Just your average farm girl. Active in the Second Amendment Community, happy in my Church, love my "fur children" aka horses and dog and my "little feathered darlings aka chickens. Live with my husband, love of my life.
Yes indeed, it seems JPFO has added some new team members. From what I’m hearing the new team members are very excited and happy to be part of the “A” team. JPFO is a group that is strong, principled, tenacious and fearless!
I’ve heard the new team members are thrilled! To be working with JPFO, the team of writers and the members.
Lets wish them every success and help them spread the information that can help us and U.S. live in freedom, as G_d and our forefathers so clearly intended!
August 2nd 2014
Stokes-Begley and Alpert Join
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership
Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO) is pleased to announce that two long-time activists and supporters have now joined our staff.
Sheila Stokes-Begley, former president of the Western Missouri Shooters’ Alliance, has signed on as our new Public Relations Director. Bullet manufacturer Brad Alpert is our new Operations Director.
Sheila, a health-care professional, has been a gun-rights activist since 2003. She has written many articles and editorials. As Public Relations Director, she will interact with JPFO writers, serve as a spokesperson, and reach out to members and donors. We have been extremely impressed by her attitude, friendliness, tenacity, knowledge, and Second Amendment experience.
Sheila believes that G-d intended for people to live in freedom. She thinks that America is asleep because of a “normalcy bias” — the misguided belief that because nothing “really bad” has ever happened in America, nothing ever will. When she says, “Never Again,” she means never again for Jews, Christians, or any other vulnerable group of people.
Brad is the founder and owner of the Missouri Bullet Company and also one of the founders of the Western Missouri Shooters’ Alliance. He is an experienced op-ed writer who was once fired for defending the Second Amendment too passionately. He will work to build JPFO’s presence within the firearms industry, advise us on strategies, and (along with our advisor, Rabbi Dovid Bendory) help ensure JPFO’s legacy and future as an ardently Jewish pro-gun voice.
Brad’s love affair with the Second Amendment began when he was five and his father first allowed him to handle a .22 (and taught him the rules of gun safety). As a farm boy, he had plenty of opportunity to shoot. He was also a thinker and a reader, and it was reading that led directly to his lifelong activism.
When a crazed ex-Marine named Charles Whitman climbed a tower in Austin, Texas in 1966, and began killing people, a national periodical used the tragedy to issue a virulent call for “gun control.” This despite the fact that armed citizens had saved countless lives by joining police in stopping Whitman. The then-15 year-old Brad was outraged at the publication’s bigotry. The letter he wrote them was published and he realized he had a mission in life to correct wrongful information about firearms. He has since written and spoken about gun rights countless times, including making appearances at the annual Gun Rights Policy Conference.
His particular emphasis matches JPFO’s: to inform the world that “gun control” is a cynical attempt to control and subdue populations and to stress that guns in private hands can ultimately prevent future Holocausts.
Sheila and Brad have worked jointly on many pro-gun efforts. With their established track record they will make a great team for JPFO.
In addition, we say farewell and thank you to long-time associate Charles Heller, who lent his public relations and gun-rights expertise to our organization in the difficult transition period after the 2010 passing of our founder, Aaron Zelman.
Kerry Messer is a good and Godly man. He is the lobbyist for the Second Amendment rights groups in Missouri. He is very principled and will only lobby for conservative causes. Kerry has been an inspiration to me, and a bit of a mentor. His wife Lynn has been missing since July 8th. If they lived closer I would be there walking the woods looking too. Yes, even though there are probably snakes there. Various family health situations are preventing me from being there in person. But I do believe prayer is the most powerful thing I can do. So I will pray for this situation, Kerry and Lynn. And I can ask that you pray too.
Fair warning, there will be graphic pictures posted, and actual farm life will be discussed.
I was having a discussion the other day about an incident that happened at home Friday. I was on the way to the barn to do chores. I’m more happy about that than you can imagine. Since I was on the way to the barn it meant I had on cowgirl boots and had a revolver strapped on my hip. Since I almost stepped on two snakes last week on the way to the chicken house I’ve resumed doing chores fully dressed (as in armed, stop it). I was very glad of that when I stepped off the back step and had taken about 5 steps towards the barn. Some movement or something to my right caught my eye. I froze and looked over. A little black head was sticking up out of the grass, it’s forked tongue flicking in and out. My first concern of course was little Marlowe. 1) I don’t want him to go after the snake, I don’t know for sure what kind it is. 2) I don’t want him in my line of fire, because I AM going to shoot this thing. I shoot it, twice. I want to make sure, and it’s moving too much for comfort. I don’t want it to crawl under the back steps, die and stink. By the same token I don’t want it alive anywhere. After two shots I go get a hoe to cut it’s head off. To do this your hoe has to have an edge. Mine doesn’t, and mostly I beat the snake snot out of it. Grandma is probably looking down from Heaven and very ashamed of me. Sorry Grandma, I did the best I could with what I had, and well, it IS dead.
I was asked if I knew what kind of snake it was. My answer of “dead” did not seem to be what they were looking for. People have tried telling me the black snake is the farmer’s friend. Yeah, tell me that when my egg production is dropping off, I go to gather the eggs and find a big black snake coiled up in the laying boxes with an egg shaped lump in it. People, people! They are not eating the mice that run, they are eating the eggs that just lay there.
