Rega Lifney Shabbat...

Shalom All,

We know that building this place is up to us, and that the job is far from

done. That's why there is no surprise when I meet a group of young Israeli

students, who have decided to change the future of the negev almost single

handed. They understand that the future of the negev and the galilee will

decide the future of the entire state, and they are not going to give up. We

should learn from them.

We know that not everything is up to money, and much can be done by roling

up your sleeves and working hard. That's why there is no surprise when our

children, out of their own initiative, find places and goals to meet through

pure volunteerism. The group of 8 children that Rotem is tutoring now, after

coming home from long days of army service, will learn that lesson as well,

as will the group of kids that Roy is helping with their studies. A good

lesson to learn for our future, for both the volunteers and those they are

helping.

We know that a lot is up to the energy needed to make dreams come true,

brick after brick, year after year, people to people. That's why there is no

surprise when I meet a group of new Olim who came here during the last 5

years from all around the world, all speaking Hebrew (I must admit that I

enjoy guessing where they came from by their accent...), all working, all

feeling at home. Their passion and willingness to become part of this

difficult dream come true is spirit lifting.

We know that the only Jewish state must be based on Jewish values. That's

why it should be no surprise when a day's itinerary can be like today's: a

terrible attack in the morning, burying 10 of our own and adding 18 wounded

whose lives will never be the same, after which we somehow find the strength

to collect the pieces and continue, and a ceremony in the evening where,

after paying a horrific price, we are finally bringing home 3 of our sons.

It wasn't an easy debate, but all the arguments are silenced when you see

the face of the families who are getting their children back, so that they

can be brought to rest in Israel. Who can argue with their tears. I

certainly can't. That argument is not in my Jewish text.

All that is just a small part of the pride - and difficulties - that we live

through every day, as part of this crazy, vulnerable, small place we call

our own. At this rate, who knows which itineraries tomorrow will bring.

hopefully, they will be good.

One thing is certain - we never have a dull moment.

Shabbat Shalom,

Liat