters from Bituach Leumi (national insurance); and when we can't, our sons or their wives help us out. <i>Next chapter: the grandchildren will translate for us. It's already a delight to hear the two-year-old moving facilely between little-girl English and Hebrew.</i><br />
<br />
There are cultural nuances that we get that were mysterious when we arrived. I'm no longer unnerved by people yelling at me when I've made a mistake, understanding that the Israeli way is to ratchet up the vocal chords from zero to 60 in ten seconds, but to drop the tone just as quickly once appeased. The how and why and when of traveling is no longer a mystery. Buses and taxis are my friends. I know when to avoid the roads entirely, based on the fact that at certain times, the entire country is traveling. I understand that when the bus doesn't come, the driver is not being capricious. He probably has a full load of soldiers; and trying to climb our mountain just to tell us he doesn't have room for us is not good for the bus. (Someone will improve the electronic bus signs someday to pass on such messages.)<br />
<br />
I have learned the best places to eat and shop for my needs and tastes, preferring excellent service and a good story, as long as these are within my budget. (Sometimes, the trick is to make the budget work, rather than finding the cheapest option.) I can argue with a bus driver in Hebrew, and occasionally win. I can give in Hebrew compliments to waitresses and shop clerks, and gratitude to soldiers, and receive the most beautiful smiles in return. I even have philosophical conversations with Israeli friends, though these are carried on in a<i> chulent</i> of Hebrew and English, with a <i>soupçon</i> of French or a <i>Teelöffel</i> of German for spice.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFEfygYqcB5Q1tcIQmvV70sNClzrb6bFOEMkvq2nKGYvlmiSCqMquwzo8CWDPQkVotQZyqiQAtZDo5DgGa3RYUhRTyZiue7d3awKTW7SnS3AqSToUbULFWFh-dH5Ua-PSU5RCi1GWQDE/s1600/Sign+in+Grocery+Store.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1328" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFEfygYqcB5Q1tcIQmvV70sNClzrb6bFOEMkvq2nKGYvlmiSCqMquwzo8CWDPQkVotQZyqiQAtZDo5DgGa3RYUhRTyZiue7d3awKTW7SnS3AqSToUbULFWFh-dH5Ua-PSU5RCi1GWQDE/s320/Sign+in+Grocery+Store.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's moving to see quotes from the Psalms in the grocery store.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My husband teases me that I will hunt down and photograph lizards and signs in Hebrew. True enough. There are so many varieties of lizards here, and much to learn from the signs, more and more of which I can understand. There is often humor in the simple phrasing that is worth understanding, as well as deep meaning and philosophy peculiar to Israel. The Dearly Beloved also has fun at my expense as I go around Jerusalem seven weeks after Yom Kippur and joyfully say "Melakam Sigd" to as many Ethiopians as possible. More smiles. (Truly, is there anything more delicious in this world than bringing smiles out of human faces?)<br />
<br />
We have embraced the rhythm of Jewish holidays that make so much more sense here in the Land of their birth. And having the whole country more-or-less on the same holiday page at the same time is such a blessing, after years of being an afterthought in a tiny kosher section of Safeway and Wal-Mart. It rains <i>most of the time </i>when it's supposed to <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">–</span> even God doesn't like to be too predictable, I imagine <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">–</span> and there's no snow in the sukkah. Nearly everyone, nearly every car, stops for two minutes of silence to remember our fallen. Chanukah lights and Pesach decorations and children dressed as Queen Esther and Mordechai are prevalent throughout the country. There are hand-washing stations at the majority of restaurants; and even the less obviously religious don't bat an eye when seeing a fellow traveler reading prayers or Tehillim, or saying a blessing when leaving a restroom. "Homeness" surrounds and embraces.<br />
<br />
Things that used to bewilder us now delight at best, or are quaintly annoying at worst. Why does every food package come in one-kilo bags, instead of in five-kilo bags? (No worries. It very seldom costs more in the smaller package.) Why can you get good service throughout the meal, but have to hunt down the waitress for the check? (Now that I think about it, what's bad about more time over the coffee and conversation at the end of the meal?) Why can't you walk anywhere in the country without meeting a beggar with his or her hand out? (It's a good reminder that I'm very blessed to have enough to eat.) Why do office supply stores and furniture stores also sell wine and other food products as special sales? (See what I mean? Quaint. Even adorable.)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRDtIYO00CLHPGhuzuCwbyEVtGRqcNHl29Mq1XSDXB1nEM75R_3F3Md6TdWEPpo6ovHGftIsjpnnapHa3SL8mIs__dG1Nk47ixvGXsLBUeHTE2nAxCnGLNBL_Zq1qbIAFse4GeCgxx_4/s1600/Avi+and+Ruti+on+10th+Aliyahversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRDtIYO00CLHPGhuzuCwbyEVtGRqcNHl29Mq1XSDXB1nEM75R_3F3Md6TdWEPpo6ovHGftIsjpnnapHa3SL8mIs__dG1Nk47ixvGXsLBUeHTE2nAxCnGLNBL_Zq1qbIAFse4GeCgxx_4/s320/Avi+and+Ruti+on+10th+Aliyahversary.jpg" width="180" /></a>I could go on for far too long... but you have things to do. I guess I'll close these thoughts with gratitude to Hashem. We miss our friends and family back in the States, and look forward to greeting you here whenever you can come. We are blessed to have electronic means of communication unheard of a decade ago, and these will surely only get more advanced. (Think a Princess Leia hologram visit, right in the comfort of your own dwelling.) And we have been blessed with friends here in Israel who are from many different countries and who speak many different languages. Their main common feature is that they fill up the extended family spaces for which our hearts have yearned.<br />
<br />
Looking forward to the next decade and more, here at HOME!<br />
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<i>Photo credits: really cute granddaughter, Nisan Jaffee; Avi and Ruti, Chanie Barami</i><br />
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<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-66245323653018522812017-09-11T19:10:00.000+03:002017-09-11T19:13:35.706+03:00The Birth of a Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx27DDUEmr1ZV3b2tqX7JrKVV6tw7zxqtuQnCJLgi4HHxSDDEd5i0oDOMAF0z6k7gS3GdGSneLwiJvG00742iPj-gWMv5hDCoMhwfhrP7_1u9kjI6vAimq968XHJO7T_cLu5aHGVhPa4/s1600/Seriously+Watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="679" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJx27DDUEmr1ZV3b2tqX7JrKVV6tw7zxqtuQnCJLgi4HHxSDDEd5i0oDOMAF0z6k7gS3GdGSneLwiJvG00742iPj-gWMv5hDCoMhwfhrP7_1u9kjI6vAimq968XHJO7T_cLu5aHGVhPa4/s320/Seriously+Watermarked.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
21 Elul 5777.<br />
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I'm very excited about this project! BS"D, after long months of editing and reformatting, the blog will be coming out in October in book form. For photos, you'll have to check back to the online version; but hopefully the words will be fun to see in print -- especially with the remarkable and insightful cover art by Hanna Tova Glicksman, and the wise graphic design of Hanna Sara (Zeif) Katz. It pays to work with hometown talent, especially when they're related, and accustomed to getting along nicely. (Ms. Glicksman and Ms. Katz are cousins. Nice family, this.)<br />
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Since you have been a part of this project from the beginning, as you have read, encouraged, commented, sometimes corrected (and saved me embarrassment), I hope you will also get some pleasure from owning a copy. You'll let me know.<br />
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Keep watching here and on Facebook. I'll be very excited to let you know when the labor is over, and the book is born!rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-18276267615217452982017-05-01T07:30:00.001+03:002017-05-01T07:30:54.936+03:00Introducing Jerusalem MomentsIf you haven't yet discovered it, I want to share with you the new blog of my friend Rachel Sharansky Danziger. This true labor of love was born when Rachel wanted to find a special way to honor the 50th celebration of the reunification of Jerusalem, which we will observe this year on May 24. Like all Jewish holidays, the observance will begin the night before, and continue throughout the day. But for Rachel and her readers, Jerusalem Moments began to capture the spirit of the celebration of the miracle that is Jerusalem 50 days before, on April 5, as Rachel knew that there is so much about Jerusalem to celebrate. From the lofty achievements to the daily grind, from the holy to the incidental, from the tragic to the joyous, Jerusalem is truly the City at the heart of our people's love affair with Israel.<br />