This little story ended up being told later. Now, what was interesting is we were discussing the terrorist attacks on Israel. My question had been on how to deal with them? 40,000 reserves have been called up, send in troops? Boots on the ground? The answer was no, it would be too expensive in terms of Israeli casualties. Ok, I accept that is a bad plan. What then? I get a well thought out answer, a very well thought out answer. Basically utilizing the Israeli Air Force you watch for any signs of terrorist activity. Vigilance. When they spot the start of terrorist activity, eliminate the threat. At once. Each and every time. Eventually the terrorists will be decreased, or will decide attacking Israel isn’t as much fun as they thought it would be.
I explain that is the black snake theory of terrorist management. The very long pause tells me perhaps more explanation is needed. If I find ANY predator around my chicken house, I WILL kill it. As my friend Deb says, everything wants to kill chickens. I asked her if it is because people keep saying everything tastes like chicken. Rattlesnake? Tastes like chicken. Rhino? Tastes like chicken. Wildebeest? Tastes like chicken. Squirrel? Tastes like Squirrel, I know better. If there are predators in the vicinity of my chicken house, I can be pretty sure they do not have my little feathered darlings best interests at heart, and I will eliminate the threat. That is my JOB. The animals have no choice where they ended up, I chose to have them. I believe I should be prepared to do that in the safest, surest most efficient way I can. I view black snakes as a sort of illegal immigrant. Liberals tell me they are just coming here for a better life, they do the jobs Americans won’t do. Right, just like the black snake is the farmer’s friend, they eat the eggs, and don’t chip in a penny on chicken feed and upset the girls. I lose all the way around.
This must just be my weekend for it. Saturday night I go to do chores, ponies are eating and I walk down to shut up the chickens. I walk in and stop dead in my tracks. There is a skunk in the chicken house. This is bad, very bad for a lot of reasons. One, I’m suppose to be leaving to go sit with my Aunt in hospice as soon as I get done. Getting sprayed is really going to put a crimp in that. Two, skunks will kill chickens, they rip their heads off. A little chicken armed only with it’s beak doesn’t stand much of a chance. Three, I’m armed only for snakes. A .22 with rat shot is not going to get this job done without some serious collateral damage. Probably to me. I need a different tool for this job. I fly to the house for back up. This is a job for a .20 ga shotgun. I jog back down hoping I’m in time. Skunk is still investigating, I don’t see any feathered bodies on the floor, good! Flashlight to left hand, should arms, fire, ratchet new shell in, fire. Yes, I do like to be very sure. I check, it’s dead. Quite dead. The girls are safe, but think a couple may need counseling, they were scared of the skunk. The next morning I scoop up the remains in a “predator body bag”, others may call them trash bags, and dispose of it.
Now, you ask, what does this have to do with “All the Worlds a Chicken House”? Stick with me.
One, I am more willing and prepared to defend my animals than some parents are their children. Don’t understand it, and feel sorry for the kids. I always knew both my parents loved me enough they would be prepared to defend me and probably live to tell about it.
Two, this came up during the discussion on terrorists infiltrating Israel. There is a video of terrorist attempting to enter Israel via sea. Doesn’t pan out well for them. It did pan out well for the Israeli citizens though. As opposed to what American citizens are fixin’ to face thanks to our President and do nothing Congress.
As Americans face a flood of illegal immigrants coming across the border this country is going to be “fundamentally changed” as promised by barry and voted for by liberals.
American taxpayers, not people living on governmental assistance, but taxpayers are shelling out $250-$1000 a DAY per bed for these children. They will get free housing, free school and free healthcare. Well, free to them, not free to taxpayers. No, I’m sure this won’t raise our taxes anymore than obamacare did. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/jul/10/obama-seeks-brisk-passage-of-border-children-fundi/
Border Patrol agents are asking why people are bothering to pay coyotes to smuggle the kids in, the US government, supported by our tax dollars is doing it for free. Border patrol catches the unaccompanied minors and then we pay to have them delivered to family in the US. We, the taxpayer will also be paying for their legal representation. http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2014/07/11/Border-Patrol-Agent-US-Govt-Completing-the-Smuggling-Cycle
Let’s just chat for a moment about those unaccompanied minor “children”. The processing center at Nogales AZ is being used as a recruitment center for the violent MS-13 gang. Yes, indeedy. Some of those innocent “children” are members of a violent gang. Some of them have admitted to torture and murder in the countries they came from. The Red Cross has helpfully set up a phone bank for them in Nogales so they can contact other gang members in the US and back home. Well, I’m more a fan of the Salvation Army than Red Cross. Goes back to WWII. Some of the other children in the processing center have complained of attempts to get them to join and MS-13 gang grafetti has been found in the bathrooms at the Nogales center. Quite the value your getting for your tax dollars.
So, we know some of the children coming across are gang members, that we’re paying $250-$1000 a day per “child”, we’re paying for the government to act as coyotes and deliver them, we will be paying for their schooling, lawyers, housing, food and transport. Probably obamaphones too.
So, what do we get in return? Quite a lot actually!
“There were several of us who wanted to talk about the camps, but the agents made it clear we would be arrested,” a psychiatric counselor told me. “We were under orders not to say anything.”
The sources said workers were guarded by a security force from the BCFS, which the Department of Health and Human Services hired to run the Lackland Camp.
The sources say security forces called themselves the “Brown Shirts.”“It was a very submissive atmosphere,” the counselor said. “Once you stepped onto the grounds, you abided by their laws – the Brown Shirt laws.”She said the workers were stripped of their cellphones and other communication devices. Anyone caught with a phone was immediately fired.
