An Instant In An Eternity

This time of year tends to get almost out of control busy. As soon as we pack up our Passover supplies we run right into the time of year known as YomHaShoah-YomHaZicharon-YomHaAtzmaut-LagB'Omer-Shavuot. It's all one HUGE breath that flies by faster than you can imagine. Then add into that things like school and birthdays and this year, a Bar Mitzvah, and it becomes a blur of color and sound. I meant to sit down and write parts of this weeks ago. I'm finally taking a moment or two as the wind howls outside and the rain batters the house. It feels like we are approaching Halloween or Thanksgiving, except those aren't celebrated here and it's almost May. A while back I watched a short video about an amazing community oriented singing experience called Koolulam . It's a one year old initiative that has taken on a life of its own. The name comes from a blend of "cool", "kol" the Hebrew word for voice, "kulum" which means everyone i...

Not to set my standards too high with two posts in one day...don't get used to it. Tonight begins Israel's Independence Day (יום העצמאות)*. As I am writing this I am watching the ceremony at Mt. Herzl and also listening to the music of the crazy street party two blocks away, as if I were there! The ceremony is remarkable and moving: 14 individuals are selected nationally to honor the State by sharing their personal story and contribution to the advancement of the country as the 12 torches are lit. This year the theme is focused on the advancement of education and culture for future generations. The representatives are an impressive cross-selection of the country - from all parts of the country, old, young, immigrants and native born Israelis. Additionally there are musical performances by kids, famous performers, dance groups, and the Army performance troupes. It has a strange football halftime show quality to it crossed with a military parade. ( Good story here ) Buildin...