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Each day, Rachel spends time formatting the prose or poetry or snippets of commentary and remarkable photographs she has solicited from contributors throughout Israel. Each day, there are new treats for the eyes and souls of those who choose to pop in for a visit. If you begin to peruse the archives of this beautiful blog, you may as well put off doing the dishes or writing that report for a later hour: there is so much of value here to anyone who wants to celebrate our precious and holy Jerusalem. From knitting soldiers to talking pipes, from the heartbreak of Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron to the boundless gladness of Yom HaAtzmaut, from even beneath the streets to the colorful mass of idiosyncrasies that is Mahane Yehuda <i>shuk</i>, you can get a taste of our Jerusalem.<br />
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Jerusalem Moments is about geography and history -- but it is mostly about the people that have made and continue to make up this most glorious of cities.<br />
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Rachel invites you to participate with your moments, your memories, your photographs of this grand City. Send your submissions to her at jerusalemmoments@gmail.com with a short bio and a headshot, and add your words and pictures to this delightfully diverse collection of viewpoints of Jerusalem's rebirth.<br />
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Jerusalem Moments can be viewed at <a href="http://www.jerusalem-moments.com/">http://www.jerusalem-moments.com/</a>, and you can follow on Facebook here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JLMmoments/">https://www.facebook.com/JLMmoments/</a>rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-59030625875467236742017-02-12T17:19:00.000+02:002017-02-12T17:19:12.989+02:00Second Meltdown in Nine YearsYom rishon, 16 Shevat 5777.<br />
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<i>Dear Lady in the Audience: Thank you for publicly reminding me how stupid I am. Love, Every Olah Chadasha in the Audience with You</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
When I arranged to attend the concert, I really didn't expect to understand anything. I was just looking forward to a night of good music by a really cute and talented duo.<br />
<br />
Because there are a lot of Anglos in the community that hosted the event, the musicians asked if they should speak between songs in Hebrew or in English. An overwhelming segment of the audience requested English. Though I didn't vote, I was relieved. There was hope I would understand <i>something</i>, which would add to my appreciation of the performance. Perhaps they would say a little about each song, thereby giving me a "hook" upon which to hang my efforts at translation...<br />
<br />
But halfway through her first statement, the delightful young artist was shouted down by the all-too-familiar refrain: "Rak b'Ivrit! Anachnu biYisrael!" (Only in Hebrew. We're in Israel.) The small but intimidating band of possibly Israelis from birth but more likely <i>olim vatikim</i> persuaded the young lady to switch back to Hebrew. I tried vainly through the evening to understand more than a word here and a word there -- but as usual, I didn't get the jokes, and didn't understand much of anything else, within the mostly Hebrew songs and their accompanying explanations.<br />
<br />
I worked hard to get past this, to no avail. Of course, the shouter was correct. We live in Israel, we should speak Hebrew. God knows, I'm trying, with many <i>ulpanim</i> under my belt, and with four hours a week with study partners, as well as independent study throughout the week. I'm getting better, <i>l'at, l'at</i>, but enough fluency to understand people speaking faster than the Pimsleur lady is still an oasis shimmering far off on the desert sand. At nearly 60, I have to admit that the fact that my sons are all fluent and many of my grandchildren will be fully bilingual may be the most pride I will attain in this wonderful but oh-so-foreign tongue.<br />
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I listened to the songs, tried to interpret lyrics and sweetly-worded commentary, and finally tried to relax my jaw while I mentally penned a "love note" to the shouter.<br />
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<i>Dear Israeli Lady or Olah Vatikah:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>While you are of course correct, I am guessing that living in this town, you either have passable English, or are more likely a person who came from an English-speaking country when you were 30 or younger, and managed to immerse yourself in this beautiful language, and got it. Kol hakavod to you! I am duly impressed.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But would it have harmed you in any way to let those of us in the audience -- who struggle daily to understand our phone bills, arnona notices, bituach leumi reminders, even our grocery bills -- to have even a partial comprehension of what you probably could have understood in both languages? And even if you are Israeli, and struggle with English, couldn't we have split the difference -- you understanding the song lyrics, and me understanding the commentary in between?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thanks for reminding me that I'm too stupid to accomplish what you so proudly did.</i><br />
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I have to say that I was so depressed by the ordeal, I thought briefly of calling my various <i>chavrutot</i> and saying "Let's give up. It's not working."<br />
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Briefly. Because even though it is still a struggle, even though I don't know if I'll ever "get" this language entirely -- I am getting better all the time. I can make myself understood, even though we have to often <i>potchky</i> together the conversation with bits of Hebrew and English and body language. If someone has something important to impart, I know how to ask them to slow down, to speak to me as if I were a child (meaning that they should leave out all the extra words, and cut to the chase). It delights me that as we try to communicate in Hebrew, many Israelis discover that their high-school English isn't as bad as they thought it was. We work it out, in two languages.<br />
<br />
My mood was rescued near the end of the performance when one of the singers was thanking us. She ended by thanking in English those of us "who didn't understand anything we said tonight." I appreciated her acknowledgment. And then she did an even sweeter thing, by finishing with a song that said it all: a lovely and heartfelt rendition of a song by Jason Mraz with the line "We've got a lot to learn, but God knows we're worth it." I felt validated, and embraced. As if she were saying, "It's okay, Aunties and Uncles. I know you're trying. Don't give up. I hear you."<br />
<br />
I bless all of us that we will have the brain cells and pertinacity to keep trying, and to have people around us who remind us that we are improving, slowly, slowly. I bless us further that we will always retain the humanity to remember with kindness and patience those who are struggling to climb whatever pinnacle we ourselves have managed to surmount.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Glossary:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Olah Chadasha: new (female) immigrant (male would be oleh chadash)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Anglos: English speakers</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Olim vatikim: veteran immigrants; immigrants who've been here for a fairly long time</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ulpanim: Hebrew language classes, the best of which are Hebrew study in almost exclusively Hebrew</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>L'at, l'at: slowly, slowly -- what every comforting Israeli says about every immigrant's efforts at the language</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pimsleur: a very patient style of study that builds comprehension syllable by syllable</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Arnona and Bituach Le'umi: Don't ask until you live here. Once you do, you'll understand. Taxes and insurance.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Chavrutot: One-on-one study sessions (chavrusas in America)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Potchky: probably Yiddish for sticking together haphazardly, hodgepodge</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Mraz: I haven't a clue where that name comes from, or if it's an actual word -- but he writes pretty songs</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-64442251305540838312016-10-19T14:08:00.001+03:002016-10-19T18:29:19.704+03:00Sukkot Reflections, 5777Yom revi'i, 17 Tishrei 5777/19 October 2016, Chol Hamoed Sukkot.<br />
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Sitting in the sukkah, sipping coffee, wishing for the first time this year for a sweater, and appreciating how "only in Israel" is that convergence of time and temperature.<br />