“Everyone was paranoid,” she said. “The children had more rights than the workers.”
But Carrera told reporters: “Obama didn’t ask Congress for any special power for the expedited repatriation of unaccompanied children, and that’s because we are still in discussions.”
The foreign minister estimated the talks could take two to four weeks.
He said the Central American countries are aiming to ensure minors are given “due process, with adequate legal defense,” to determine if they should be allowed to stay with relatives already in the United States.
The foreign ministers of Honduras and El Salvador, alongside Carrera, struck the deal during a meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, during a visit to Washington last week, Carrera said at the press conference.
Now remember, I recently flew to Israel and back. I can tell you how much fun I had going through the TSA check points. The new illegals? The ones with diseases? They are being transported and allowed to fly on commercial planes WITHOUT valid ID. Using only their notice to appear in court to board planes. The notice is on plain copier paper. Naw, no terrorist would ever think of making one of those on a computer and using it to board a plane. Oh, and the info on them? It’s what the illegal immigrant says is the truth about them. There are no checks being done. Look over and smile at the passenger next to you. But don’t let them breath on you. I’m sure the reason their hair is so full and moving is just the air circulating in the plane. Prolly not lice. And of course, taxpayers are paying for it. http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-Texas/2014/07/11/Exclusive-TSA-Allowing-Illegals-to-Fly-Without-Verifiable-ID-Says-Border-Patrol-Union
Unemployment already made horribly worse by the passage of obamacare is not going to be made any better by the huge influx of people into the country.
And these are people from countries that do not have a Constitution like ours, they do not understand the Second Amendment, and will not be supportive of it. Their party, the one meeting them at the border with lollipops, that would be the Dems, will tell them not to.
The strain on a medical system already infected by obamacare is going to be unbelievable. They will be going to school soon, too.
So, do I have no heart and no compassion for these poor children fleeing their crime and poverty ridden countries? Of course I do! But you know who I have much more compassion for? The American Taxpayer who has tried their best to play by the rules, go to work, be self supporting, raise their family to do the right thing. Their kids will now be going to school and the learning process already damaged by Common Core will be further degraded. The cost for paying for all this for these future Dem voters is very likely going to be the tipping point for Cloward and Piven that barrys been trying to bring about. We have no idea how many and who the terrorists are that have come in with the flood. Nor any idea of where they will strike, or how. All brought to you by liberals who voted for barry to “fundamentally change America”.
When snakes come into a chicken house, they hatch more snakes who will then come into your chicken house. Same with skunks, if they find a easy buffet, that location is passed on to their little skunks. Soon I have no eggs because of the snakes, no chickens because of the skunks and I’ve paid for the chickens, the water, the feed and my time in raising them. In return I am left with nothing if I do not act.
I explain to my friend both situations stink, the flood of illegals and my dead skunk. Both are going to be a horrible mess to clean up.
That video I mentioned of terrorists trying to infilatrate Israel?
Dead Predators.
A Stinkin’ Mess
A Slitherin’ Mess
I’m wondering if Bibi ever raised any chickens perhaps. He seems to understand the solutions that work.
My friend Deb is home from Israel. I’m thrilled because I miss her. I’m sad because in a way it felt like I was losing my last link to over there. When she posted pictures of our closet empty except for towels, empty kitchen cabinets and empty bookshelves I felt like crying. And I was only over there a week!
I don’t know if she realized what a hard time I was having or if she is just this great a person. She brought me back earrings because we didn’t get to go to the artist’s shuk in Tel Aviv, some halvah, some Elite coffee, my Rav Kav I used on the bus, and some other wonderful things. But a couple of times she had me close my eyes before she put something in my hands. On the last item, just as she got ready to place it in my hands, I jokingly said “It’s an Ibex, right?” It is! A little stuff toy Ibex.
So what is the deal with me and the Ibex (יעל ) pronounced Ya-el?
The day Deb picked me up from the airport I was going on being up for probably close to 30 some odd hours with no sleep. I get my luggage and have my carry on bag and purse and head out to the lobby talking to Deb on the phone the whole way cause I have no idea where to go. I find her and we go sit outside on a low wall and just marvel that I am there, in Israel. Our first leg of the trip home is on a train. I adore the train! So we’re riding along and talking about where we will go, what we will do and what we will see. I tell her Nissim has said several times I need to go to Ein Gedi, which is a beautiful garden area located very near Masada. And since I figure Nissim knows what he is talking about, I take his advice seriously, very seriously. Teasing me Deb says, well how will he know if we actually got to go? What are you going to do, stuff and Ibex in your suitcase for him? Maybe, what’s an Ibex? She explains the Ibex, and I get this visual picture in my mind of trying to clear Israeli security for the trip home with this leg sticking out the side of my suitcase. With no sleep in 30 some odd hours this is the funniest thing I’ve heard in months! I think I’m going to hurt my sides laughing cause it is that funny. If you don’t think it is a riot, go about 30 some odd hours and try picturing it again. Trust me, Deb is a riot. As we are on a train, it is entirely possible that Deb is beginning to consider stuffing ME in my suitcase. So throughout the trip, much like my still elusive Centurion Tank, the Ibex in the suitcase is a recurring theme.
I sat for the rest of our visit today holding him on my lap. He is just the most adorable little guy! I am considering different names for him and have it narrowed to three.
Have you ever seen anything so adorable?
