This post is in honor of old friends about to make aliyah, and those who recently arrived Home: Joani and Avrum, Miri and Adina, Moshe Shaul (and his parents), Karen and Shlomo, Yael and Yosef, and all those who are on their way. Josh and Chana, we miss you. Come Home soon.
We were not sure how we would "make it" financially in Israel.
Our kids were not so sure they would find friends, or if they would figure out how to define themselves outside of the social safety and familiarity of their hometown in Baltimore.
Frankly, none of us knew what we were going to be when we grew up, because moving to a new country completely changed the playing field for each and every one of us.
We have chosen to live simply. That has helped with the finances. But self-definition is a critical thing, if one is to look in the mirror at himself each day and say, "Hey, good lookin'. You ARE a success!"
Little did we know that G-d was going to give each of us the chance to be his most true self here in Israel.
I am writing, and besides raising crops of boys, it's all I've ever wanted to do. I play harmonica and percussion in a band with my husband, adding music each week to our home and our hearts. I'm hosting soldiers and yeshiva bochrim in my home for Shabbat, surrounded by their love of life, of each other, and of G-d and His Holy Nation.
Stunt Man is "chai b'seret," living in a movie. Whether jumping from planes or busking with his guitar in Ben Yehuda, he's living dreams he wouldn't have encountered in the same way in the Old Country. And if you've known him most of his life, you know that his self-definition is getting kick-started in this first exciting reel.
Yeshiva Bochur has gone through changes in self-discovery he never could have encountered anywhere else. So far, we like what we see, whether he's soldiering, arguing Torah with anyone who'll listen, or making music. He is seeing in himself and the friends around him the potential to really matter, to make a real impact in his generation.
Sports Guy and his father, aka "Coach," are experiencing dreams they never would have imagined in the US.
The following film was made at then end of the last football season by Zevie Tannenbaum, one of the talented young people in this country who appears to be following his dream of making really well-put-together movies. Look for #20, aka "Golden Shoes," to see Sports Guy among his friends and peers, his fellow gridiron warriors. I'm just as proud of the Dearly Beloved, as he gives his boys loving guidance, and heart-felt kudos at the end of the game.
Ravens vs. Predators ~ Toilet Bowl from ZT Film on Vimeo.
Enjoy the new football season, boys. Sweet dreams are made of this...
10 comments:
What a fabulous way to spend a few minutes reminiscing about last season with #27 - who surprised us and came home for Shabbat. Now we can get to the pep talk for this coming week's game.
Have explained that I'd rather pray that HaShem gets all Ravens through the game and home uninjured, but that means that the boys get enough points on the scoreboard that we don't have to beg The Holy One for explicit help for a victory.
Go Ravens!
Welcome Home to the newcomers!
I checked and there's plenty of space still available for those not yet here in The Holy Land. Come on Home!!!
The best gift you can give to this country is your children. And it's a gift to them too, because EVERYONE matters here and can make a difference. Tell Joan and Avrum I say hi. Things have been hectic as you know. Shabbat shalom.
This post gets a "thumbs up" !
Very nice post mama Ruti...
This one brought tears to my eyes. A successful klita is mostly about attitude. I learned that from you.
Susan: Number 27 was one of our stars -- and a great "extra kid" around here, too. Good football mom wisdom, there... and a nice reminder that our little country has plenty of room for more holy football players (and their parents).
Karen: Spot on!
ITV: Thank you!
Shakila: Thanks for dropping by, and for your sweet words.
Bat Aliyah: To hear that from you is the greatest compliment. You kept us inspired.
How funny that you know Joani and Avrum - but it does make so much sense... I'm hoping to meet them at the airport tomorrow - will I see you there?
I'd love to, Toby, but I'll be working. I'll see them very soon, though. You'll have to tell me how you know them. I love this teeny, tiny, cozy Jewish world.
Ema Ruti, Nice blog about some very special young men that I have had the pleasure to raise and coach. I am so very proud of all of them. Dovid is waiting for the weather to clear so he can jump from an airplane and earn his jump wings. Dani could be selected to play on the Israel National Tackle Football team. This team could be playing a college team from the US in May. And Aryeh continues to sing at the top of his lungs and protect us from the bad guys as he does his military service. Half the members on the Ravens Team in the video are in or will be in the miltary in the near future. I am proud of all of them. I am also very proud of you, Ruti, for your love and your encouragement.
Avi: <3
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