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Murmuring Hallel in the early morning light, before everyone around me is awake, feels sweeter than at any other time, especially wrapped in the loving embrace of my favorite holiday ever.<br />
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Whispering a "livri'ut" to a neighbor's sneeze, listening to another neighbor calming a crying child, hearing another singing to her children a morning <i>niggun</i>, smiling at a late hammer, as someone repairs or adds to an already completed sukkah...<br />
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The occasional car seems as if it is from another time, a time in the future or the past.<br />
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I imagine all of us, the several families around me I can hear as if they were just in the next tent, which in fact they are, as if we were traveling in the desert together.<br />
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An unwilling voyeur, I am offered a <i>mashal</i> of how little we say and do is really private. I don't listen but hear with acceptance and joy that I am surrounded by loving parents and children, talking and guiding and laughing together.<br />
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My sukkah, my portable yearly Clouds of Glory dwelling, surrounds me with memory.<br />
<br />
The coffee mug, given by my dear children. The bentcher, a recent gift from Norm and Gail, who dug it out of their memories, because they heard that I love having photos to enhance my prayer, and because there are shared memories here. The wall hangings that used to be tablecloths; the flags of our places of birth and the place we met; the pretty sukkah enhancements picked up for various holidays past. The bracelets jangling softly on my wrist, a gift from Adele right here in this sukkah a few years ago. My hands smelling still of the lingering lotion that was a gift from Shulamis on one of her visits to the Holy Land, a lotion I choose not to afford, which makes the gift even sweeter. Nearby, the purse Marilyn gave to me along with all of "her girls," thus binding with silk and leather and love my place in her family.<br />
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Hovering outside of our patented Sukkot Force Field <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; text-align: -webkit-center;">©</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif , "segoe ui emoji" , "segoe ui symbol" , "notocoloremoji" , "emojisymbols" , "symbola" , "noto" , "android emoji" , "androidemoji" , "arial unicode ms" , "zapf dingbats" , "applecoloremoji" , "apple color emoji"; font-size: 13px;">, </span>UNESCO and others are busy trying to make us vanish by using Orwellian New Speak. (If you must, see <a href="http://blogs.timesofisrael.com/how-unesco-erases-history/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/9126/us-election-issues" target="_blank">here</a> -- but I'd wait until after Sukkot, if I were you.) <i>"And the slanderers should be denied hope, all evil should be instantaneously obliterated..."</i><br />
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Friends drop by with enough warning for me to put out a bit of a spread, thus turning a day-without-plans into a feast of conversation, fun and sharing of their adventures, turning our sukkah briefly into a Tardis to take us with them to Ma'arat Hamachpela and to The Moshav, without having to fight traffic!<br />
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Tonight we will visit another couple's sukkah, to play music... with the sad silent echo of the yearly invitation that will not come, because that family is in <i>aveilut</i>, one of our cherished fellow musicians having lost a dear relative only weeks ago.<br />
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Soon, it will be Shabbat, a "full Shabbat," meaning all of the Israel-based family will crowd in with larger-than-life talking and squabbling, one-upping and teasing, and beer pong and feasting and bear-hug loving.<br />
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Each day in the sukkah brings new sounds and songs and stories. I wish it could last longer than a week. It is a precious island in time toward which I begin to look again, even before it fades into the coming winter.<br />
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Wishing one and all a 5777 full of love, good health, good news, clarity, and even more than usual joy from family and friends.rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-15015280018914576262016-06-30T20:51:00.003+03:002016-06-30T20:57:23.174+03:00What Then Must We Do?Yom shishi, 25 Sivan 5776.<br />
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<br />
<i>Sigh.</i>
I love Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) with all my heart. But I hate summer in Israel.
And it's never Israel's fault that I hate summer in Israel. It's because the child-eating monsters come out in the summer, more than at any time.<br />
<br />
For those somehow not in the know, a little 13-year-old Jewish girl named Hallel Ariel who just graduated 8th grade was murdered in her bed, stabbed repeatedly by a 17-year-old Muslim boy who somehow infiltrated her Kiryat Arba home, near the holy Jewish city of Hebron. Fueled no doubt by the need to fix some broken thing in his relationship with his parents -- I have heard that a lot of these kids take their lives this way because they are losers with no other way to make themselves important -- this evil child was subsequently praised and glorified by his people and his people's leadership. Voices of protest in the Muslim community globally are hard to find. And as usual, the murderer's dear mommy sees him as a hero of the resistance, and hopes that more children of her people will die stabbing little Jewish girls to death simply for being Jewish and living in the neighborhood without her approval.<br />
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"What then must we do?" Is there a rational, effective protest we can make as a body, one person with one heart? We cannot go around murdering people, killing mothers and grandparents and children, non-combatants. We cannot deify our children for murdering other people's children in their beds. We cannot become like our enemies. Whether you believe in living by God's laws or are simply a moral person, you cannot accept this.<br />
<br />
Yes, people say all kinds of things in bouts of impotent rage -- but surely they must know that they cease to be moral beings if they act upon such rage. Apart from the crazy among us, I am sure that this is true of nearly all Jews, of nearly all Jewish Israelis. While we want murderers and even potential murderers to be punished, we do not believe in randomly going after the enemy's civilians.<br />
<br />
When horrible Jewish children murdered an Arab boy, we protested loudly, and called for their punishment; and they were punished, not honored. No streets were named for them, to the best of my knowledge, no soccer fields. I happily cannot remember their names, nor would I wish to. Yet the world at large turns a blind eye to Muslim murderers of children being honored posthumously by their people.<br />
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Besides continuing to live proudly in our land, without apology, how do we fight this terrible war? I am not speaking of the government. I have little to no power over the government. I vote, always, for candidates who put the safety of Israeli citizens first. They do not become Prime Minister. They are considered "too radical," because they are not interested in capitulation for the sake of currying favor with the West. While they do not espouse murdering civilians in their beds, they do believe in standing our ground and protecting Israeli civilians. This seems to be too radical for those who would sell our souls and our lives for empty promises of peace...<br />
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What's the plan for a protest, people? Do we build tent cities like young people did over the price of housing and cottage cheese?<br />
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Do we stand like John Hersey's White Lotus on one leg, a great mass of us, refusing to move, refusing to work, until our leaders protect us?<br />
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Do we march on Jerusalem? In my memory, marches since Selma never garnered the necessary support to change much of anything.<br />
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And against whom do we mount our protest? Against the Israeli government, so used to obeisance to the West, it is gridlocked? Against the world that pretends friendship while aiding and abetting those who would destroy us? Against God Himself? How many times in the few years that I have lived in Israel have we filled the Kotel Plaza with crying, praying, beseeching souls, to no apparent avail? How many random acts of kindness do we need to catalog on High for our babies to stop being murdered in their beds?<br />
