One season reminds us of another, does it not? As the temperature soared in June, memories, albeit bitter ones, gently floated into our subconscious as a nation. One year ago we lost three precious souls to inhumane terrorists, three teen-aged boys on the way home for shabbat, gunned down in the automobile of the captors that had offered them a ride. What started out as a weekend like any other became a national nightmare and embroiled the country in a summer of misery, as rockets rained down on neighborhoods south and center. As I recall the events of last summer I often refer to the time period as "that which made us Israeli." Running for shelter at the terrifying sound of a siren is not for the faint of heart. It is for the strong, for Am Yisrael, the people of Israel. We cling to life and we cling to hope. And we survive.
A summer bar mitzvah has occupied my thoughts and my time. The remarkable event came and went leaving sweet emotions to fill my summer days. In June we had already seen the rise of the mercury to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. But so far no rocket fire prevents us from frequenting pools and dreamy Mediterranean beaches. With ISIS dueling with Hamas on a doorstep called Gaza, a familiar uncertainty fills the air. But this time we are not unlike other nations of the world, for uncertainty abounds these days. At least here in Israel we are prepared for battle; it causes us to remain in a constant state of alert. Even Israelis travelling abroad have no respite from these concerns. While on a recent trip to Europe, we emerged from a peaceful shabbat only to discover that rockets had fallen on our country where our loved ones remained during our holiday away. Yet we knew that all was fine and would be fine. That's not denial exactly, it's just how we roll.
Will the winds of war blow our way again? Eventually, no doubt. But for now the dusty desert days are filled with sweet slurpee drinks, swimming pool splashing and cool chardonnay with our light dinner fare. As in any home across the world, children play board games to pass the long summer days and play Wii under cool blasting air. Milkshakes and smoothies fill our brand new blender and after that our stomachs. Life is good. We are grateful.
Tomorrow are pediatrician and orthodontic appointments, and cupcakes must be brought to camp for a party. Friends from the old country surprised us and will be joining us for dinner. Ahhhh summer.
I'll take a routine hot summer anytime.
A summer bar mitzvah has occupied my thoughts and my time. The remarkable event came and went leaving sweet emotions to fill my summer days. In June we had already seen the rise of the mercury to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. But so far no rocket fire prevents us from frequenting pools and dreamy Mediterranean beaches. With ISIS dueling with Hamas on a doorstep called Gaza, a familiar uncertainty fills the air. But this time we are not unlike other nations of the world, for uncertainty abounds these days. At least here in Israel we are prepared for battle; it causes us to remain in a constant state of alert. Even Israelis travelling abroad have no respite from these concerns. While on a recent trip to Europe, we emerged from a peaceful shabbat only to discover that rockets had fallen on our country where our loved ones remained during our holiday away. Yet we knew that all was fine and would be fine. That's not denial exactly, it's just how we roll.
Will the winds of war blow our way again? Eventually, no doubt. But for now the dusty desert days are filled with sweet slurpee drinks, swimming pool splashing and cool chardonnay with our light dinner fare. As in any home across the world, children play board games to pass the long summer days and play Wii under cool blasting air. Milkshakes and smoothies fill our brand new blender and after that our stomachs. Life is good. We are grateful.
Tomorrow are pediatrician and orthodontic appointments, and cupcakes must be brought to camp for a party. Friends from the old country surprised us and will be joining us for dinner. Ahhhh summer.
I'll take a routine hot summer anytime.
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