Yael –יעל
The real McCoy, this was taken at Masada. That visit will be covered hopefully very soon!
The Handsome Ibex
סיביל
Ok, so I’ve decided, the little Yael is going to be named Yoel. So he is Yoel the Yael (יעל ). Too cool, eh?
Last night I went to the memorial service at the Jewish Community Center for the three teenagers that were kidnapped on their way home from their Yeshiva. A yeshiva is a school to study religious texts, so we are not talking about a reform school here, these were good kids. Naftali Frenkel was 16, and held duel US and Israeli Citizenship, Gilad Shaer was also 16 and Eyal Yifrah was the oldest at 19. They were hitchhiking their way home on 12 June 2014 when they were abducted. People in Israel get around different ways. When I was there we used Autobus, Trains and Taxis, we did talk about renting a car but dismissed the idea. These kids were in the West Bank, and there is not a plethora of mass transit available. I guess soldiers used to hitchhike a lot, but that stopped after 1994, and regulations were passed to prevent the IDF from hitchhiking. So while it might seem very strange to Americans that these kids were hitchhiking, in Israel, it isn’t that unusual. On June 30th the bodies of the three boys were found in a field near Hebron.
Yesterday morning after I got off work and did chores I decided to check email. I received an email that there would be a memorial service at the Jewish Community Center. It was an event in solidarity with Israel in mourning the loss. Since I’m not a member of the JCC I’m always a little hesitant at going to things unless I’ve been invited. I really wanted to go, but unsure I sent a frantic text to my friend Deb who is still in Israel. Would it be ok if I went? She answered back that not only would be ok, it would be a very good thing if I would go. Ok, so I’m going. I then waffle over what to wear and come up with something suitable and I find out that the “Force of Nature” will be there as well. Ok, I’m good, I’m set.
After a solid 4 hours sleep I’m up and getting ready to go, after I rearrange my schedule and get dressed I set out. I arrive in good time and go on into the Social Hall. I find a seat towards the back because I’m still unsure. It seems like everyone knows everyone else, and I, well, I don’t. But wait!! I see Henry and Sue Ellen! I know them! They are my friends from the Israel Spirit committee, now I’m really ok! Oh, I am glad to see them! Henry comes back and keeps me company and we discuss plans for the frozen coffee we will be serving this year at Ethnic Enrichment Festival. This has been Henry’s brain child from the beginning but perhaps sensing a fellow spirit he has graciously allowed me to be in on the project. So we discuss mixes and places we want to get them. We decide I will follow up on the place and mix I thought promising, and Henry is going after the one he likes the look of, we will try both! Great plan! The “Force of Nature” shows up and introduces me to some of the people around us. One lady I meet named Marta strikes me as someone who would be a hoot.
The service starts with the singing of Ha Tikvah, the Israel National Anthem. In Hebrew. I astonish myself by singing along with everyone else. This is made possible by the fact the lyrics are printed in Hebrew, English and best of all, Transliterated. I adore transliteration, it’s Hebrew “Hooked on Phonics” for me! I would say I get about 98% of it correct. No, I did not confirm this by asking anyone around me. But I really did enjoy, and was a little proud of myself that I too could sing with everyone else.
The 23rd Psalm was read after that. Then The Blessing of Memory. A poem, I suppose you would call it, titled They were Boys: A Yizkor Prayer by Alden Solovoy was read, it was very beautiful, and very sad. Of course. It talks about faith, mourning and the willingness to heal, it asks for comfort and relief. For the families and for the whole country of Israel. I would urge you to read it, it’s very good.
The Eulogy that had been delivered to the Nation by Shimon Peres was read and followed by El Malei Rachamim by Yehuda Amichai (God full of Mercy) Scroll down to page 3 of the .pdf. It’s in English. The “Force of Nature” realizes I’m TRYING to read it in Hebrew, he points as it is read so I can sort of follow along. My reading level is minuscule and this is big Cowgirl stuff, grown up stuff, but I’m trying.
At one point it is mentioned that a piece would be read by Rabbi Eliezer Ben-Yehuda. My head snaps up so fast that the movement must have caught Marta’s eye. I’m astonished, I thought he was dead, a long time ago. She kind of laughs as our eyes meet and she catches my questioning look and smiles and says “Yep, that really is his name”. Eliezer Ben-Yehuda is the man responsible for reviving the Hebrew language. He was born on 7 January 1858.
We then recited The Third Mother by Natan Alterman as a responsive reading. In English. Then the Memorial Prayer.
There was a Rabbi that spoke at the end and what a very powerful message he had. He talked about the pain and grief of the families and the nation. He talked about Justice being a very Jewish concept, but that revenge is NOT Justice. There was a facebook page started called “Israel demands Revenge” and talked about how many “likes”it had. Then he told us that ANY IDF soldiers caught holding up signs and supporting such a notion would be disciplined. This pretty much goes along with what I’ve been taught of the IDF’s concept of “Purity of Arms”. Scroll down, you’ll see it under “The Values”.
Then he begin to talk about two Hebrew words, “Nechama” (נֵחַמַה) which means Comfort and “Nekema” (נֶקמַה) which means Revenge. As you can see, the two are very close. Look at the next to the last letter in each word, if you are used to reading English, in Hebrew it would actually be the second letter. Notice how if you straighten the curve of what sort of looks like a “p” it would look a lot like the next to the last letter in the first word. One little line straightened and you go from “revenge” to “comfort”. I also found out that the word “enemy” (קם) comes out of the word “revenge”. Doesn’t it just? Out of revenge, comes enemies. Of course, the way I see it at times the desire for revenge comes out of the actions of your enemies. So, does another word come out of the word Nechama? Comfort? Yes, there is a word, (חמה) look at the last three letters, oops, that would be the first three letters for most, they are the same, correct? That means “sun”. Warm, comfort, sun.