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I look forward to hearing of a leader emerging -- may he or she be the <i>Mashiach</i>, as we cannot bear much more of this, and retain our <i>kedusha</i>! -- a leader who will teach us how to join together in an effective form of protest against a world that will not be happy until we all die.<br />
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May we do finally whatever is required of us -- and I assume as I always have, this largely means working together as a family, forgetting our differences, speaking with respect to and with each other, even when we disagree. May Hashem finally be satisfied with our pleas.<br />
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<i>Ad matai, Hashem</i>? What do You want from us?rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-67786244169764201092016-03-01T09:35:00.001+02:002016-03-01T09:50:57.949+02:00Repaint Your Own RealityYom shlishi, 24 Adar I 5776/1 March 2016.<br />
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<i>"I never paint dreams or nightmares. I paint my own reality." ~ Frida Kahlo</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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I feel like a new bride, who just moved into her new apartment!<br />
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That's what a fresh paint job will do for your spirits.<br />
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We have loved this apartment for the last eight years. It has been our friend and haven. We have wonderful landlords, interesting and delightful neighbors, a loving and accepting rabbi and community. But while the landlords, friends, neighbors, rabbi and community are still fresh and exciting, the apartment walls were showing their age. I'm not going to show you before-and-after pictures, because it had gotten a bit embarrassing. This winter's mold had gotten ahead of my yearly efforts with <i>economica</i>. (You have to be healthy to wash a ceiling with bleach; and we feel like we've suffered the ten plagues this year, thanks to seven truly blessed months of our grandchildren living with us: colds, strep, flu, chicken pox -- you should never see a 21-year-old who's caught his tiny nephew's chicken pox -- bronchitis, a stomach bug, pneumonia...)<br />
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We called <span style="text-align: center;">Moshe Aaron Swartz, our friend and neighbor and owner of Primary Painter</span><span style="text-align: center;"> Moshe, for an estimate. He came by with his stack of paint color cards, looked over our apartment, and gave his recommendations. He knew we would want easy-to-wash paint here, mold-retardant paint there... It was obvious from the beginning that Moshe cares very much about doing a great job, and about making sure that his clients' individual needs are satisfied. When we were finished with the plan, the Dearly Beloved and I were excited about the color choices, ideas, and even the price, which seemed very reasonable.</span><br />
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New paint. Fresh, new beginnings. Color-crayon marks surrounded by chocolate finger prints, teenager <i>shmutz</i> haloing bathroom light switches, the pencil growth chart on the kitchen wall -- all obscured by "What an Inspiration" turquoise and "Perfume Powder" soft yellow Meshi ("easy to clean") paint. Eight years of history, embalmed but not forgotten.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EWzq5FuCD2VuEgb5qsN8YtEzahWCizOWKBGDLnL3JS3-I1kbSC7qntmRi4khrAAbPl29ZasmSCJ4wPRam-xAkyqHSskB4ejo-BnvF8rHvUjWKh-5_gD84P3uKhg5f9nuMGGFXjzbyHU/s1600/Primary+Painter+Moshe+and+Co.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0EWzq5FuCD2VuEgb5qsN8YtEzahWCizOWKBGDLnL3JS3-I1kbSC7qntmRi4khrAAbPl29ZasmSCJ4wPRam-xAkyqHSskB4ejo-BnvF8rHvUjWKh-5_gD84P3uKhg5f9nuMGGFXjzbyHU/s320/Primary+Painter+Moshe+and+Co.1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Eli Tryfus, Moshe Aaron Swartz, Yedidya Fisch, after a job well done.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Moshe assured us that we wouldn't need to move anything ourselves, save for computers, and that the entire operation could be completed in one day. We were a bit skeptical, because the Eastmans have collected a lot of stuff over the years. And yes, like most semi-neurotic housewives, I made sure that a lot of life's detritus was out of the way before the agreed-upon hour.</span></div>
<br />
Moshe showed up with his two young Jewish assistants. (Much to our comfort, Moshe only hires Jewish workers.) These fine young men are trained in the art of wall and ceiling painting by Shmuel of Just Now Painters. I got a chance to speak with our two young painters. Yedidya Fisch will be drafting into Golani in March 2016, and has been working with Moshe since last summer. Eli Tryfus is the cousin of one of our Judean Rebels football players. He is studying in Tel Aviv in the field of computer networking. Eli had been working with Moshe's father for something less that three years, and started working with Moshe last July. Both men enjoy the work, and it showed. They were careful, polite, and very gracious about accommodating the customer when at one point I confused them about which paint went on which wall.<br />
<br />
Moshe and his delightful bride Chani have lived in Neve Daniel since August of 2012. Their son<br />
Eitan was born in January of this year. Moshe learned his art at his father's side. He worked for many years with his father before going out on his own, and still consults with his father on various jobs, painting techniques and paint types.<br />
<br />
As the trio worked, Moshe explained the process. Certain paint types were employed for their mold-inhibiting properties. A couple of spaces were painted with a metal-flake undercoating, invisible to the eye, but a magical wonderland for grandchildren who can now stick magnets directly to walls.<br />
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Moshe enjoyed smearing barbecue sauce on one nice, clean, dry, wall and rubbing it in, to show how easily the Meshi cleans up with a little dish soap and water, and no scrubbing, and no loss of paint.<br />
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We were very pleased and impressed that the team cleaned up after the job so well, sweeping the floor and wiping up messes, and making sure that I was satisfied with the result.<br />
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Moshe stopped by with paint and brush a day later to check on the work, and to touch up a few spots.<br />
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"So, how do I clean up any little drops of paint I find?" I asked. They'd done an excellent job of cleaning up, but my practiced mommy eye had seen a speck of blue on the hall floor.<br />
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"Just use Scotch and a little dish soap," Moshe said.<br />
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I looked at him with a wild surmise. He'd mentioned dish soap several times -- but <i>scotch</i>? My! These South Africans are extravagantly elegant people!<br />
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He read my expression. "Not <b>scotch</b>," he said.<br />
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Ah. I seem to remember a scrubbing pad with the brand name "Scotch." Apparently, these South Africans use "Scotch" like we Americans use "Kleenex." Like I said. Extravagant.<br />
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When you are tired of your walls and want brand-new, fresh and elegant surroundings, call Moshe at 0545320024 for an estimate.rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-25638756303109786982015-08-24T15:37:00.001+03:002015-08-24T20:34:34.448+03:00All for the Gush Katif Brides: Elul Ushered in by Rabbanit Yemima MizrahiYom sheni, 9 Elul 5775.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi, photo from her Facebook page</i></td></tr>
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I have listened to and read<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RYemimaMizrachi" target="_blank"> Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi</a> for many years, but last night at the Great Synagogue was my first opportunity to see and hear her in person. The occasion: to raise money for the still-struggling but happily still marrying brides of the former communities of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GKBrideProject?pnref=story" target="_blank">Gush Katif</a>.<br />
