Hashgacha Pratit

Hashem has plans for all of us, he's always taking care of us and running things. At times it's really hard to truly internalize that we're not in charge, Hashem is.

I just had a wonderful example of it. A little over a year ago I heard of a job in Shilo and I jumped at the opportunity to work near home, 10 minute commute instead of 2 hours. I applied and got the job. And being near home and in this job was good in many ways; My daughters each gave birth this year and I was near and easily able to be with them, I got to know different people in Shilo outside of my usual circle, and I enjoyed working with many of my coworkers. But it wasn't the ideal job, to put it mildly, for various reasons.                          
Among other things, the salary was ridiculously low and the job often extremely stressful. Just when I was reaching the point of deciding it was time to start looking for something else, I got a call from a job agency asking if I was looking, so I asked for details, went for an interview, and have just started working in a great non-profit organization, better salary for less hours, working for a very interesting and inspiring man.

And the kicker is the job agency that called me was calling on the basis of a CV I'd sent them 4 years ago.  They called out of the blue with a job that seems great for me in an organization whose goals I can identify with and am glad to be working for.

Thank you Hashem.

Take your mind off its leash and let it play!

Was looking at a conversation thread on a friend's fb wall and was quite surprised at where it lead to in my mind. It's fun to let your mind loose to play!  At the moment mine's still on the loose, jumping from stone to stone...

New Beginnings

Long time since I've written. Just gave notice to my boss and about to start new job in a couple weeks. Exciting and scary...

My present job has been extremely draining. Hoping to  reclaim my life! B"H it'll be good. More money for less hours, and an end to angry phone calls and threats.  Wish me luck!

Hoping new job will usher in other changes and new beginnings, working on it...

Aside from work, life has been good. Two happily married daughters, two beautiful healthy grandchildren - what more could one ask for? Bli ayin hara.

Ahavat Chinam Should be Our Goal

It is sad and difficult to see the news these days. It seems that many wish to drive a wedge between the various sectors of society rather than to bring them together. Israelis need to learn to treat each other with respect, even when they don't agree with each other, not to be afraid of differences.  Only love can unite us. Nobody ever drew closer to another or influenced them though hatred. When will we learn? What price will we pay for our intolerance/hatred until we learn?  Wake up!

Chanuka on the beach

Thinking of past Chanukas, I think the most intersting place I ever lit Chanuka candles was in  a tent on a beach at the Dead Sea on a rainy windy night. I was camping with my 2 young daughters and we had 2 tents, but it turned out only the smaller was windproof enough for lighting candles -so we lit in the small tent and sat there playing games while the candles burned.  We were there 2 nights and on the 2nd night a friend showed up, with some friends, on the way to Masada.  In the end he stayed with us and hiked Ein Gedi with us the next day - so the 2nd night we were 2 adults and 2 kids in the little pup tent for the duration of the candles.  A fun evening, the girls enjoyed having a captive audience with whom to play games.

Sundays in Israel

Sunday is a regular workday in Israel.  This is hard for many olim, vastly curtailing the opportunity for leisure and family  activities, especially for those of us who are religious who use Friday to prepare for Shabbat and cannot engage in secular activities on Shabbat.  For years the idea has been bandied about that Sunday should become part of the weekend.  Lately it seems to be spreading - it has even been discussed in Knesset.

It would be wonderful to have Sunday off and I think it would benefit Israel in many ways. Many people would have time to unwind and meet with family and friends more frequently.  This could lead to less tension, more relaxed people.  It would also give people more time to engage in hobbies and cultural activities, a break from the daily grind, possibly even broadening people's horizons.

The working poor

The financial situation is very frustrating. I keep seeing reports saying how strong the economy is, how unemployment is falling, talking abut Israel's strong economy and how it will continue to grow and improve. Today I saw another article quoting an Israeli politician, this time Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz, praising the economy and pointing out how unemployment is falling.
But looking around me it seems very hard to believe.  Yes, people are working. But are those working people making ends meet?  What isn't mentioned is that salaries in available jobs are very low and  costs are constantly rising.  I for one was earning 40% more a few years ago.  Many people I know who work full time still have trouble paying their bills.  It just doesn't seem right that a person who works full time can't make ends meet.

What a day

First I got to play human pin cushion (see today's post re rabies) and then I got to sit in my own home visiting with my ex and his brother.
When I got home this evening my daughter (staying with me these last few weeks because she's on shmirat herayon) told me her father and uncle were coming to visit tonight. I went to the pool and came back (dripping wet) to find them here, and joined them after changing. It was actually a pleasant visit, but rather surrealistic...