So while at times it may not seem like God hears, or answers our prayers, he does. Sometimes he says “yes” sometimes “no” and sometimes “wait a while”. Those last two are very hard to bear at times.
The Rabbi then stressed that Israel does not demand “Revenge” Israel asks for “Comfort”. And that is what I shall pray for, that peace and comfort shall be lavished on the families and the Nation of Israel as it mourns.
In honesty, it will not shock my readers to find out political thoughts have run through my mind about this subject. But I shall leave those for another column. This one is for the memory of Naftali, Gilad and Eyal. Yes, the names of the suspected kidnappers are known. No, I will not be listing them. I learned from Lt. Col. Dave Grossman that we do not mention the names of the heinous people. They do not get to be remembered. Their names should be forgotten. The names of victims and heroes, those are remembered. And so I shall remember them in my prayers.
The service was concluded by singing the Star Spangled Banner, in English thankfully. I don’t think I’m ready to tackle that one in Hebrew yet.
One would think Shabbat would be a simple thing. That would be someone like me, who hasn’t a clue. I got that we would be walking to Synagogue, as no mass transport till after sundown. I got we wouldn’t be cooking, I even got that I wouldn’t be checking email or surfing the net. I didn’t know we wouldn’t be turning lights on and off. Oops, I think I only slipped twice. I think. I really, really wanted to try to do things the right way. I wanted to respect the house I was in. And Deb was patient and kind with my many questions about things I don’t know but want to, and things I don’t understand, but want to.
We got up, and got ready which mercifully for me, and those around me did include coffee. Although Maya thought it wasnt’ a “hat place” meaning we wouldn’t need to cover our heads, Deb wisely chose two beautiful scarves for us to take. Her’s was perfect for her outfit, and mine was for my outfit. Which isn’t totally shocking since I was wearing her blouse. I never did have an older sister to bum clothes off of, so this was very cool for me. We set off at a comfortable walking pace and followed the directions we had been given and reached the Synagogue in good time. It was a lovely day for a walk! We got to the Synagogue and then was a bit stymied. WHERE do we go in? A gentleman walked in ahead of us, we thought, well, maybe we get to the women’s section through the men’s. We didn’t see any other door ways. We followed him in and within 2 seconds realized nope, it isn’t. We were really quick on the uptake on that one! We knew we weren’t in the right place. I don’t speak a lot of Hebrew, but sometimes it’s just knowing the right Hebrew to speak. Having sized up the situation I walked up to the gentleman we had followed in, “Sleaha, afoe?” “Excuse me, where?” Like I said, sometimes just the right two words. He was very kind, no doubt he was a bit late getting to his seat, but we followed him and he showed us the entrance to the Women’s section which was through the courtyard.
Light of Israel
We walked in and realized the second thing, it IS a “hat place”. We whipped out our scarves and had them on in 2 seconds flat. The only other lady there was perhaps a bit older than us and we took seats behind her. The service was all in Hebrew, of course. Deb had her Siddur, which is in English, Hebrew AND best of all to me, transliterated! Transliterated for me is the Hebrew “Hooked on Phonics”. I adore transliteration. Some who actually do read and write Hebrew well are very patient with my transliteration, which is at times, wrong, and quite wrong. Others are more of the mind they hate transliteration and would I please just get on with learning to read and write. Told you I am still a doofus about it. But I am getting there. So as the service is being conducted I just kind of follow along with what Deb and the other lady do. Now here is when it gets really interesting to me. This lady doesn’t know us, at all. She must have heard Deb rustling the pages looking for the place in the book where we should be. She holds HER book up over her RIGHT shoulder but still in front of herself. So she can still read it, but the person sitting behind her, on her right could see the correct place in the book. All of our bad luck the person on her right is me. HER Siddur is ALL in Hebrew, and I haven’t a clue, Deb is still flipping through hers looking for the correct place, I don’t want to say anything it case it’s really wrong to talk in service. And so I sit there and just appreciate what a kind, very kind woman this is.
That’s not where her kindness ends. After a bit they switch to another book, the Chumash. She gets up, goes to a bookcase at the back of the room, finds two copies of the Chumash, opens each of them to the CORRECT place and hands us each one. So we too, can be a part of the service. I wish I could say I could read enough to kind of keep up. I can’t, and so couldn’t. But while Deb is pacing along being a part of, I’ve kidnapped her Siddur and am going through it. WOW, I am just blown away! This is the first time I’ve ever just gone through it, all on my own, flipping pages and actually READING it. I see that if one wants to learn to read, THIS would be the most fabulous book! The Hebrew has vowels in it. Adults don’t need vowels in their Hebrew to read, they know what the word is. Children and beginning readers need vowels. I need them so I can sound the word out. Which is why I love transliteration. But it also has what it says in English, and it’s beautiful. I am totally in love with this book. Deb and I have had a conversation about symbols that Christians tend to co-opt from Judaism. Ok, I get that. And I understand and will respect most of it. But this book, I want a copy of this book so much I’m willing to really argue, hard, as though I were looking for a Centurion tank hard. Mercifully, probably for both of us, that is not necessary. At all. It’s totally fine! I get the ISBN number off hers and after sunset get on Amazon.com, find it and email myself the link so I can order it when I get home. Within 24 hours of being home that book is on it’s way to me. And I do love it, as much as I thought I would. I haven’t actually got to the reading part yet. When it came I discovered there are explanations of prayers, history and all kinds of good information in the front, in English. I decide I want to know that too, so am almost done reading that and ready to start the prayer book part.