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The event was a veritable Who's Who of fascinating, inspiring, hard-working women, all gathered together to raise funds for Gush Katif brides. Let me drop just a few names: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tuckeranita?fref=ts&ref=br_tf" target="_blank">Anita Tucker</a>, outspoken spokeswoman for the destroyed communities of Gush Katif. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharon.d.katz?fref=ts" target="_blank">Sharon Katz</a>, founder of the <a href="http://www.raiseyourspirits.org/" target="_blank">Raise Your Spirits</a> acting troupe and producer of the <a href="http://www.damesofthedance.com/" target="_blank">Dames of the Dance</a> collection of amazing dancers (and many more holy projects than I have time now to post!). <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fayge.bedell?fref=ts" target="_blank">Fayge Bedell</a>, whom I only know as Sharon's comedic foil onstage for the aforementioned fund-raising projects. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rivkahlambertadler?fref=ts" target="_blank">Rivkah Lambert Adler</a>, fellow <a href="http://bataliyah.blogspot.co.il/" target="_blank">blogger</a>, founder of the twice-yearly Book Swap in Ma'ale Adummim, and one of the driving forces back in the day behind Baltimore aliya to Israel. And many more amazing ladies, many of whose work on behalf of others is only done in secret...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>You simply must watch her in action to see Torah as beauty.</i></td></tr>
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To watch Rabbanit Yemima Mizrahi speaking is to witness a human being making herself into a living shofar. She uses the techniques of the singer, the dancer, the stand-up comic, the mime, the painter, her body and arms and hands the brushes to color our hearts and minds with prayer, to educate us with her prodigious Torah knowledge with humor and sensitivity. Rabbanit Yemima embodies for me David HaMelech's remark: "I am prayer."<br />
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My foremost thought when I listen to Rabbanit Yemima is how much she makes me care, makes me empathize with the plight of my sisters: those struggling to find a <i>parnassa</i>; those who have not yet found a life partner; those who want children but have not yet or cannot have them; those who have both, but live in the special hell of broken dreams. I have yet to hear or read anything by this special teacher without being reminded of them -- not due to some heavy-handed lecture on her part; rather, due to the heart-plucking way her voice speaks <i>to them</i>, reassures <i>them</i>, pleads with God on <i>their</i> behalf. How can the heart not cry out with her f<i>or them</i>? And in humble gratitude, if we are in the position to only empathize, rather than sympathize. Thank you, dear God, for what you have given me. Let me never, ever take it for granted. Let me not turn my blessings into complaints. How dare I, when my sister or brother is not so blessed?<br />
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The talk was focused, of course, on preparing ourselves this Elul for a meaningful Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Can we drop our hurt feelings over some real-or-imagined slight? Can we stop saying "לא" (no) and replace it with "לו" (for him [or her, or Him, or anyone else besides ourselves])? Note that these two words together spell "אלול" -- the holy combination of letters for the month of Elul. Can we practice the many voices of prayer -- the <i>shhhhhhhh</i>, of silent, introspective, shutting-down-our-anger prayer; the <i>kretz</i> of a sigh that sends "to death" all of the negative things we want to empty from ourselves; the power of making our entire bodies into <i>shofrot</i> (ram's horns) to blast our prayers to the heavens...<br />
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Rabbanit Yemima told many stories, as she always does. One especially resonated for me. And of course, it made me cry.<br />
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The story was an illustration of the concept of "I'm sorry." With her trademark humor, Rabbanit Yemima reminded us that we Ashkenazim don't really get <i>slichot</i>, the penitential prayers said before and on the High Holy Days. Ashkenazim recite the slichot with varying intensity between ten days and a week prior to Rosh Hashana, before the morning prayers. That means getting up a bit earlier, and I don't envy my husband and sons this task. The Sephardim (I'm sure with the same struggles toward intensity) are asked by their tradition to get up to say these special prayers at midnight for a full month before Rosh Hashana. (This is the only thing on the "con" side of The Dearly Beloved's pro/con scale for why he does not want to switch to the Sephardi way of life.) Finally, the story, with another traditional (and heart-rending) Rabbanit Yemima device: she tells the story on herself.<br />
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I won't try to quote her full, beautiful telling of the tale. One of her special <i>talmidot</i> (students) was dying "of the terrible disease," and asked her to please visit. But -- to quote her painful words, spoken airily, but with excruciating pathos: "I am very important, and I am very busy..." It took the rabbanit a very long time to make the time -- but finally she did. The talmida said to her, "You didn't come for me. You came for <i>you</i>." And Yemima shares with us that she understood that she was only coming to the talmida finally, finally, so she could say that she checked the mitzva off her list, she had "visited the sick." And she could think well of herself... Oy! I choke now as I type the words! Which of us has not felt this? That we waited too long to do that special mitzva, but "knocked it out" finally so we could make a check-mark on our "Good Jew" list... The story ends with the sweetness that the girl became her special mitzva until she was sure that she was forgiven. In the phrase <i>chozer b'teshuva</i> -- one who returns to the practice of mitzvot -- the word "return" is the key. We can't just do it once. We can't just say "I love you" once, and have a marriage work. We can't just say "I'm sorry" once, and expect to be taken seriously.<br />
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There were more stories, more lessons, more patented RYM jokes. As this lecture was videotaped, I hope I can share it with you at some future date.<br />
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And when you are looking for that special mitzva, that special tzedaka, for the days of the holy month of Elul (or anytime!), consider learning with the ladies of <a href="https://www.ouisrael.org/programs/layla-educational-social-opportunities-for-women/" target="_blank">L'ayla</a>, under the auspices of the <a href="https://www.ouisrael.org/" target="_blank">OU Center</a> in Jerusalem and led by the extraordinary <a href="https://www.ouisrael.org/events/mrs-rivka-segal/" target="_blank">Rivki Segal</a> (formerly of Baltimore, of course). And if Gush Katif still hurts your heart as it does mine, even a decade later, consider helping the children of the expellees as they marry and try to build <i>batei ne'eman biYisrael -- </i>donate directly or sponsor wedding gifts or sponsor community <i>shabbat kalla</i> events in your own homes.<br />
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Click on the photo of the document below to <i>embiggen</i> it, and to get the information you need.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out how you can help the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GKBrideProject?pnref=story" target="_blank">Gush Katif Bridal Registry</a>.</td></tr>
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You can make a difference in the lives of people still suffering a decade after the worst crime a Jewish government perpetrated against its own citizens. And contact the devoted ladies below if you would like to sponsor a bridal shower in your community.<br />
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Lisa Goldenhersh - (050) 575-5436 or (773) 409-4091<br />
Riki Freudenstein - (054) 432-0938 or (718) 874-2035<br />
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You can do this in any country in the world, or in any community in Israel! But if you're planning a party in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/131852220252538/" target="_blank">Neve Daniel</a>, check first with brand-new <i>olot</i> (immigrants) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shayna.levinehefetz?fref=ts" target="_blank">Shayna Levine-Hefetz</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eva.l.goldstein?fref=ts" target="_blank">Eva Lynn Goldstein-Meola</a>, who are planning a bridal shower here, as one of their many early Israel-based mitzvot. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/olimfrombaltimore/" target="_blank">#OlimFromBaltimore</a><br />
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Let's pool the spiritual power of Jewish women to make this the last year without the Holy Temple. Oh -- and if you are not Jewish, nor a woman, but you want to help, you can also add to the wonder and beauty of the world and of this project. But you knew that... In the merit of this mitzva, may anyone you know and love who needs to find a match, who is praying for a child, whose life is far from blessed, hear good news.<br />
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<br />rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-74658001531370325122015-08-09T19:39:00.003+03:002015-08-09T19:39:43.516+03:00After Yesterday, Cooler-Yet-Warmer NewsYom sheni, 25 Av 5775.<br />
