For some statistics on Israel's population today see:
here.
David and I drove down to Mitzpe Ramon to celebrate Independence Day with our children and grandchildren there. The super-rainy winter left the desert greener than usual and we took full advantage of the phenomenon. Here's what the roadside looked like.
We arrived in Mitzpe Ramon just in time for the ceremony marking the transition from Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron - see below) to Yom Haatzmaut (Independence Day). It was nicely done beginning with words by the Rav Tzvi Kostiner of Midbara Kaeden Yeshiva. Tehilim were read and there was a presentation about bereaved families and fallen soldiers. After the flag was raised to full mast we had presentations by the local music ensemble and the kindergarten children danced for us with flags and balloons. Then we sang Hatikva and went inside for a festive evening prayer. This year there were two separate venues for the ma'ariv, one at the Yeshiva and one in the community synagogue in the local elementary school. I am overwhelmed by the realization that I live in a time and place where we are thanking Hashem for a miracle that we are witnessing. I find it hard to put into words.
Then, as with so many other Jewish holidays, went home to show our appreciation for the miracles that G-d sends us by eating!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, busy family members were setting up the traditional Bar-B-Q without which no Yom Haatzmaut is complete. We were joined by many friends and neighbors of my children including families who had once lived in Mitzpe and returned to visit. Everyone was in a good mood although I don't know where the kids get all their energy.
David and I still had one more stop we wanted to make on our celebratory itinerary. We wanted to see the new site of the Atzmona (the pre-army Torah learning and training program for religious boys which was uprooted from Gush Katif) community where one of our sons teaches and plans to live. So off to the western Negev we went.
And then we went to have coffee before the drive home and say hello to the rest of our grandchildren in the temporary housing of this community in Yated.
Happy, tired and feeling really blessed we returned home to Rehovot.
What a week!
2 comments:
I really like the first picture with the 'Dessert blooms' the Israeli flag out of napkins, so clever, then singing national anthem with the littlies. Wonderful.
Your day out at the farm also looks like a great day together.
Building a sound foundation of memories.
Lovely post, miss you! you'd think we're so far away...
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