Siddur
So, back to the service. We finish the service, and towards the end more women show up, they are dressed fancier than the three of us. It seems there is a Bar Mitzvah taking place after the service. We don’t stay for that part.
As we get ready to leave, I walk up and crouch down next to the kind lady, and tell her “toda raba”. Sometimes it’s not that you know a lot of words, just knowing two right ones can be enough I think. I really did enjoy going and was glad again, I listened to the advice of my “force of nature” friend.
We have a wonderful walk back to the apartment and when we get back Deb takes my picture. She asks if I want to hold her Siddur. BETACH!! בטח
We have a light lunch, and then I can either write in my book, read a book, or we can visit. It’s Deb’s poor luck we start to visit. For five or six hours. One would think after that she would be falling off asleep. Nope, when we are done, I curl up in a ball and am dead to the world. I wake up shortly before sunset. Deb has used the time productively and written in her book. I’ve added not one word to mine.
After sunset we eat a little, make a cup of coffee each and now cell phone use is allowed and I go outside to my palm tree to make a few phone calls and return the text messages that have come in. Didn’t tell folks ahead of time I wouldn’t be returning texts on Shabbat.
After sunset we hop on a bus to Glida Beer Sheva, the most fabulous ice cream parlor. The bus ride was fun, the walk was fun, the ice cream parlor was fabulous fun. To my great astonishment they don’t have pomegranate ice cream! THAT was what I wanted. Luckily for me, they did have mocha and coffee ice creams. Oh my goodness that was fun! We passed a store where Deb is getting a beautiful dress. All the dresses in the window were beautiful!
Glida Beer Sheva-yummy!
It was a wonderful Shabbat for me, Deb survived it, this was good. I have a new Siddur, that although it is in Ashkenazi and I speak Sephardic Hebrew it’s ok. Deb told me some of the differences, and if I get in a spot I have people I can ask for help. For a day when you don’t do much, it sure was full! And full of grace.
On Friday evening we were very blessed! We were invited to go to my friend Deb’s landlord’s for dinner with his family. Shlomo is my “force of nature” friend Nissim’s brother. I have never been to a Shabbat supper and so am very excited to see what this new adventure will be like.
We dressed a bit nice, and I’m glad. When we first got there we met Shlomo’s wife, Devorah. She is a very gracious, kind woman. I just love her. She is also a marvelous cook! Though Shlomo insists he did ALL the cooking, I rather suspect Devorah had a hand in one or two of the wonderful dishes we ate that night. Another lovely lady that was there was Maya, she is Shlomo and Devorah’s daughter who lives in Tel Aviv. While they all speak English better than I speak Hebrew, Maya said her English was the best, and it is very good. She translated when the need arose. We visited for a while and then another brother, Danny showed up. My jaw almost hit the floor, he looks so much like Nissim. He is funny, and very kind, just like his brothers. Then one of Shlomo’s sons, Yoel and his wife came with their children. Shlomo leaves briefly to go get more grandchildren. Seems their other son and his wife are sick, but the children are coming. After everyone is there we begin the supper.
Ready for dinner
It starts with Danny telling the story of creation. As I understand it, this is often read. Not this time, Danny recites the whole thing from memory. Nissim and I had covered what to do if I couldn’t understand someone. I don’t know enough words to ask them to speak slower, but I do know how to say Sleaha, ata madebere yoter medie mahail bishvele. Excuse me, you are speaking too fast for me. Somehow this didn’t seem the time or place to say that. Danny could have slowed down till it took till Saturday night to finsh and I couldn’t have kept up. I don’t know enough words yet! It was beautiful, it really was.
Then the meal began, talk about a gastronomic delight! Grilled eggplant, the most marvelous quinoa, cauliflower and spice dish (I STILL want the recipe, hint hint) fish, All kinds of vegetables, cooked all kinds of ways. I was in heaven. The Challah bread is amazing! It’s a beautiful loaf of braided bread, beautifully browned and buttered on top, soft and yummy inside. You get chunks of it, butter spreads like a dream and it melts in your mouth. Shlomo seemed to be having a wonderful time doing some kind of quiz with one of his grandsons.
Quiz Time
After dinner we moved outside to the balcony to visit. It’s nice out there and we discuss where we’ve been, where we plan to go. We tell them my quest to go to Masada ends tomorrow. I finally get to go. I tell them their brother has been so kind to help me with my Hebrew. Shlomo asks if he speaks it well? I tell them he speaks it like a Sabra, like he has been doing it all his life. They thought that was pretty funny.
Later they were talking about having some work done, I told them I knew a good electrician. Deb helpfully chimed in “yeah, well, he’s not that good”. I think it took the brothers a couple minutes to figure out Deb and I were talking about their brother. It was pretty cute.
But not as cute as when I ask if they can give me an idea where to try my hunt for the elusive Centurion tank model. I’m not sure what it is about a woman asking to buy a Centurion tank that seems to make men nervous, but it does. Maya thinks maybe Toys R Us, but I was hoping to find one in Israel to take back.