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And then there are days like today, filled with blessing.<br />
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We're in the Old City, on our way to the Kotel. Waiting for our son and grandchildren to catch up, we plan to sit for a moment in the shade, trying to read the minds of the Hareidi parents and four sons surrounding the bench. Are they just arriving? Just leaving? We don't want to take a space they had staked out for themselves.<br />
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"Are you just arriving? We don't want to take your seats," I say in Hebrew. The young besheiteled woman answers in English. "No, we're just going." And then she puts on mock hostility. "And if we weren't already, we are now!"<br />
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The Dearly Beloved and I play along. "Oh, yeah? Well, <b>fine</b>. Fine! Just <i><b>fine</b></i>."<br />
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We all laugh and banter some more, asking where all of us are from. We're from Neve Daniel; they're from Ramot. Before? We admit to being most recently from Baltimore.<br />
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"She's a recovering Bostonian," says her husband, no doubt quite warm in his long coat and felt hat. "It's like an addiction. It's taking a while for her to get over it." I ask where he's from. "London, and then Amsterdam."<br />
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"Ah, well, that is even a worse addiction," I tease. "How is your recovery going? And with a mixed marriage and all..."<br />
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"Slowly, slowly. It's a lot of work, but they say marriage is a great testing ground."<br />
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I tell them Rav Ezriel Tauber's explanation of marriage, about God taking two lumps of coal and rubbing them together with a lot of friction to create two diamonds.<br />
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More banter, and we part with <i>brachot</i> for each other's happiness and health.<br />
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And I think: what a wonderful lesson they just gave their four sons, who watched this obviously cheerful banter and blessing pass between their very <i>frum</i> parents and these very different Jews.<br />
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Whatever inspired the Boston-London-Amsterdam merger, may they live long and well, and encourage generations to lead with <i>ahavat Yisrael</i>.<br />
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As we were walking back up Yafo, trying to get our over-warm but well-fed and watered grandchildren back to the bus for home, I sent the family ahead, and stopped into the shop of my old friend <a href="http://rutimizrachi.blogspot.com/2013/05/holy-soles-sushi-soldiers-and-smiles.html" target="_blank">Menashe</a> to see if he could repair my excellent bag that has served me well all over Israel.</div>
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No purse works as well as this inelegant little pack. But the top zipper had finally developed a rip. Small wonder: I stuff the world into this pack. I figured if the price was right, I'd just dump my possessions into a plastic bag and leave my pack for repair to pick up later in the week. Menashe examined it carefully. Then, he jumped up, insisting that I follow him. We crossed the street and entered a shop with an assortment of Iranians working behind the counter: a fellow in his sixties behind the sewing machine; next to him, a woman who looked suspiciously like Menashe (and turned out to be his sister); a very elderly "grand dame" sitting behind her cane, her red hair covered with a fine flowered shawl. Near her was another slightly younger woman. All of them, Menashe's family, by blood or by marriage.</div>
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In rapid-fire Farsi, Menashe explained what needed to be done, hugged and chatted with a friend at the door, and bade me farewell. In minutes and for ten shekels, my pack was repaired. "Thank you so very much, a thousand times thanks, Sir, and blessings to you and your family!" I said. It sounds better in Hebrew. He smiled, I think pleased that stopping his previous task abruptly hadn't been taken for granted. But business with Iranians is never quite done... </div>
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"I have a lovely blouse, just perfect for you," said Menashe's sister. "Ah, lovely. How much is it?" I was a little concerned, in case I would have to decline. "For you -- fifty shekels." Joyful that it was within my means, I accepted the blouse as if it had just been designed for me on the spot. We made the transaction, following which she mentioned that she had the perfect skirt...</div>
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"No, thank you. This is all that I can manage today -- but it is quite lovely."</div>
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I thanked them again, and the man behind the sewing machine insisted that if I would ever need work done in the future, I would come to him. Of course! Are you kidding? I'm practically a family friend now.</div>
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I only found out how fine my blouse was when I got it home and took it out of the package. Cut like what I was wearing today, but of such a soft fabric, with a very nice pattern... It really did feel as if my wily saleslady knew her customer well.</div>
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The kids survived the heat and allowed us to get photos of them at the Kotel as presents for their mother and the grandparents in the Old Country. And I had some experiences that reminded me of the subtle joys of living in an incredibly diverse family, in a small country, where getting along matters so very much.</div>
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I wonder if the little threads of kindnesses today will help to repair the spiritual fabric in time to bring better days? May it be so.</div>
rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-66082264374564538642015-08-08T22:26:00.000+03:002015-08-09T08:35:20.632+03:00Heating Up to BoilingYom rishon, 24 Av 5775.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYA16Bdx1B1IqZ1-CuXV7bGdjH-5anHnmyAajODMgLdsNaQOaP02ceAiahNfyqi16TZzBjLUnyCPrXIhV8lcsmcmwAonYa8yWgi-ka3BU2EHcgOFD2ePvexD0eP8P0SJt9rkwI4vxy48/s1600/800px-Boiling_water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYA16Bdx1B1IqZ1-CuXV7bGdjH-5anHnmyAajODMgLdsNaQOaP02ceAiahNfyqi16TZzBjLUnyCPrXIhV8lcsmcmwAonYa8yWgi-ka3BU2EHcgOFD2ePvexD0eP8P0SJt9rkwI4vxy48/s320/800px-Boiling_water.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.8800001144409px; line-height: 20.6079998016357px; text-align: start;"><i><a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Boiling_water.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>, the free media repository</i></span></td></tr>
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Ever take the time to watch a pot of water come to a rolling boil? It starts with tiny bubbles at the bottom of the pot, followed by steam rising from the increasingly noisy and active water, until at last the bubbles are climbing over each other violently. If the pot is quite full, the dangerously hot water can boil over. If you are too close, the burns can be devastating.<br />
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The news is daily filled with greater tension and uncertainty, not just for Jews in Israel, but for Jews around the world; and non-Jews are in just as much danger, whether they feel affected by it or not. Some "near the top of the pot" may not yet realize how hot it's getting, but those of us nearest the burner are already feeling extreme heat.<br />
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The higher than usual atmospheric temperatures have surely not helped the rising tensions.<br />
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The horrific incident of a religiously-dressed Jew murdering a Jewish girl at a Gay Pride parade in Jerusalem, in some mistaken belief that he was fulfilling God's desires, scares me to my core. And if this <i>was</i> God's desire -- which I absolutely do not accept -- I would be even more frightened. Whatever God wants from us in this situation, <i><b>b'zman hazeh</b></i>, my teaching by excellent and holy rabbis did not lead me to believe that killing a Jew would solve the problem. I prefer the solution of a rabbi in one Hareidi community in Israel who, when asked what should be our response to the first Erev Shabbat Gay Pride parade ever, said, "Stay home and make Shabbat. That is the best protest."<br />
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As if this is not enough, we are surely on the brink of another war with the Arabs, this time, inside our borders. I firmly believe that the suspected "Price Tag" attack that resulted in the death of an 18-month-old Arab and his father from a firebomb attack on their home will prove to have been perpetrated by a rival Arab family. But in the meantime, far too many on both sides of the argument assume that this heinous crime was committed by Jews. I don't know how the laws governing the media work here in Israel. But I know in America you're not supposed to publish headlines without "alleged" or "suspected" until the perpetrator is convicted. We are sometimes our own worst enemies.<br />
