Welcome back

So I'm back from the holy land! What a trip!!!! I literally could not have asked for better. It's strange to be back and literally into the full swing of things but hey such is life! I can't wait to go back...

Off the Derech

Having traveled to different parts of the Holy land for different Torah U'mada lectures, I finally enjoyed one! This last one took place in Ramat Beit Shemesh where we heard a number of speakers on the topic of Chinuch and the best ways to educate our children.

I kept hearing about the negativity that so many chidlren are exposed to in the frum education system. Some make it our alive and others are tainted for life and are known as those that have gone off the derech.

I wondered the entire time why this was so and unfortunately I was given a very strange answer. One that I knew about deep down. One of the speakers told me that so many individuals are so scared to go out into the real world that they want to find jobs only within the Torah world. So eventhough they might be bad educators they are the ones with these jobs, because there is nothing better for them to do.

It pains me so much that this is what the Jewish people have come to. What are we doing to our children? What message are we sending them? We should be sending messages of love for Torah not 'last resort'!! I hope that I will have the ability to save my children from these evil educators and hopefully raise them with love and tolerance.

Catch up...

So I've discovered I have many readers...amazing how things get sent around...

So I'm here in the holy city of Yerushalayim. I decided to blog in my spare few minutes to possibly convey my excitement. Just being in the land and experiencing the holiness that fills every nook and crany.

One might be put off by the harshness of Israeli society but at the end of the day it's the pnemius what counts. Where else do we see bus drivers waiting for people to get on or off or little old ladies who you've never met and probably will never see again, giving you brochos that you should find your zivug speedily.

Every time an Israeli asks me if I'm moving to Israel, tears well up in my eyes knowing that probably the only thing holding me back is the lack of a husband. You might argue that he could be here...This is true but at the same token a)I don't know that and b)If he's possibly interested in learning for the rest of his life, well I better start working towards making a parnassah available in order to make it possible.

I've spoken with most of my rabbonim ganing as much chizuk as I can, attempting at gaining insight to my life and how to make myself a better and stronger eved Hashem.

I had the opportunity over Purim to see the Gadol Hador Rav Elyashiv. Only in Israel do you have such an opportunity! I spent today at Kever Rachel. I hadn't been there in at least 6 or 7 years -- definitely well before the intifada when I spent two amazing years learning here. Tomorrow a special trip to Chevron...

I truly wish I could stay here forever. I feel so at home, everything feels so right. I wish I could tell the future...but hey don't we all wish that!

I'll be sure to write more when I get back!

With regards from Yerushalyim...

Shabbos

Shabbos this week was an incredible experience. Aside from the biting cold, distasteful 'drasha' and a guy who basically told me he stalks me, it was so inspiring.

I spend Friday night with some friends at a Rosh Yeshiva's home. He could't stop spewing stories. Each one only showed the greatness of Hashem. Each one spoke to me, telling me that there is SO much good in the world, if only we would look for it. It also taught me how things always work out exactly the way they are supposed to.

I cried during davening on Shabbos morning. I was thinking about my upcoming trip and the feelings that I will have once I'm there.

It really was just amazing and am only looking forward to this coming shabbos at the homes of more of the great spiritual leaders that I live nearby.

I hope that when I move next year, I will be able to maintain these close connections which I cherish so much.