From there the discussion arose, should we rent a car to drive to Masada? The advantages? Come and go as we please, if we do get done in time we could drive over to Ein Gedi as there is not much transportation available in the area. The disadvantages? Neither of us has ever driven in Israel. I’ve driven in Ireland many times, not the same. Taking a wrong road and winding up in a wrong place has very real and very bad consequences. Not to mention the cost. We waffle and decide to decide later. I mean, we wound up in east Jerusalem and that was using the light rail.
Then we ask about a Synagogue we could attend. It needs to be close enough to walk as no mass transit runs on Shabbat. Danny suggests one and gives us directions. It doesn’t sound too hard to find, this is good.
We finished up our marvelous supper with chocolate cake and parve ice cream. Since I really don’t know a lot about some of these things, I have to ask. Seems the ice cream was ok to serve because it wasn’t really ice cream. It was chemicals. Better living through chemistry! It was very yummy ice cream flavored chemistry!
This is something I became aware of a few years ago. Since obamunus became our ruler, there has been a movement afoot to seize control of land through the EPA, and water. The waters controlled by the feds used to be limited to “navigable waters”. Remember, what commrade obaunus can’t shove through Congress, he has his shadow government do. Either Executive order, or some governmental agency. This first video is from 5 years ago! It warned of the danger. There used to be a three parter on this, but I can’t seem to find it on youtube now.
But perhaps you think that the federal gummint with all those “smart folks” that work for them surely know how to properly manage resources, right? I mean they certainly wouldn’t do anything harmful, right? WRONG! What they will commit is domestic terrorism!
So you think this is only a problem in Cally-for-niay? Think again! This is a light-hearted look at a MISSOURI farm family. Listen to the words, this gal did just a fantastic job, and it’s a great video.
But, what could be the point you ask? I mean, everyone wants clearn water? What could be evil about that? Well, over-regulation. What can that result in? Watched the second video, right?? What is the result in a valley that produces a LARGE amount of food? Less food, higher prices. If one had to guess, I would think that food would be an excellent way to control people. I mean, what parent won’t do almost anything when their child looks up at them and says “Mommy/Daddy, I’m hunger”. Will you turn in _______________neighbor, gun, land, gas-gussling car (as defined by the gummint).
This is federal over-reach, and over-regulation. Oh, you already heard about this on MSBS or CNN?
Life has been crazy busy lately. There has been much going on with older family members, and as a result, not only are my sisters and I trying to keep up with our own duties, we’ve now picked up some additional ones. I’m not for sure how it is with them, but I know for me it’s put me behind on several things, blogging just being one of them. Since I was essentially gone for 4 days over the weekend, no it wasn’t exactly fun, I got further behind on some of my farm duties. Such as collecting eggs. Collecting eggs is one of those things it’s never good to get behind on. Now I know I wasn’t that far behind, but when I went to feed the chickens this morning and let them out into their playpen I got quite a surprise.
The first clue was the cheeping. The second clue was seeing one of my Auracana hens with four little babies clustered around her. NUTS!! Life is busy enough without raising chicks. And raise them I will need to do. If I leave them in the chicken house they will most likely be eaten by a snake. Or the other chickens may go after them. Not to mention they need baby chick feed and I like to put electrolytes in their water. None of this is possible down there.
But, it was time to go see my Aunt and take her the fresh laundry. So I finished chores and loaded up my car. On the way to town I talked to G_d about this, along the lines of “Seriously? You think I need baby chicks, NOW?” In the past I’ve enjoyed raising them, but now? They all four looked like they were Auracanas, which would be the breed I would choose to buy, so that’s good.
Then I began to think of names. I decided to try for things that are at low ebb in my life right now. So their names will be
אֳמונַה which is Faith, you could pronounce it like Emuna
חֵן which is Grace, good luck with this one, that first letter is Chet, so it is like a hard, never mind..just say Hen, and when you start the “H” part kind of clear your throat, you’ll be close.
תֽקוַה which is Hope, you could pronounce it like Tikvah.
גֽיל which is Joy. This one is easy, you pronounce it just like it looks, Geel.
They are currently in a small dog crate. That’s easier to keep body heat, plus they have an electric heating pad in a walmart bag. I hope we won’t have to do that over one or two nights. But again, these kids are only about a day old. I’ve dipped their little beaks in the special “chick kool-aid” with electrolytes, they’ve found the food and are eating. I left them nestled together on the heating pad. They have a little battery powered lantern in there so I can check on them and see what they are doing and a towel is draped over it to keep the heat in and breezes out. I’m hoping and praying they will grown up to be healthy happy GIRLS!
I guess as I’m watching how vicious the aging process can be, it is good to be reminded that life, is well, “life” חי .
If we are lucky, we see all the seasons. Although from watching my older family members, that fall/winter one is not for the faint of heart. But I see them facing it with grace and dignity and courage, a lot of courage.
So for now, I have some unexpected guests in the house. Hopefully in six weeks they can all rejoin their Mother, who is none to happy with me right now. I did promise her I would do my best.
So last Sunday, June 1st I got to go to KosherFest at Ohev Sholom. It was such a wonderful time.
KosherFest
My buddy and dear friend Christie came up from Oklahoma to go with me. This makes it extra wonderful because it’s “Girl’s Day Out”! I miss Christie so dreadfully since she moved to Oklahoma, but she has been wonderful about coming up for visits when she can, and thank heavens for cell phones with free long distance! While it is really hampering our mission to solve the world’s problems, it does help us with being there for each other. But KosherFest, good food, great music and best of all “Girl’s Day Out”!