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Speaking of enemies... How's the whole embracing Iran thing going for ya? I have stayed fairly quiet on this subject, as there are many people more coherent and knowledgeable than I saying much. I will let my beloved Rabbi Menachem Goldberger from the Baltimore synagogue <a href="http://www.tiferesyisroel.org/" target="_blank">Congregation Tiferes Yisroel</a> speak for me, in a letter he wrote to his Baltimore congregation. Thank you, Rabbi, for your strong words. May many more in our former home country speak out as you have done. <i>In time.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Rabbi Goldberger, before we aged him beyond his years.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Dear Kehilla HaKedosha, </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Erev Shabbos Parshas Ekev 5775 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">B"H</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York, the No. 3 Senate Democrat, announced that he will vote against the Iran Nuclear deal. I encourage you to read his statement which is thoughtful, and very thorough. It's available on line at Yeshiva World News as well as on other sites. Representative Eliot Engel of New York, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee announced he will vote against the deal as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to congratulate these men on their brave and courageous stance, under tremendous political pressure from the White House, for voting their conscience and expressing clearly the danger to the world of a wealthy, nuclear Iran, which this treaty would allow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">President Obama, in his speech at American University a few days ago, reached a new low in comparing the "hard liners" in Iran with the Republicans and stating that they found common cause with each other. I guess that President Obama forgot overnight that he is the one who just snuggled up to the Iranian hard liners and made a deal with them, that the hard liners are not a fringe group but rather the government of Iran lead by their supreme leader, and that <b><i>he</i></b> found common cause with <b><i>them</i></b>. I guess he forgot that the people of Iran who tried to overthrow this wicked regime in 2009 were left to themselves as he sat on the sidelines and gave them no US support. President Obama found no common cause with them. When he speaks I feel like I'm reading "1984" by George Orwell. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">May Hashem Yisborach, our true help and strength, have compassion on his precious nation Klal Yisroel and watch over us. May He guide us on the right path and help us to overcome our enemies.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Good Shabbos, Shalom al Yisroel,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Rabbi Menachem Goldberger </span></div>
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May this particular pot be calmed, somehow, before it boils over and burns everything around it beyond saving. And may Hashem at last decide that it is time for Mashiach, whether we deserve it or not.</div>
rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-280329973266335152015-07-22T18:21:00.000+03:002015-07-26T14:58:08.742+03:00Building-Blocks Made of KindnessYom revi'i, 7 Av 5775.<br />
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This Tisha b'Av, it will be ten years since Gush Katif. I still remember the spiritual-high hopefulness followed by the excruciating, sucking-chest-wound pain when we heard that the Jewish communities of Gush Katif would not get a stay of execution after all. It took the breath out of us -- and we didn't even live in Israel yet.<br />
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One of the many, many reasons I as an Israeli love my former kehilla back in the Old Country is that they, lead by their Rav and Rebbetzin Menachem and Bracha Goldberger, have never given up on Israel, on the dream for as many of us as possible to make aliyah, and on supporting us emotionally and spiritually here at HOME. Now they are doing what they can (as they have many times in the past) to help out financially as well.<br />
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Thank you, Holy Kehilla. Thank you, dear Rabbi and Rebbetzin. In the merit of these kindnesses, may this at last be the year of the Geula shelaima.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">Dear Kehilla Hakedosha,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">This Tisha B’Av marks the 10<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the expulsion from Gush Katif. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">For years, the residents of Gush Katif were known for their generosity to the poor of Israel and their extraordinary productivity. A self-contained bloc of settlements, they were responsible for 15% of the entire country’s agricultural exports. Fully 97% were employed. The day after the expulsion 85% were instantaneously unemployed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">Sadly, while there was a plan for removing them from their homes, there was no plan for the day after. Overnight, these productive individuals had no jobs and no businesses. Depression, trauma and other emotional, psychological and even health issues ensued.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">JobKatif was founded by Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon to help the evacuees become independent, self-supporting individuals once again. To date, JobKatif has helped 2,650 people re-enter the work force.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">A worldwide <em>Achdut</em> campaign is now underway to assist many of the remaining unemployed Gush Katif evacuees re-enter the work force. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">While we cannot solve the injustice that was committed to these people, nor right the wrongs of the past, we can unite together during the Three Weeks.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">How?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;"><em>Our shul, along with many others, is trying to take responsibility for just one Gush Katif evacuee. By doing so we can help repair one of the most the painful chapters in modern Jewish history. </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">A total of $2,200 will help ensure that a single Gush Katif evacuee currently unemployed can once again enjoy independence, self-pride and dignity. There remain 330 who still need our help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">This is an historic moment for Klal Yisrael. Before Tisha B'Av, when we petition Hashem for <em>rachamim</em> for ourselves in the face of imminent danger to Israel's existence, it is imperative that we demonstrate our care and concern for each person from Gush Katif. We cannot be callous to their pain any longer. Let us pray that the dignity we pledge to accord them will be a <em>zechut</em> for us all in these perilous times. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">Please take a few moments to listen to <a href="https://youtu.be/wE7mmypD9Js" target="_blank">Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida sans unicode', 'lucida grande', sans-serif;">We would appreciate whatever you can to do help. You can send your donation with "Job Katif" in the memo line to Shomrei Emunah Israel Fund, 6221 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209. Mention that the donation came from <a href="http://www.tiferesyisroel.org/" target="_blank">Congregation Tiferes Yisroel</a>.</span></span></div>
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If you will be traveling in America for some reason and need a warm and welcoming kehilla in Baltimore, may I recommend <a href="http://www.tiferesyisroel.org/" target="_blank">Congregation Tiferes Yisroel</a>? The Rabbi and Rebbetzin and the entire kehilla never heard of judging a Jew by his or her head covering, or lack thereof. They understand better than any people I know the sentiments expressed by Rabbi Refael Rubin of Netanya. (This brief video is well worth the less than five minutes of your time. Let me know what you think -- and feel free to share!)<br />
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And what are we capable of building with our building-blocks of kindness? May we finally get our act together so that we can share joyful news of the Complete and Total Redemption, speedily and in our days!</div>
