This blog has moved

I can now be found at Blogsome.
So far it seems like an easierand more flexible program.

Come visit!!!! I'll be taking a few of my better posts with me.

A very special Family

Since we moved here we have been adopted by a wonderful family. They have three children who are as special as they are. Since we have known them, they have donated things to the absorption center, helped a family going through a conversion process, and they both work more than full time.

With the disengagement "situation", this family has impressed me even more...

• The daughter organized a gathering on Ben Yehuda street (downtown Jerusalem) for three days that is going under the title "Even if you support the disengagement, it still is painful." (Excuse my poor translation) They handed out flyers and sang songs together. It looks like it will be a continuting gathering.
• Their son has been down in Atzmona (one of the settlements) taking down the greenhouses so that they can be re-assembled in their new location. There are over 200 youth working down there to help get these greenhouses assembled.
• The couple themselves spent last Tuesday night in Nitzan helping the people who have been moved from their homes, to clean and get organized. This week I hope to join them in this task.

I wish more people would be like them...

On another note:

If you are in Israel, or know anyone who is, ask them what they are doing to help these people! There are at least four hotels in Jerusalem, a few at the Dead Sea, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva and many other places where these people are now located. It doesn't matter what you think of their politics, they are now homeless and need lots of help!

Mishaneh Makom Mishaneh Mazal*

Big changes are starting September 1. I have taken a new job at the Steven Spielberg Jewish Film Archive! My job is primarily cataloging films (in Hebrew & English). I've previously volunteered and worked there twice over the last 14 years. This time is for real. I'm excited about this opportunity to get back into my profession, even though it isn't an area that I am so interested in...I prefer computer work to cataloging.

The archive is located at Hebrew University, which is a bit of a schlep from home, but I hopefully will have a ride to work sometimes with another parent at Ariella's childcare. I also need to check into the possibility of other rides from the neighborhood.

My big girl is starting pre-K this year! Gan Hana will be her new school. I've heard very good things about it, but it isn't as close to home as her previous childcare. Also, the day only goes until 1PM, so I need to sign her up for "tzaharon" which is after care. This runs until 4 and isn't cheap (on Israeli salaries). Most of my money will be going to pay for the girl's childcare.

I hope this coming year will lead to more positive changes for us and Israel. I know I haven't written about what is happening in Gaza, and the Shomron, but I just want to say I am very heartened by the actions of my fellow Jerusalemites in regard to providing support for the people as they are moved to new locations. May they all find what they need to start a new home and a new life. Everyone knows how difficult it is to move when you make the decision yourself, but imagine if the decision has been made by someone else!


*Literally change your location, change your luck.