I have pre-ordered my food, 5 packages of Cheese Blintz, NO, only TWO of them are for me, thank you very much! Two are for my friend Deb who can’t seem to get back here from Israel to pick up her own, and if I don’t there will be NO cheese blintz for Sukkot (this is a crisis in my book), one for my dear Christie who drove up, and two for my freezer. A carton of Chef Barry Brooks Tabouli, a package of Mandelbrot and one of Strudel and one loaf of Challah bread. So to keep everything nice I have a cooler with ice ready, we stop at Quick Trip to get a soda and a sweet tea. It is after all a “road trip” even if it is a short one. So with Christie riding shotgun we set out and point the Saturn west. Christie is an excellent navigator and we arrive in good time. The helpful Policeman helps us find the right parking area and we are set. They have increased Police presence due to the shooting a few weeks ago. While this may reassure many, I would be much more assured if there were a sign out stating “Legal Concealed Carry Allowed and Encouraged”.
We enter the festival area and begin to wander around. The first person I see is my friend Henry, who is on the Israel Spirit Committee. We talk about Tikvah’s dance times and we discuss the REAL NEED for a frozen coffee machine for the booth for the Ethnic Enrichment Festival. We ARE going to work on this, Henry and I are agreed, we NEED one!
Art, also on the I.S.C. comes over and I get to introduce Christie to Art, he tells me Joe is teaching Hebrew and takes me over to the white board where he is teaching. I remember Joe! He was one of the wonderful people that came to Open Range Fellowship last year to help present “A Taste of Israel”. Joe is explaining if you can read a license plate, you can learn to read Hebrew. Sounds good because I’m still a doofus with my reading and writing, although I AM making progress! So after he tells us a little bit and I see what he is saying. Then another gentleman comes over. One look and it pops into my mind who he might be, since he looks a whole lot like his brothers. It is, Naftaly, the brother of my friend Nissim. Nissim is not far behind. We visit for a little bit and find out the musical schedule and go get good seats at the tables to watch the shows. A group has been preforming Scott Joplin and Christie and I have both enjoyed it. The next group is Oy Tate and my friend Nissim is preforming with them. Wonderful group that has you feet tapping with a will of their own! Everyone around us seemed to be having a ball as well listening to them. We visit with Naftaly some while we listen.
Oy Tate!
After that, Tikvah begins their dances as they take you on a trip around Israel using different songs and dances from different parts of the country. I love watching Tikvah, they are such a wonderful group, both as dancers and people. Sue Ellen leads the group and she is also my must visit for jewelry. She makes such beautiful and interesting things. She is where I got my agarot earrings that I just love. Christie had commented how inclusive the group at KosherFest is, they welcome everyone. This is very evident with Tikvah, they have community dancing at the end of their performance. Everyone that wants to try is welcome to come and join in! This time is no different and members of the audience come and join in and learn to dance. Henry changes into a musician for the community dancing. A man of many talents that Henry! My friend Deb (a different Deb than the one still in Israel) who is also with the Tikvah group has entrusted me with her camera again. Her assignment to me? Take as many pictures as you can, she will sort the good from the bad, just shoot away. Alrighty then! That’s one I can happily do. So there are very few seconds of Tikvah’s performance that hasn’t been captured by Deb’s camera which happily didn’t overheat!
Tikvah Dancers
In Action
That’s How It’s Done!
Multi-talented Henry
Community Dancing
After Tikvah finishes Chef Barry Brooks comes up and gives a demonstration on how to make hummus. I am convinced hummus is a perfect food and I love it. Though I confess, I think the hummus we make for the Israel booth for the Ethnic Enrichment Festival is the best ever. Of COURSE I AM NOT biased? Why are you asking?
After Chef Barry’s demo, and by the way, Chef Barry’s Tabouli is totally wonderful, it is the Tizmoret Orchestra’s turn for the stage. This is another group my friend Nissim is in. Nissim too, is a man of many talents. As you can hear with this song Yerushalayim Shel Zahav (Jerusalem of Gold) by Naomi Shemer they are wonderful. They had us all clapping and several were dancing to some of the songs. Charlie, a wonderful gentleman I met at the Yom HaZikaron service a few weeks ago was there and WOW can that lad dance! He just had such joy and spirit it was a pleasure watching him. Charlie is just a very nice man.
Towards the end of KosherFest while we were walking around we ran into Ben. Ben is one of the Commissioners on the Israel Spirit committee and had been working with Art to give out the good literature. He was with Yahav, she is the Ambassador to the JCC from Israel. She is one of the people that worked so hard at putting together the very moving Yom HaZikaron service I wrote about. While too many view Memorial Day as “National BBQ Day” the Yom HaZikaron service was very moving and poignant. Those who worked putting it together had obviously cared a great deal.
Christie ate at KosherFest and she said the food was wonderful! I didn’t, I had my camcorder and was determined to get as many pictures and videos as I could. A woman with a mission I was.
We had a great time at KosherFest, good food, good friends and lots of fun! I hope to go back next year, and I really hope Christie can come up and go with me! That “Girl’s Day Out” is a wonderful thing!
Now are you wishing you had gone? You’ll have another chance next year! I can tell you the Tabouli, Mandelbrot, Challah bread and Strudel are totally fabulous!
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