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rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2873285922620200649.post-34992588657851574592015-06-02T10:53:00.000+03:002015-06-02T20:35:24.584+03:00"Where everybody knows your name" #5: La Boca!Yom shlishi, 15 Sivan 5775, 30th wedding anniversary to the Dearly Beloved!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHsFEkqXfAgUDme4Eym1yKoeJYN9cH0soN_MbMUYdRlZpPtUlOu_UnvYF_pqAUUGftQGSa3SLefMGHUAugkx9F2T-kOQBHLa-tNBTtYI2zfjoJDzOyxU2SSejbRJOA6AETUkp5-naEGs/s1600/2015-05-17+15.33.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHsFEkqXfAgUDme4Eym1yKoeJYN9cH0soN_MbMUYdRlZpPtUlOu_UnvYF_pqAUUGftQGSa3SLefMGHUAugkx9F2T-kOQBHLa-tNBTtYI2zfjoJDzOyxU2SSejbRJOA6AETUkp5-naEGs/s320/2015-05-17+15.33.53.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.eluna.com/rest/LaBoca.asp?mumu=533&name=La+Boca" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;">8 Shlomzion Hamalka 02-5635577</span></a></i></td></tr>
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Regular readers of this blog know that it's not enough for the food to be good -- though that is certainly a factor in making the WEKYN column. At least as important as good food and decent prices is amazing service. All of the above are available at this wonderful restaurant in the South American style.<br />
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After he got out of the army, Guy Kimhi did what most Israeli youth do: he traveled to another country before planning to settle down. Guy's choice was to follow family roots going back generations, and explore South America. He was fascinated with the food; and to make a long story short, he brought back recipes and skills, and opened his own restaurant. When Guy begins to speak about the subject, it is clear that he is still in love with South American food and culture, and strives to present both as beautifully as possible.<br />
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The Dearly Beloved and I have been frequenting La Boca for some time, always happy with the delicious and subtle dance of flavors, the generous portions, and the over-the-top excellent service. Indeed, even though we are not big spenders, Guy treats us as if we are. I am certain that our first meeting with a pair of our <i>mechutanim</i> was successful in large part due to Guy's and his wait staff's courteous treatment of us and our guests.<br />
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La Boca recently moved from its old home on Emek Refaim to a new location on Shlomzion Hamalka in downtown Jerusalem. It is an easy walk from the light rail, in an increasingly interesting neighborhood (as more and more fine dining establishments make it their home).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_v6wkpes_r7sz7cT3I01MaRISm7IUKYkiz4peHEEzw-32IwlvqdkdkUGPZvZ3f4-mmTWmQZEUkakmqt69jo_GjxJp4rpPvzirQAiEIF4PoZJr3NqI1jSjKLxTgUeFW2jVMeBtQ98zfs/s1600/2015-05-17+13.46.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_v6wkpes_r7sz7cT3I01MaRISm7IUKYkiz4peHEEzw-32IwlvqdkdkUGPZvZ3f4-mmTWmQZEUkakmqt69jo_GjxJp4rpPvzirQAiEIF4PoZJr3NqI1jSjKLxTgUeFW2jVMeBtQ98zfs/s320/2015-05-17+13.46.58.jpg" width="245" /></a><br />
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We always enjoy the business lunch, which includes <i>tapas</i> (small and very tasty salads) and bread, an appetizer and a main dish. The delicious food is always beautifully plated, truly works of art as well as a symphony for the tastebuds!<br />
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I tend toward the spicy and pickled flavors, and the Dearly Beloved enjoys interesting mixtures of milder flavors. There is always something for both of us in the choice of tapas salads, meant for dipping, but quite tasty even if you're avoiding bread.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0eBk6UZHYjCdkO3lGG44xKnTN-wlx3Ihp41vBROEayoIzf2f-lTsnKYVxi0U76gmTwM2VCRxuJQSOdK7Gj6mIwi2dVyplhU77SaXFZYEN7t-Gi69mK_1sf6fTaEgLjTYfvxCqCN2v44/s1600/2015-05-17+14.01.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0eBk6UZHYjCdkO3lGG44xKnTN-wlx3Ihp41vBROEayoIzf2f-lTsnKYVxi0U76gmTwM2VCRxuJQSOdK7Gj6mIwi2dVyplhU77SaXFZYEN7t-Gi69mK_1sf6fTaEgLjTYfvxCqCN2v44/s320/2015-05-17+14.01.09.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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I tried something different recently, the Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio. It was delicate and interesting, really delicious.<br />
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The Dearly Beloved preferred to stick with our favorite, the Chicken Enchilada, stuffed with chicken and vegetables, and served in an elegant deep-fried wrap. The peanut topping and salad of market-fresh lettuces and sprouts make this a meal by itself -- and this is only an appetizer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37JBPuBVgpVEV-DprSIxjRmMzTigjWDPle-PJ_G6DtrvArbh_ijRXx1NuKNIjE6xyOgzpG-ByfLzkHRP2U3KgK3PvhqeC6O63fNxiZ_ytc19YI22tJhuGfU80pIltDHDLl0isVKy5xXE/s1600/2015-05-17+14.01.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg37JBPuBVgpVEV-DprSIxjRmMzTigjWDPle-PJ_G6DtrvArbh_ijRXx1NuKNIjE6xyOgzpG-ByfLzkHRP2U3KgK3PvhqeC6O63fNxiZ_ytc19YI22tJhuGfU80pIltDHDLl0isVKy5xXE/s320/2015-05-17+14.01.17.jpg" width="260" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPW4Lm6TjWUeMwfHeg7xwZqNZ0pG7ZxePU0nTGWT-1GmzrMeUgUwgUWFkxUXWsi1knRGwVtuhvvXwsITtmqS3XthQV15JWYZEZQepmVV9pbB0Ezlimz9R93elkuAUQ63sPPOOuEWa5XY/s1600/2015-05-17+14.30.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPW4Lm6TjWUeMwfHeg7xwZqNZ0pG7ZxePU0nTGWT-1GmzrMeUgUwgUWFkxUXWsi1knRGwVtuhvvXwsITtmqS3XthQV15JWYZEZQepmVV9pbB0Ezlimz9R93elkuAUQ63sPPOOuEWa5XY/s320/2015-05-17+14.30.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Our main-dish choices were also very satisfying and beautiful. The Dearly Beloved, again sticking to our usual tradition, chose the Spring Chicken prepared with coconut milk and Brazilian salsa. He often substitutes the mashed potatoes with his favorite roasted potatoes, but found that he also enjoyed the mashed potatoes, as they were clearly fresh and full-flavored, with a lovely texture. Always eager to make his guests comfortable, Guy never seems troubled by such substitutions. The accompanying roasted vegetables are always different, interesting and delicious.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp_NTSoDEvRYoovbUKKIU7H6hEXbYLsLE1Tprzs-rcimC3D6C9QV2JzsBt6yuBxG7Ll-hckTmfHDViOR5ytEDvutlue3aMDKomlr3b8JeV9yddwfajnZDEJS6bka-iCwJyfA6pAuh3rs/s1600/2015-05-17+14.30.50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp_NTSoDEvRYoovbUKKIU7H6hEXbYLsLE1Tprzs-rcimC3D6C9QV2JzsBt6yuBxG7Ll-hckTmfHDViOR5ytEDvutlue3aMDKomlr3b8JeV9yddwfajnZDEJS6bka-iCwJyfA6pAuh3rs/s320/2015-05-17+14.30.50.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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I decided to try the Fajita La Boca. I usually avoid bread; but this time I enjoyed the wraps. (You have to splurge once in a while!) They were delicate and soft, yet strong enough to hold the tasty and sophisticated filling of tender chicken and sauteed vegetables seasoned with coriander. The pesto and chunky tehina were perfect accompaniments.<br />
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There are so many choices at La Boca to satisfy every palate! From steak to at least a couple of choices for <a href="http://www.eluna.com/rest/LaBoca.asp?mumu=533&name=La+Boca#veggie" target="_blank">vegetarians</a>, it is possible to satisfy a variety of preferences. There is also a well-stocked bar and wine list -- and while we almost never have room for dessert, there are a number of varied choices to satisfy the sweet-tooth as well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJuD7MzlaSY1FYJPJmuKSIqDaHugof4ioc42-HQ0uUW34CW4eNHbVhiSC6ceN8LSK3PTFxR92u72vnRBj1-hYoAy6fhfejLuOlbfFWMEfMX77HLT5OZOYl5LssULssriBcGWn68553gY/s1600/2015-05-17+15.34.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJuD7MzlaSY1FYJPJmuKSIqDaHugof4ioc42-HQ0uUW34CW4eNHbVhiSC6ceN8LSK3PTFxR92u72vnRBj1-hYoAy6fhfejLuOlbfFWMEfMX77HLT5OZOYl5LssULssriBcGWn68553gY/s320/2015-05-17+15.34.20.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
The new location at Shlomzion Hamalka 8 is on the ground floor (as opposed to the former location, up a long flight of stairs), so is wheelchair-accessible. The kashrut is Rabbanut Yerushalayim.<br />
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There is a room upstairs for parties of up to 120 guests.<br />
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La Boca is the place, in our opinion, to celebrate a joyful occasion, whether your celebrants include a large party or only a couple.<br />
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In fact, we'll be going later today to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary -- and we can't imagine a better place to spend such an important event!<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">"Sometimes you want to go</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Where everybody knows your name,</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">And they're always glad you came..." </i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">-- from the "Cheers" theme, by Judy Hart Angelo and Gary Portnoy</i> </div>
rutimizrachihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06809119908148195009noreply@blogger.com0